Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Hylen.
Hi Kathleen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2005, I had just returned from serving with the Peace Corps in Moldova, where I taught English to high school students. Shortly after coming home, a friend whose mother worked at ELS Language Centers (ELS), encouraged me to apply for an open Center Director (CD) position in Santa Monica. That opportunity launched my career with ELS.
I spent six years as CD in Santa Monica before transferring to Berkeley, where I served for a year. At that time, ELS had 65 centers across the U.S. and I was invited to lead a new initiative as the Director of Transitional Center Staffing. In essence, it functioned as an internal temp agency. I had the privilege of working with some of the company’s most talented administrators, placing them in centers that needed strong leadership during staff absences. I also personally supported 13 different centers during that period, which gave me invaluable insight into the breadth of our operations.
In 2017, I pursued my master’s in International Education Management at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. Not long after, the pandemic brought study abroad to a standstill. I spent a year with EF College Studies but soon realized that my passion remained in supporting students more directly. When my former (and current) supervisor at ELS learned this, she asked me to reopen our Chicago center, which I was excited to do since I had previously worked there in a transitional role and loved the city.
Most recently, when my colleague in Houston retired, I made the move to head up this center—a transition that happened just two months ago. I’m excited to build on the strong foundation here, support our students and make Houston my new home.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My career in this field has been, for the most part, a smooth and rewarding journey. It has certainly brought challenges and, at times, required long hours, but when you love the work, the colleagues you collaborate with, and the students you serve, the challenges stop feeling like obstacles and instead become opportunities to learn and grow.
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned came from a situation where I initially thought I was handling things correctly, but in reality, I was missing the bigger picture. At a center where I was temporarily acting as CD, a student grew frustrated with our email exchanges and eventually called the police because he believed I was withholding information. I was taken aback—after all, I had completed exactly what he had asked me to do. But in my determination to prove that I had followed through, I completely missed what he truly needed.
When I finally spoke with him face to face, I discovered the real issue: his newborn child was in the hospital, and he wasn’t being allowed to visit because his driver’s license had expired. What he needed wasn’t proof that I had done my part; he needed help navigating a deeply personal and urgent challenge. My failure to pause, listen, and dig deeper had caused unnecessary tension, but it also gave me one of the most important lessons of my career.
From that experience, I learned that no matter how familiar we become with cultural patterns or common student concerns, every individual deserves to be heard fully and without assumptions. Listening closely and with empathy often reveals needs that aren’t immediately obvious—and meeting those needs is at the heart of what we do. That lesson transformed the way I interact with students and continues to shape how I approach challenges today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Professionally
I bring a unique ability to connect global education with local impact. Having led centers in Santa Monica, Chicago, and now Houston—along with my experience at EF Education First and as a Peace Corps volunteer in Moldova—I’ve seen firsthand how international learning enriches not only the lives of students from around the world, but also the communities that host them. I view my role as opening doors to the world for our students while strengthening cultural connections right here at home.
Personally
My family often jokes that I talk to everyone—and they’re right. That curiosity and openness have led to lasting bonds with people from diverse backgrounds all over the world. I also bring a strong sense of humor, which helps me connect with others, build trust, and create an environment where people feel at ease.
What makes you happy?
I’m someone who is rarely bored—I can be equally at ease at a lively dinner party filled with conversation as I am curled up with my cat, binge-watching a favorite series. What truly energizes me, though, is connecting with people. I’m endlessly fascinated by how two people can go through similar experiences yet carry completely unique stories. That curiosity is why I love conversations—whether with friends, colleagues, students, or even complete strangers.
I find joy in many different places: a quiet walk outdoors in nature, the bustle of shopping in New York City, or the creativity of cooking and baking in the kitchen. I think it goes without saying that people in this industry love travel and that is definitely true of me. I also love to sing and to volunteer, often with seniors (who always have the best stories), animals, or environmental causes. And of course, interacting with students continues to remind me why I chose this field in the first place. Much of my professional path has been guided by a desire to promote peace, whether through education, community engagement, or advocacy. That’s also why I consider myself an activist—someone who isn’t afraid to attend a rally, speak at a City Council meeting, or write a letter when it matters.
But at the heart of it all, my happiest moments are the simple ones—sharing time, stories, and laughter with family and friends.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.els.edu/destinations/houston
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elshouston/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-hylen-she-her-9ba3a512/
Image Credits
All photos were taken by me or friends
