About Us:

Helen Stoerle

Co-Founder of Confident Conversation | Creator of the CALM Method

Helen Stoerle, Creator of the CALM Method — a gentle, confidence-based approach to speaking English that focuses on relaxation, emotional safety, and natural communication.

Her teaching philosophy grew from an unexpected place: working with horses.

In recent years Helen has worked closely with Arabian horses, learning how sensitive animals respond not to force, but to calm presence, breathing, and emotional regulation. A nervous horse cannot learn when it feels threatened; it learns when its nervous system relaxes and trust appears.

Helen began to notice that adult language learners often respond in a very similar way. Many people understand English well but feel blocked when they try to speak. Stress, tension, and fear of making mistakes often prevent them from using the language they already know.

This insight inspired the CALM Method, which helps students relax, regulate stress, and unlock their natural ability to communicate in English.

Helen combines this approach with more than 15 years of professional experience teaching English to adults. She previously served as General Manager of a successful English language school, where she also worked as a teacher and mentor for students struggling with speaking confidence.

Academically, Helen holds a Master’s degree in American Studies (major: Culture) and a Master’s degree in Polish Philology (major: Teaching). Her interdisciplinary background allows her to connect language learning with culture, psychology, and real human communication.

Through C&C English, Helen focuses especially on adults who feel blocked, shy, or discouraged about speaking English. Her sessions emphasize conversation, emotional safety, and steady confidence rather than perfection or grammar pressure.

Her goal is simple:

To help people find their voice in English with calm, confidence, and curiosity.

Janet Christophe

Co-Founder of Confident Conversation

Janet Horbowski, I was born in the United States. My parents, who were both from Poland, met in Chicago in 1975. I did not speak English until I started kindergarten. English has always been my favorite subject in school. I am a teacher by vocation, with a natural talent for education. I have a unique ability to explain and teach concepts clearly and effectively, guided by a gentle and compassionate spirit.

I hold degrees in Marketing Management and Graphic Design. I have extensive experience working in Corporate America as a customer service representative, which has taught me the importance of humility and kindness in all interactions.

I am the proud mother of two young children, Monika, age 9, and Joshua, age 4. Monika is very kind and enjoys playing tennis and creating her own living ecosystems for her pet lizard. Joshua is friendly and energetic; he plays basketball and is very skilled at building with Legos.