About Per Tutti
Our goal as a Language Center is to provide an environment which enables participants to confidently achieve efficient communication leading to authentic conversations in Italian. Our curricula focus on teaching language through culture within a complete immersion environment.
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While there are numerous benefits of multilingualism, we recognize the greatest gift of learning new languages is the enriched understanding and appreciation of other people and cultures.
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If you are one of the many people who understand and appreciate the value of multilingualism, you and your family may take advantage of our Italian Immersion Programs without having to leave Long Island.
In addition to our Italian language courses, each month brings a variety of cultural and special events to the local community in addition to children's birthday parties and open play in our custom designed indoor and outdoor spaces.
Catrina Percontino
B.A./M.A.T.
NYSED certification in Adolescent Education (Italian and Spanish) with Elementary Extension
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AP Teacher Certification
Our Story
Catrina is the founder and director of Per Tutti. Her experiences studying abroad and ongoing professional development as an educator combined with her journey into motherhood have inspired her to develop Italian immersion programs in her community.
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Since earning her degree from Stony Brook University in 2011, she has worked as a certified world language teacher in various settings such as public and private schools throughout New York and New Jersey. She holds multiple certifications and has been fortunate enough to work with students of all ages including elementary and college level.
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While on maternity leave from her full time position at Jericho Schools, Catrina worked with Stony Brook University's Center For Italian Studies as the Elementary Italian Program instructor. Soon after the program ended in 2020, she gathered friends and privately began offering Italian classes they could enjoy alongside their young children. She was overwhelmed by the participants’ enthusiasm and quickly recognized the demand for such language programs. She then had an important decision to make: return to the workforce and resume a dual-income household for her family, or pursue a lifelong goal of owning her own small business.
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In 2023, she realized it was time to establish a "home base" in order for the programs to advance and flourish. With a little bit of hope and a lot of determination, she put her plans into action alongside her incredibly supportive team. Her vision of opening a space where families could gather in a beautiful, nurturing setting quickly came to life. With the help of her husband, mentors, friends and family, her dreams finally came true. It is with great pride that she opens the doors of Per Tutti in her hometown of Saint James, New York.
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Caitlin D. of St. James
“I cannot say enough about Catrina and her Italian classes. Not only did the classes help my 2 year old daughter with her speech but I learned more Italian in two months than I did throughout 7 years of public school classes. Catrina is a ray of sunshine who always makes you feel welcomed with her positive attitude and contagious smile. Classes are so much fun filled with music, art, activities & Italian culture. Both kids and adults will find fulfillment. My daughter and I left every Italian class feeling smarter & everything we have learned has stuck! The full immersion classes have made learning Italian feel effortless. I feel so lucky to have found Catrina and look forward to continue learning alongside my daughter.”
Gabriella C. of Holbrook
"We 🩷 Maestra Catrina ! She truly has a gift. Her classes are practical, engaging , informative and most of all fun . We are left singing the songs for the rest of the day. My 2yo even makes requests for Italian class. You don’t want to miss her classes !"
Jennifer F. of Stony Brook
"We are SO grateful to have Maestra Caterina & her Italian classes for littles! It was by far one of the best programs we have found for children. They were not only well organized & educational, but also very engaging & fun. Maestra Caterina was born to teach - she was absolutely wonderful with our kids (& us parents as adult learners, as well!) I was surprised to pick up some Italian myself because of Maestra Caterina’s wonderful teaching methods, despite never having taken any Italian classes in my life. We looked forward to class each week & recommend her classes to all of our friends. We also met a wonderful group of families during her classes which sparked unexpected friendships that have continued beyond her classes. We hope to continue to be a part of the Per Tutti community and to continue to take Maestra Caterina’s classes."
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Learn more about our Italian Immersion programs, open play, special events, and more fun FOR EVERYONE!