Hugh Nagle
Our company was founded in 1998 by Hugh Nagle. Hugh taught French, Mathematics and Information Technology in Ursuline Secondary School, Blackrock, Cork, Ireland from 1988. In the early 90s, he lived and worked in Japan for two years where he studied Japanese and developed an interest in the Japanese language and culture. Apart from making editorial decisions and preparing content for Online Language Resources, he manages www.learnfrenchbypodcast.com, for learners of French. He now devotes his time exclusively to Plus Publications work, having resigned from his teaching position in August 2005.
Amélie Verdier
Amélie Verdier is a regular contributor to our language-learning content. Having studied at the university of Paris III, Sorbonne Nouvelle, Amélie holds a Master's Degree in Language, Literature and Civilisation. She taught French in Ireland before joining our team. She is involved in many facets of LFBP production work including audio recording and editing and the preparation and production of lessons and articles. When not working on French language-related projects, Amélie likes to indulge her passions for the cinema and travel. Amélie is also a keen linguist and is fluent in English and German.
Mary McLaughlin
Mary McLaughlin has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Computer Diploma from University College, Cork, Ireland. She has worked as a computer software engineer in Dublin, London and Sydney and as network administrator for a Japanese company in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. Her experience in Japan also provided her with expertise in the areas of publishing and general editorial work. Mary handles administrative work at Plus Publications.
Xavier Matynia
Xavier Matynia is one of the main 'voices' behind our French lessons. Born in Haguenau, Alsace, Xavier grew up in Amilly, a town approximately one hour south-east of Paris. Apart from his work with Plus Publications, Xavier works in automation engineering. In his free time, Xavier is an avid sportsman, biker and music enthusiast. A native French speaker, he also happens to be fluent in English.
Our Staff page would be incomplete without mentioning the names of Béatrix Lafosse, Bertrand Galen, Cédric Duche and Noémi Monrose who also frequently contribute to our language-learning content.