The person behind Birdsong
Hi, I’m Mary.
I’m here to think, practice, and explore alongside you.
Long before Birdsong, I spent six years volunteering at an English Café at my local library. People came from Colombia, Germany, Peru, and beyond. Some had studied English for years. Others rarely spoke it outside their homes.
Week by week, people who once sat quietly began asking questions, telling stories, joking, disagreeing, and joining in.
What changed wasn’t just vocabulary.
Participation changed.
Today I bring together language coaching, professional experience, learning science, and mentoring, along with a long interest in voice, identity, power, and people doing well.
still the same table, bigger room
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PhD · Lancaster University
Educational Research—e-Research and Technology Enhanced Learning. Doctoral research on voice, leadership, and communication.2018–26 · PwC
Three roles across learning strategy, design, and delivery in global professional services.Level 5 · TEFL/TESL + Business English
Teaching qualification with a specialist business English focus.15+ years · Global learning & development
Coaching, mentoring, and learning strategy across international professional environments.In progress · International Language Coaching Association
Language-coaching certification in progress.2026–present · Fulbright Specialist
Selected for the Fulbright Specialist Roster.My approach draws on appreciative inquiry and identity safety: we build on what already works, with room for you to participate as yourself.
In their own words
What they took away.
Words from people I’ve coached and supported—how we worked together, and what they took away.
Doctoral writing support
“Dr. Mary Lefaiver was one of my top academics who made my dream to come true.”
“She does not criticize only, but she was brilliant in pointing safe ways forward!”
“I would recommend her strongly to international students and others who may need support in writing their dissertations, thesis and other parts.”
Rev. Dr. Couthino Moma
Angola · Doctoral writing support · 2023–2024
A multilingual scholar.
A dissertation in English.
Moma brought experience across Umbundu, Portuguese, French, Spanish, and English to his doctoral work. We worked together on his academic writing.
Birdsong language coaching · 2025–26
“She helps me analyze the learning, material and human resources I already have, turning them into actionable support tools.”
Laura N. · Learning & Development Manager · Mexico
English Café · 2026
“I’ve noticed how I’ve managed to gain more confidence when speaking English.”
Mitzi M. · English Café participant · Costa Rica
Developmental coaching
“Mary has helped me grow and become more confident in my role over the last three years, and helped me get promoted.”
Suzanne C. · Learning Manager · United States
Mentoring, where language was part of the work
“Her personalized approach not only bolstered my confidence and skillset but also resulted in a well-deserved promotion.”
Maryna M. · Business Analyst · Poland
A real place to begin
Bring the moment.
Let’s get to know each other.
Share the situation on your mind and get a sense of what working together could feel like.
I’m here to think, practice, and explore alongside you.