roots (radici)~
Mary Beth Lavin is the quintessential 'Italianista' with Italian ancestry featured in Italian America Magazine. She holds an M.A. in Italian Comparative Literature from Florida Atlantic University, where she taught Italian Language & Culture both in-person and online, as well as in Venice, Italy for FAU’s renowned Summer Abroad program. She has also served as Italian Adjunct Online for FAU. Prior to teaching, Mary Beth enjoyed a career in global travel as an international flight attendant and language interpreter on primary routes to Milan and Rome~ where she earned her C2 certification at Scuola Leonardo da Vinci. Launching Club Dolce Vita, Mary Beth blends decades of Italian travel and culture with linguistic expertise and a vocation for teaching while supporting Sarasota’s vibrant Italian community. Whether you're a beginner or expert 'Italianist', join us for engaging conversation, exciting events and a taste of La Dolce Vita!
Piacere ~ Nice to meet you!
Italian 2 Online
FAU, Spring 2026
~La Professoressa~
~Sample Teaching Videos~
Saluto del lunedì ~ Monday greeting
Italian 2 Online
FAU, Spring 2026
Benvenuti ~ Welcome to the course!
Italian 2 Online
FAU, Spring 2026
~Student Reviews~
Dr. Isaac Elishakoff (FAU):
Cara Professoressa Lavin, stimissimo insegnante,
Molte grazie per le tue magistrali istruzioni, piene di pensiero, compassione e dedizione. Il tuo studente, Isaac Elishakoff
Dear Professor Lavin, esteemed teacher, Thank you very much for your masterful instruction, full of thought, compassion and dedication. Your student, Isaac Elishakoff
Rebecca Colmanetti Martinez, B.A. (FAU):
There simply isn't the time to express all I wish to say concerning Mary Beth Lavin and her Italian instruction...My semester with her was a gift from God, and I will sincerely never forget it... What's tremendously important- Mary Beth is encouraging, celebrates her students' progress and success (owing to her great patience as well as instruction) and is so genuinely invested that you want to learn more just to please her.
Prof. Rosemary Rahill (FAU):
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to learn Italian! And when I finally decided to take a class, I was lucky enough to have Mary Beth as my Italian instructor. What a life changing experience, indeed! Her encouragement, paired with excellent pedagogy- and a lot of patience! -got me on my way to becoming a lifelong learner which would not have been possible without the perfect foundation she provided! Grazie!
Dr. Chad Turnbull (Member, Sarasota):
After living in Italy and spending time in Catanzaro, Milan, and Florence, what I missed most, on return, was the interaction with Italian speakers and the amazing Italian culture. Club Dolce Vita has given me an opportunity to reconnect with both. The sense of community it offers brings back a little of the warmth, energy, and connection I felt in Catanzaro, Milan, and Florence- and makes Italy feel a little less far away.