08/29/2026
Patrizia Barbagallo’s love of language began early. While still in high school, she discovered a passion for teaching as a German tutor. Born and raised in Switzerland, the experience helped set the native French and Italian speaker on a path toward sharing her enthusiasm for language with others. A Berkshire resident since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Barbagallo has come to appreciate the region’s countryside surroundings which remind her of Geneva. After owning and operating Bixie Boulangerie for almost five years, Barbagallo will carry her recipe for success from the European-style bakery to the classroom: “Patience, calm, and following instructions [are all necessary],” says Barbagallo, who looks forward to helping her middle school French students discover the joy of learning a new language and connecting with another culture. At the heart of what she hopes to accomplish is something simple: “The love of language.”