Meet Fab-Duo:
Your Teaching BFFs
It all started with a cup of coffee and a shared dream. Zenda Costa and Julie Dawes, two passionate educators and lifelong friends, were tired of seeing teachers struggle with endless prep and uninspiring resources. So, they decided to create something better—Fab-Duo!
What began as casual chats about classroom challenges turned into a buzzing mission: to empower teachers with practical, ready-to-use digital tools that save time, engage students, and bring joy back to teaching.
Zenda’s knack for innovative solutions pairs perfectly with Julie’s creative flair (and her love for all things bee-themed!), making them the ultimate duo. At Fab-Duo, we believe teaching should be a joyful adventure—for you and your students. That’s why we’re here to be your trusted companion, offering resources that spark excitement, a community that lifts you up, and a little whimsy to brighten your day.
Zenda Costa
🐝 The Bee Behind Our Practical Magic
Zenda is the kind of teacher who believes classrooms should feel alive, full of energy, creativity, laughter, and those little “aha!” moments that students remember years later.
With over 28 years of experience in English language teaching and more than 18 years leading Fafschool International in Portugal, she has spent her career helping students grow in confidence while helping teachers survive the beautiful chaos of real classroom life.
A former Speaking Examiner, CELTA-qualified teacher, and self-published educational author, Zenda has a special talent for turning complicated ideas into simple, practical resources teachers can actually use without needing twelve cups of coffee and a weekend to prepare them.
She is the creative mind behind many of Fab-Duo’s CEFR-aligned lexical sets, interactive activities, and classroom-ready materials designed to save teachers time while keeping lessons meaningful, engaging, and full of heart.
When she is not teaching, writing, or dreaming up new ideas for teachers around the world, you will probably find her sipping some coffee, collecting inspiration from everyday life, and convincing herself that buying “just one more notebook” is completely necessary.
Julie Dawes
🐝 The Spark Behind Our Creative Buzz
Julie believes the best classrooms are the ones filled with connection, creativity, encouragement, and just the right amount of joyful chaos.
With more than 35 years of experience in English language teaching and over 30 years as the owner of YES Institute, she has spent her career helping students, teachers, and schools grow with confidence, warmth, and heart.
Her classrooms and training sessions are known not only for their creativity and energy but also for the genuine sense of belonging she creates wherever she goes.
A former Speaking Examiner and experienced teacher trainer, Julie has a natural talent for inspiring people and turning learning into something memorable, meaningful, and genuinely enjoyable.
Her enthusiasm for education shines through in everything she does, from international conference presentations and teacher mentoring to creative classroom ideas that encourage learners to participate with confidence.
At Fab-Duo, Julie is the creative spark behind many of the team’s most engaging ideas, always bringing imagination, positivity, humour, and a touch of magic to every project. She believes teachers should feel empowered, supported, and reminded that learning can still be joyful, even on the busiest days.
When she is not teaching, mentoring, presenting, or brainstorming new ideas with Zenda, you will probably find her surrounded by books, colourful notes, creative inspiration, endless cups of coffee or tea, and enough energy to keep an entire beehive buzzing.
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions, feedback, or just want to say hello, we’re here to chat.