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Gaby Cerrate - Founder of Personalized Spanish

learnmore@personalizedspanish.com
Gaby has taught Spanish classes since 1989 working for a number of different Spanish language schools in both Costa Rica and Perú, her native country. She received her Master's degree in Linguistics from the University of Jarkov in the Ukraine in 1989. Her studies were focused on understanding the methodologies for teaching second languages. She received her Bachelor's degree in education, with certification to teach Russian.

Gaby lived in the Soviet Union for 8 years, spending 3 years traveling throughout Europe. She has experienced, first hand, what it's like to learn a new language and to travel in countries where she doesn't know the language. She has lived in Costa Rica since 1990.

Welcome from Gaby!

"Bienvenido. It is a pleasure for me to work with people that want to learn Spanish. After having experienced learning a second language myself, I realized that language students need more than a traditional teacher, they need someone that can understand their needs, emotions, and frustrations. I love getting to know my students and supporting them through the sometimes emotional process of learning a new language. For this reason, I am committed to my students and always finding new ways to enhance their learning."

Amanda Rossi – Executive Assistant

amanda@personalizedspanish.com

Amanda Rossi is from New York and graduated from Siena College with her Bachelor's degree in Spanish and International business.  She then went on to study for her Master's degree in Spanish at the University at Albany.  Amanda’s interests are in second language acquisition and intercultural exchange.  She has lived in Costa Rica for the past three years working in both the academic and administrative parts of foreign language schools.  Amanda enjoys traveling, reading, and eating chocolate. 

“Hola.  ¿Qué tal?  I love to work with students who are eager to learn and experience another language and culture.  I’ll match you up with the perfect program for your needs, and of course, your homestay family. I can relate to all your questions being a foreigner in Costa Rica myself.”

Natalia Sánchez Solís - Professor

Natalia is a Spanish teacher who has worked for many years with second language learners who are truly interested in Spanish.  She is currently studying for her Masters in Spanish and also teaches Spanish in a local high school here in Tres Ríos.

"¡Bienvenidos!  I like teaching because I am also learning from every student and this helps me to improve myself as a teacher. It satisfies me to know that I am helping other people become familiar with our culture while learning a beautiful language."

Marilyn Chaves Cruz - Professor

Marilyn Chaves Cruz has worked for six years as a Spanish teacher for second language learners.  Marilyn is also currently studying at a local university.  In her free time, Marilyn enjoys going to the movies, reading, cooking, and visiting her parents who live at the beach in Manuel Antonio.   

“¡Bienvenidos!  I love my job because it allows me to meet a lot of new people from different parts of the world and learn about their culture.  Nos vemos pronto.” 

Daniel Ruiz Chaverri - Professor

Daniel is currently studying the last year of Classic Philology at the
University of Costa Rica, and is looking forward to studying Linguistics for
his Master. Daniel also loves literature, philosophy and music, as well as getting to know new people and making friends.

¡Bienvenidos! I enjoy a lot teaching spanish, for I think the students are
not the only ones who learn in that process, but also we, the teachers, do.
You never stop learning a language, even if it's your native language. Feel
welcome to this wonderful linguistic experience.

Noemi Monje – Cleaning

¿Cómo están chicos?  I’ll be preparing fresh natural juices, coffee, and snacks for you.  I look forward to introducing you to new fruits and Costa Rican dishes.”

Marcus - School Driver

Marcos will be your first personal contact in Costa Rica. Marcos will wait for you in Juan Santamaria airport, then he will take you to your homestay family. At this moment you will be introduced to your Spanish immersion program... Do you know what we mean?