About Colleen:

Although I am not a native Spanish speaker, the Spanish language and Latin American culture have been important parts of my life for many years. Spanish is spoken widely in my home state of texas, but I fell in love with the language when, as an undergraduate student, I spent a semester studying in Granada, Spain. Further travel in Latin America increased my interest and led me to pursue a Master's Degree in Spanish language and Latin American Studies from American University.

I worked for 6 years as a Spanish teacher for high school, middle school, and elementary school students. In the Washington, DC area, I worked for two years at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School in DC, and for three years at The Langley School in McLean, virginia. I enjoyed helping my students with grammar, reading, and conversation skills, and enjoyed teaching them about the culture of Spanish speaking countries and communities. Currently, I am doing part time work as a translator and am pursuing a career in international education.

The ability to speak another language is a useful and practical skill, but it is also a lot of fun! Speaking another language can open new doors for study and for work, and can enrich one's life in many other ways. I would be happy to work with you and your son or daughter to improve his or her Spanish skills, and to help him or her appreciate the benefits of understanding another language and culture.