Meet the Team
Our native language speaking teachers are carefully selected through a rigorous interview process and equipped with the tools they need to provide quality, engaging lessons. They possess a wide variety of personal and professional backgrounds, but one thing they all share in common is a passion for teaching! You can get to know our teachers a little better through their bios below. And when you are ready, you can click here to speak with a Language Expert!
Charles Montenegro
Managing Director
I have more than ten years of experience in the educational sector. In 2013 we opened our doors to the public.
With Antonio Catena as a partner and other team members, we were able to create strong pillars combining state-of-the art technology and outstanding education at a low cost. We are ready to change the game!
I studied in an American school from nursery in South America and went to study at Florida Atlantic University and other institutions. I have two bachelor’s degrees; one in international business and the other one in marketing. I also have a postgraduate degree in business administration.
Antonio Catena
Co-Founder
I am an experienced Country Manager with a proven work history in the Human Resources industry. Professional entrepreneur, expert in Negotiating, Outplacement, Business Planning, Entrepreneurship and Business Development.
I have more than fifteen years of experience in Executive Search, national but also on an international level, in the area of searching for directors and middle management positions.
I have worked for different sectors, but I have currently positioned myself in Mexico as one of the headhunters to go to in the areas of IT, Telecom, Energy, Engineering and Construction.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the Universidad Computense de Madrid España and a Master’s degree in Executive Management from IPADE.
Matthew Smith
English Professor
Hi everyone. I’m Matt. I’m from California but I’ve lived in Mexico for the last seven years.
I graduated from California State University, Bakersfield with a bachelor's degree in history and a minor in political science. I have taught English for six years and I have a 100 hour TEFL certificate. I’m a native English speaker and I speak nearly fluent Spanish (B2). I have taught a variety of classes including business, conversation, test preparation, and comprehensive classes in a variety of settings including one on one, group, online and in person. My teaching style is dynamic and interactive. I like to use a variety of conversation games, role plays, music, and videos to complement my class material.
In my spare time I like to play and watch basketball, lift weights, watch movies and science and history documentaries.
Joe Mapleton
English Professor
I was born in India but lived all my life in USA, mainly Chicago. I have a BSc. in Healthcare Management but worked as an Assistant Manager for one of the biggest limo companies in Chicago and then owned my own limo business. I have been teaching in Mexico for the past three years at all levels starting from 1st grade to adults. I take great pride in teaching and truly enjoy seeing that I have made a difference in a persons life. Presently I am also a partner in an export and import company for agricultural products.
Manuela Angius
Italian Professor
I´m Manuela and I´m Italian, I was born on the magnificent island of Sardinia. I have a bachelor's degree in Political Science and a master's degree in ADHD. I lived almost nine years in Shanghai and now I live in Mexico. In my experience abroad I have taught the Italian language to children, students university students and adults and I can say that it has always been an exchange of culture, knowledge and fun! As I was also a student of English, Chinese and Spanish, I can affirm that learning a new language should be above all a pleasure. For this reason, I always try to stimulate attention and motivation of my students during classes. I'm waiting for you!
Jose Concepción
English Professor
Hello!
Anzoátegui, Venezuela is my birthplace, but now Mexico City gives me the gift of getting to know it. I am an English teacher with more than 3 years of experience. My career is Modern Languages and I have a teaching component at the Universidad de Oriente, Venezuela; in addition of having language certification at the Metropolitana University, Venezuela. I have taught English from preschool children to adults older than me.
For me, being a teacher is a connection with students and being of great help in their learning process; that is why I have created fun dynamics to use them in a new and different environment in the classroom.
Anastasiia Davydova
English Professor
Hi, my name is Anastasiia, I am from Ukraine but I live in Mexico.
I graduated from Kharkiv National Aerospace University with a bachelor degree in Translation of technical literature (Aircraft building). I also have a master degree in Quality, certification and standardization. I have taught English for 5 years. I love it and believe that suffering and sweat should never be a part of learning process.
Studying languages is one of my hobbies, I speak 5 languages (Ukrainian, Russian, English, Spanish and a little bit of German). I enjoy traveling, video games, going to the gym and trying out new, sometimes extreme, activities.
Keith Pinlac
English Professor
Hi, I´m Keith Lyn Aim Pinlac. I´m from the Philippines. I graduated Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2014. I have more than 10 years of experrience in teaching English as a second language. I received different trainings and I´m TESOL and TEYL certified. All of these honed me to provide essential duties and responsibilities as an ESL Teacher such as assisting them to improve their English listening, speaking, writing and reading skils and being flexible to accommodate the needs of the students whit diverse ages and backgrounds.
I use visual and auditory stimuli that can monotony and appeal to different learning styles. I like relating my lessons to real-life examples or current events to show my students how the material they are learning is relevant and applicable in their lives. I also consider students' interests and backgrounds when designing lessons to incorporate topics or examples that resonate with them personally.
I’m looking forward to meet you!
Pei-Yun Lin
English Professor
Hi, I’m Pei-Yun Lin, a Mandarin teacher from Taiwan.
I have over 4 years of experience teaching children, teenagers, and adults in both individual and group settings. I have worked with students of all levels, including professionals looking to communicate with more confidence in their daily lives.
I am TCSOL certified (Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages) and completed the Mandarin Teacher Training Program at Tunghai University.
My teaching style is dynamic and approachable. I like to create a relaxed environment where students feel comfortable speaking, practicing, and making mistakes. I use real-life situations and cultural elements to make learning practical, natural, and meaningful.
I look forward to seeing you in class!
Sarah Shantz
English Professor
Let me know if this introduction has what you need:
Hello! I have been teaching adults and children internationally for over 15 years. In Canada, I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, then worked as an editor. After moving to Australia for my teaching degree (Grad. Dip. Ed.), I worked in international schools and private institutions in Malaysia, Myanmar, and Singapore. Since moving to Mexico in 2018, I have earned my CELTA certification, taught English in a Mexican bilingual school, and now teach online classes.
In class, we often talk about international and intercultural themes, as well as personalized topics that meet students’ interests and learning needs. I empathize with language-learning struggles, since I take weekly classes in both Spanish (B2/C1 level) and Japanese (A2/B1 level). As well, I enjoy traveling, cooking, playing Mahjong, and reading.