We have some of the best Spanish teachers in the world leading our effective and fun Spanish conversation classes! Learn more about each one below.
We are so looking forward to having you as a student!
from all over Latin America & Spain.
Mi nombre es Octavi, encantado de conocerte (nice to meet you).
Where are you from?
Barcelona
When did you move to the US?
2015
How long have you been teaching at PBO?
Since 2015
What do you enjoy about teaching at PBO?
The conversational approach and the passion students have to learn Spanish
Describe your teaching style:
I like to teach in a very informal and laid-back way, but at the same time provide answers to all the questions my students might have, grammatical, cultural or related to the vocabulary.
What level classes do you teach?
All levels
What was your college major?
Bachelor’s Degree in Translation and Interpreting
Tell us a bit about your family:
I have a younger brother. He lives in Barcelona. My parents live there too.
How would you describe your personality?
I’m friendly, approachable, humorous, and patient.
What do you like to do with your free time?
Read books, practice languages, walk, meet friends
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
Yes! I also offer Catalan classes through Pura Buena Onda, in addition to Spanish classes.
Octavi is very humble and wouldn’t mention this, but I, Caro, am adding that he speaks 7 languages: Catalan, Spanish, English, French, Italian, Korean & Japanese and is currently studying 5 more: German, Thai, Portuguese, Basque and Mandarin!
Mi nombre es Oscar, encantado de conocerte (nice to meet you).
Where are you from?
Bogotá, Colombia
When did you move to the US?
I haven’t lived in the US. I live in Colombia right now.
How long have you been teaching at PBO?
Since November 2023
What do you enjoy about teaching at PBO?
I love the attitude of students in classes. They really enjoy the conversational approach and this makes it easier to consolidate a community.
Describe your teaching style:
I consider that the most important thing in classes are the students’ objectives to learn Spanish, for this reason, I like to motivate them in different ways so that they achieve their goals.
What level classes do you teach?
All levels
What was your college major?
I have a bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages and a master’s degree in Applied Linguistics.
Tell us a bit about your family:
Normally in my country extended families are big. I have many aunts and uncles and unknown cousins. I live with my dog in a neighborhood near to my parents. My brother lives in Germany with his wife.
How would you describe your personality?
I am friendly, active and easy to connect with. I like to understand other people’s position to have greater empathy.
What do you like to do with your free time?
I love doing sports activities like hiking or running to keep healthy. I like to visit new places, preferably with a lot of nature such as forests or beaches. Lately, I have been more passionate about learning to cook new things and I really think I am a good chef!
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
Learning a new language is discovering a wonderful world full of options, life and possibilities.
Mi nombre es Winnie, encantada de conocerte (nice to meet you).
Where are you from?
I was born in Mexico City, but I was raised in Tijuana since I was 2 years old.
When did you move to the US?
February 2019
How long have you been teaching at PBO?
I started in 2020.
What do you enjoy about teaching at PBO?
I love all the things that make PBO stand out: the conversational approach, the diversity of teachers, the sense of community and of course the amazing students who come to learn Spanish and at the same time to teach us how to be better guides for them.
Describe your teaching style:
I like to adjust my teaching method depending on what the class needs, always keeping in mind that, for me, the perfect environment to learn a language has to be fun, dynamic, communicative and respectful.
What level classes do you teach?
All levels
What was your college major?
Language Teaching
Tell us a bit about your family:
My dad’s side of the family lives in Mexico City and my mom’s in Tijuana. That’s it, I wish I had family somewhere else but I don’t lol. I live in Chula Vista with my husband, he has family all over Mexico and the USA. I really love to visit his family because I get to know other cities.
How would you describe your personality?
I love my job so I always feel happy. I am friendly, patient, and very encouraging. Personally, I consider myself very shy and introverted but my friends think I am an extrovert. I guess that it takes me a while to feel comfortable with people, but when I do I can truly be my best.
What do you like to do with your free time?
I love going to the park and to the beach (but I don’t like swimming in the ocean). A perfect day for me is full of movies, cooking, spending time with my husband or friends, and my dogs.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
I feel very thankful and happy to be part of this community. I admire every student who is encouraged to learn Spanish and respects the language and the culture. I am glad that I get to be part of your learning journey.
Mi nombre es Susanna, encantada de conocerte (nice to meet you).
Where are you from?
Barcelona, Spain
When did you move to the US?
In 1992
How long have you been teaching at PBO?
Since 2014
What do you enjoy about teaching at PBO?
I love our students. They are fun, passionate about what they do and they are also interesting people.
Describe your teaching style:
I believe I am engaging, and generally laid back but doing everything possible to make the students feel comfortable and learning in class. I also try to make classes fun and enjoyable.
What level classes do you teach?
All levels
What was your college major?
Social work with an emphasis in Socio-Cultural work
Tell us a bit about your family:
My family is my daughter, Victoria and also my mother and 5 siblings, who live in Spain. I obviously have a big family. We are 26 people.
How would you describe your personality?
I am generally a good communicator, and something between an extroverted and introverted. I feel well most of the time, sometimes I am a listener and sometimes a talker.
What do you like to do with your free time?
I like walking, cooking, traveling and spending time with my friends and daughter.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
Pura Buena Onda is a fantastic school. We have a great group of teachers and I feel we all are on the same page; making sure our students learn and enjoy as much as possible in the process of becoming fluent in Spanish.
Mi nombre es Vane, encantada de conocerte (nice to meet you).
Where are you from?
Bogotá, Colombia
When did you move to the US?
I lived in the US from 2016-2019. I am living in my country right now.
How long have you been teaching at PBO?
Since November 2017
What do you enjoy about teaching at PBO?
I love to see how motivated and excited students are about learning Spanish, the warm and inclusive environment at PBO helps them to feel comfortable enough to overcome the fear of making mistakes and interact. I also enjoy learning new things from students and teachers.
Describe your teaching style:
My goal is to encourage and help students to enhance their communicative skills in Spanish and in this way contribute to their personal growth. Students are all different, they have individual learning styles, needs, interests, and goals. Therefore, I plan my classes with this in mind to decide what might work best for every one of them.
What level classes do you teach?
I teach beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
What was your college major?
I have a bachelor’s degree in Philology and Languages (major in French) and a master’s degree in Applied Linguistics.
Tell us a bit about your family:
I have a big extended family, around 40 people. I am very close to my mother, sisters and brother. I am married and I live with my husband.
How would you describe your personality?
I am a calm, patient and adaptable person. I enjoy listening to people’s stories, I always try to understand others’ feelings and perspectives. I think this helps me make better decisions.
What do you like to do with your free time?
I enjoy going to the movies, plays, concerts, and museums. I also like discovering new restaurants and music.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
Get ready to start or continue your Spanish Learning Journey!
I would love to help you, see you online!
Mi nombre es Paola, encantada de conocerte (nice to meet you).
Where are you from?
I was born in Orange County but I grew up in Tecate, Baja California.
When did you move to the US?
I was 13 when I first moved to the US and lived there for 2 years, then moved back to Tecate. After getting my degree in Language Teaching in Tijuana I moved to San Diego for work and lived there for 4 years until the pandemic gave me the opportunity to move back home and work from Tecate.
How long have you been teaching at PBO?
Since October 2019
What do you enjoy about teaching at PBO?
The relaxed and respectful environment that makes it more fun to learn and teach a language through actually speaking it, I talk a lot!
Describe your teaching style:
I enjoy getting to know my students and including their likes in each class to make them interesting for them.
What level classes do you teach?
All levels
What was your college major?
Language Teaching
Tell us a bit about your family:
My mom’s family is from Mexicali and my dad’s is from Guadalajara, they met at Tlaquepaque. I have a younger sister who I spend a lot of time with, and an older brother, the happiest newlywed.
How would you describe your personality?
Sociable, energetic, open-minded, and creative.
What do you like to do with your free time?
Discovering new food places, coffee shops, wineries, and running.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
I used to be a preschool teacher, so yes, I have a lot of patience.
Mi nombre es Carolina, encantada de conocerte (nice to meet you).
Where are you from?
Tecate, Mexico
When did you move to the US?
I’ve never lived in the US, I currently live in Mexico.
How long have you been teaching at PBO?
Since 2021
What do you enjoy about teaching at PBO?
I love the warm and inviting environment. The fact that classes are conversational makes them fun and extremely enjoyable. I get to meet wonderful people and I’m constantly learning from both my colleagues and students.
Describe your teaching style:
Relaxed and encouraging. I enjoy building connections with students, I think it has a very positive impact in their language learning process.
What level classes do you teach?
All levels
What was your college major?
Bachelors Degree in Communication and currently studying a Postgraduate Specialization in Translation and Interpreting.
Tell us a bit about your family:
I have an older brother and sister and I’m very close to them and to my mom as well. My family is quite large, I have 18 uncles and aunts, 35 cousins and countless nephews and nieces. Our family reunions are LOUD.
How would you describe your personality?
I’m outgoing and friendly. Very chatty, goofy and patient.
What do you like to do with your free time?
Workout at the gym or go for a run, guided meditation, cooking, dancing, trying new restaurants/bars and travel.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
Thank you for letting me be a part of your Spanish learning journey, I’ll make sure you enjoy it!
Mi nombre es Irma, encantada de conocerte (nice to meet you).
Where are you from?
I’m from Tijuana, Baja California.
When did you move to the US?
I’ve never lived in the US. I currently live in Tijuana.
How long have you been teaching at PBO?
Since 2021
What do you enjoy about teaching at PBO?
I enjoy everything about PBO, the community, the diversity of teachers and students, and the relaxed environment. Everyone is very nice and friendly and if you have questions, teachers and students will always help you with everything you need.
Describe your teaching style:
I like to adjust my teaching method depending on what the students need, but I really enjoy getting to know my students. I enjoy teaching my classes so students can have a good time while they are learning Spanish.
What level classes do you teach?
All levels
What was your college major?
Language Teaching
Tell us a bit about your family:
My family is really small, I am an only child but now I live with my husband. We have been married for two years.
How would you describe your personality?
I consider myself as a kind person, also friendly, patient, creative and very hardworking.
What do you like to do with your free time?
I really enjoy walking in the park and practicing some outdoor activities like hiking or yoga.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
I am very thankful and excited to be part of this great community. I already want to meet you all and create a pleasant and comfortable environment of Spanish language learning. See you soon :)
Mi nombre es Maria, encantada de conocerte (nice to meet you).
Where are you from?
Venezuela
How long have you been teaching at PBO?
Since December 2021
What do you enjoy about teaching at PBO?
Laughing with students and listening to their experiences.
Describe your teaching style:
In classes, I like to answer all my students’ questions. I also show them structures so that they speak appropriately in Spanish. Above all, I love to hear their opinions and thoughts.
What level classes do you teach?
All levels
What was your college major?
Hispanic Literature and Linguistic
Tell us a bit about your family:
I have a big family. Most of them live in Venezuela.
How would you describe your personality?
I’m patient, friendly, and funny (except when I am hungry, but don’t worry, I always eat something before classes).
What do you like to do with your free time?
Practice languages, walk while I hear an audiobook in Portuguese, Italian or English, talk with my family using WhatsApp.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
I love nature and the old medicinal traditions from South America. I think that spiritual life and connecting your heart with what you do everyday is very important.
Me llamo Jairo García, es un gusto conocerlos.
Where are you from?
Islas Galápagos – Ecuador
When did you move to the US?
2021
How long have you been teaching at PBO?
Since 2022
What do you enjoy about teaching at PBO?
I love how they focus on teaching a language through practice rather than just grammar.
Describe your teaching style:
I’m laidback and like to make my students feel comfortable and relaxed in my classes. I enjoy helping my students to reach their personal language goals in a fun and professional way.
What level classes do you teach?
A3-C2
What was your college major?
Certification in Teaching Spanish as a Second Language
Tell us a bit about your family:
I’m married and I’m also a first-time dad. My son was born in March 2022. He is the happiest boy I’ve ever seen.
How would you describe your personality?
I’m a little introverted but once you get to know me, I can be really goofy and funny.
What do you like to do with your free time?
Spending time with my family, surfing, hanging out with my friends, walking at the beach.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
I have been a surfer since I was 9 years old. I like to sing even though I have a horrible voice.
Soy Anna María pero me puedes llamar Anna 🙂
I’m Anna Maria but you can call me Anna.
Where are you from?
Everywhere (wink wink). I grew up in the US and would go home every day after school to the Mexico that my parents brought with them. I grew up learning to move and flow between two very different cultures on the daily.
When did you move to the US?
From birth 🙂Then I moved to Mexico for several years and then moved to the US. (I have had the privilege of going back and forth for years).
How long have you been teaching at PBO?
1 year part-time, 2 years full-time, 1 year part-time-ish. I’m addicted 😛
What do you enjoy about teaching at PBO?
Describe your teaching style?
I believe in having fun, being playful, and enjoying your time as you learn, especially when it comes to learning how to speak another language. The learner should not be miserable, intimidated, nor frustrated when learning (that’s not how people learn).
I believe in connecting as a human being with the learner in front of me in order for the language to seep in (aka deeper learning for pedagogy nerds).
I believe in feedback that is kind and practical so that it can light the way forward.
What level classes do you teach?
I specialize in the beginner levels but if there’s a class slot available then I welcome other levels.
What was your college major?
Bachelor’s degree in Spanish
Bachelor’s degree in International Studies
Master’s degree in Education and Technology
Tell us a bit about your family:
My family is big and I mean BIG. I once counted 50 first cousins on my mom’s side of the family :). My parents are from the same town in the state of Mexico and I have family living in both Mexico and the US.
How would you describe your personality?
What I think: friendly, empathetic, patient, engaging, silly
What I’ve been told: curious, deep thinker, sweet, fun… has a tendency to yell “WTF” hahaha
What do you like to do with your free time?
At heart, I am an artist: I like to doodle (so fun!), paint, draw, and dance. I suspect that in another life I might have been a comedian and/or an actor.
I also seek tranquility in my life and so I find myself being drawn to nature often.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
Mmm, nope but Caro might haha.
Caro adds: Anna recently graduating with a master’s degree from frickin’ Harvard University! Pretty impressive!
Mi nombre es Emilio, mucho gusto en conocerte.
Where are you from?
Guayaquil, Ecuador
When did you move to the US?
I lived in Boston from 2018-2023, but I currently live in Ecuador.
How long have you been teaching at PBO?
Since 2025.
What do you enjoy about teaching at PBO?
I love the sense of community here. Teaching lets me share my language with people who truly want to use Spanish in their everyday lives, and seeing their curiosity and progress is incredibly rewarding.
Describe your teaching style:
I try to create a comfortable, trusting space where students can be themselves, practice, laugh, and make mistakes without pressure. I like to connect with their interests so learning Spanish feels personal, natural, and enjoyable.
What level classes do you teach?
All levels.
What was your college major?
My background is in Business Management and Marketing, and later I specialized in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. A funny mix, lol.
Tell us a bit about your family:
My family is my life. We’re really close, and we love getting together whenever we can—always finding an excuse to share a drink, some food, and plenty of laughs. Most of my family lives in Guayaquil, but I also have relatives in Boston.
How would you describe your personality?
I’m a very relaxed and easygoing person. I’m naturally introverted, but I can also be very open and fun once you get to know me. I enjoy my close circle and appreciate genuine, simple connections.
What do you like to do with your free time?
I enjoy playing the bass, going to live music events, visiting breweries, and practicing mixed martial arts. Those are the things that keep me active and happy.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
I’m excited to guide you through your Spanish-learning journey and I hope you enjoy every step. See you in class!
Welcome to our community! Consistency is incredibly important when learning a language, which is why Pura Buena Onda sells its classes in auto-renewing monthly memberships.
Contact us to set up an account for you and to give you access to online scheduling today! You can choose the membership that’s right for you from any of the following options.
We offer auto-renewing memberships with up to 4 classes per month, up to 6 classes per month, and up to 8 classes per month, for small-group classes, semi-private classes, and/or private classes.