MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS

Our native Spanish-speaking Instructors have over 75 years combined language teaching experience!

ANA LIA, BEGINNER II

My name is Ana Lia. I am from Argentina (born and raised), but I lived the past 23 years in the US. I have been the World Language Chair at the high school I teach at in Florida for the last 16 years. I have taught Spanish as a foreign language for eight years, and I teach Spanish for Spanish Speakers Level 1, 2, and 3, along with AP Spanish Language and AP Spanish Literature courses. I am a swimming and tennis coach, and the sponsor of the Latino Rams Club at my high school. I also work for the College Board as a Score Leader training, supporting, and overseeing colleagues who grade the AP Spanish Language exam. I love reading, hiking, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.

ELVIRA, INTERMEDIATE

My name is Elvira. I am a native of Spain. I worked at Rock Valley College where, for 19 years, I taught Spanish and several Humanities courses including “Latinos is the United States”, and “Spanish and Latin American Cultural Expression.” Alongside with my colleague and friend, Cristina, I also served as the Coordinator of the Modern Language Department, conducted cultural tours to Spain, Peru, and Argentina, and presented foreign language films to the RVC community 3 times per semester on a volunteer basis. I believe in the full integration of language and culture which, as a native speaker, I can do with relative ease…..teaching Spanish brings me home.

MARIA, ADVANCED I

My name is María. I am a native Spanish speaker. I was born in Cuba and moved to the U.S. as a child where I learned English. I am also fluent in French and have taught all levels of both Spanish and French in the elementary and high school levels. For many years I was director of El Campo del Bosque, a week-long Spanish immersion camp for elementary school children in my school district. I love to travel and meet new people. I am looking forward to meeting and working with everyone at Hunt Hill Spanish Camp!

CRISTINA, ADVANCED II

My name is Cristina. I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where most of my family still resides. I try to visit regularly, and travel throughout the country while there. Traveling is my passion! I am a retired educator after more than 30 years teaching Spanish in higher education. During my tenure I taught Spanish at all levels (from 101 to graduate classes). Elvira and I worked together for many years, and we had the pleasure to work with Peter for several years as well. Now that I have more free time, I work part-time as a translator and interpreter for several school districts, score AP Spanish (with Ana Lía) and of course, Hunt Hill Spanish camp!

KELLY, SPANISH CAMP VOLUNTEER

My name is Kelly, and I am a native of Tomah, Wisconsin. I was lucky enough to live in Colombia for 9 years, where I taught English at an international school while starting my lifelong quest to learn and improve my Spanish! I have an Advanced C1 Spanish level and am currently involved in two Spanish book clubs, take weekly Spanish classes, and seek out every opportunity I can to practice. I am currently working as a Social Studies teacher at Tomah High School and my passion is spreading the love of learning about the world around us through history, travel, and human connections. I can’t wait to spend a week at Hunt Hill speaking Spanish with you!

MONICA, SPANISH YOGA INSTRUCTOR (VIRTUAL)

My name is Monica. I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and moved to Northern Virginia in 2002 to teach high school Spanish with Loudoun County Public Schools. During my 17 years in Virginia, I completed my M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Spanish while working at both Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University (GMU). At GMU, I served as the Basic Spanish Coordinator and a language and culture professor and had the opportunity to lead a Study Abroad Program in Ecuador.

In 2019, I moved to Colorado and embraced the path of yoga and meditation, completing my 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training. Currently, I teach at a local yoga studio and online from home. I am passionate about helping people relax, improve their flexibility, and strengthen their bodies.

For over 30 years, I’ve had the honor of calling Cristina my friend, and I’m thankful for her invitation to join the Hunt Hill family!

PETER

My name is Peter. I grew up trilingual speaking Ukrainian, Spanish and English. My grandparents fled Ukraine and took refuge in Argentina. I have taught Spanish for 29 years at the high school level. In addition I have taught community college level and have also taught adult continuing education classes. While I have visited family and friends in Argentina several times, I have traveled to six different Spanish-speaking countries and love international travel. I love sharing my love of languages with others.

Though Peter is unable to attend and teach 2024 Spanish Camp, he is hopeful to attend next year!