The La Academia Team
Meet Our Team
Rino Pucci - Italian Tutor
I always tell my students – ranging from 10 to 70+ years of age – that learning a new language might feel daunting at first, but you will soon realise that between, say, English and Italian there are more things in common than we think. Also, I firmly believe that learning a language is learning a culture and a lifestyle, so sooner rather than later my students will hear me talking about Pinocchio (the real one, not Disney’s adaptation), Rossini and his crescendo, Prosecco, rosso Ferrari and spaghetti alla carbonara (vegetarian options are also available). Join me to discover the wonders of Italy and the unmistakable rhythm of the Italian language – vi aspetto in classe!
Belén Contreras - Spanish Tutor
Professional & Enthusiastic Spanish Tutor
Native Spanish and graduated teacher. I love teaching and I enjoy with it.
I have more than 8 years of experience in teaching young people and adults, and they had a good marks and results! I am graduated of primary teacher at University of Granada and I have a mastery of ELE (teaching Spanish as a foreign language). Also I have taken training courses that are: coaching for teaching proffessionals, emotional intelligence, mentor for education proffesionals and I am an official examinator of DELE exams at Instituto Cervantes (levels A1, A2, Bl, B2).
My method consists in learn and no memory, practing all the time, speak always in Spanish, have a control of your learning every day, get an interview by ZOOM to practise the lessons and give you the materials we are going to work with.
You will learn Spanish and the most important thing is that we will enjoy learning it together.
Annabelle Nicholson - A-Level/GCSE Biology and Chemistry Tutor
I am currently working in pharmaceuticals, having studied for a degree at The University of Manchester. My tutoring style is very much based on past exam papers, focussing on the question wording and style to maximise marks. Having gained 3 As at A-Level, and tutored students for 4 years, I have a deep understanding of the different specifications.
I can tutor Biology and Chemistry, both at GCSE and A-Level.
Elisabeth Diamantidi - French Tutor
I am a French native speaker from Lyon and I am an experienced, qualified language teacher. I have been teaching one to one and group lessons in the last few years. My experience in public and private sector organisations really helped me develop reactivity, imagination and spontaneity. It let me draw on my energetic creativity and allowed me to utilise my communication skills. I develop bespoke lesson plans according to the needs of my students.
Can’t wait to meet you! A bientôt!
Anna Maria Forti Sheikh - Italian Tutor
Anna Maria is an experienced Freelance Translator, Language Consultant and Teacher of Italian at CDLCI – Education Department of the Italian Consulate in Manchester- delivering courses of Italian language and culture at pre-GCSE, GCSE and GCE level, and children in primary schools and Teacher of Italian from beginners to advanced level to adults at The Guild for Life Long Learning in Wilmslow.
Anna Maria has been a speaker at seminars and conferences for ALL, CILT, RSG ELL on teaching and learning strategies for the Italian language aimed both at teachers and students in Primary and Secondary schools. She has also been a Promoter of languages in secondary school with COLT – ROUTES into Languages with Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Manchester, Salford, Preston and Bolton, and a promoter of cultural events with The Virtual Village and Dramatic plays in Italian for children and adults.
She has written articles related to teaching languages published on specialist quarterly reviews Tuttitalia by ALL (Association of Language Learning). She is co-translator and co-adaptor, of The Catherine Cheater Scheme of Work for Italian Y3 and co-author and co-producer of children’s stories.
Workshops offered in Primary or Secondary:
- Carnevale and Comedy of art;
- The importance of reading Fairy-tales in the foreign language acquisition process;
- Motivation;
- Dramatization;
- Creator of the Fast food Italian style cookery course for children and adults with highlights on cultural and regional variations and traditions.
Michelle Taylor - Science, Maths and Geography Tutor
Hello future tutees!
I’m Michelle and I’m originally from Edinburgh. I am a Ph.D. student studying Marine Biology. I teach Chemistry, Physics, and Maths to GCSE level, and Biology and Geography to A-level.
I believe teaching is most beneficial when it is tailored to the student. Everyone learns differently and it is my job as a teacher to ensure I change my style to match my students. I want my students to understand the concepts rather than just know how to answer questions in an exam.
Miryam Lora Yuste - Spanish Tutor
¡Hola! ?
My name is Miryam and I was born and raised in Don Quijote’s land: La Mancha (centre of Spain). However, my desire to discover new places in the world made me finish my degree in Modern Languages Philology in the University of Finland. This experience in a country where I could become aware of new approaches in the education system encouraged me, in turn, to finish my studies with a Postgraduate degree in Applied Linguistics and Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language.Now that I am based in Manchester as a certified and experienced native Spanish teacher, I use my passion for the richness of languages, as well as their literature and culture, to connect my students to the class material. My areas of expertise include designing class material according to the CEFR and the PCIC (Instituto Cervantes Curricular Plan), and the use of innovative methodologies. Join us to discover the gift of mastering multiple languages!
“Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere” – Chinese proverb
Steve Whittaker - French, German and English Tutor
A Manchester native, Steve is a qualified language teacher, as well as having spent over a decade working in business services for major companies across France, Germany, Belgium and the UK.
Steve primarily teaches French, German and English. He specialises in languages for business and preparation for GCSE and A-Level language exams.
He firmly believes that getting to know the cultures behind languages helps improve linguistic abilities, and uses lots of authentic material to bring these to life.
Diana Martinez - Spanish Tutor
Hi everyone,
My name is Diana and I’m from Colombia. I’m a patient, passionate and experienced Spanish tutor ready to help you whatever your current level.
Most importantly, I am an experienced tutor with students at all levels from Primary to GCSE and from A-Level to University. Whatever your needs, I will tailor your lessons to suit your own abilities and learning style.
With my tuition – and a little dedication on your part – you will make real progress towards your dream of speaking Spanish – so let’s get started.
Neda Kassas - English Tutor
I’ve been teaching English for 35 years and love it. I worked in several secondary schools, before going out to Egypt to teach ESL. While I was there, I taught a variety of classes including GCSE, SAT’s, IELTS and GMAT preparation.
I worked in the American University in Cairo’s English Language Centre for 25 years where I helped students to achieve proficiency in all areas of academic English skills – including listening, speaking, academic reading, essay writing, vocabulary, and grammar. I also lectured on Shakespeare in the University’s English Literature Dept.
Since returning to England in 2016, I have been working as an English tutor with a variety of students of different levels and with different needs.
I have a BA Hons. degree from Manchester, a PGCE English Literature and an MA in TEFL. Most importantly, I have a wealth of experience, lots of patience and a sense of humour.
Maria Santandreu-Vilajosana - Spanish Tutor
Hi!
My name is Maria. I was born in the beautiful city of Barcelona. My two native languages are Spanish and Catalan. I am currently undertaking the course to teach Spanish as a Foreign Language (Español como Lengua Extranjera) and I have experience in tutoring Spanish in beginners and intermediate learners. I have a degree in Pharmacy that has given me a lot of experience in working with people and managing difficult situations.
I would like to help you to enjoy learning the second most spoken language in the world. We will work together to develop your confidence and fluency in Spanish in a very dynamic way, working through different skills and exploring and learning not only the language itself but also the culture that surrounds it.
I also have the experience of learning a new language and although sometimes it may look daunting, being able to communicate is one the most grateful experiences!
Maria
Emilia Carmele - Spanish Tutor
¡Hola! I’m Emilia from Córdoba, Argentina, and I’m an experienced tutor in teaching Spanish as a foreign language.
I have been teaching the language for many years and enjoyed sharing every moment of the classes with my students. It’s extremely satisfying to see students making progress and the joy they have in the learning process. I believe that learning isn’t just important, it can also be a lot of fun, that’s why I always try to make my classes active, entertaining, and creative. The more you laugh, the more you learn.
I’m waiting here for you so that you can come and have a laugh with me whilst discovering this language that is well worth learning.
¡Hasta pronto!
Liam Crawford - Spanish GCSE Tutor
I am a qualified secondary school teacher with over 8 years of experience teaching Spanish to GCSE and A-Level students, with a range of abilities and targets. I have always had a passion for language since a young age and studied Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies at the University of Manchester, graduating in 2014.
My strengths lie in helping students achieve their very best in their exams, primarily through my knowledge and teaching of exam board specifications. I am able to help students embed the skills necessary for being successful in examined situations and therefore feel more confident in their abilities. I hope my students would agree that my sessions are well planned and that they feel they learn something important each time we meet.
Maria Frances Vincent - Spanish Tutor
Hola, my name is Maria, and I am from Spain. I was born in Alcoy, in the southern part of the beautiful Valencian Community. I graduated in Philosophy and have experience in private tutoring with children and teenagers. I have taught Spanish to Spanish people, preparing them for exams to access university, as well as philosophy at the same level. I have also taught English to teenagers at the intermediate level.
During my classes, my main focus is to ensure that my students enjoy themselves while they learn. To achieve this, I try to understand what they are confident in and what they need to review more. I also try to discover what they like and what they feel unmotivated about, so that wayt the lessons are more enjoyable and easier to learn. Additionally, I aim to share all the cultural aspects of the place where I was born, such as our amazing gastronomy, music, festivals, and nature.
If this sounds good to you, let’s give it a go! Vamos!
Liliana Brewin - Spanish Tutor
Hello everyone, my name is Liliana Brewin, I’m a native Spanish speaker from Mexico a latinamerican country. I have trained as a Spanish teacher as a foreign language (TSFL/ELE). I enjoy teaching and I always try to do my best to solve any questions and make every class dynamic, different and fun as possible. I’ll try to focus on your own needs so we can learn together as quickly as you want. We practice all the skills that you need to speak Spanish in a pressure-free and natural way, putting special attention in all the skills that you are trying to improve.
I would like to share with you my knowledge about the Spanish language and as much as you want details of the Mexican culture and history. I would like to meet you soon and start this hispanic adventure together.
jNos vemos pronto!
Ricardo Lamperez - Spanish Tutor
¡Hola! My name is Ricardo, and I am a qualified Spanish teacher. After completing my PGCE at Manchester Metropolitan University, I have been working in the education sector for more than 5 years now (both in state schools and independent schools). Before teaching, I was working as a TV and culture journalist in Spain, which gave me a lot of work experience and improved my communication skills and resilience. I love travelling, art, food, cinema, live music and teaching! In my lessons, you will learn not only about my language, but also about my culture and our traditions! ¿Te vienes?
Saray Ibañez - Spanish Tutor
Hello, I’m Saray. I am from the South East of Spain (Murcia) and I can’t wait to bring you some sun in my Spanish lessons. I am a Spanish philologist with a Masters in Education.
I’m looking forward to sharing my language and culture with you and, of course, using all my experience and knowledge to make you feel as passionate as I am about the Spanish language.
Let’s go and discover how enjoyable, dynamic and surprising this language can be. No boring classes, no waste of time. Come, enjoy and learn. I hope to see you soon in class.
Aurore Boily - French Tutor
Bonjour! My name is Aurore and I always had a profound passion for languages and teaching. As a French native, teacher, and tutor for many years,
I am dedicated to helping students of any level, including bilingual children, develop their French language skills.
Through personalized and engaging lessons, I strive to install a love for the French language while providing the necessary tools and support for my students to succeed in their language-learning journey. À bientôt!
Kiki Koukou - Greek Tutor
My name is Kiki and I am a native Greek speaker. I have been teaching Modern and Ancient Greek, Latin, History and Literature in Greece ever since 2004. I have been teaching in the UK from 2015 onwards. I have a Masters (Msc) in Cultural Studies, Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in the UK and I am registered with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
I have extensive experience in teaching students of all ages and levels of education, including preschoolers and adults. I offer services both as a private tutor and in a class environment, and I teach Greek as first or additional language, so, if it’s all Greek to you, let me help!!!!
Ruben Cnobel - Language Specialist
Ruben Cnobel is a seasoned language tutor with over 20 years of experience teaching Spanish and English to adults in corporate and sports settings. Originally from Argentina, Ruben has honed his teaching skills through extensive experience and a passion for helping others improve their language abilities. His expertise in coaching professionals and athletes alike is a testament to his versatile approach and commitment to his students’ success. Ruben’s personalized teaching methods ensure that each student receives tailored instruction to meet their unique needs and goals.
Andrea Nicholls - Spanish Tutor
Originally from Argentina, Andrea is a highly respected Spanish teacher, translator and interpreter and has worked on a large number of high-profile cases for the police and HM Courts in the UK, as well as at the G8 Summit in 2013.
Andrea has worked in the languages sector since 1987.
She has enjoyed teaching adults and children for over 30 years, with a style that is both fun and effective.
Eulália Gumbley - Portuguese Tutor
Olá! My name is Eulália and I am from Porto, Portugal. I have a degree in Modern Languages and Literature and a pgcert in Higher Education. I have been teaching privately, in language schools, secondary schools and universities in Manchester since 2002. Currently I teach English and Portuguese to all ages and levels.
I am also an experienced examiner for the Cambridge International Examination.
Gillian Hall - Japanese Tutor
こんにちは! I’ve been teaching Japanese in the UK now for over 20 years. My Japanese language qualification is the Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level 1 which I passed after a period of several years in Japan many years ago. I hold a PGCE in Japanese Language Teaching from the University of Nottingham.
I also teach English as a second language at all levels.
Allyson Turpin - French and Spanish Tutor
I have a BA Honours Degree in French and Spanish, a post graduate teaching qualification (PGCE) and I also have experience of having worked as an examiner of Spanish for AQA.
I have been teaching French and Spanish for 12 years at all levels and to all ages at my local college, and I also tutor on a one to one basis. I am passionate about learning and speaking foreign languages and love passing on my knowledge to others. I particularly enjoy tutoring for GCSE/ IGCSE French and Spanish.
Lynne Curran - EFL Tutor
I have been teaching English language since 2004 and have a wide experience
working in colleges and language schools.
I also host overseas students and teach one to one at home and I work as an
assessor and moderator for the English Speaking Board.
I love seeing the progress students make and enjoy helping them to achieve
their goals and grow in confidence.
I always use a range of resources to make learning as interesting and
enjoyable as possible and particularly like working one to one or with
smaller groups as the learning can be more personalised and meaningful.
Marina Dobson - Maths Tutor
Hello, I’m Marina! Graduated with a first from The University of Manchester in Mathematics and Actuarial Science. Have tutored Maths for 4 years preparing students to succeed in their GCSE and A-Level exams. Develop personalized lesson plans to tailor each session to what suits best to each student. Focus on building their confidence within the subject by teaching theory alongside past papers. When you join my classes, be prepared to have fun! I dedicate my full abilities when teaching because I absolutely enjoy it.
Joanne Leyshon - Maths and English Tutor
Hello! I’m Joanne.
I am a qualified Primary school teacher with 12 years experience. I am experienced in working with children of varying abilities and with a range of complex needs. I am able to tutor any primary level subjects, however, I specialise in Maths and English. If your child needs a boost in confidence with an area of their education then I can help!
Mercedes Portillo - Spanish Tutor
¡Hola!, me llamo Mercedes, and I’m thrilled to be your Spanish teacher. Originally from the enchanting city of Badajoz (Spain), I bring with me a wealth of cultural knowledge and teaching experience. Armed with a Master’s in Education and over 5 years of dedicated teaching practice, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding students of all ages and levels, including those preparing for GCSE Spanish exams. In my classes, I strive to create an engaging and supportive environment where learning feels both enjoyable and rewarding. I believe in tailoring my approach to meet the unique needs and learning styles of each individual student, ensuring that lessons are not only educational but also fun and dynamic. Join me on an exciting journey to explore the beauty and intricacies of the Spanish language and culture. ¡Hasta pronto! 🙂
Barbara Wichmann - English and German Tutor
About Me:
Passionate Language Educator: Hi there! I’m Barbara Wichmann and I’m deeply passionate about teaching languages. Whether it’s English, or German I believe that learning is an exciting journey.
Interactive Learning: My teaching approach is interactive and student-centred. I create a supportive environment where learners feel comfortable expressing themselves and practicing their language skills.
Cultural Enthusiast: Beyond grammar and vocabulary, I love diving into the cultural nuances of languages. From idioms to local customs, understanding culture enriches language learning.
Tailored Lessons: No two learners are the same. I customize lessons to meet individual needs, whether you’re a beginner or aiming for fluency. Let’s set achievable goals together!
Connect with Me: Join me in exploring the world of languages. Connect with me for personalized language lessons, conversation practice, and a lot of linguistic adventures!
Vivien Hom - Chinese Tutor
Hi, my name is Vivien.
I am from China hence Chinese Mandarin is my first language. I have a first degree in Chinese Language and Literature. I came to UK in 2000 to pursue my Master degree which I graduated in 2002 with a MBA degree.
Teaching my young daughters Chinese Mandarin and about China has been a great incentive and motivation for me and made me realise how important it is to introduce the fascination of the Chinese language and culture!
I have great passion in teaching my native language.
Silvi Hilman - Spanish Tutor
My name is Silvi, I’m from Argentina and I’m a native Spanish speaker and one of the Spanish teachers at la Academia.
Having a Psychology degree has helped me a lot to have a different approach to students (children and adults) to create solid relationships with them.
My secret for a good lesson is to have fun and enjoy learning a new language!!
John Hofton - French and EFL Tutor
I have a BA Hons degree in French and am also a fully qualified teacher.
I have extensive experience of teaching French at Secondary School level, both as a French teacher and as a former Head of Department. I worked for many years as an AQA examiner of French and am currently an examiner for Cambridge International Examinations (GCSE and A-level).
In recent years I have been working with younger pupils both in primary schools and nurseries. I enjoy inspiring pupils and students of all ages to open their minds to the joys of learning the French language and culture.
Lynn Oldfield - French and German Tutor
After gaining my teaching qualification at Didsbury college, my degree at Liverpool and a studying for a year in France, I have taught French and German to adults and children for more than twenty five years.
My career has mainly been in secondary schools in Cheadle and Warrington but I am currently teaching in Primary Schools.
I absolutely love teaching languages and I believe that the the key to success is to engage the students by making the lessons fun and exciting.
Warka Al-Wandawi - Arabic Tutor
My name is Warka Al-Wandawi,
I am an Arabic teacher who teaches students from a range of cultures between the ages of 6-18 in schools and to all ages for home tuition.
I love the Arabic language and literature with a passion and hope to share this love of Arabic with the students. Using the most updated curriculum and resources, my teaching methods enables students to learn Arabic in a fun, memorable and interactive way……Welcome to Arabic
Fernando Navarrete - Spanish Tutor
¡Hola! I am Fernando from Spain, do you know Extremadura? It´s an incredible land where you can find Roman, Arabic, Baroque and Medieval cities surrounded by incredible nature, and eat the best tortilla ever!
I have been enjoying teaching Spanish for several years. I work with adults and children and enjoy every aspect of it. In class I like to discover all the aspects of the language and the Hispanic culture with you. Every class is important for me because we find new challenges. This is why I enjoy being a tutor. I bring all that to my classes where I also like to have fun whilst we learn, and of course we communicate in Spanish. If you are more intrigued about my region now, imagine how much we can learn in class ¡Hasta luego!
Judith Rafferty - Blog Writer
Hi there, I’m Judith, la Academia’s boss of blog posts. I initially mastered my craft in the hospitality and events sectors, before drilling down into digital marketing content. It’s always a joy to write about languages and the impact they have on our lives. Communication is everything, after all. So, I’m always bursting with fresh ideas, thanks to the endless creative possibilities languages present.
Karl Poynter - Social Media
Hello! I’m Karl, the social media wizard for La Academia. You’ll often find me with my phone in one hand and a coffee in the other, scrolling through feeds at every hour — my secret potion for sparking creativity. I really enjoy creating digital content that not only educates but also opens doors to new horizons. Let’s explore and learn languages together!
We look forward to hearing from you!
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