Teachers
Romina Mancilla,
Directora de Español en San Francisco:
I was born in Quilmes, in the province of Buenos Aires, and have lived in San Francisco for over two decades. My professional and personal travels have taken me to many Spanish-speaking countries over the years,
but I have always been drawn to Mexico. Each time I visit, I like it even more than the last. I love teaching my native language because it allows me to use my creativity,
share my knowledge of the language and culture, and meet new people. I enjoy sharing my travel experiences, my daily life, and my interests outside of teaching.
I have been taking dance classes for years, and dance is a topic that frequently comes up in class conversations, as many of my students dance as well. To me, the key to learning Spanish is using and speaking it regularly. When I arrived in the United States, I began studying English and discovered that using it in various formats was the most effective way to retain the language.
I also learned other languages over the years and realized that memorizing vocabulary and doing textbook exercises wasn't the best way to learn. Upon realizing this, I made an effort to use the language more, directly incorporating new words and concepts into conversations. When I founded SF Spanish, I intentionally created a conversation-based learning environment. The "Spanish-only" policy encourages students to think, speak, and excel in their new language.
For this reason, I also created the interactive SF Spanish website for students to use outside the classroom.
There, they can interact with other students and continue writing, reading, and listening in Spanish.
Carmen Gomez de la Cuesta
Profesor de español en San Francisco
I am from Spain and have over 15 years of professional experience in the fields of communication and literature, as well as in teaching Spanish.
I hold a certification as a teacher of Spanish as a second language from the Instituto Cervantes, and I also serve as a teaching coordinator;
I strive to apply my experience to ensure that SF Spanish teachers provide consistent and effective guidance and supervision, aligned with each student's learning plan.
I am always exploring different approaches to teaching my native language.
My other passions include traveling, reading, and fine wine. My primary goal is to continue deepening my understanding of the vast network of Spanish cultures and expressions around the world.
I am thrilled to share this incredible journey with Spanish students in San Francisco!
Ruddy Arcia
Profesor de español en San Francisco
Ruddy Arcia Spanish Teacher in San Francisco
Hello, my name is Ruddy Arcia. I am 27 years old and a Nicaraguan psychology graduate (with honors) from the Central American University (UCA).
I currently live in Guatemala with my beloved dog, Husky.
I have three years of experience teaching English as a second language to preschoolers, using a multisensory methodology that takes different learning styles into account.
I also have extensive knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA therapy) for young children. This therapy helps establish an effective connection with the children, who learn through songs, dialogues, poems, and games. My main goal is for students to become deeply engaged in the learning process while having fun.
Hello, I’m Liz, a teacher from Mexico.
I have been teaching for nearly a decade, specializing in Spanish as a second language.
I hold a diploma in teacher professional development, and while I always strive to improve, I have realized that I can also learn from my students.
This realization brings me immense satisfaction.
In essence, teaching is a two-way process in which both the teacher and the students benefit from each other's knowledge and experiences.
I was born in Peru and raised in the Bay Area.
I move fluidly between cultures—something that deeply influences my work as a Spanish and language teacher. I hold both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Communication Studies.To me, language is identity.
It is how we express who we are, how we connect, and how we experience the world.
My teaching approach goes beyond vocabulary and grammar; I create an immersive, conversation-based experience designed to build confidence, presence, and fluency.
In my classes, Spanish is truly lived. Through dialogue, cultural context, and expression in real-life situations, I guide students not only to learn the language but to fully integrate it. I often draw inspiration from my passions—gastronomy, fashion, and travel—to ensure every class is dynamic, enriching, and deeply engaging.
I believe that when you learn a language, you expand your world and become a more expressive, connected, and limitless version of yourself.
We thank our Spanish teachers in San Francisco.
© 2026 Created by Romina Mancilla.
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