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, I co-founded Mexican House of Languages and in 2020 American House of Languages.
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. In 2013, I launched Mexican House of Languages as a co-founder with Charles Montenegro. In 2020, we launched American House of Languages.
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.
Javier Garcia
English Professor
I was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela where I completed my high school studies in Escuela Bella Vista, the only American accredited school in Maracaibo City. After graduating high school I attended Florida International University in Miami, Florida. I majored and received my bachelor's degree in International Business & Management.
My favorite hobbies include weight lifting and functional training exercises, whenever I get the chance I also love to go horseback riding.
I consider myself to be a caring and enthusiastic teacher always concerned about my student's progress and well-being.
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.
Perla Panuhaya
English Professor
I'm Perla and I'm from Mexico City. I lived for 11 years in Utah, in the United States. My native language is Spanish and my second language is English. I have a B2 level.
I studied English Literature and Translation at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. I have been an English teacher for 14 years in Mexico and during this time I have obtained different certifications such as FCE, TKT from Cambridge and I also obtained my Teacher's diploma at The Royal University of London. I have taught from children aged 6 or older to university students in different branches, such as international relations or medicine. I have taught classes to large and small groups, in-person and online classes.
In my free time I like to read, cook, practice yoga, travel with my family, dance and, above all, continue learning.
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.
Ricky Hu
English Professor
Hello all. My name is Ricky Hu, but everyone calls me Rick. I was born and raised in New York City by immigrant parents. Coming from a diverse city, I was brought up accustomed to many different culture, ethnicity, and backgrounds. I bring a humanistic approach, as well as a unique perspective on language acquisition.
I have graduated from City University of New York SPS and attended State University of New York Geneseo with a bachelor’s in psychology (Psychopathology track) and a minor in biology. My professional background revolved around healthcare administration and the clinical side. I am currently semi-retired and split my time between Mexico, The U.S, China, and Germany. Aside from traveling, I enjoy exercising, playing the piano and guitar, and helping family members in their accounting and manufacturing businesses.
I look forward to see you in class!
Joseline Vega Osornio PhD.
English Professor
I graduated from the Triple Master Program Erasmus Mundus Crossways in European Humanities, carrying out studies at France, Portugal and Italy. Since then, I am lecturer on language and cultural studies related to these beloved countries.
I am member of the Erasmus Mundus Association and the Erasmus+ Student and Alumni Alliance, promoting exchange between Mexico - LA and Europe. I am active in other networks of transdisciplinary encounters, e.g. The Neurohumanities Research Network.
My articles can be found in magazines such as Cahiers Européens de l’Imaginaire (CNRS, France, 2015-2021), Mente y Cultura (National Institute of Psychiatry, México, 2021) and Esoterosfera. Diez ensayos en esoterismo, política y literatura. (Centro de Investigaciones Filológicas – UNAM, 2023). My recent translations include Pornocultura. Viaje al Fondo de la Carne (Buenos Aires, Prometeo, 2021); Afinidades conectivas. Sociología de la cultura digital (Buenos Aires, Prometeo, 2022) and Black Mirror. La Aurora digital. Buenos Aires, Prometeo, 2023).
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.
Enrique Cervera
English Professor
Hello, my name is Enrique Cervera. I was born in Mexico City but raised in the USA during my early childhood. I love languages and traveling. I lived in France for five years – yes, I speak French as well, and I have a decent command of Italian and Portuguese. My approach to teaching a language is that it should be learned as a first language, not a second one.
I am a graduate of Parsons School of Design in New York City, where I lived for 18 years. I am a professional photographer, a natural-born producer, and a lover of creativity as a subject matter. When I teach, whether it's creativity, languages, or technical subjects, I use humor and draw from my creativity workshops to help students loosen up and enjoy what they are learning.
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!