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.
Ross Zeiger
English Professor
Ross Zeiger is from the United States. He spent five years as an officer in the US Marine Corps. After getting out, he became a consultant for Deloitte. Now, he is a business broker and English teacher. He is living in Mexico City and learning Spanish.
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.
Valentina Grassi
English and Italian Professor
Hi everyone! Ciao a tutti!
I’m Valentina, I’m from Milan, Italy but I’ve been living in Los Angeles for the past 2 years.
I have a Master’s degree in Communication Studies from California State University, Los Angeles and a Bachelor’s in Language Mediation and Intercultural Communication from the University of Milan. I’ve taught English and Italian for quite a few years now – almost 5! – and I’ve also taught a public speaking course at CSULA.
I love history, reading, going on hikes, going for super long walks on the beach... and cats!
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Amanda Eastwood
English Professor
Hi, my name is Amanda, I am from Melbourne, Australia and I am currently
living in Merida, Mexico. My background is in Business Administration, which I
have been working in for 30 years. I also have been teaching for 6 and a half
years, teaching mainly in Asia.
I enjoy keeping fit, coffee, and reading a good book. I enjoy teaching as it’s a way for me to meet people from all over the world. Also to help the students feel more confident speaking English.
Raphael Rodrigues
Portuguese Professor
Olá! I am Brazilian, graduated in Pedagogy from the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO). I also have a Full Degree in Physical Education at the Estácio de Sá University (UNESA). I'm qualified with courses from Coever Coaching Seminar, TEAR ARTE, Social Training, Media Training and Methodologies for social transformation.
I have more than 5 years of experience working with Portuguese classes.
Denis Zukic
English Professor
Hello, my name is Denis and I am from Bosnia and Herzegovina. I have lived in six different countries and I currently reside in Mexico City. My educational background is in Business Management, however most of my professional work has been in teaching English. I have taught in China and Mexico and have extensive experience teaching a variety of students from three to sixty years old.
I am a very active person and besides teaching have many other passions, such as reading, writing, trekking and traveling. Besides teaching I also work part-time as a tour guide, and I am an environmental activist as each year I participate in reforestation campaigns in the Basin of Mexico. On top of that, I am also a history buff and have written a book about the Conquest of Mexico that has been published in both English and Spanish.
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!
Dora Marin
English Professor
Hello! My name is Dora Marin, I have been teaching English since I was 15, I’m also a doctor and I taught medical English for several years. I enjoy listening to music and walking with my dog. I really enjoy teaching and interacting with students.
Darrel Gray
English Professor
Hello everyone. I am Darrell Gray and am originally from Chicago. I have been living in Tehuacan, Puebla for about four years. I received a bachelor´s degree in business and an MBA from Indiana University. Most of my work history in the United States included work in the business field. I have been teaching English now for six years. It is a very fun and fulfilling job.
In my free time, I enjoy reading and playing piano. I am a passionate listener of classical music. I also love to cook different types of food from all over the world. I really love spending time with my dogs. I only hope they feel the same way about me!
Arturo Martinez
English Professor
My name is Arturo Martinez. I was born in Mexico City and currently live in the same city. I have a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education. I also have the Teacher’s and other teaching certificates.
I have been teaching students with different levels of English for more than 10 years. I have taught English at private schools as well as in companies.
I have skills in digital platform management, teamwork and planning and my areas of interest are English teaching at primary, high school, and executive level.
Katia Farfán
Portuguese Professor
Hi, I'm Katia. I studied sociology, Portuguese and English at UNAM, when
I finished college, I went to live in South America and I was living as a nomad for a time.
Apart from being a Portuguese teacher, I work in the logistics of a company
transnational and I have my project as a visual artist.
I currently reside in Mexico City, I really enjoy sharing knowledge,
I am passionate about art, botany and design.