Instructors
Mrs. Megan Cottrell
Teacher (with LL since fall, 2022)
Education: Degree in political science and human development from Central Michigan University
Teaching/tutoring experience: I've taught movement and dance for about 20 years, formerly managing a dance studio, teaching in the Chicago public schools and dancing at a modern dance company. I'm trained in Brain Compatible Dance Education, which is a teaching model designed to get kids moving in ways that benefits their brains and engages their creative brain while learning movement skills.
Travel or living in Spanish-speaking countries: my family and I traveled to Guatemala this spring to study Spanish and be immersed in the culture. We hope it will be the first of many trips to Spanish-speaking countries!
Family: husband, Jeff, and two kids who are in Lingual Learners, Teddy (11) and Finn (6)
Why you teach (in) Spanish: I wanted my kids to have the opportunity to learn a foreign language from a young age, and I realized in order for it to be successful, it would need to be a family endeavor! So, I started learning Spanish myself, and I'm now at an intermediate level. As a dance teacher for many years, I know the power of movement and music to stimulate learning, and I wanted to engage kids' entire brains and bodies in their second language! I'm not a perfect Spanish speaker, but I also embrace being a role model for the kids of a person who is actively learning and willing to grow, even when it means making mistakes.
Fun facts/hobbies: I'm a homeschool parent too, so I know the joys and challenges of homeschooling!
Mrs. Leah Houghton
Teacher (with LL since fall, 2017)
Education: Bachelor's in K-12 Spanish Education from Saginaw Valley State University
Teaching/tutoring experience: 4 years teaching at Birmingham Groves High School, 2 years with Futura Language Professionals as Bilingual Area Manager, Tutor at Oakland Community College
Travel or living in Spanish-speaking countries: Mission work in Ecuador/ Dominican Republic, travel to Mexico, Spain, Costa Rica
Family: Husband, two children (girl/boy), 1 dog.
Why do you teach Spanish? My journey in language learning started as a child, when I would hear relatives speaking Spanish. During my years as a high school Spanish teacher, I spent several weeks each summer break doing mission work in Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. Over the years I have also had the opportunity to travel to other Spanish-speaking countries. My goal is to visit all 21! Spanish is such a beautiful language, and the culture of each Spanish-speaking country is so rich and unique!
Fun facts/hobbies: I enjoy reading, boating, and hiking with my family and our dogs. I love to sing, dance, laugh and have fun with friends and family.
Mrs. Jodi Kubizna
Cofounder/Director of Business Management
Education: B.A in Business & Communications from Aquinas College; M.A. in Administration from Central Michigan University
Family/homeschooling: Married to Trey and we have 8 children, four from birth and two adopted from China and two adopted out of foster care. My oldest attended a Spanish immersion program thru kindergarten. In her first grade year we went into homeschooling.
Fun fact about you/Hobbies: I do not speak Spanish! I have taken classes in college and actually met my husband in a Spanish class in college but never mastered the language. Lingual Learners was out of a desire to give my children the opportunity to learn the spanish language at an early age so it became a natural part of their learning process.
Mrs. Mayra Lamas
Teacher (with LL since winter, 2019)
Education: I graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from the Universidad de Guadalajara in Mexico.
Teaching/tutoring experience: I have experience working with people in schools for parents. I worked in a special education school in Mexico and with groups of children as part of my professional practice.
Travel or living in Spanish-speaking countries: I was born and raised in Mexico until 2011 when I moved to the United States.
Family: I am married, with two children, 4 and 7 years old, and one dog. Both children attend a Spanish-immersion school.
Why do you teach/assist in Spanish? I love my culture, my country and my language. I am proud of my roots and fascinated that other people want to learn from them.
Fun factv cs/hobbies: I spend a lot of time with family and friends: it is a tradition to spend the weekend with my husband’s family, I love meeting places, going out to look for activities with my children, and I also go on dates with my husband on weekends, dancing, taking a walk, or just talking.
Mrs. Carmen Morales
Teacher/Assistant (with LL fall 2018)
Mrs. Cinthya Turcios
Teacher (with LL since fall, 2018)
Education: Bachelor’s in Marketing, Technological University of Honduras – UNITEC (Laureate International Universities)
Teaching/Tutoring Experience: teaching in Sunday school, vacation Bible school, and adult Bible studies at my church, Nueva Esperanza United Methodist. As an admissions officer at UNITEC university in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, a large part of my job was orienting and educating incoming students and their parents about the university.
Travel or living in Spanish-speaking countries: I am a native Spanish speaker from Honduras and moved to Grand Rapids with my husband and children in 2014. I have also travelled to Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and El Salvador.
Family: My husband and I have two children. They are in a Spanish-immersion program at an elementary school here in Grand Rapids.
Why I teach Spanish: I love my language. It’s a beautiful experience to share Spanish with others. I’ve experienced myself how knowing another language opens new doors and possibilities and let’ you communicate with other people. It’s a privilege to share that same ability with others.
Fun Facts: My family and I love going for walks and enjoying nature. Most weekends we try to discover new parks, activities, and restaurants in Grand Rapids. I love teaching my kids to dance Merengue, Salsa, Punta, Cumbia, and Rock and Roll.