Our Philosophy

We Believe In:

  • The importance and value of bilingual education

  • The relationship between the teacher and the child is critical to building the learning environment.

  • All children can and will be successful when guided by teachers passionate about their work.

  • Children learn while they are having fun.

  • Teachers craft engaging learning spaces with intentionality because of their advanced education and constant teamwork. This is accentuated by low teacher to child ratios.

  • A stress-free environment. When children feel safe and nurtured in their environment, they have fun, express themselves, and most importantly, learn.

  • Educating the whole child. Our program is more than just world language acquisition; it is about providing a foundation of learning for your child. Our teachers closely track every aspect of your child development, creating happy, well-rounded children.

  • Exploration and discovery. We enjoy every moment we spend with children. We love moments when they discover how to hold scissors in a way that facilitates the ease of cutting paper or when they realize that they can jump.

Nosotros / Us

Ms. Mari

Hola! My name is Mari Hennings, and I was born in Baja California, Mexico. At a young age, I moved to San Diego, CA with my family. I attended Santa Monica College and I completed courses in Early Child Development. I have been teaching in my native language for 5 years and I am proud to be part of the Leaf Spanish Academy family!

I absolutely love working with our youngest learners and to be able to help each child progress in all areas of their development; academically, socially, motor and most importantly with language. All of this is a beautiful challenge that I am honored to accept every day. I aim to create an environment that nurtures learners to grow and love learning in a positive, fun environment.

I have been married for 12 beautiful years and have been blessed with two amazing boys who are 9 and 7 years old and have both developed a passion for languages. Other interests of mine are, traveling, hiking, camping, reading, and making fun memories with my family.

 

Ms. Lessia

My name is Lessia Leaf and I’m from Veracruz, Mexico.  Veracruz is home to some of the friendliest and outgoing people in all of Mexico. I bring this positivity and energy from my culture and love to share it with my new country. I moved to the United States over twenty years ago and I have just as many years of Spanish teaching and tutoring experience. I have my degree in communications from Mexico and I earned my teaching credential at Chapman University.  Education remains an important part of my life and during the pandemic, I went back to college to earn credits in young child development. As a language teacher, I believe that it is very important that children are exposed to as many languages and cultures as possible so that they can develop an appreciation for the world. 

 As a mother of three bilingual children, I have learned many fun and positive ways to include Spanish in our lives and in my classes.  When I am not working or chasing after my three kids I love to travel, read and go for long walks.  

 I am very excited for this chapter in my life as the Director of Leaf Spanish Academy.

Ms. Betty

My name is Maria Beatriz Eling. I have been an educator for over 20 years. I am originally from Costa Rica where I obtained a Bachelor's Degree in English. I moved to USA in 2002 and became a child care worker and a year later the Program Director of Allred Branch (K-3rd Grade) Boys and Girls Clubs in Carmel Valley, San Diego.

I worked for this institution for 12 years. Between 2010-2012 I went back to school and got 12 Early Childhood Education Units from Miramar College and City College. I am a very experienced educator/facilitator and a very energetic/creative teacher.

It is my passion to work with children and I understand that they must be treated with love and respect and be guided with assertiveness so they can become happy children. I am married, have a daughter who is a Senior this year and an English Labrador dog. I am very excited to be the Tuesday -Thursday teacher of the class 3-5 years old. We are going to have a great time!!

Ms. Marcela

Nuestros Voluntarios

  • Ben

    ¡Hola! My name is Ben. I am from San Diego, California. Throughout my life I have been exposed to working with younger children, teaching them Spanish or giving them piano lessons. This year I will finish the school year with exemplary grades in English and Spanish. I enjoy music, art, and reading, as well as taking care of my two cats. I have a passion for learning and sharing it with those around me; I hope to do that here by furthering students’ knowledge of Spanish.

  • Sofia

    ¡Hola! My name is Sofia and I am from San Diego, California. I am currently attending Mt. Carmel High School, where I receive a quality of education like no other. I have already built great relationships with my peers. I want to become a teacher when I grow up, I love working with kids, and I love hanging out with friends. I am very excited to have this new experience and remember it as my life evolves.