Meet our Team

Deborah is passionate about coaching and building people’s capacity. Originally from Puerto Rico, she receives her B.A. in Teaching as a Second Language from La Universidad de Puerto Rico, and her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from St. Thomas University.

Her 15+ years of services and professional trajectory in Houston include school district-level program management, school administration, dyslexia specialist, and bilingual teaching at the primary levels.

Most recently, her focus has been on performance, project, and program management as well as job-embedded coaching, developing, and rolling out adult professional training, and providing systemic support to grow Houston-area district and campus administrators’ ability to build the capacity of the staff they manage.

Deborah knows from firsthand experience that learning a second language requires individuals to stretch and challenge themselves. Her background as an adult English learner will help you to step out of your comfort zone while you enjoy growing your Spanish skills.

She is looking forward to applying her strategies around change management, results coaching, and adult learning to help you reach those language goals you think are beyond your ability!

Giannella is a native Spanish speaker from Lima, Peru. She graduated as an architect at Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal, where she also taught design subjects as an assistant teacher. Upon arriving in California, 20 years ago, she practiced as an architectural designer and later moved to Texas where she is raising her family. She studied pedagogy to teach Spanish as a second language and started working as a language instructor, first teaching to her A&E colleagues, then to adult students from other professions.

During her 15 years of teaching experience, she has taught all levels of proficiency, as well as every age group (school age children, college students, adults and seniors) focusing the last 6 years on guiding adult learners through the process of learning Spanish. She teaches in a traditional classroom setting, at their own location and through virtual sessions with the confidence that she can provide relevant content instruction while maintaining her students engaged and interested in the class.

She enjoys sharing her beautiful language and the Hispanic culture by relating to the student from her journey as a second language learner herself (English and Italian), knowing firsthand the effort involved and steps needed to acquire the ability to communicate in meaningful and appropriate ways in a second language.

Camila was born in Colombia and has lived in Argentina since 2012, where she studied Philosophy and Literature at the University of Buenos Aires. She also studied at the Instituto Superior de Letras Eduardo Mallea (Argentina) where she earned her degree in Teaching Spanish as a foreign language.

She is an experienced Spanish, Greek, and Ancient Latin teacher with a great vocation and passion for the language.

Maria Jose is a European Instructor and professional Coach who with passion and empathy empowers professionals to succeed in their daily language-related challenges and achieve their personal and business goals.

She holds a BS degree in Biology, a M.D. in Environmental Engineering Management, a Certificate of Pedagogical Aptitude, and an ICF accredited coaching certification. As a projec manager and internal auditor in her country, Spain, she supervised projects in compliance with environmental and quality regulations. Besides training numerous employees, she consistently supported colleagues, auditors, and staff, helping to bridge language and internal role barriers within corporations.

Moving to USA and learning another language reassured her drive to dedicate herself to teaching and coaching adults in their Spanish needs- she feels that pouring out her knowledge is a seed she drops to improve their future and hers. Her combined knowledge gives her the skills to elevate client performance and help companies overcome linguistic barriers across teams, clients, and suppliers.

She looks forward to helping all students at CCLS Houston improve their Spanish!

Over two decades as a professor have honed Maria Esther expertise, earning her the status of a model educator. Her B.A. degree in education and M.D. in Pedagogy keep allowing her to smoothly granulate her Spanish Native language in any given classes. Her early Math teaching years have let her sympathize with all her non-native Spanish learners and grounded her to always create supportive learning in order to meet and ensure their success.

Being originally from The Soul of Mexico, Michoacan, she evokes feelings of courage, generosity, hospitality, and care inside her classrooms. She is also an active member of the community and keeps open to volunteering in requested society needs. Her exposition in front of large classes and participation in multiple Emotional Intelligence workshops allows her to have an effective time management in school and all public environments.

Valentina is originally from Venezuela and has lived in the Houston area for about 45 years. She studied at the University of Houston, where she received a Bachelor’s in Spanish and French Linguistics and Literature and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. While in college, she taught Spanish at the Berlitz School of Languages. Later on, Valentina was a bilingual teacher at Houston Independent School District and an Assistant Professor at the University of Houston – Downtown. More recently, in her capacity of Educational Consultant, Valentina has trained pre-service and in-service teachers in the areas of Spanish as a Foreign/Second Language and for Bilingual/English as a Second Language Programs. She has traveled extensively to various continents around the world and holds travel as her most important interest.

Julio Cesar, a seasoned educator from Lima, Peru, brings over 19 years of expertise in language education, with a primary focus on Spanish instruction. Recognized for his proficiency as a Spanish Instructor and Tutor, Julio holds a degree in education.

In 2003, Julio Cesar enrolled at EUDED College in Lima, Peru, to study education. Subsequently, he expanded his skill set by obtaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification, broadening his capacity in language instruction.

Alongside his educational pursuits, Julio is an accomplished guitar player. Currently a member of CCLS Houston, he actively contributes to the language education field. Prior to this role, Julio excelled as a Spanish Instructor for an Online School since July 2020, delivering private and small-group online courses. His expertise encompasses enhancing reading, writing, conversational, and listening skills, as well as providing seamless support for technical challenges in the virtual realm.

Before joining CCLS Houston, Julio dedicated himself to education as a Spanish Instructor in El Paso, TX, from September 2018 to June 2020. During this tenure, he curated comprehensive resources and fostered dynamic learning environments through energetic instructional strategies.

Julio's impactful teaching journey includes significant chapters with Excel Language Center from 2004 to 2008 and at Maximo Nivel in Cusco, Peru, from May 2008 to July 2018. In roles such as a Spanish Instructor and English Tutor, Julio established an international rapport in Cusco. His students, spanning diverse regions, benefited not only from language proficiency but also an appreciation for cultural nuances. Julio's adeptness in online teaching further extends his reach, creating an inclusive and effective virtual learning experience for students worldwide.

Beyond the realm of education, Julio has enriched his understanding of various cultures through extensive travels, having visited 12 countries.

Lucia is passionate about people, culture and languages. She loves teaching others her native language, Spanish. She has acquired extensive knowledge during her academic preparation to be able to teach others to the best of her abilities. Lucía is originally from Uruguay. She moved to México in 2004, lived there for six years, then moved to Texas in 2010. Once in Texas, she started to study English at the University of Texas Language Institute. In 2016 got a bachelor in Psychology at UTRGV, and in 2019 received the masters in the Spanish Language, focusing on linguistics at the same university. She has been accepted to the Doctoral program in Curriculum and instruction at UTRGV. At the moment, she works as a Spanish professor at The Department of Writing and Language Studies at UTRGV. She teaches basic Spanish classes and advanced courses as well. She teaches courses to non-native speakers and linguistic courses to Spanish speakers students. Her philosophy of teaching is simple: free of stress classroom “I think in my classroom as a safe environment, a community where students are free of anxiety, that allows them to become more successful learners..” Lucía likes reading, listening to music, practising yoga and meditation. She is also a language student; she is studying Portuguese and thinking about visiting Europe. She wants to spend the summer in Italy, learning the language while experiencing the culture.

Ruth is a passionate bilingual educator, originally from Mexico City, with over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, literacy, and Spanish language instruction. She has taught students of all ages, from preschoolers to adults, always using affective communication, visual tools, and creative strategies to build fluency, comprehension, and confidence in a second language.

As part of her commitment to effective teaching, she has authored textbooks focused on early literacy and foundational math skills, and created a unique method to help children memorize the multiplication tables through dynamic, visual, and personalized strategies.

She also mentors fellow educators and continues to create resources that support children’s academic and emotional development. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that education transforms lives and that every student deserves to feel capable, connected, and inspired to learn.

Born and raised in New York City, Adele is a bilingual (Spanish/English) educator with almost twenty years’ experience teaching adults at the university level. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Doctorate in Law, both from Florida International University in Miami. Additionally, Adele is a certified TESOL/TEFL instructor, and attended the University of Guadalajara for two semesters to perfect her Spanish.

Career-wise, Adele is an accomplished attorney with years of courtroom experience, including a long engagement as a Florida state prosecutor. She has taught both Legal Research and Writing and Business English. In her spare time, Adele enjoys the cultural diversity of Houston, and is an active practitioner of the Japanese art of Kendo.

Aldyth Haughton is a passionate and experienced English and Spanish teacher with over a decade of success in language education. Fluent in both languages, she is dedicated to helping students build confidence, fluency, and a genuine appreciation for communication across cultures. Her teaching style is engaging, student-centered, and focused on creating a positive and structured learning environment.

Beyond the classroom, Aldyth holds qualifications as an Air Traffic Controller, demonstrating her ability to stay calm under pressure, think critically, and manage complex tasks with precision. This unique background enhances her versatility and reflects her commitment to personal and professional excellence.

Known for her strong work ethic, responsibility, and exceptional organizational skills, Aldyth brings a high level of dedication to every role she undertakes. Her values of integrity, reliability, and continuous improvement are at the heart of her work—whether she's teaching, collaborating with colleagues, or supporting student success.

Educator | Science Specialist | Bilingual Language Instructor

Antonio Gomez Pedroso is a seasoned and fully bilingual educator with a multidisciplinary background that bridges science, K–12 education, adult learning, and academic leadership. He holds a B.Sc. in Oceanography and a Diploma in Coastal Management from Baja California Autonomous University, along with a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. This diverse academic foundation supports his holistic and dynamic approach to teaching.

Antonio currently serves as a Highly Qualified Science Teacher at Cypress Park High School, teaching Physics and Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC). He also has instructed dual credit Geosciences and Physics courses through the University of Texas at Austin's OnRamps Program. His prior teaching experience includes Physics instruction at St. Mary’s Catholic School and Longview High School, where he also taught in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Antonio is certified by the State of Texas as a Science Educator.

As a fluent Spanish and English speaker, Antonio brings extensive experience in bilingual and language instruction. He teaches Level 1 and 2 Spanish courses at CCLS Houston Language School using their proprietary system, and has worked as an ESL instructor at Kilgore College's Adult Education & Literacy Program since 2017. His background in English language teaching dates back to his tenure at Baja California Autonomous University, and he holds a Texas Educator Certificate for English as a Second Language.

In addition to classroom teaching, Antonio has held multiple leadership roles in higher education. He served as Academic Director and Tutor at the Ibero-American University Foundation (FUNIBER), where he oversaw distance education programs. He also led the Environmental Technology Academic Division at Fidel Velázquez Technological University, managing curriculum development and academic planning.

Committed to continuous learning, Antonio has participated in numerous advanced professional development programs, including Rice University's NSF-RET Summer Internship, the Nano Environmental Engineering for Teachers (NEET) program, and the Mitchell Institute Physics Enhancement Program (MIPEP) at Texas A&M University.

Antonio combines deep subject knowledge, real-world experience, and a passion for teaching to inspire learners across all levels and backgrounds.