Hi, I'm Helene!

I make learning Spanish and yoga fun, encouraging, and accessible to all who wish to learn.

I have always had a love for the Spanish language

and teaching it to others

With 38+ years teaching Spanish in high school, middle and elementary schools, one-on-one instruction, and my travels through Spain, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Costa Rica, I offer a perspective of social and linguistic insight that is not so easy to get from one source online!

With one-on-one and small class instruction,

I’m able to offer the accountability, and encouragement to “keep going” so you build on your skills as well as your confidence in speaking the language.  Our lessons include conversations in real time, about real situations in your life, that have relevance to you. 

Our lessons are dynamic, interesting, and interpersonal – as I believe all language is!

When I started taking yoga classes in 2000,

I couldn't even touch my toes!

Through my own practice, I learned elements of yoga that I bring to each class I teach: not to rush things, the importance of being rather than doing, experiencing the breath in each pose, and bringing more awareness and attention to what was going on inside.

Many people ask me how I started practicing yoga.  When I began, I was carrying a full teaching load, seeing about 200 high school students per week.  Rarely did I have time for myself. The stress level I experienced, as you can imagine, was very high. A friend of mine, who worked in a Juvenile Detention Center had suggested yoga.

Through yoga I learned techniques to really calm down and relax, enabling me to just let go of everything in my day. I was able to connect to my inner world, and realize that I could nurture and care for myself. This was new for me, as I was always giving to others. I also developed more confidence in my body through the yoga postures.

Helene in Tree Pose
Helene in Peaceful Warrior
Helene with arms stretched overhead
Helene in Warrior 2

I received certification to teach in 2006 and in 2020, received my advanced certificate. There is no “one size fits all” in yoga, so I see each student as s(he) is at that moment in time. I teach yoga for “every body”,  Tailoring my classes so each individual can practice safely and enjoy the journey.

I find so much joy in Instructing yoga classes, and you will find that I am very light-hearted and make jokes throughout. I believe that yoga should be fun and not so serious! I have experience and knowledge in different yogic and healing modalities, and bring creativity to the yoga class, to keep it interesting and informative!

I’m excited and delighted to work with you!