Hola, I'm Christine.
...the heart y el alma behind Studio Alma. I’m a Spanish teacher with over 13 years of experience, and my approach has always been rooted in one thing: helping students feel confident using the language, not just memorizing it.
13+ Years Experience
Christine has spent over a decade teaching Spanish in upstate New York, working with students of all ages and levels.
Qualified Educator
A dedicated Spanish teacher whose approach is rooted in helping students build real language confidence naturally.
Community Focused
Studio Alma is a welcoming space where students and their families navigate language, identity, and growth together.
My Journey
As a Puerto Rican educator who did not grow up fully fluent in Spanish, I understand what it feels like to navigate language, identity, and confidence all at once. My relationship with Spanish has always been personal as much as academic, shaped by family, lived experience, and a deep desire to reconnect with my cultural identity.
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I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish Education from SUNY Cortland and a Master’s degree in TESOL from SUNY New Paltz. While my academic training gave me structure and theory, my greatest growth as an educator has come from lived experience, classroom practice, and learning alongside my students.
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My journey also led me to study abroad in Costa Rica, an experience that transformed how I understand language acquisition; through immersion, emotion, connection, and real-world use. For over a decade, I’ve taught Spanish in upstate New York to learners of all ages and backgrounds, from early language students to adults reconnecting with Spanish later in life.
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Over time, I’ve developed a more intentional approach to teaching. One that is culturally responsive, student-centered, and rooted in authenticity. I no longer see language learning as one-size-fits-all, but as something deeply personal that grows through trust, consistency, and meaningful input.
My teaching integrates music, storytelling, conversation, and cultural exploration as core tools for acquisition. Culture is not an add-on in my work, it is the foundation that shapes how students connect with the language and with themselves.
This approach has been shaped by mentors and educators from SUNY Cortland, SUNY New Paltz, Universidad Veritas, and my early experiences in NYC schools, all of whom helped refine not just how I teach, but why I teach.
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Today, my work is centered on helping students build confidence, reconnect with identity when relevant, and develop real-world Spanish skills in a way that feels supportive, engaging, and sustainable — always rooted in connection, authenticity, and respect for each learner’s journey.
A Safe Space for Learning
Studio Alma was created to be a safe, welcoming space where students can learn Spanish in a way that feels natural, engaging, and pressure-free. Through conversation, repetition, and interactive activities, I help students build real communication skills while enjoying the process.