Hola, I'm Violeta

I know how frustrating it can be when reading in Spanish feels slow, when you stumble over long words, and when your reading doesn't feel natural. I know how quickly you can lose the motivation to read when you don't understand what you're reading.

For more than 20 years, I've helped students from around the world improve their reading comprehension, and I have seen them become confident and competent readers. 

When I work with adults, many of them expats rebuilding a life in a new language, I watch the same pattern over and over: when they socialize with native speakers, they feel overwhelmed, blocked, and discouraged. They blame themselves when they can’t find the words, avoid conversations in Spanish, and convince themselves that they don’t “fit in”.  

The solution is simple: repetition through reading 

That's why I designed LEA.

Easy stories make vocabulary and language structure comprehensible and easy to remember. And when it’s time to speak, instead of putting you on the spot, I give you the tools to prepare you for a successful conversation and guide you every step of the way, so you feel confident throughout the process.

Language Coach

Instructional Designer

Montessori Guide

I didn’t speak any Spanish, but I speak French. I could understand Spanish, but I didn’t speak it. Reading easy yet interesting books is the best way to learn Spanish. After only three sessions, I can speak about many things. I’m very happy I can express what I have in mind.

Catherine, France

I feel much more confident now when I speak Spanish. During the sessions, I have lots of opportunities to speak and listen to Spanish. I enjoy it very much, and I look forward to future sessions.

Zann, Singapore

I knew some Spanish, but I had forgotten it. Now I feel fluent again. I have remembered many things and have broadened my knowledge. The sessions have helped me speak again.

Eirini, Greece

Any time that one has to speak and listen solely in Spanish is time well spent for learning a language! The sessions have helped me take significant steps. Reading and then sharing my opinion about the book was challenging but also fun, and I felt supported every step of the way.

Adam, USA

The live sessions were a wonderful opportunity to practice speaking. Because we were genuinely excited about different parts of the books, the conversation flowed naturally. I learned and practiced new phrases in a way that felt spontaneous and enjoyable.

Miata, USA

Before starting this program, I was hesitant to start a conversation in Spanish. Now I have greater confidence, even though I make some mistakes. My vocabulary has improved significantly, and I understand phrases used by different cultures. I had the chance to converse with people at the same level without feeling embarrassed.

Aliki, Greece

We don’t just learn Spanish; we learn history, have deep conversations, reflect on social issues, and question ourselves. I’m learning so many new things, reflecting, and feeling motivated to write about what I learn in Spanish.

Delia, USA

Reading books in Spanish and discussing them with other students at the same level has made a huge difference in my ability to speak and even write in Spanish. The program has motivated me to write my own stories in Spanish. I only wish I had joined the program sooner.

John, USA

The reading program works great. I speak some Spanish, but I consider myself a beginner. The books are at my level, but some elements boost my knowledge. My comprehension has definitely improved. Trying to understand the details of sentences and work through vocabulary and grammar was very useful.

Adam, USA

l loved reading the books and participating in the conversations.

Ashley, USA

Before joining the program, I felt comfortable speaking Spanish, but I wasn’t very confident reading complete texts. Reading these books changed that. Now I feel much more relaxed and confident reading in Spanish. My comprehension has improved significantly, and I enjoy the process so much more. I’ve learned new vocabulary in context and become less dependent on translation. I’ve also gained the confidence and fluency to tackle longer texts.

Miata, USA

I knew a lot of vocabulary and grammar, but I couldn´t read with confidence. Now I can read with confidence and express my opinion. I have learned new vocabulary and expressions.

Zann, Singapore

El último árbol, Margarita Pérez

I really like this book because it has an ecological theme. It’s very interesting and easy to read. I love the message about the Amazon rainforest. And the illustrations are beautiful!

Catherine, France

This is my first book in Spanish. It was at my level and helped me expand my knowledge. I’m really looking forward to the next book and our conversation.

Adam, USA

Itipurú y el monstruo del océano

Margarita Pérez

I really enjoyed this book. It’s very easy to read and understand. It explores themes of faith and sacrifice and gives us hope when someone needs help. I also love reading legends from other cultures.

Zann, Singapore

I really enjoyed this legend about a little penguin who is helped by other animals to find his mother. It’s an original and very moving story.

Catherine, France

Guatipán, la líder guerrera

Adriana Ramírez

 I loved Guaitipán’s strength and leadership. It’s an inspiring story about courage, identity, and resistance. It’s a powerful story and also an excellent way to learn Spanish while enjoying a meaningful and exciting read.

Miata, USA

Me perdí en Medellín

Adriana Ramírez

Really enjoyed it! It’s a great look at Colombian family dynamics and friendship, with some genuine laughs as we see the confusion of a Canadian in Medellín, a very unfamiliar place for him. It’s a more challenging read, but worth every minute.

Adam, USA

It’s very entertaining, written in simple language, and easy for a beginner to understand! Andrew’s adventures take us to different places in Colombia, which makes the story very interesting.

Aliki, Greece

María Cano, la flor del trabajo

Adriana Ramírez

The language in the book is easy, but it makes you think. I reflected on the importance of education and how, without education, people have fewer opportunities to organize themselves, defend their rights, and change their lives. I also thought about the policies of powerful countries today and how they affect people’s lives.

Delia, USA

It’s written in simple yet accurately descriptive language and tells the life story and struggles of a historic figure. I definitely learned new things while improving my Spanish!”

Aliki, Greece

El Cóndor de los Andes

Adriana Ramírez

This book really inspired me. I loved seeing how the Colombian protagonist overcame so many difficulties with discipline and determination and became a professional cyclist. It’s a very motivating story and shows that with effort and perseverance, anything is possible. It’s also a very exciting read for practicing Spanish.

Miata, USA

Es posible soñar

Adriana Ramírez

At first, it seemed like a book at a higher level than my ability because there were many new words and phrases that were unfamiliar to me. But I managed to read through it once with about 80–85% comprehension without checking the new words. Then, after going through the list of new words twice and reading the story a second time with the questions, I managed to understand the story completely.

Zann, Singapore

I really liked the message of transformation and hope. It’s inspiring to see how art can change a community. It’s a positive and motivating story, and it also helps you learn more about the culture and history of Medellín while practicing Spanish.

Miata, USA

Arepa vs arepa

Margarita Perez

What I liked most is that I learned where arepas come from and that there are so many different varieties of arepas. It’s a great book for anyone who loves food! I had a good time reading it.

Catherine, France

The story is definitely geared toward younger people, but the language is easy and makes it a good starting point for beginners. I like that it highlights some of the cultural conflict between Colombia and Venezuela and provides some regional cultural context alongside the Spanish reading practice. A solid place to start.

Adam, USA