Looking back, languages have always been a gateway to new opportunities in my life. Growing up in an environment where English and French were both prevalent, many people around me often expressed their frustration at not being able to reach the level they wanted in a second language. This constant exposure to the struggles of language learning, combined with a strong interest in languages, sparked my passion for teaching languages and empowering others to overcome these challenges.

Many years of teaching a diverse allophone clientele along with a strong educational foundation, that includes a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and a TESL certification (Teaching English as a Second Language), have equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively guide language learners towards success.

In addition to my formal education and teaching experience, I have personally taken on the challenge of learning a fourth language through self-study, Portuguese, while also achieving fluency in Spanish. This experience has deepened my understanding of the language assimilation process and reinforced my belief that with the right approach, anyone can achieve their language goals.

Driven by this belief, I founded LangOpp— language courses and a digital platform specifically designed to guide learners on the right path to mastering a second language. At LangOpp, we transform the process of language learning into a journey filled with opportunities for growth and success.

-Léa Trépanier Montpetit

Hi there! I am a Canadian who has spent the majority of her professional career teaching English as a Second Language in South Korea and Taiwan. What I love most about language education is that it builds bridges for human connection and understanding. 

As a kid growing up in a bilingual household, I definitely took for granted the fact that I could speak both English and French. I really only tried my hand at learning  a language as an adult in Taiwan where I studied Mandarin. This experience truly humbled me; learning a language is hard! It takes courage, patience, and determination. Eventually, what once was a wall of unfamiliar sounds became comprehensible. Being able to understand and be understood helped me feel more connected and empowered in my environment; it made me feel more at home living in a foreign country. 

For me, this is the magic of learning a language, and I feel lucky to play a part in it being a teacher. In the end, learning a new language requires a lot of effort but it is well worth it.   

-Aldea Lapierre

Hello! My name is Catalina Gotelli Alvial. I am Chilean and have fourteen years of teaching experience. For me, pedagogy is not just a profession: it is a true passion that brings me joy every day, especially when I see my students happy and motivated in class. I have always believed that teaching is a social and human act, where trust and relationships make learning both meaningful and lasting.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of teaching at different educational levels, from primary school to university, and I also served as Director of the Primary Education Pedagogy program at the Autonomous University of Chile, Talca campus. These experiences have allowed me to understand the diversity of learners’ needs and interests, and to design courses tailored to each reality.

In recent years, I have personally taken on the challenge of learning a second language: French. This experience put me back in the learner’s shoes—with its successes, frustrations, and the joy of gradually progressing. Thanks to this journey, I better understand what my students go through when they learn Spanish. It enables me to approach teaching with greater empathy, patience, and concrete strategies to make their learning path stimulating and enriching.

Ultimately, I am a teacher who teaches from the heart. My goal is not only to transmit linguistic skills, but also to create a space where every student feels confident, fulfilled, and motivated to discover the full potential that comes with learning a new language.

-Catalina Gotelli

Originally from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, I lived in Mexico for eight years before moving to Montreal. My journey across Brazil, Mexico, and Canada has given me firsthand experience of what it means to learn a language, adapt to a new culture, and find your place in a new environment.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Language and Literature and a master’s degree in Mexican Literature, and I am currently pursuing a PhD in Hispanic American Literature at the Université de Montréal. I have taught Spanish and Portuguese to learners of different ages, levels, and cultural backgrounds, particularly in Mexico and Canada.

As a native Portuguese speaker who learned Spanish and eventually made it my language of work and teaching, I have personally experienced both the challenges and the many opportunities that come with learning a second language. My own experience learning French and English also helps me understand the hesitation, frustration, and small victories that are part of this process.

In my classes, I favour a communicative, supportive approach tailored to each learner’s needs. I enjoy creating an environment where students feel comfortable enough to speak, ask questions, and make mistakes. To me, learning a language is not only about mastering grammar: it is also about discovering other cultures, building confidence, and opening the door to new personal and professional opportunities.

— Priscila Machado