References

We were thrilled to have Monica’s assistance with both our boys for their Spanish classes.  We started with Monica in Middle School and relied on her pretty heavily to help ease the transition to the High School level.  It goes without saying that Monica is highly skilled, yet she also added enthusiasm and often layered in outside help through technology and other sources to keep my boys involved and excited about learning a new language.  She would check in on them regularly and supplemented their learning in ways that fit their individual needs.  As a parent, I absolutely loved her partnership with the school.  She stayed ahead of quiz and test schedules making sure my boys were prepared early.  Monica still checks in with us making sure their High School classes are going ok.  She truly loves what she does and is phenomenal at it.  We were very lucky to have her help.  We are very lucky to have her friendship.

Molly Graw, Parent of Students at Hermosa Valley , MCHS and RUHS 2017-2020 

My son took Spanish at HVS middle school but we signed him up for private lessons with Mis Amigos to help get ready for high school Spanish.  I am soooo glad we did.  Monica is amazing!  He is now completely grasping grammar concepts he struggled with during the school year and his vocabulary has vastly improved.  Plus he really looks forward to his lessons, Monica has a great rapport with the kids and runs a fantastic program.  I would highly recommend Mis Amigos to anyone starting out with Spanish or wanting to take their language skills to the next level. Suzanne Meier , HVS Parent

Mis Amigos after school Spanish Enrichment classes are the best ! “Teaching young kids anything after the school bell rings for the day is. not. easy.  Having three boys of her own, Senora Linnell knows this maternally as well as professionally and she has created a unique way of weaving  Spanish lessons into beautiful tapestry of active learning, fun, friends, exploration, and culture.  I’ve been amazed at how much Spanish is absorbed by my 4 Grade  daughter’s young, busy mind.  Gracias Mis Amigos for creating this wonderful opportunity for our Hermosa chicas y chicos!!”  -Lorri Perreault, HVS Parent 

Monica is more than just a tutor. She is your child’s advocate and will do what it takes to make them feel good about themselves and succeed. She goes the extra mile to figure out what works for your child. She communicates well with parents and is honest about concerns and successes. She provides extra resources to extend practice beyond the tutoring session.  She is familiar with the all levels of  RUHS and MCHS Spanish programs and knows how to prepare you for   upcoming lessons. She provides a safe environment where your student feels comfortable to ask questions and participate even when they are unsure if they are right.  Her gentle approach combined with consistency and patience has motivated our son to do well and continue onto Spanish 3. We are proud of him for taking on this challenge and know that Monica is who built him up for it. Thank you Monica! Dina Stern 2016-2018 – Parent of student  at HVS and RUHS  

Monica is just great!  Our son had the worst Spanish teacher at his school, but Monica was able to turn around our son’s interest in Spanish.  She is not only pro-active with our son’s class requirements, but she also really cares about his progress.  She is positive, yet firm on what needs to be done.  Our son’s attitude in enjoying Spanish language again says it all! Thanks Monica!

Suyen Pell, Parent of  MCHS Sophomore 2019-2020

Mis Amigos has been a wonderful experience for my two boys (1st  and 7th  grade).  There is great instruction and you’ve got to love the staff who are all energetic and excited – they are always introducing something new to help my boys learn Spanish vocabulary and phrases.  Senora Linnell has a load of ideas for rewarding the students and motivating them to learn more.  The atmosphere is definitely one which greatly encourages the students to broaden their level of comfort with speaking/hearing the language.  Other than the instruction, it is fantastic to know that my boys are well cared for and truly like to attend.  Plus, on days where school is not in session, Senora Linnell usually offers Spanish Fun Days which include field trips around the city where students can learn more about LA’s Spanish influences and culture.  FANTASTIC!!  I couldn’t be happier , Krista O’Neill  – Mis Amigos After school Spanish classes 

Working with Señora Linnell greatly improved my Spanish speaking. I was able to not just learn Spanish grammar, but also practiced using it in a conversation in a way that I would have been unable to do in a large class. Señora Linnell really cares about her students and she is one of the most considerate teachers I have ever had. Amanda Petty, MCHS high school student 2017 – 2020

After doing some research so my Grandson could become fluent in Spanish and be Bilingual, I found Ms. Linnell.  She has provided him with a fun interactive and realistic language learning environment.  Nicholas enjoys the after school Mis Amigos Spanish Enrichment  classes and is doing very well. Lisa Massey Grandmother of Hermosa Valley Student 2017 – 2020

“Monica continues to provide Spanish tutoring and services with the highest of professional and academic standards. Monica understands the Spanish culture, language, and etiquette as only a native speaker cans which translates to exemplary Spanish services for any student and/or organization. As a local resident, Monica is also in tune with the local schools and their Spanish classes offered to elementary, middle and high school students. My eldest daughter started her Spanish lessons with Monica in middle school which allowed her to finish high school Spanish with high grades and skills. My daughter travelled to Spain and spoke confidently and clearly with the locals.” Alexandra Nuttall-Smith – 2020

Monica tutored my son for his DaVinci  High School Spanish.  She helped him understand the grammatical concepts, helped him compose and proof read his assignments and helped him study for tests.  She understood the curriculum and what the teachers were expecting.      In addition, Monica is a kind and caring person.  She genuinely cares about all her students and their success.  I cannot recommend her more highly! Monica Fortunato – Parent of a student attending DaVinci 2018-2020

Working with Mrs. Linnell was very helpful, the pages she  told us to study was exactly what I needed for the AP Spanish Exam – Bernardo Herzer, MCHS high school student 2018-2020

It was a lot of fun to work with Mrs. Linnell and really helpful at the same time which is different than most tutors. Her help made me feel very prepared for all of my Spanish classes and for the AP exam. Taylor Petty, MCHS high school student 2017 – 2020

Working with Mrs. Linnell  helped me so much. When I was behind in Spanish it helped me catch up and it would help me get ahead and be prepared for upcoming vocabulary and grammar. My grade in Spanish improved with the extra help, it also gave me more practice with 1 on 1 conversation in Spanish since we don’t usually get to do that in Spanish class.Luke Dvorchak , MCHS high school student 2017 – 2020

Mrs. Linnell, Thank you so much for tutoring and guiding Hayden through Spanish 2 and Spanish 3. Your encouragement and belief in her ability was a huge part of her success. With your help, her confidence grew and she learned a ton!  Thanks again Monica!! – Kelly Debeer Parent of  MCHS Sophomore 2018-2020

Monica has tutored both of my kids through high school Spanish and especially helped with the verbal aspects of understanding and speaking Spanish. Linda Verbrugge –  Parent of students at HVS RUHS and MCHS  2011 – 2018

Monica is an AMAZING Spanish tutor.  She is incredibly well organized and knowledgeable and has a great rapport with her students, making the sessions fun.  One of my son’s Christmas gift requests was actually more Spanish tutoring sessions!  Monica is great at explaining grammar concepts and more than once I have heard him say “Oh, now I finally get it” after spending time with her discussing a topic he found difficult.  I would highly recommend Monica and am extremely pleased with the progress my son has shown in developing his language skills as well as the enjoyment he is getting from learning Spanish.” Parent of HVS and MCHS parent 2015 – 2019

My daughter’s Spanish tutoring experience with Monica has been amazing. Her language skills have improved and advanced dramatically. Monica makes it fun too—and the value of that is priceless. Thank you, Monica!   Charlene Eroh 2017 – 2018 – Parent of HVS 5^th grade student 2017-2019

Monica is terrific.  What I like best about her is that she is so encouraging and supportive.  She also works on both listening and reading which are important. Alexa Ressler (student – MCHS freshman 2018)

Monica is an amazing Spanish teacher! My son has been in her classes for 6 years and loves it! It’s been amazing to see the transformation through the years & I’m in awe at how Monica has made it fun & easy for him to learn Spanish! And somehow he’s not only surpassed my expectations, but completes the projects & homework on his own! Even better!!! I can’t say enough about how grateful I am to Monica & her team for teaching my son not only a language, but also about the culture & history that goes along with it & with so much passion! I’m so thankful for this program & opportunity! Much as gracias Serora Linnell! Jean Crow, Hermosa Valley School Parent of student in Spanish One 2010 – 2017