Our Teachers

A bit about the co-founders and teaching staff of Yanapuma Spanish School:

VINICIO QUINCHIGUANGO, Academic director and Teacher

Vinicio holds a degree in languages and linguistics from the Universidad Central de Ecuador. An indigenous Quichua, he also speaks and teaches this native language. Vinicio has taught Spanish to foreigners for 7 years, and has taught language at a Quito high school. He speaks and understands English well, and has also studied French.

He loves to make friends from all parts of the world, and also enjoys travel, dancing (especially salsa), and working with communities.

AZALIA CRUZ C., Teacher and Project Planning

Azalia holds a degree in Spanish Language Instruction for Foreigners (Universidad Central de Ecuador) and is working toward an additional degree in Social Communication. She has 7 years of Spanish teaching experience. Previously, she has worked for the “Expreso” newspaper and helped produce the radio program “Recital Andino”. Currently, she also volunteers as Coordinator for the Department of Communication of CONFEMEC (Confederation of Ecuadorian Women for Change). She speaks some English and French.

Her passion is the production and co-production of radio short stories. Other interests include literature, theater, music, political caricatures, agriculture, and travel writing. Pastimes include cycling, hiking, camping, singing, and discussion of various themes.

MARIA CABRERA , Teacher and Administrator

Maria holds a degree in Administration of Travel Agencies from the Universidad Tecnológica Equinoccial and a diploma in Teaching Spanish for Foreigners. She has worked in several different positions, including in the Ministry of Tourism in the Human Resources department and in various travel agencies. For the past 6 years, she has taught Spanish to foreign students in Quito. She has a good knowledge of English as well.

She loves to travel, hike, spend time at the beach, and most anything that puts her in contact with the natural world. She also enjoys volleyball.

ELIZABETH GAROFALO, Teacher and Accountant

Elizabeth holds a degree as a National Tourism Guide from the International Institute of Technology. She worked as a tourism guide for about a year. She is also certified by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education in Teaching Spanish for Foreigners from IE International de Español. She has 7 years of experience in teaching Spanish, and has a medium level of proficiency in English.

In her free time, she enjoys walking around Quito and surroundings, camping, and discussions of diverse subjects such as politics, economics, tourism, and culture. She loves to travel, listen to music, and dance salsa.

EDISON RENDÓN, Teacher and Academic Coordinator

Edison completed his degree in Social Communication Studies at the Universidad Central del Ecuador. He also holds a certificate in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language from IE Internacional del Espanol, and has 4 years of experience in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. Edison has worked on a variety of projects for enterprise development and communication support, including design of Spanish language programs and development of Spanish teaching methodology. His knowledge of English is very good, and he also speaks some German.

He loves 80s music, swimming, and photography. Teaching Spanish to foreigners gives him the opportunity to share in the experiences of others.

BETTY BENITEZ, Teacher

Like Azaila, Betty has completed her degree in Spanish Language Instruction for Foreigners at the Universidad Central de Ecuador.  She has lived in France for 8 months, working as a teaching assistant in Spanish Language classes at a high school.   Betty also teaches the French language.  She is currently studying for a master’s degree in Education, also at the Universidad Central.  Betty also belongs to CONFEMEC (Confederation of Ecuadorian Women for Change).

She loves anything having to do with nature, and loves working with people. She also enjoys cultural presentations such as dance and music, which she sees as expressions of the hopes and difficulties of being human.

CATERINE VERA, Teacher

Caterine holds a degree in Foreign Languages from the Universidad Central de Ecuador, and since has also attended several seminars on foreign language teaching methodology. She has 4 years of experience in teaching Spanish to foreigners and to children. Her past experience includes work for Andean Study Programs, tutoring students from Ohio State University.

Caterine enjoys movies, crossword puzzles, playing chess, cooking and spending time with her friends. She takes pride in her sense of responsibility, and in her respect for different ways of life in different cultures.

CECILIA JARAMILLO, Teacher

Cecilia has her degree in Administration from the Universidad Tecnológica Equinoccial, and holds a certificate in Teaching Spanish for Foreigners from IE International. Prior to teaching Spanish, she worked in the credit department of Mutualista Pichincha. She has a basic knowledge of English as well.

She loves teaching for the opportunity to offer others some insight into Ecuadorian culture, traditions, and beliefs, and takes great pleasure in seeing her students progress in their knowledge of Spanish. She loves nature, animals, children and music.