About Espáñate | Spanish Enrichment for Kids in New York
Espáñate began in 2014, when our founder, Michelle Piccone, moved from Spain to New York City, bringing with her five years of experience as an early childhood language teacher of English and Spanish. In a city as diverse and curious as New York, she found families and schools eager to embrace both the Spanish language and the culture it carries.
Starting by teaching in preschools herself, she quickly built strong relationships — many of which continue today, more than a decade later. As demand grew, she began training new teachers in her immersive method: classes filled with role play, games, songs, and movement that help children understand and speak Spanish naturally, from day one.
By 2019, Espáñate had expanded into 15 centers across the city. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the program not only endured but grew — today reaching 30 centers. In 2018, we enriched our offerings by adding Yoga and Zumba in both English and Spanish, giving children a joyful way to learn language, move their bodies, and experience culture all at once.
About Us
At Espáñate, we believe language and movement are gateways to confidence, culture, and connection. For over a decade, we’ve been bringing Spanish to life at New York classrooms and homes — sparking joy and curiosity in children through music, games, and movement.
Our Mission & Values
Our mission is simple: to make Spanish joyful, natural, and meaningful from the very start.
We value:
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Joy & Play – every child learns best when they’re having fun.
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Culture & Connection – Spanish is more than words; it’s a window to the world.
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Trust & Care – schools and families can count on our professionalism and experience.
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Excellence – highly trained teachers who inspire children to thrive.
Meet Our Team
Michelle Piccone
Director and Spanish teacher
Hello! I am Michelle. I'm a Spanish teacher and the Director of Espáñate. I have a degree in Education and I'm specialized in teaching Spanish to children and adults. With 20 years of experience in bilingual education, and 11 of these years in NYC, teaching at preschools, elementary schools, high schoolers, professionals, and preparing for SAT exams, I have mastered the way to explain the language and grammar in a simple way for Americans to learn fast and start speaking Spanish from day one! I now oversee the company to deliver excellence and professionalism to our clients, and I teach Spanish online.
Maye Hurtado
Spanish Program Director and online Spanish teacher
Hello! My name is Maye. I hold a PhD in Music. Teaching children is my passion. As a teacher, I strive to innovate in pedagogical tools that allow children, through music and movement, to connect with the language in a natural and engaging way. My goal is to make every class a sensory experience where rhythm, singing, and play become bridges to learning.
Raquel Diaz-Fernandez
Spanish teacher
Hello! I am Raquel Diaz-Fernandez, a teacher from the heart of Spain, born near its capital, Madrid.
I am thrilled to be able to teach Spanish to the future minds of our city through lessons that combine a methodical teaching with artistry. The beat of a drum accompanies the learning experience in which children are able to sing vocabulary and perfect their pronunciation, building an effective understanding and strong memorization.
Mariela Fernandez
Spanish teacher
Hello! My name is Mariela, Spanish teacher ✨
I love making my classes fun, creative, and full of activities that motivate children to learn naturally. Through games, songs, stories, and interactive activities, I help each student feel motivated and enjoy the learning process. My approach is tailored to the age, interests, and level of each group of students, so they can connect with the language through practice and excitement.
Florencia Mendez
Spanish teacher
Hi my name is Florencia. I hold an Associate in Arts and Education. I am currently pursuing my studies in Early Childhood and Special Education. I have always loved working with young children, helping them learn in a caring environment. As a Mexican bilingual educator I take pride in teaching Spanish and sharing my culture. I believe that language and cultural diversity enriches the classroom and develops creative thinking and problem solving skills in children. I am passionate about making a positive impact in children’s lives.
Helen Harrichard
Yoga teacher
Hello! My name is Helen. I am a vibrant and passionate kid yoga teacher and contemporary ballet dancer dedicated to nurturing mindfulness and creativity in children. With a background in child development, therapeutic infants massage and a love for dance movement, I bring a playful approach to yoga, making each class a fun adventure. I believe in the power of yoga to foster confidence, emotional awareness, and resilience in young minds. My mission is to inspire kids to connect with themselves and the world around them through the joy of yoga.
Ponnapa Smith
Yoga teacher
Hi, I am Ponnapa, a 500 hr Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher. I love teaching kids yoga because helping little humans stretch, breathe, and giggle is pure magic. Through fun movement and simple mindfulness, I guide kids to notice their big feelings and find calm inside themselves. Seeing their faces light up when they discover their own superpower of calm is the best part of my day