About Learn Spanish Chicago

Building connection, confidence, and community through language.

Our Story

Learn Spanish Chicago was born from a vision: to build a kinder, more connected community through one of the world’s most powerful languages.

Spanish is more than a language, it is a bridge between cultures, histories, and ideas. Shaped by over 21 countries, it carries identity, creativity, and connection within every word.

Since 2023, we have developed our approach through hands-on experience in both public and private schools, teaching Spanish through a Total Communication method that integrates image, sound, voice, movement, and even American Sign Language.

We discovered that when students engage their senses and emotions, learning becomes natural. Interest grows, confidence builds, and memory lasts.

What began as a teaching approach has grown into a structured, joyful learning experience that students carry with them far beyond the classroom.

A woman with glasses and a name badge standing in a classroom, smiling and making a dance move with her arms, next to a television screen displaying animated characters, with children sitting and watching in the foreground.

Meet The Founders

Learn Spanish Chicago was created by a husband-and-wife team with a shared passion for language, community, and meaningful learning. Their combined experience shapes programs that are both structured and deeply personal.

A woman with short dark hair and gold earrings smiling outdoors, wearing a cream-colored cardigan, standing in a grassy park area with trees and a cloudy sky in the background.
A smiling man with glasses and a shaved head, wearing a blue quilted jacket, outdoors with a blurred background of trees and greenery.

Suhey Romano
Co-Founder & Program Director

Suhey leads the teaching and program design at Learn Spanish Chicago. As an Education graduate with a background in Business Administration and certifications in Early Childhood and Parent Education, she combines educational expertise, strategic thinking, and creativity to create engaging and effective Spanish learning experiences for children and families.

In her work as a social worker, she supports Spanish-speaking individuals and families, which has given her a deep understanding of how language builds connection, confidence, and access to resources.

Originally from Venezuela, Suhey is passionate about teaching Spanish in a way that feels natural, engaging, and rooted in real communication. Her approach focuses on strong language foundations, proper grammar, and helping students feel confident expressing themselves.

She is also trained in American Sign Language (ASL), which informs the multi-sensory approach used throughout the programs.

Salim Gonzalez
Co-Founder & CEO

Salim supports the growth and operations of Learn Spanish Chicago. With a background in Business Administration and accounting, he helps ensure the organization runs smoothly and continues to grow with intention.

He works within a special education organization that prioritizes individualized support, structure, and confidentiality. His experience reinforces the importance of thoughtful, student-centered program development.

Originally from Venezuela, Salim believes that language creates opportunity, connection, and understanding, both personally and professionally.

Logo for 'Learn Spanish - Have Fun' featuring a cartoon girl, a smiling yellow background, and a pencil.
Logo for Spanish Summer Camp by Learn Spanish Program, featuring a cartoon girl with sunglasses, a yellow sun and banner background.
Colorful logo for 'Spanish Fun Zone' with cartoon girl, red and yellow text, and a black background.
A logo with the text 'LEARN SPANISH FOR FOUNDTION' in bold, blue and red letters.

Learn More About Our Programs

JoAnn Avery

Youth Development / Community Engagement Program Manager

Family Focus Evanston

A woman leading a fitness or dance class with young children in a room with a clock on the wall, a large screen on a stand, and some ceiling vents and emergency equipment.
A woman and a young boy are sitting at a table, coloring Christmas-themed paper decorations. The woman is wearing a white hoodie with colorful rainbow stripes on the sleeve, and the boy is wearing glasses and a white shirt with blue palm tree patterns. Various coloring tools and scissors are scattered on the table, along with finished paper snowmen.
Two children with glasses and headbands decorated with colorful markings, coloring and drawing with markers on paper at a table filled with markers and art supplies in a classroom setting.

Learn Spanish Foundation

The Learn Spanish Foundation was created to expand access to language learning within the community and to create opportunities for cross-cultural connection. Through the foundation, free classes, events, and community-based programs are offered to ensure that Spanish learning is accessible to more people, regardless of background.

Suhey regularly provides free Spanish lessons to members of the Black community, creating spaces for learning, dialogue, and mutual understanding. At its core, the foundation exists to challenge stereotypes, build bridges between communities, and demonstrate the value of bilingualism in everyday life.

Because language is more than communication; it’s a connection.

Learn more

Contact Us

Interested in Spanish classes, camps, or enrichment programs? Send us a message to learn how we can support your school, organization, or family. We can’t wait to hear from you!