Rafael Arellano
Executive Director, Founder and Spanish Instructor
Rafael was born in Cuernavaca, México, the City of the Eternal Spring. He started teaching Spanish when he was 16 years old and is still doing it at Edúcate Ya. He received a BA in Pastoral Ministries from Marylhurst University, and did his graduate studies in Theology at Mt. Angel. He has been an advocate for education among Latinos, has offered opportunities for those that are interested in learning Spanish and about Latino cultures, and has provided the opportunity to study abroad. He has a MA in Spanish Literature and has taught in four community colleges in the Portland area. He is the founder and executive director of Educate Ya.
Executive Director, Founder and Spanish Instructor
Rafael was born in Cuernavaca, México, the City of the Eternal Spring. He started teaching Spanish when he was 16 years old and is still doing it at Edúcate Ya. He received a BA in Pastoral Ministries from Marylhurst University, and did his graduate studies in Theology at Mt. Angel. He has been an advocate for education among Latinos, has offered opportunities for those that are interested in learning Spanish and about Latino cultures, and has provided the opportunity to study abroad. He has a MA in Spanish Literature and has taught in four community colleges in the Portland area. He is the founder and executive director of Educate Ya.
Daniel Alfaro Blanco
Executive Assistant and Academic Coordinator
Executive Assistant and Academic Coordinator
Robin Stump
Program Coodinator / Volunteer
Program Coodinator / Volunteer
Emma Ambroziak
Grants Writer
Hola! I'm Emma. I grew up in Denver, Colorado, where I learned to speak Spanish in a bilingual Montessori school. I continued studying the language into college, and lived in Granada, Spain for a semester. I graduated from Lewis & Clark College with two degrees — one in Hispanic Studies and one in English Literature, with a concentration in creative nonfiction writing. With a background in journalism, education, and sexual health advocacy, it's exciting to put my writing skills to use and secure funding for a non-profit whose many programs align with my values.
Outside of work, I'm also an older sister, a jewelry artist, a bookworm, a skier, a climber, and a cat mom. Very Portland. I'm grateful to live in this quirky city and to work with Edúcate Ya, where I learn so much on a daily basis, keep my Spanish language skills sharp, and am surrounded by kind, welcoming people.
Grants Writer
Hola! I'm Emma. I grew up in Denver, Colorado, where I learned to speak Spanish in a bilingual Montessori school. I continued studying the language into college, and lived in Granada, Spain for a semester. I graduated from Lewis & Clark College with two degrees — one in Hispanic Studies and one in English Literature, with a concentration in creative nonfiction writing. With a background in journalism, education, and sexual health advocacy, it's exciting to put my writing skills to use and secure funding for a non-profit whose many programs align with my values.
Outside of work, I'm also an older sister, a jewelry artist, a bookworm, a skier, a climber, and a cat mom. Very Portland. I'm grateful to live in this quirky city and to work with Edúcate Ya, where I learn so much on a daily basis, keep my Spanish language skills sharp, and am surrounded by kind, welcoming people.
Instructors
Diego
Spanish and ESL All levels
Pronouns: he/him/el Languages Spoken: English, Spanish, Portuguese
Hola! Soy Diego! I hold a degree in Journalism from Universidad Autonoma de Occidente in Cali - Colombia where I'm originally from. My experience includes Public Relations, working with educational programs for studying abroad, and teaching languages. I consider myself a passionate traveler and hiker who loves nature. That's why I decided to explore Brazil for twelve years. There, I studied applied linguistics and started my career as a language teacher. I have taught English, Spanish, and Portuguese for the last 10 years, focusing my classes primarily on conversation. I believe that language learning is most effective when students use vocabulary and grammar structures to discuss their experiences and talk about their reality. Drawn by the vibrant and eclectic atmosphere, I decided to moved to Portland, where I quickly fell in love with the city's unique vibe.
Spanish and ESL All levels
Pronouns: he/him/el Languages Spoken: English, Spanish, Portuguese
Hola! Soy Diego! I hold a degree in Journalism from Universidad Autonoma de Occidente in Cali - Colombia where I'm originally from. My experience includes Public Relations, working with educational programs for studying abroad, and teaching languages. I consider myself a passionate traveler and hiker who loves nature. That's why I decided to explore Brazil for twelve years. There, I studied applied linguistics and started my career as a language teacher. I have taught English, Spanish, and Portuguese for the last 10 years, focusing my classes primarily on conversation. I believe that language learning is most effective when students use vocabulary and grammar structures to discuss their experiences and talk about their reality. Drawn by the vibrant and eclectic atmosphere, I decided to moved to Portland, where I quickly fell in love with the city's unique vibe.
Rafael Arellano
Spanish All levels Grammar
Spanish All levels Grammar
Michael Poehner
ESL (English as a Second Language) all levels
Hello! Originally from the East Coast, I hold a master’s degree in French from Middlebury College in Vermont and bring a deep passion for languages and the cultural insights they provide. I am fluent in French, English, and Spanish, with experience teaching all three. My background includes teaching English in France and living in Quebec, where I immersed myself in Francophone culture. For nearly nine years, Portland has been my home, and I’ve loved sharing my enthusiasm for language learning and cultural exchange with the community.
ESL (English as a Second Language) all levels
Hello! Originally from the East Coast, I hold a master’s degree in French from Middlebury College in Vermont and bring a deep passion for languages and the cultural insights they provide. I am fluent in French, English, and Spanish, with experience teaching all three. My background includes teaching English in France and living in Quebec, where I immersed myself in Francophone culture. For nearly nine years, Portland has been my home, and I’ve loved sharing my enthusiasm for language learning and cultural exchange with the community.
Ana Ramirez
Spanish and ESL (English as a Second Language) all levels
Hi! I’m Ana, originally from the south of Spain. My love for languages inspired me to pursue a degree in English Philology at the University of Seville. Before coming to Portland, I spent a year living in Germany—an amazing experience that allowed me to immerse myself in the culture and explore its stunning castles and charming medieval towns.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my dog, Charlie. I enjoy going for walks, watching movies, reading, working out at the gym, and meeting new people. Since moving to Portland, I’ve felt very welcomed; I’ve made wonderful American friends and really appreciate how open-minded and kind people are here.
I’m grateful to be teaching Spanish at Educate Ya, a place where learning goes both ways—my students learn from me, and I learn from them too.
Spanish and ESL (English as a Second Language) all levels
Hi! I’m Ana, originally from the south of Spain. My love for languages inspired me to pursue a degree in English Philology at the University of Seville. Before coming to Portland, I spent a year living in Germany—an amazing experience that allowed me to immerse myself in the culture and explore its stunning castles and charming medieval towns.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my dog, Charlie. I enjoy going for walks, watching movies, reading, working out at the gym, and meeting new people. Since moving to Portland, I’ve felt very welcomed; I’ve made wonderful American friends and really appreciate how open-minded and kind people are here.
I’m grateful to be teaching Spanish at Educate Ya, a place where learning goes both ways—my students learn from me, and I learn from them too.