More than Spanish is an organization dedicated to promoting the teaching, study and use of the Spanish language in Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Our goal is to provide students with a positive and fun first exposure to the Spanish language and its culture.

We use the Natural Approach technique that follows the natural pattern of first language acquisition. It allows the comprehension of the second language before the speech production. The focus is on communication (speaking) instead of form. Speech will emerge naturally when the student is ready, much as it does with children learning to speak their native language.

Our lessons are constructed around five elements: Physical response, songs, games, hands-on activities and culture.

More than Spanish has a professional team of native Spanish speaking "profesores" with University education in a broad number of fields including Psychology, Languages, Elementary Education, and Adult Education. We regularly hold training sessions to improve our teaching methods and incorporate the feedback we receive from students into our classes.

Partial List of Clients
Presently, our programs are available throughout the North Shore and Merrimac Valley, in more than 15 participating schools. Listed below is a sampling of our long time clients:

Veronica Wood - Program Director
Veronica Wood was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador where, in 1992, she received her BS in Child Psychology from the Catholic University of Quito. In Ecuador, Veronica worked for several years as a School Psychologist for grades one through six. She was also the coordinator of various International Exchange Students' Programs. In 2000, she moved to the United States where she began teaching Spanish and started her own language program based upon her extensive experience, intensive training in several methods of children's education and her background as a native speaker. Currently, she also teaches Spanish at the Cape Ann Waldorf School. Senora Veronica believes strongly that all children should have their first exposure to a second language as young as possible giving them the neural development that only takes place at an early age.

Cristina Meissner - Merrimac Valley Director
Born in Quito - Ecuador, Cristina has been teaching Spanish, French and English for over 10 years both in Ecuador and the United States. She graduated from the Central University of Ecuador with a degree in Languages and a Major in Tourism Administration. She obtained the TOELF Certificate of Proficiency in English as a Second Language from the University of California in San Diego and The Diploma De La Lengue Francaise from the Universite Carolique d' Angers in France. Cristina has taught foreign languages in many Pre-Schools and Elementary Schools in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. For Cristina and her husband Rainer, raising their son Nicholas in a bilingual environment has been a positive and rewarding experience.

Fernanda Bevilacqua
Maria Fernanda was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina where she received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Eight years ago she moved to Newburyport, where she currently lives with her husband Chris and two daughters. During the past five years she has enjoyed teaching Spanish in various area schools including pre-schools, elementary schools and day-care centers. She has also offered tutoring to college students and adults. "My husband and I grew up understanding the importance of learning two languages and have made it an integral part of our children's education. We are proud that today they can both communicate effectively in English and Spanish." she says. "It is for this very reason that I enjoy what I do so much, and always strive to provide the best in Spanish teaching."

Mariana Gesualdi
Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mariana has been living in Newburyport for five years. She has taught infants and young children, as well as participated with them in different programs such as music classes, story time, playgroups, etc. "I had the chance to discover how much I enjoy spending my time with young children, how curious children are, and how fast they are able to learn. It is for this reason that I am so excited to be part of the More than Spanish program."

Donna Lodge
Donna Lodge was born in Gloucester, and was raised around education, with both parents in teaching positions. She pursued a degree in education at Philadelphia Biblical University, hoping to do her student-teaching abroad. Not only was she able to student-teach in Mexico (Aug. 2001-Oct. 2001), but also she enjoyed a month long trip to Ecuador during the summer after her sophomore year. After graduating from PBU in December of 2001, Donna returned to Mexico to teach in Puebla and lived there until June of 2003.  From 2003 – 2006 she taught at Faith Christian School in Gloucester, MA, but continued to enjoy various trips to Latin America.  She was a classroom teacher at FCS, but also provided Spanish classes for K4-8th grade. In 2006 Donna returned to Mexico again to teach at the Colegio Americano in Puebla. She taught 49 five to six year olds in a bilingual environment.  onna returned to the States in December of 2007. "I am very excited about teaching with More Than Spanish because I love the philosophy of having fun while learning!"

MBA Maria Del Carmen Moreano - Ecuador Manager