Our founder, Gladys's knowledge of Spanish began when she learned from her parents, both immigrants from South America (Venezuela and Paraguay).  After graduating from high school, Gladys studied deaf education at Kent State University and went on to teach at the Boston School for the Deaf.  Gladys married and started a family where she became a stay-at-home mom to her four children.  As they aged, she wanted to contribute financially and wondered, "What do I know how to do?  Teach.  Spanish.  Teach Spanish!"  She found that she could teach Spanish during or after school; either way, her children would be with her. With family at the top of the list of priorities, she began teaching Spanish as an after school program.  It wasn't long before she began receiving requests for Spanish during school hours.  Gladys saw a need for effective part time Spanish teachers so she and a business partner started Viva Spanish!® officially in 1996 - with just three schools!  It was then that Gladys began building Viva Spanish! from the ground up by implementing her knowledge of educational techniques and practices.  She found joy and excitement in introducing and promoting the program to schools and doubled clients yearly for the first five years after Viva Spanish! began!

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After a few years in corporate America, Hannah (one of Gladys's daughters), decided that sector wasn't for her.  Gladys took a chance on Hannah - believed in her personally and professionally - again.  Previously, at 5 years old, Hannah had been an administrative assistant for Viva Spanish!® in 1996 where she was tasked with stamping postcards for 10 cents each!  As she grew and saw Gladys's success in her work and personal life, an entrepreneurial spirit was ignited within Hannah as well.  Hannah began hosting clay classes at the young age of 10!  She would teach other kids to make clay figures at birthday parties and eventually just began to manage the parties as a whole!  Before she knew it, she was teaching clay classes and chaperoning overnights so parents were able to enjoy the party and not lose sleep at night!  Just like Gladys, Hannah saw a need and swiftly filled it!

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In 2015, Hannah joined Viva Spanish! where she quickly excelled as a Spanish teacher.  Hannah has since continued developing the curriculum, specifically our workbooks, digital resources and  overall business plan.  At just 30 years old, in July of 2021, Hannah purchased Viva Spanish! and became the Owner and President!  Today, she oversees and manages all aspects of operations and program development.  Her favorite part of her job, although every day is different, is connecting with the team and knowing her work is impacting the lives of so many from staff through teachers to students!

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Gladys was very successful at bringing effective and worry-free programming to schools throughout Ohio!  Before her retirement in the Summer of 2025, Viva Spanish! was serving 75+ schools while employing over 55 teachers and 9 full-time employees!  Today Gladys remains involved with Viva Spanish! and continues to have fresh ideas for us!  We admire her ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit guided by her ability to take care of her people.  In Hannah's words, "because Gladys created this business out of the necessity of needing to be a parent and creating an income, our team is able to balance life - as a parent, elderly caregiver etc." 

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This Spring marks thirty years of Viva Spanish! being in business.  We now have 9 employees that support more than 55 teachers that provide 562 hours of instruction to over 14,000 students weekly!  In the near future we are planning continued growth through expanding our offerings to new states, offering travel programs and more!  We look forward to building our relationships with current clients and would love to continue our growth and your schools, together!