Stanley Ch, 2024 Seattle-

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I am a retired university professor who has flirted with Spanish for 20 years . . . unsuccessfully. And then I “met” Mary Loza, my Spanish muse. Mary has guided, encouraged, and cajoled me and at long last, I am on my way to Spanish competency (dare I dream . . . fluency). Mary is a supremely gifted teacher — friendly, engaging, non-threatening, and non-judgmental. She understands how beginning language learners are verbally guarded and timid and she leads you patiently and gently to overcome your fears of “sounding silly.” I find that I’m exhilarated if I’ve done a good job in one of our hour-long sessions. And I’m sure to do my homework so that I can make our hour together worthwhile. On a personal level, Mary is an absolutely delightful person to chat with — both in English and Spanish. She’s a gem!