Meet your Spanish Speaking Besties
Sophie Swallow, Founder and CEO
Sophie was the first graduate of a Spanish Speaking bestie program when she came to Guatemala at 18. She met her best friend, Walter, in Guatemala City and she made sure her language skills improved so that they could understand one another better.
A Middlebury Spanish and Education graduate, Sophie is driven to connect others through language. Spanish with Sophie began as her hobby in the pandemic and has now grown more than she could have ever dreamed.
Sophie’s classes are known to be full of laughter, cultural comparison, and more than a little gossip!
Sophie can be found in different cafés around Guatemala City reading a good book or at her husband’s artesanal bakery!
Alejandra Corado, Spanish Teacher
Alejandra joined the Spanish with Sophie team in 2025, and quickly became a student favorite. As someone with friends from all over the world, Ale’s teaching philosophy fit right in.
Alejandra is both a licensed educator and a clinical psychologist, giving her deep perspective on students’ learning goals.
Ale’s classes are full of grammar games, Spanish music and interesting conversation about current events.
Ale can almost always be found with her identical twin, Gaby! Ale is a social butterfly and is the one to ask about any new events in Guatemala City.
Lucía Ochoa, Spanish Teacher
Lucía joined the Spanish with Sophie team in 2026, full of new ideas for the students. As a dedicated educator and a mother herself, Lucía knew just how important bilingualism can be.
Lucía is a psychologist and a licensed teacher by trade, but also expresses herself through poetry and art. Her thoughtful nature brings a depth to her classes.
Lucía’s classes are full of deep conversations, advanced grammar, and new persepctihves on life.
Lucía can be found in Guatemala City with her daughters. Ask her about her most recent art exhibit!
Odalys Ciprano, Social Media Growth Coordinator
Odalys joined our team originally as our curriculum consultant for the children’s program, Palabra por Palabra. From there, she signed on to help run the back office side of things.
Odalys is a licensed educator with special diplomas in pyschological first aid and learning difference. She’s a go getter in every sense of the word.
Odalys is behind all of the posts you see on social media: both the funny ones and the educational ones. Send a video her way if you think it fits our brand!
Odalys can be found reading or out in the woods with her puppy, Bingo. She’s up for a hike or a good catch up coffee whenever!
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