Our Story
Rachel Gamarra, Founder
At Cielito Spanish, I believe learning a language is more than memorizing words. It is a doorway to new cultures, curiosity, and lasting connections. When my family moved to our little slice of Oklahoma, I noticed that there were very few enrichment programs and activities for preschoolers. At the same time, many schools outside major cities struggle to find and keep qualified Spanish teachers. That is why I created Cielito Spanish: to bring play-based Spanish enrichment into early learning classrooms at an affordable price.
My own love for languages began in kindergarten while being homeschooled. My mother gave me a Spanish storybook with a cassette tape, and it quickly became one of my favorite subjects. It inspired a lifelong interest in foreign languages and foreign lands. That early spark led me to earn a Master of Arts in Modern Languages from the University of Texas at Arlington and to pursue doctoral studies in Spanish Literature and Applied Linguistics at Texas Tech University.
Living in Peru for five years also shaped my vision. My two oldest children attended preschool and kindergarten there, and I was inspired by the child-centered approach to education, which emphasized creativity, play, and curiosity.
The mission of Cielito Spanish is rooted in the Christian call to share our time, talent, and treasure. Time dedicated to teaching and mentoring children, sharing one's talent in language learning and education to form young minds, and treasure—investing our family’s own resources—to making this program accessible.
Cielito Spanish is family owned and family inspired, guided by faith, hope, and charity.