Learn Spanish Online with Doce Lunas
Doce Lunas, which means “twelve moons” in Spanish, is an online Spanish school for highly motivated students aiming to reach fluency in just one year. At Doce Lunas Spanish, I help dedicated students learn Spanish online through a proven, immersive program designed to build both fluency and confidence fast. My goal is simple: to empower you to speak Spanish with ease in real-life situations.
¡Hola! I’m Daphne, your Guide to Spanish Fluency
With over 25 years of studying Spanish and 18 years teaching students around the world, I’ve developed a proven, results-driven method to help learners speak Spanish confidently. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your skills, I provide personalized coaching and structured guidance to ensure your success. If you’re ready to achieve your dream of speaking Spanish fluently, get in touch to schedule a consultation.
I have studied Spanish for over 25 years. I taught middle and high school Spanish for the NYC Department of Education for 10 years and have been teaching private Spanish lessons for 8 years. I believe wholeheartedly in experiential learning. After a high school summer studying Spanish and living with a host family in Costa Rica, I fell in love with the language and the opportunities it offers. I earned my BA in Spanish from Lawrence University, where I spent a year abroad attending the University of Granada in Spain. I went on to earn my Master’s in Spanish Language and Literature from Lehman College, graduating with honors from both universities.
I started my teaching career as a New York City Teaching Fellow, teaching middle school Spanish in the Bronx. After three years, I made the decision to transition to high school and began teaching young women from all over the world in Astoria, Queens. Passionate about sharing my love for cultural immersion with my students, I co-founded the Junior Year Study Abroad program, leading trips of 45-70 students to Spain, Morocco, Italy, England, and France. I took advantage of summers off, engaging in my own travel study of the ancient cultures in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Mexico, as well as indigenous people and their contributions in Panama, Chile, and Brazil.
In 2016, I took a year off from teaching to immerse myself in Spanish in Santiago, Chile, where I taught English to Chileans and connected with Venezuelan refugees, aligning my work with my values. Soon after, I extended my travels and left NYC to cycle tour through Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru. After two incredible years in South America, I traveled to Costa Rica to complete a Spanish Yoga Teacher Training, planning to continue traveling through Central America as a volunteer yoga teacher. The pandemic threw a curveball in my plans, however, and I returned to the US more passionate than ever about sharing the gift of speaking Spanish with others. I believe in engaging, student-centered education that makes learning come alive, and I hope to have an opportunity to share my passion for Spanish language and culture with you, opening your world in the same way that foreign language study has opened mine.
I currently reside in Sonoma County, where I enjoy gardening, hiking, biking, practicing yoga, playing guitar, and volunteering as an interpreter at holistic health clinics. I delight in the joy of being able to connect with the vibrant local Latino community here.
Learn Spanish the Way It’s Meant to Be Learned!
Doce Lunas isn’t about memorizing grammar rules or endless vocabulary drills. We focus on:
Real communication in everyday Spanish
Intensive practice that builds confidence fast
Personalized instruction tailored to your goals
A results-driven approach that keeps you progressing
We believe language learning should be engaging, practical, and fun, so you stay motivated and reach fluency faster.
Are You a Perfect Fit for Doce Lunas?
The Ideal Doce Lunas Student…
🌝 …is committed to his/her/their language learning journey. Are you ready to commit to one year of Spanish lessons?
🌝 …has an intrinsic motivation for learning the language. What is your WHY?
🌝 …wants to take his/her/their Spanish out into the world. You value the life-enriching power of cross-cultural connection.
🌝 …is courageous. You are willing to push past the initial discomfort/insecurity and give your best effort.
🌝 …is dedicated. You are ready to put in at least 15 (ideally 30) minutes of Spanish study every day.
🌝 …is curious. You come to class with questions and are eager to deepen your understanding of Spanish language and culture.
🌝 …has a sense of humor - let’s have fun! Maintaining a positive mindset will help your brain engage with the material more easily, accelerating your progress.
Proven Results for Students Who Want to Speak Spanish
Learners who have progressed from beginner to fluent through our intensive program gain:
Confidence in speaking from day one
Structured guidance that keeps them on track
Personalized lessons based on individual goals
Long-lasting fluency without wasting time on ineffective methods