Meet Hannah
I started learning Spanish at 12 years old, but real fluency came later, through immersion, real conversations and building a life in Mexico speaking Spanish every day. I have now been coaching Spanish for 19 years.
I know what it feels like to freeze in Spanish
Even after years of studying Spanish, I still remember:
- mentally translating everything
- feeling nervous speaking
- struggling to understand native speakers
- worrying about making mistakes
That experience completely shaped how I coach today.
Real fluency happened through real life
Spanish became real for me through:
That is why Speak Better Spanish focuses on communication, confidence and real-world fluency, not just grammar memorization.
Credentials and experience
- Started learning Spanish at age 12
- Studied abroad in Salamanca, Spain
- BA in International Languages and Cultures (Spanish), St. Mary's College of Maryland, 2011
- Has lived in Galicia, Spain, and in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico
- Based in Monterrey since 2019
- Founded Speak Better Spanish in 2014
- 19+ years teaching Spanish and 3,300+ live sessions coached
How I coach
Confidence first
Build comfort speaking naturally.
Real-life Mexican Spanish
Learn how people actually communicate.
Conversation focused
Practice real communication from day one.
Cultural fluency
Understand the meaning behind the language.
Where I fit
The SBS Fluency Ecosystem
Speak Better Spanish is a guided fluency ecosystem. Students grow through real conversations, more than one native speaker and the different ways real people talk. Explore the SBS Method →
Outside of coaching
When I am not coaching, you will usually find me hiking in the mountains around Monterrey, traveling around the world, scuba diving, or exploring local cafés and culture around Mexico. Spanish became part of my real life long before it became my business.
Real students. Real progress.
Hannah assured me one day it will start to click but I was convinced I would never master the language. […] [Recently] I had a full conversation with a worker who was pointing and repairing my windows. He spoke no English and the boss was not on site. I understood almost everything this man was explaining about the work and was even able to ask questions without having to resort to Sr. Google! I felt so proud of myself! It clicked!
This is by far the BEST online ( or non-online) Spanish learning course I have experienced. Hannah,being a fluent non-native Spanish speaker, understands the trials and tribulations of learning Spanish as she has experienced them herself during her journey to master Spanish.
Hannah has been an absolute pleasure to work with she is very diligent and a great teacher. I have been trying to learn Spanish for years and I have never had as much success as when I am with her classes are always fun and done very properly.
It is great having Hannah as an instructor because she is able to do what native spanish speakers aren't: she is answers the question – Why? It can be confusing and frustrating learning spanish but Hannah has helped to make sense of it. Thanks Hannah!
Questions about working with Hannah
Who is Hannah Pinkerton?
Hannah Pinkerton is the founder and Lead Fluency Coach of Speak Better Spanish. She is from the US, started learning Spanish at 12, studied abroad in Salamanca, Spain, and earned a BA in International Languages and Cultures (Spanish) from St. Mary's College of Maryland. She lives in Monterrey, Mexico, and teaches adults online over Zoom.
Is Hannah a native Spanish speaker?
No. Hannah learned Spanish herself, first in school and then through immersion while living in Spain and Mexico. That is why she understands the freeze so many adult learners feel when it is their turn to speak, and it is a big part of how she coaches.
Who does Hannah work best with?
Hannah works with adults. She is the best fit for beginners, nervous speakers, adults restarting Spanish after years away, and learners who understand a lot but struggle to speak.
What kind of Spanish does Hannah teach?
Everyday spoken Spanish with a focus on Mexican Spanish and the culture around it: how people actually talk, the expressions they use, and what is polite, casual or rude in each context.
How do I start coaching with Hannah?
Book a free Roadmap Session. It is a no-cost call on Zoom where Hannah looks at where your Spanish is now, what is blocking you and the fastest path to real conversations.
You don't need perfect Spanish to start communicating
Free, on Zoom. No pressure, no commitment and no payment info. You leave with a plan either way.
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