Crouch End Lingotot Centre

Hello!

My name is Karen and I operate Lingotot Crouch End, in London. I offer Spanish, Italian and French classes in Crouch End itself (where I live), as well as in Stroud Green and Hampstead.

I am the proud mummy of one little girl, Lucinda Rose, and French Bulldog Fulgencio.

My professional background is in law, but I also have an extensive background in European languages through my early years' education and my further education. I was born in Cartagena, Colombia, and moved to London in the early noughties. Upon moving to London, I practised in the legal profession, initially in criminal law, and then as a litigator in the area of International Travel Litigation, dealing with foreign legal cases for some ten years, all the while using my foreign languages' skills. I then co-founded (with my sister) and was responsible for the international operations of a leather accessories’ brand until I started a family. I have since throroughly enjoyed providing a bilingual upbringing for Lucinda.

I am passionate about languages and the many doors that they open for any one individual, not just professionally, but culturally and therefore in every aspect of their lives. In bringing our daughter up bilingually, I quickly realised that I wanted to pass on my language skills to the newer generations.

I firmly believe that what we learn through love and fun in infancy, we retain for the duration of our lives. Languages open doors to the world and create physiological (in the human brain) and metaphorical (cultural and social) paths for the individual throughout their life. The earlier languages are learnt, the more likely it is that they will be retained in the same way as the mother tongue. Learning them through play and creativity enhances the chances of the child retaining them and developing a keen interest in and fondness for languages for the rest of their lives.

My favourite quote which sums up how I feel about my Lingotot (ad)venture is: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life” - Confucius.

Outside of work, I love reading for myself and to Lucinda in different languages. I also enjoy cooking, taking long walks in the countryside with my family and our beloved dog, Fulgencio. I also love clean, tidy environments (my favourite de-stressing passtime is cleaning - I know...), and enjoy reading about and planning for interior decor.