Our team

At Smiles we understand that educators are the most important part of our project, and for that reason we ensure we employ only the best people. Not only our staff are experienced and fully qualified, they are also bilingual English speakers.
For us each child is unique and has individual interests and needs, and therefore working with lower child to teacher ratios becomes essential to provide the necessary support that can guarantee high quality, personalised teaching. Our ratios are 1/4 in the babies room and 1/6 in the toddlers/pre-schoolers room.

LAUREN BUDD
Deputy Manager
Early Years Teacher

I am a TEFL-qualified nursery teacher from London with over 6 years experience teaching English and working with children both in Spain and across the globe, from Asia to South America.

I have worked in Barcelona for 4 years, gaining valuable experience in different schools, making children´s learning a fun, motivating experience; teaching in an encouraging way to learn independently.

Something of vital importance for me is that children are enjoying themselves and engaged in their surroundings. This enables them to truly explore all of their senses and get the most out of their abilities. I am especially aware of how communication is key in ensuring a child’s sense of safety and security… and how a smile can go a long way! 

Being raised in England and personally not having much exposure to other languages as a child has only increased my dedication to my job in relation to developing language skills.

GEMA DORADO
Early Years Teacher

I am a passionate and nurturing educator with an extensive teaching experience. In the past 15 years I have been working in nurseries in London, an experience that has given me the ability to create unique and engaging range of activities that improve children`s learning and behavioral skills, as well as building their confidence and independence. 

I am truly passionate about children´s learning, and working in such a vibrant and international city as London has provided me with a world of resources and tools to provide stimulating classroom environments that are diverse to accommodate all learning styles.

During my teaching journey, I have worked alongside many educators with distinct styles and approaches, which have enabled me to hand, pick and create my very own methods. 

I have also had the privilege to work alongside Sergio in London for nearly 10 years, being part of Smiles creation from the very beginning.

BEATRICE CATARINA
Early Years Teacher

I was born in Italy and raised in between there and the United Kingdom. Growing up in a bilingual environment taught me how to adapt to new cultures and gave me a unique perspective and a thrill for travel I still have today. I’m an Italian and Spanish major, spending my twenties teaching in many different types of public schools, nurseries and private academies

I really believe that for children to learn a language fluently they have to feel stimulated to want to communicate and express themselves!

After teaching using various different methods, my approach is to present the language naturally in a ludic sense through art, music, dance and games.

I am happy to find my place in Barcelona and part of the Smiles team, where all staff is likeminded in their approach to make children feel safe, cared for and motivated to explore this new exciting world around them. 

EMMA ELEY
Early Years Teacher Assistant

Born into a large, loving family in the north of England, I was raised from a young age to always help and care for those around me. This is something that I truly believe has shaped me into the person I am today.

Having gained a wide range of experience as an Educator in different settings, from my time spent volunteering for an NGO in schools in rural Uganda to time spent teaching in private academies in Spain, I have now been lucky enough to call sunny Barcelona my home for one year.

With a genuine desire to provide an engaging, formative and fun learning environment for children, I am passionate about helping children succeed in all aspects of their development. For me, watching children grow and learn new skills in the classroom is an incredibly rewarding experience. Outside of the classroom, I am a keen baker and love nothing more than whisking up treats for everyone! 

ANDREA ROSALES
Early Years Teacher Assistant

Born in Mexico and raised in the United States, I discovered the value of learning another language from a very young age. With English, I gained access to a whole other culture which ingrained in me a passion for learning. Having personally experienced Montessori schooling in my early years, I deeply believe in the magic of encouraging children to learn at their own pace and in their own way. To me, there is nothing more powerful as an “I believe in you” and “I’m here for you”. For me, these phrases are not only at the core of learning but also at the core of emotional growth. I have a Bachelors’ Degree in psychology and have just finished a Masters’ in Humanist Psychotherapy in Barcelona. I speak French proficiently and have experience working with children at an early stimulation gym and individual tutoring. Truthfully, I’ve always dreamed of working at a school where I could not only apply my knowledge of early child development but also accompany children in a journey of discovery and transformation. Barcelona and Smiles have offered me a home I am very fond of and keen to represent. I proudly look forward to teaching and learning from little minds that create big ideas.

LAURA MARTINEZ
Early Years Teacher Assistant

Born and raised in sunny Barcelona, I believe that being surrounded by so many different cultures from a very young age lit a spark of curiosity in me. That is probably why I became interested in language(s) and language learning, which led me to become an English major. I then spent some time living abroad in the UK to enhance my knowledge and experience further.

Being raised in a large family (and being one of the older members) I experienced first-hand how enriching it is for a child to be surrounded by other children, and how much they can learn. Now as an adult, I am passionate about building an environment where children feel comfortable and safe.

Joining the Smiles English Kids team has allowed me to combine all of my passions into one: a place where I can encourage children to discover the world around them in a safe and fun way and also to introduce a new language naturally. Being a part of their journey is very rewarding!

SAOIRSE KAY
Early Years Teacher Assistant

I am a TEFL qualified teacher from Ireland, with an International Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Irish Language Studies. I have also completed studies in Early Childhood Learning and Childhood and Youth Education, and I have always known I wanted to work with young children, to watch them learn and grow in confidence in a stimulating environment. I have spent time teaching English to students ranging from 3 -15 years old which has given me a keen awareness of the variety of different ways in which children learn and helped me to develop my own style. Before living in Barcelona I gained additional work experience with children in a bilingual primary school, and at an after-school club in a nursery.

I believe early childhood learning provides children with an excellent foundation as they begin their academic journey. I have a keen interest in learning new languages and exploring other cultures and intend to make Barcelona my home. I am very happy to join the Smiles team and work alongside teachers who are also dedicated to providing a safe, caring and stimulating learning environment for all the children.

VICTORIA FAIRLIE
Early Years Teacher Assistant

Born and bred in Scotland, I knew from a young age that I had a passion for working with children. For as long as I can remember, I dreamt of becoming one of the many teachers that inspired me with their kindness and generosity. Through these experiences of my own, it is imperative to me now as a teacher that each child feels safe, loved and nurtured.  I really do believe that passion is contagious!

I have over 7 years experience in teaching English across Spain to a multitude of ages, ranging from 2-82! Working in schools, academies and as a private tutor has taught me a plethora of different teaching methods and has allowed me to build upon skills that are invaluable to me here at Smiles. There truly is nothing more rewarding that watching children develop and thrive in their environment, and all with smiles on their faces! 

SARA PALMERO
Early Years Teacher Assistant

Born and raised in a small town near Barcelona, ​​I have lived surrounded by nature and adventures, always accompanied by my brothers and family.

Since I was little, I already knew that I wanted to work with children. I remember playing teacher with my little sister so I could teach her everything I had learned at school that day.

I have trained in performing arts and I believe that we can always use these in our work, to let our creativity flow.

Currently, I am studying Early Childhood Education and I have worked as an English teacher in different private schools.

A very important part of my experience is the years that I spent as a volunteer in a Scout Group, where I was able to work with children in nature promoting their independence, positive values ​​and above all, at each child´s own rhythm.

I am very happy to be part of the Smiles English Kids family, where I can combine my two great passions: Arts and Education. How nice it is to learn this way!