Our Mission
Amigos and More® believes that children and adults can expand their thinking and experiences through guided enrichment programs designed to promote self expression, self esteem and sense of achievement. Committed to the students we serve, we strive to develop, maintain and improve the programs we offer. We operate on the fundamental principles of service, enrichment, innovation and quality.

Background
Amigos & More® was established in 1996 from a perceived need for Spanish Language instruction at the elementary school level. Initially offered as an after school program, we quickly expanded to serve many schools with in school curriculum Spanish programs. Additionally, our after school programming expanded to include art, hand-sewing, clay play as well as Spanish. A program for preschoolers evolved as the parents requested Spanish for their preschoolers.

The growing need for adults to cut through the [Spanish] language barrier has prompted us to offer Spanish for the workplace as well as Spanish for travelers and tourists. The goal is improving relationships and building bridges between Hispanics and non-Hispanics.

Meet the Founders

Veronica Pineda is a native of Nicaragua, Central America. She came to the United States to attend college at age 17. Her background includes 2 years of Elementary Education, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of New Orleans. She is mother of 3 children and has been co- director/owner of Amigos & More® since 1996. Veronica currently serves as the curriculum coordinator and oversees the teaching staff and training functions within the business.

Gladys Benitez-Reilly was born of first generation Latin American parents; her mother from Paraguay, South America, and her father from Venezuela, South America. Being raised with Spanish spoken in the home Gladys developed a love and interest in the language and enjoyed a foreign language exchange program in Vera Cruz, Mexico during her college years at Kent State University. Gladys has a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Language and a Master of Education degree from Kent State University. She is mother of 4 children and has been co-director/owner of Amigos & More® since 1996. Gladys is focused on business development, marketing, PR and sales.