Ciao Bella Gente!

I cannot recommend my Italian instructor, Leona, highly enough. When I first began studying with her, I had only the most basic knowledge of the language—simple greetings, scattered vocabulary words, and very little confidence. Thanks to her expertise, patience, and encouragement, I have progressed to the point where I can comfortably carry on full conversations in Italian with native speakers. That transformation still amazes me.

What sets her apart is not just her deep knowledge of the language, but her true gift for teaching. She creates an environment that is both structured and relaxed, where mistakes are welcomed as part of the learning process. Her lessons are engaging, practical, and thoughtfully tailored, balancing grammar, conversation, and cultural insight in a way that makes everything come alive.

Our shared passion for Italian culture has even led us to collaborate professionally. Together, we partnered to offer her students and customers the experience of learning Italian through travel-focused classes hosted at my store, Joe and Son's Olive Oils. (www.joeandsonsoliveoils.com) These gatherings combine language, culture, food, and community, creating a unique and immersive way for people to connect with Italy right here at home.

Beyond weekly classes, I also had the extraordinary opportunity to join her on a ladies-only group language immersion trip to Puglia. It was absolutely fabulous—truly the trip of a lifetime. Every detail was carefully curated to immerse us in the language and culture, from conversations with locals to unforgettable culinary and cultural experiences. We didn't just study Italian; we lived it. The bonds formed, the laughter shared, and the confidence gained made it an experience I will treasure forever.

She is more than a teacher—she is an inspiring guide, a passionate ambassador of Italian culture, and a genuinely wonderful person. I am incredibly grateful for how far she has helped me come, and I look forward to continuing this journey with her. If you are considering learning Italian, you could not be in better hands.

My late father told me once that, as a child, I spoke Italian fluently, better than any member of my family. My maternal grandparents spoke no English but I was able to communicate with them effortlessly. That all changed when my father realized that kindergarten was starting very soon, but I spoke no English. So, everyone spoke only English around me and stopped speaking Italian. As a result, as time progressed, I forgot how to speak Italian.

Fast forward to adulthood. Whenever I would hear Italian spoken, or an Italian song, or would read something with an Italian sentence, it would stir something deep inside me. This was especially true as my wife and I would make many trips to Italy where the language was all around me. On one such trip to Salerno, I resolved that I would learn Italian again.

I signed up for Level 1 with Leona at the Italian Club in Ybor City. I was hooked. I couldn't wait for each class. I began to take weekly Private Lessons with her. I found her to be a patient, kind teacher. I especially enjoyed when she would speak to me in Italian during the lesson, and I was delighted that I began to understand her! Her dedication to her students was paying off for me.

As her classroom time increased, she referred me to her niece Flavia for Private Lessons. Flavia lives in Assisi, Italy and follows her Aunt Leona's curriculum to the letter. I study with her weekly online. I could not be happier with my progress.

I'm one year plus in regarding my lessons. Am I fluent? No, but I am able to read, understand, and speak Italian much better than when I started. I am compelled to keep going with my lessons and will not stop until I am fluent. With such teachers as Leona and Flavia, I know I am in good hands. To those of you reading this and considering studying Italian with Leona, I say "Iniziamo!" Let's Begin!

Learning Italian can be a transformative experience, often beginning in unexpected ways. For me, the passion for the language ignited during a military deployment alongside Italian forces. After years of searching and much trial and error, I finally found an exceptional "insegnante" who turned my dream of speaking Italian into a vibrant reality, proving that with the right teacher, the journey to fluency is achievable.

Leona's teaching method goes beyond traditional instruction, focusing on building confidence through engaging, spirited classes filled with laughter and enjoyable assignments. She establishes a strong foundation, enabling students to master complex language levels effectively. Moreover, she creates the learning conditions which incorporate Italian scenarios, making each lesson feel like a mini vacation to Italy.

Ultimately, Leona's approach to learning Italian inspires not just linguistic excellence but also personal growth. She cultivates a broader sense of confidence and passion that extends into all aspects of life. If you are considering embarking on this linguistic adventure, I hope you seize the moment to experience the profound beauty of learning by Leona's side. Salute!

It has always been on my bucket list to learn to read and speak Italian. In spring 2023, after trying two different apps and an online tutor, I knew that I needed a completely different approach. I was thrilled to find Leona's Italian classes at The Italian Club in Ybor City! In Spring 2023, I began taking Italian with Leona and I continue in her classes to this day.

The teaching approach Leona uses is fresh, fun, and social. She utilizes Italian films and Italian books with in-class analysis for the more advanced levels, along with grammar instruction and exercises. One of my absolute favorite summer classes that Leona offered was an Italian Book Club during which we read and evaluated Il Piccolo Principe (The Little Prince). Leona is truly passionate about teaching Italian. Her classes are great fun with real learning, and truly reflect the energy and passion she devotes to teaching.

"Around April of 2015, I decided once and for all I was going to learn to speak Italian. In large part because my wife-to-be and I were planning our upcoming wedding in Italy. I had already tried learning on my own with books, apps, and Rosetta Stone but hadn’t seen much progress, and I would have been setting myself up for embarrassment if I told an Italian speaker, “I speak Italian.” By that point I knew, short of moving to Italy, the only way I was ever going to really learn Italian was through lessons with an Italian speaker. That’s when I met Leona.

I was lucky to find her because she is a wonderful teacher! We began meeting one-on-one, twice a week. She assessed my Italian and tailored each lesson for me. She was always prepared and made sure to provide me challenging new exercises each week, while also going back to cover my weak points from the lesson before. Leona was also always understanding and willing to accommodate my busy weekly schedule. Her flexibility and patience allowed me to stay on track. She also always made our lessons fun, which helped keep me stay committed. Before long, our conversations were almost exclusively in Italian.

By the time our wedding arrived in August of 2016, I was able to carry a conversation in Italian. Sure, there was still a lot more for me to learn, but it was an exciting accomplishment! I had Leona to thank. And it made our wedding trip to Italy even more amazing.

Following our trip, I continued my weekly lessons. By then, Leona and I had become friends, and I looked forward to each meeting. We’re still studying Italian weekly, and I can’t wait till my young son one day starts his own lessons with Leona. Now more than three years after my first lesson, each month that passes brings more excitement as I realize the strides I’m continuing to make with the Italian language, thanks to Leona!"

"I love visiting Italy but always thought I was missing out some by not being able to speak to the locals in Italian. I have been taking classes (both individual and group) from Leona for 4 years and she is an extremely talented instructor making it easy and enjoyable to learn. She teaches both grammar and everyday speech and is passionate about having her students succeed. She has a true love of Italy and shares that with her students. During my trip to the Dolomites last year, I was speaking some Italian and it made the experience that much better. I plan to continue taking classes from her because I want to continue to learn, I have made good friends and the classes are fun. Grazie mille, Leona!"

"I have always loved Italian language and culture, and I decided to learn the language in advance of a two week trip to Italy. After struggling to use apps like Duolingo and Memrise to improve my speaking abilities, I eventually connected with Leona and began taking lessons from her. Since my trip was focused on the art of winemaking and viticulture, so were our lessons, with an emphasis on ease of communication. The trip was a great experience and I definitely used my newly acquired language skills, although I still have a lot to learn from Leona. Presently I am working to become an Italian citizen and can speak, read, write, and comprehend at a intermediate level, still taking lessons from Leona. She is a great teacher and I recommend her to anyone."

I contacted Leona in 2014, with the hope of learning to speak Italian better. My dream for the near future was to open a business and retire one day in the beautiful land of Italy. Amazingly, that happened!

I made the right choice by committing myself for almost two years to studying Italian, twice a week, with Leona. Her style of teaching was energetic, intense and fun at the same time. She was very flexible with the schedule which helped tremendously with my busy work schedule at the time. She was very excited to help me converse in Italian and was essential in helping me prepare for my present life in Italy. Now I speak Italian fluently and run a Culinary Vacation Program in a large villa in the Roman countryside. It’s the heart of Italy. I enjoy teaching people about the culture, history, and cuisine of Italy, my new home.

Grazie Leona, for helping make my dream come true!

Check out Culinary Vacation Program at http://www.lacucinasabina.com/