Why I started Language Empowers

Hi, I’m Gabi and I’ve worked as a foreign language trainer for over 2 decades, in all sorts of schools and with all ages.

In 2021 I decided to jump in the deep end and start Language Empowers. I felt I wanted to work in a personal way in small groups, 5-8 people, to ensure everyone receives the attention they need. Everyone needs a safe space to learn, practice and make mistakes. That is easier when you are part of a small group where you get to know each other, know why you want to improve your language skills and start cracking jokes.

Since learning a language is all about using it in daily life, we spend time on Dutch culture and learning outside the classroom. Together we will look for a way that suits for you, so you can practice and learn independently, which will make your learning experience more sustainable. In the end you need to go out there without your textbook or teacher.

The trainers I work with, are certified professionals with ample experience. They are all familiar with the process of learning a language and they all have their specialties. Whenever possible I try to match the trainer to the student, to make sure everyone has the best possible experience. Scroll down to read more about our trainers.

Gabi te Riele (Owner)

I started teaching Dutch to foreigners as a volunteer when I was at university. When I moved to Italy at 26, I started teaching English too. From that moment on I’ve taught both languages to people of all ages and all sorts of backgrounds. In the process I’ve acquired all the necessary and unnecessary certificates for teaching foreign languages.
My top priorities are: encourage you to try, have fun, hold space and help you jump in the deep end. In the end you are the one who need sto do it, but I’ll be clapping along the sideline, cheering you on.
I speak Italian, Spanish and German and I’m in the process of learning Turkish, so I do know what it feels like to learn a new language.

Because I truly think variety is the spice of life, I also give exam training courses Dutch & English and work as an examiner at mbo. In December 2024 I published Met vriendelijke groet. Zakelijk schrijven voor anderstaligen. with Aleid van de Vooren-Fokma.

 

STAFF

Our Trainers

Marjolein Joossen
NT2 - Dutch

From a young age, I have been fascinated by language and have always had a strong desire to learn as many languages as possible. After completing high school, I went to university and studied Communication and Information Sciences, as well as Educational Sciences.

Since then, I have worked as a copywriter across various sectors, including the medical field.

Additionally, I started teaching Dutch, including at the Dutch Language and Culture School in Costa Rica, where I taught for several years and also became fluent in Spanish. In early 2019, I completed my training to become a Dutch as a Second Language (NT2) teacher. I combine my expertise in the Dutch language with my work as a journalist, editor, and NT2 lecturer for adults.

Belle Mahoney
English

With a lifelong love of language, travel and culture, teaching English has been the perfect way to combine my passions. After living in six countries over the past 15 years, and working with people of all ages, I’ve found my home in beautiful Utrecht.  

I am TEFL certified and hold a degree in English literature with a background in creative writing. My focus is on giving my students the confidence and tools needed to build their skills through fun interaction and practical use of language, while emphasising individual goals. 

Marios Selevistas
NT2 - Dutch

I originally come from Greece and I have been living in the beautiful country of the Netherlands since 2006. I am passionate about learning new languages, so I couldn’t leave learning Dutch out of my scope. That’s why I studied Dutch linguistics, and I have acquired also in the meantime a NT2-teaching degree. 

I teach Dutch at all levels with a specialization at highly educated students who are really in need of make proper use of the language at their working environment of private life. I love applying interesting and funny exercise methods and approaches in my lessons which are mostly related to the culture of the country and reality. What better way to learn a language than implement it immediately to daily life.  

Besides Greek, English and of course Dutch, I am getting my degree in Italian. This makes me really capable of understanding what it takes and how it feels to learn a new language next to a challenging job and a busy life! 

Ellen Dekker
NT2 - Dutch

My choice to study ‘Language and Comparative Literature was based on my love to puzzle and play with the (Dutch) language and have contact with the greatest diversity of people you can imagine. It still gives me lots of joy. Both aspects: language and humans have my full attention, and are always dynamic. 

My motto is to get as much as possible óut of the student. I like to give space to speaking (next to vocabulary and grammar), doing so by asking a lot of questions and adding exercises that support this. 

Furthermore, I find it important to stay close to the learning goals of the student. My programme is never the same but mostly adjusted to a person or a group and current affairs, because learning a language is also going to get deeper in a culture. 

I graduated from Tilburg University with a specialisation in Dutch as a Second Language. I worked as a coordinator and teacher at ROC van Amsterdam and later on as a careers counselor. Advising people what study to choose is also a great interest of mine. After that I began working for herself at various language schools, working with groups, individuals, in company or casual class rooms

Marjon Reinders
NT2 - Dutch

Since 2013, I’ve been teaching Dutch as a second language. Before that, I spent many years as a dance instructor. I’m very passionate about art and literature, and this is reflected in my lessons. 

I love playing with language and aim to share the joy of learning Dutch with you in my classes. Grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary are all crucial, but the most important thing is that you can express yourself. 

I enjoy improvising and always try to cater to what you want to learn. I lead the Book Club For Language Empowers and in the near future I will run a creative writing course. I look forward to meeting you there! 

Eveline de Vries
NT2 - Dutch

I started teaching Dutch to undocumented immigrants. Their meetingplace Villa Vrede, was situated in my neighbourhood and I really wanted to make a difference for them to help them learn a language and forget about their everyday stress they experienced. I found teaching Dutch so rewarding that I decided to become a certified teacher and follow the NT2 course for that in Utrecht. With this diploma I taught Dutch to immigrants and later I also taught Dutch to international students. 

 What I like the most in teaching Dutch is to encourage every student to learn the language outside the class. I like to give assignments that encourage them to speak and write with native Dutch people. I believe that outside the classroom is the place you really learn the language because you are in the country where it is spoken and written. I also try to make learning Dutch fun by learning little songs and playing games. 

Suzanne Zonnenberg
NT2 - Dutch

I am both an educational publisher and a teacher of Dutch as a second language (NT2), and long ago also a Spanish teacher. I enjoy everything related to education. I love helping people when they start learning Dutch. I work a lot with visuals, games, and preferably add a generous dose of enthusiasm. 

Nandus van der Sluijs
NT2 - Dutch

As a former communications consultant I stepped into teaching Dutch some 13 years ago as I started with the Bachelor’s Dutch. I was a typical zij-instromer: learning and teaching at the same time at intermediate vocational education. I did my first internship with Gabi and now, so many years later, we are still cooperating as I already provided many LE-students with off- and online Dutch language training.   

I very much like to mix social and professional vocabulary with grammar in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Your goal is my goal, fun is the key and this way we can make big steps forward with your learning of our complex and beautiful Dutch language.

Irma Oomen
NT2 - Dutch

I’m Irma, and teaching Dutch as a second language is something I approach as a real adventure. For me, learning a language should be fun, engaging, and full of discovery. I started teaching Dutch as a Second Language in 2020, and since then I’ve loved guiding my students on their journey—challenging them to grow while making sure they never feel overwhelmed.

With a background in Communication Studies in the Netherlands and several years of experience abroad as Development and Operations Director at an NGO, I bring a people-centered approach into the classroom. I enjoy motivating learners with different styles and creating a warm, positive environment where progress feels natural and rewarding.

Having gone through the process myself of becoming fluent in Spanish, I understand both the challenges and the joys of learning a new language. That experience helps me connect with my students on a deeper level and support them with empathy, patience, and encouragement.

Sarah Bouanan
NT2 - Dutch

I am originally from Morocco, but I was born in the Netherlands. As a 33-year-old from Amsterdam, I enjoy my work every day: helping non-native speakers improve their Dutch and gain more confidence.. Since 2018, I have been happily working as an NT2 teacher. I graduated in 2015 from the Dutch teacher training program and then worked for a short period at a secondary school, only to realize that my true passion lies in adult education. Working with non-native speakers is my calling. Language has played an important role in my life: I was raised bilingual and find it fascinating how language connects people.

My lessons focus on creating a relaxed atmosphere. It’s okay to make mistakes, because that’s how you learn faster. I think it’s important that students feel safe and comfortable, so they dare to practice and gradually gain more confidence in Dutch. I enjoy working in groups as well as with private students, both online and on location, and I have worked with expats, students, newcomers, and professionals. I always try to make the lessons as practical as possible: lots of practice with conversations, words, and situations you can immediately use in everyday life.

Some personal things about me? I like to start my day with a cup of tea, I enjoy walking through Sarphatipark in Amsterdam, and I really love a piece of white chocolate (my guilty pleasure!). I also like to read books based on true stories and can get completely absorbed in a good series.

The best thing about my work? The moment when students realize they can really hold a conversation; that never ceases to amaze me! I would love to meet you and maybe even be your teacher in one of the courses.

Joleen van Loon
NT2 - Dutch

My name is Joleen van Loon. After working in the business world for 16 years, I made the switch to education in 2019. I really enjoy working as a teacher on an associate degree program in communication at a university of applied sciences. I teach various courses in the field of communication and help students improve their communication and professional skills.

 Because I encountered many students who struggled with their Dutch language skills, I decided to train as an NT2 teacher in 2023. This has given me the opportunity to help people inside and outside the university who want to improve their language skills.  

 On a freelance basis, I provide small-scale training to expats and refugees, preferably one-on-one or in small groups. My focus is on students with language levels A2 to C1 who want to be able to express themselves more effectively at work. This could include persuading a colleague, speaking kindly to a customer, or advising management. 

CHOOSE US

Why Learn With Us?

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Experienced Language Trainers

All of our trainers are experienced Language Trainers.

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Practical and Structured Lessons

The aim is to use the language in daily life. 

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A fun and relaxed environment

Learning is all about having fun and practicing in a safe environment.

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Confidence is Key

It is all about you gaining confidence and doing it!

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Located in the Heart of Utrecht

Lanugage Empowers is 1 minute away from the Dom Tower. 

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Small Groups

5-8 students which guarantee plenty of personal attention.

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