Purvisa R
★★★★★
My Spanish lessons with Karen bring me great joy. They are fun, totally customized for my learning interests and challenge my language skills at a high level. 
Karen G
★★★★★
7 reviews
Highly Rated Spanish Tutor at Strommen | Born in Argentina, Raised in LA
- Sunland, California •
- In-Person, Online •
- Groups Enrolling
3498 Classes Taught
10 years experience
Backed by the Strømmen Quality Guarantee
Tutor Bio
Hola - Me llamo Karen. Mucho gusto. I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina to Armenian parents and immigrated to Los Angeles when I was 10 years old. I’ve been speaking Spanish and Armenian all my life.
I graduated from California State University, Northridge with a B.A. in Journalism and Spanish-Language Journalism. There, I was a staff writer for CSUN’s Spanish-language online publication, El Nuevo Sol and wrote stories about the Latino community in Los Angeles. I’m currently a part-time freelance journalist and copywriter.
The greatest advantage I’ve attained living in Los Angeles for over 15 years is the ability to switch Spanish dialects. I can easily go from speaking in Rioplatense/Castilian Spanish to Latin American Spanish and this has helped me communicate with people from all over Central and South America!
As a former ESL student, I know that learning a new language takes time, effort, and practice. I believe active learning is important, especially for those trying to learn a new language. Being an active learning student will help you pick up the language faster and with ease. I’m excited to hear you speak and write in Spanish. ¡Nos vemos pronto!
Degrees and Certificates
- Degrees: Journalism/Spanish-Language Journalism
Personal Interests
Crocheting, Playing musical instruments, Reading, Photography, Comedy, Food
Learn more about Karen
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What is your favorite word in your language and why?
The verb "estar" (to be) is my favorite word in Spanish because it helps convey the fluid nature of human emotions and experiences, especially when dealing with temporary things, like feelings and locations (how you feel & where you are, use the verb estar). I even have it tattooed on my arm, which serves as a constant reminder of its significance in my life.
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What is your favorite dish from your hometown? If you no longer live there is there a good local restaurant that serves it?
It's hard to pick just one thing, but you can never go wrong with Argentinean choripan. It's essentially an Argentinean grilled chorizo sandwich in a baguette covered in chimichurri. Easy, simple, perfect. Ideally, you want to grill it yourself along with another types of Argentinean meats (a real Argentinean asada), but Gaucho Bites definitely hits out of the park.
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Besides the languages you teach, do you speak or study any other languages?
Ayo! (Yes in Armenian). I grew up in Argentina speaking a mix of Armenian and Spanish at home with my parents. As a child, I also went to a dual-immersion Armenian school in Buenos Aires. To this day, I tend to blend Armenian and Spanish in conversations with my family. Sometimes if we're around Spanish speakers, we only speak Armenian with each other and if we're around Armenian speakers we only speak in Spanish. It's like having a secret language party every day!
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What are your interests outside of teaching at Strommen?
My interests are always changing, keeping life fun and exciting! Right now, I'm all about crocheting and playing competitive pinball with my friends. However, you can always find me reading new memoirs, trying new restaurants, and indulging in all the reality shows on Bravo.
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What do you consider your hometown? Why do you love it?
Buenos Aires. The city is vibrant, full of life, and energy. I'm proud to be from Buenos Aires because of the passion of its people and the incredible food scene with delicious empanadas, facturas, asados, sandwiches de miga... I can go on. Plus, the city's history, stunning architecture, and welcoming community make it a special place to call home.
Tutor Testimonials
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Toni B
★★★★★Karen has been great, she’s easy to work with and I feel comfortable with the pace of learning without any pressure. -
Samantha S
★★★★★I wanted to learn Spanish for years, and finally bit the bullet and signed up for a class with Karen from Strommen. It’s been a wonderful experience. Karen is a fantastic tutor, she makes the very daunting prospect of learning a new language seem possible and she’s making it fun. She’s personable and approachable and has a great teaching technique. I’m very happy with the services provided. -
Laura H
★★★★★I'm so happy to be refreshing my Spanish (again). I look forward to my conversations with Karen. She's flexible and always looking for whatever will help me! -
Carla J
★★★★★ -
Garrett S
★★★★★I did a sample lesson with Karen G; it was great. Karen G was clear, patient, and engaging throughout. I’d happily recommend {name} to new students. -
Phil R
★★★★★Karen is amazing! Upbeat, committed to my success, fun, and incredibly gifted in the art of teaching! Thank you!!!!!
Hourly Rates
Online tutoring
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Pay as you go$65/hr
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10-hour package Save $100$55/hr$550 total
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20-hour package Save $400 Best value$45/hr$900 total
Tutor's location in Sunland
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Pay as you go$69/hr
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10-hour package Save $100$59/hr$590 total
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20-hour package Save $400 Best value$49/hr$980 total
Your home or office
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Pay as you go$120/hr
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10-hour package Save $100$110/hr$1,100 total
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20-hour package Save $400 Best value$100/hr$2,000 total
Available Lesson Times
Karen's Group Classes
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Spanish 1A: Intro to Spanish
with Karen
Saturday, Starting May 30th 11:00am - 12:30pm
Ready to start your Spanish journey? In this 8-week beginner course, you’ll explore essential topics like gender and adjective agreements, master the verbs ser and estar, ask questions with hay...
Show MoreDiscounted Early Bird rate expires May 16, 2026
Only 3 spots remaining!