About Us
Why I started Language Empowers
I started Language Empowers in 2021 because I wanted to do it differently. Smaller groups, more real conversation, more space to be human: to laugh, stumble, and try again.
As a former expat myself, I know that learning a language isn't just about passing a test. It's about finding your place, also in the new language.
Our Mission
That means speaking to your colleague without translating in your head, laughing at a joke before it's explained, and having a real conversation with your neighbour.
Language is how you belong. That's what we teach.
We Believe In
Making mistakes isn't embarrassing; it's the whole point. Our groups are small and our trainers are warm, so you can try things out without pressure.
Fun
We play games, share stories, and find things to laugh about. Learning sticks when you're enjoying it.
We keep groups small so students get to know each other and the trainer. This way you make new friends and you get the attention you deserve from the trainer.
Meet Our Team
Dedicated professionals who help you reach your goals
Gabi te Riele
Owner & Trainer
Gabi started teaching Dutch to foreigners as a volunteer at university, and hasn't stopped since. After moving to Italy at 26, she began teaching English too. Over the years she's worked with people of all ages and backgrounds. She speaks Italian, Spanish and German, and she's currently learning Turkish. In December 2024 she published Met vriendelijke groet- Zakelijk schrijven voor anderstaligenvoor with co-author Aleid van de Vooren.
Ellen Dekker
Dutch Trainer
Ellen studied Language and Comparative Literature and graduated from Tilburg University with a specialisation in Dutch as a Second Language. She has worked as a coordinator and teacher at ROC van Amsterdam and now works independently. Her lessons are always tailored to the individual or group, with a strong focus on speaking and cultural understanding.
Nandus van der Sluijs
Dutch Trainer
Nandus has been teaching Dutch for over thirteen years, having made the switch from communications consultancy. He did his first internship with Gabi and has been part of the Language Empowers team ever since. His lessons mix social and professional vocabulary with grammar across all four skills, always with a focus on fun and genuine progress.
Belle Mahoney
English Trainer
Belle has a degree in English Literature and a TEFL qualification, and brings fifteen years of teaching across six countries to her lessons. Her focus is on practical language use and building confidence through fun interaction, always tailored to each student's individual goals. She now happily calls Utrecht home.
Sarah Bouanan
Dutch Trainer
Sarah was born in the Netherlands to a Moroccan family and has been teaching NT2 since 2018. She graduated from the Dutch teacher training programme in 2015 and specialises in adult education. Her lessons are relaxed, practical, and focused on real conversations — because she believes a safe atmosphere is the foundation of fast progress.
Marjolein Joossen
Dutch Trainer
Marjolein has a background in Communication Sciences and Educational Sciences, and combines her work as a journalist and editor with teaching Dutch as a second language. She completed her NT2 qualification in 2019 and has taught Dutch internationally, including in Costa Rica. Her lessons are grounded in real language use and a deep love of the Dutch language.
Suzanne Zonnenberg
Dutch Trainer
Suzanne is both an educational publisher and a certified NT2 teacher, with a background that also includes teaching Spanish. She works with a lot of visuals and games, and brings generous enthusiasm to every lesson. Her goal is to make the first steps in Dutch as enjoyable and accessible as possible.
Eveline de Vries
Dutch Trainer
Eveline began teaching Dutch to undocumented immigrants in her neighbourhood and found it so rewarding that she trained as a certified NT2 teacher in Utrecht. She strongly believes that real learning happens outside the classroom, and gives assignments that encourage students to speak and write with native Dutch speakers in daily life.
Marios Selevistas
Dutch Trainer
Originally from Greece, Marios has been living in the Netherlands since 2006. He studied Dutch linguistics and holds an NT2 teaching qualification, with a specialism in highly educated professionals. He brings creativity and cultural awareness into his lessons, believing that real-life application is the best way to learn a language.
Irma Oomen
Dutch Trainer
Irma has been teaching Dutch as a second language since 2020, bringing a background in Communication Studies and international NGO work. Having become fluent in Spanish herself, she understands both the challenges and the joys of learning a new language. She creates warm, positive learning environments where progress feels natural and rewarding.
Joleen van Loon
Dutch Trainer
Joleen spent sixteen years in the business world before moving into education in 2019. She trained as an NT2 teacher in 2023 and specialises in helping professionals at levels A2 to C1 express themselves more effectively at work. She works in small groups or one-on-one, with a strong focus on practical communication in professional contexts.