Watercolorist teaches spanish by starting with the basics of both, making sure that the student feels comfortable and gradually builds confidence.

Cecilia's rapport with youth is extremely admirable. She builds a foundation of respect with them and knows how to maintain their attention while giving them room to develop creative critical skills within art. I've seen her work one-on-one with my niece, who never sits still long enough to do her work and doesn't like listening to anyone. Not only did Cecilia get her to engage calmly in an art activity, but she taught her how to organize her work space in the process. She always asks to do art with Cecilia every time I see her now and loves to show off her work.
I've also seen her work with youth in group art classes, and at booths in event spaces. In both settings, she was able to deliver a lesson plan, command the attention of even the most distracted students, and get the group to have fun working on (while learning!) an activity.
Her Spanish is polished, and how she combines it with art makes learning it so much more fun for kids so they are learning two-fold. I'm extremely impressed every time I see her work. And I would highly recommend her for your youth or event spaces.

I am honored to write this letter of recommendation for Cecilia Mericis Peña, someone I have had the privilege of working with for over 12 years. Our professional journey together began in 2012, when we opened the SLS Hotel and Hyde Beach Club in Miami—a challenging venture that required vision, dedication, and a strong work ethic. Cecilia possesses all of these qualities in abundance, making her not only an exceptional colleague but also a cherished friend.
Cecilia’s work ethic is unparalleled. From the earliest days of our partnership, she consistently demonstrated a level of commitment and professionalism that set the standard for everyone around her. She is the type of person who never shies away from a challenge and always approaches her work with a can-do attitude. Her ability to remain focused and productive, even in high-pressure situations, has been instrumental in the success of our projects.
Beyond her technical skills and work ethic, Cecilia is a joy to work with. She brings a sense of fun and positivity to the workplace that is both infectious and uplifting. Her respectful and realistic approach to problem-solving has fostered a collaborative environment where team members feel valued and heard. Moreover, her humility and wisdom, despite her young age, are qualities that have earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and clients alike.
One of Cecilia’s most remarkable traits is her selflessness. She consistently puts the needs of others before her own, whether it’s by offering support to a coworker in need or going the extra mile to ensure a client’s satisfaction. Her generosity of spirit and unwavering dedication to the well-being of those around her make her not just a fantastic team member, but an exceptional human being.
In summary, Cecilia Mericis Peña is a rare talent who embodies the best qualities one could hope for in a colleague and a friend. Her work ethic, combined with her fun-loving nature, respectfulness, humility, wisdom, and selflessness, make her an invaluable asset to any team. I wholeheartedly recommend her without reservation and am confident that she will continue to excel in any endeavor she undertakes.

Cecilia has been teaching my 9-year-old how to draw, and she’s been nothing short of amazing. Her patience is truly extraordinary, and my son is completely smitten with her. At this point, she feels like part of our family!