Telephone: +1 (316) 361-6678
ABOUT US
Cultura Connections LLC is a small language services business offering language and cultural training, translation, and interpretation. We are located in Wichita, Kansas, the Heartland of the United States and Air Capital of the World. We seek to help companies and organizations of all sizes connect with new markets and cultures locally and overseas. Our expertise includes Spanish language coaching, cultural awareness training, translation, and interpretation. Whether you're planning to add diversity to your marketing campaign, train your employees, or close on an international partnership, we've got you covered! We are committed to providing personalized service, professional results, and exceptional quality. Contact us for more information and to receive a free no-obligation quote on your next project!
Prior to launching Cultural Connections LLC (formerly Alcanzabala International) in 2014, Michelle Sabala Hagerott worked for international and multinational corporations in the areas of international marketing, sales, and treasury. In her previous roles, she served as a bilingual liaison between the corporate headquarters and overseas affiliates and distributors, travelling to Latin America and the Caribbean. Michelle holds an MBA from Southern Methodist University in Dallas and degrees in International Business, Spanish, Russian, and Economics. She has worked extensively with the local Hispanic community as an interpreter, translator, and instructor of U.S. Citizenship and ESOL and offers in-person and virtual Spanish/English language training. Michelle's business background lends a unique insight and analytical approach to her corporate clients' projects. She lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband, six boys, and princess daughter. When she's not dragging her family along on a resort-free authentic Latin American adventure, she is planning their next one.
Andrea Brant
Andrea was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas and discovered her love for Spanish as a sophomore in high school. After studying abroad during her junior year, she knew Spanish would always be part of her life. Inspired by her own high school Spanish teacher, Andrea pursued a career in education and spent 20 years teaching Spanish at the high school level in Wichita Public Schools, working with students across all levels, including heritage speakers and dual college credit courses.
In addition to her classroom experience, Andrea has spent the last six years coaching first- and second-year teachers, as a Peer Consultant, helping them grow in confidence and effectiveness. Because she learned Spanish as a second language herself, Andrea understands the challenges students face and is passionate about helping them see how Spanish connects to English and opens doors to meaningful relationships with people and cultures around the world.
In her classes, students engage in learning that emphasizes effort, connection, and real-world communication. Andrea is relationship-focused and encouraging, while also holding high expectations for student growth. She wants her students not only to learn a language, but to truly love it and recognize its power to build bridges between communities.
Outside the classroom, Andrea enjoys spending time with her two sons, ages 21 and 19, and traveling with her husband—often centered around good food and a glass of wine. She is an avid paper crafter and shares her home with Otis, her 100-pound Goldendoodle. Andrea brings her creativity, warmth, and love of language into everything she does, making learning personal, joyful, and meaningful for her students.
Jainy is from Peru, and has been living in Kansas for the past three years. She has been
teaching for 25 years. She works in a private school with students of various ages and levels.
She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Modern languages and her Master’s Degree in Educational
Management.
Teaching is her favorite thing to do. When she is not in the classroom, she loves spending time
with her family and friends, going to the beach, reading, dancing, cooking Peruvian food ,and
traveling. Jainy has traveled to Panama, Ecuador, Brazil, Bolivia, South Africa, France, Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands.
Jainy sees language is a way to exchange cultures and general knowledge. She believes in the power of communication as a way to foster understanding, express feelings, share experiences, and
have fun.
In her classes, her students learn Spanish to use in real situations, learning grammar, vocabulary
and Hispanic culture.
Jainy Phan Lung
Taryn Spencer
Taryn is originally from Colorado but grew up in Wichita. She discovered her love for languages after enrolling in Spanish and French classes at Northwest High School, and knew since the ninth grade that she always wanted language to play a major role in her life. Taryn studied Spanish and Secondary Education in college and spent a semester studying Spanish Language & Latin American culture in Valparaíso, Chile, as well as a semester teaching middle school Spanish in Querétaro, México. She also studied abroad in Paris, France, led high school students in an experiential trip to Costa Rica, and has traveled extensively around Latin America and Spain. She adores many aspects of learning and teaching Spanish, but her strongest passions lie with culture and linguistics.
Taryn has been teaching Spanish at the high school level in Colorado for the last 8 years since graduating college. She has taught everything from Level 1 (right where she started!) through advanced levels including Spanish for Natives and AP Spanish Language & Culture. She loves the way that teaching allows her to laugh every day, make mistakes, and grow along with her students. In 2026, she moved back to Wichita and is excited to share her love for Spanish with the ICT community.
When not teaching, Taryn enjoys hiking, movies, reading, running, and spending time with her family. She hopes to be able to share her love of Spanish language and culture with you! In the immortal words of Ms. Frizzle, let’s take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!
Clients and Projects
