Patricia K. Woolard is co-founder of Planet Spanish Inc. Pat was fortunate enough to begin learning Spanish as a second grader at a parochial school outside Chicago. She continued her Spanish studies through the eighth grade and into high school, where one of the great benefits of learning a second language at an early age manifested itself. "Since I had such solid linguistic skills, my college counselor encouraged me to take the Advanced Placement classes that would enable me to "comp" out of college Spanish classes," Pat said. "Until that point, I hadn't given much thought to continuing to study Spanish in college, but then I realized it would be silly not to." Pat ended up with a double major in Journalism and Spanish. She went on to obtain her bachelor's degree in journalism, stopping just a few credits shy of her bachelor's in Spanish.

Pat would go on to attain her master's degree in journalism, and work as a successful journalist. She maintained her belief in the importance of having her children learn a second language at an early age. After researching existing Spanish-language enrichment programs and not finding a quality fit, Pat came up with the idea of starting Planet Spanish. Her daughter, Spencer, is enrolled in "Planet Spanish" classes and her son Parker can't wait to enter kindergarten and sign up, too.

Kim Bauerle is co-founder of Planet Spanish Inc. A longtime educator, Kim has her bachelor's degree in home economics, with an emphasis in child development, and her master's degree in secondary education. Kim taught a variety of classes for more than 15 years, including physical education, English, French and health. She also wrote curriculum, coached and served as a gang prevention specialist.

Currently, Kim in as administrator at an Orange County School District, where she is director of the Community Based English Tutoring Program. This program teaches English to non-English speaking parents and community members, and its goal is to help parents not only learn English but be active partners in their child's education. Kim was responsible for the development of the CBET curriculum, which is now being highlighted at the state level. Kim embraces the idea that learning a second language is key to cultural understanding. Kim's oldest daughter, Sierra, is enrolled in Planet Spanish classes, while younger sister Sequoia eagerly anticipates doing so.

Lisa McCaughey co-wrote the curriculum for Planet Spanish along with Lin Baesler. Lisa her master's degree in teaching, her bachelor's degree in human development and her associate's degree in elementary education. She has a broad educational and instructional background including curriculum writing and teaching elementary and adult students. She also has trained future high school and college students in the teaching profession.

Lisa wrote the parent-tutorial curriculum and English as a Second Language technology curriculum now being used in four Orange County school districts. She also acted as director of an after school program, where she created and oversaw child-development activities. Currently, Lisa is responsible for curriculum selecting, planning and implementing fifth grade students at a private academy. She is also a mentor teacher for first and second year teachers, and conducts monthly teacher-training seminars. "I have a desire to contribute to the development of children's minds and lives," Lisa says. "I believe in encouraging, and creating new ways for educational trends to be incorporated into the classroom, and I believe in encouraging parent participation within the school community."

Lin Baesler has had the privilege of living and teaching in Brazil and Puerto Rico, so her language skills have been put to practical use. Having done masters work in theatre and completing a master's degree in Communication prepared Lin to be a creative teacher. Lin's undergraduate degree in vocal music has helped paved the way for using music in teaching a second language to people of all ages. All four of Lin's children learned Portuguese and Spanish from birth and are now polyglots ( tri-lingual).

Lin currently teaches a literature and art course (Latino Literacy) to adult English learners. Lin also teaches music including "Mommy and Me" courses and as "Lady Storytell," a creative musical tale-spinner to many young readers in the libraries of Orange County.