Spanish Language Enhancement Association for Therapists

Spanish Language Enhancement Association for Therapists (SLEAT) is a student-led group which aims to enhance students' comprehension of the Spanish language while also improving their competence working with Latino/a clients. Through the utilization of dialogue, films, speakers, text-based lessons, and role play, students practice speaking Spanish with each other and become better prepared to meet the great demand for Spanish-speaking therapists in Southern California.

In addition, members of SLEAT volunteer at the Malibu Community Labor Exchange (MCLE) where they teach English to Spanish-speaking laborers. Founded in 1993, MCLE is a community-based, non-profit charity whose mission is to provide a humane and organized center for the hiring of day laborers. Laborers often travel long distances and wait days for adequate employment so members of SLEAT help to maximize the usefulness of the laborers' time by teaching them words and topics in English that are relevant to their work. In addition to this service, students have the opportunity to practice conversing in Spanish with native speakers.

SLEAT is open to students and professionals at any level of Spanish comprehension. The group meets semi-monthly on Tuesdays at noon at the Drescher Graduate campus in Malibu.

Contact Information

Pauline Castellanos: pacastel@pepperdine.edu

Jessica La Rocca: jessica.larocca@pepperdine.edu