Educator · Linguist · Entrepreneur
Leonardo Reis
Born in Brazil. Raised in America. Recognized by the World.
Founder & CEO, American English Academy
Who He Is
One of the most respected voices in English language education.
Leonardo Reis is one of the most respected voices in language education for Brazilians and Portuguese speakers. With a career marked by academic excellence, international reach, and a deep social commitment, Leonardo has built a solid, inspiring, and high-impact trajectory.
Born in Brazil, adopted as a newborn in Belo Horizonte and raised in São Paulo, Leonardo began his international journey in 1994 when he traveled to Los Angeles for a cultural exchange program — the very year the United States hosted the FIFA World Cup. What was meant to be a brief exchange experience became the first chapter of a life built between two countries. He now resides in Manhattan, New York, where he leads educational projects that connect students from around the world to English fluency.
Born in Belo Horizonte, raised in São Paulo
Exchange student, 1994 — chose America as home
Resides in Manhattan, New York
Academic Background
A career built on a foundation of excellence
Leonardo's academic background spans three countries and some of the most prestigious institutions in higher education — Brazil, England, and the United States. He holds two master's degrees from the University of Leeds and three specializations from Columbia University.
Colégio Objetivo
BrazilHigh School Diploma
Cultural Exchange Program
USACultural Exchange Program
Emílio Fontana
BrazilActing, Television, and Film Course
UNI-BH
BrazilBachelor's Degree — Languages and Literature
University of Leeds
EnglandMaster's Degree — Linguistics
University of Leeds
EnglandMaster's Degree — Teaching English
Columbia University
USASpecialization in Business English
Columbia University
USASpecialization in English Phonetics and Phonology
Columbia University
USASpecialization in Educational Technology in the Classroom
Career
A life built across continents
From classrooms in Brazil to the United Nations in New York, Leonardo's professional journey spans education, military service, journalism, interpretation, and celebrity language coaching — always guided by a commitment to excellence in teaching and communication.
Columnist
CNN Brasil
Brazil / USA
Founder & CEO
American English Academy
USA
Author
Sociolinguistic Aspects of Brazilian Portuguese
USA
English Teacher
Number One Idiomas, Centro Universitário de Belo Horizonte
Brazil
English Teacher
Zoni Language Center, New York Language Center
USA
Portuguese Professor
Montclair University
USA
English Professor
Hudson College
USA
Reporter
Record News, Rede Brasil TV
USA
Consecutive Interpreter
United Nations, Hospitals, Courts, Conferences
USA
Servicemember
United States Air Force
USA
Published Author
Sociolinguistic Aspects of Brazilian Portuguese
Leonardo is the author of the academic book "Sociolinguistic Aspects of Brazilian Portuguese", published in English and distributed through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The work represents a significant contribution to the field of applied linguistics.
Interpreter & Journalist
Trusted at the highest levels
Leonardo has served as a consecutive interpreter in high-stakes, high-profile settings — including sessions at the United Nations, federal courts, hospitals, academic events, and bilingual conferences across the United States. He also worked as a reporter in New York for Record News, SBT, and Rede Brasil de Televisão, covering education, culture, and the Brazilian community.
United Nations (UN)
Consecutive Interpreter
Federal Courts
Certified Interpreter
Record News
Reporter, New York
SBT
Reporter, New York
Rede Brasil de Televisão
Reporter, New York
Notable Students & Clients
From beginners to world-famous names
Leonardo's educational impact ranges from beginners to some of the most well-known figures in sports, music, television, and entertainment. His connection with Neymar began through a partnership with Santos FC and deepened when NR Sports sought him out as Neymar was transitioning from Paris Saint-Germain to Al-Hilal. He currently teaches Denílson and Miss Brasil Marcella Kozinski, whose preparation for Miss Universe he is personally overseeing.
Neymar Jr.
Football
Cafu
Football
Felipe Melo
Football
Denílson
Football
Reinaldo Lima
Football
Egídio
Football
César Menotti
Football
Renzo Gracie
Martial Arts
Marcella Kozinski
Miss Brasil / Miss Universe
Arthur Aguiar
Entertainment
Luciana Vendramini
Entertainment
Ariadna Arantes
Entertainment
Fernanda Crispim
Entertainment
Tayla Teodoro
Entertainment
Izabella Bicalho
Entertainment
Kamily Zor
Entertainment
Thaeme
Music
Lauana Prado
Music
Fernando & Sorocaba
Music
Scheila Carvalho
Entertainment
Lucas Salles
Entertainment
Daniel Curi
Journalism
Social Impact
7,250+ scholarships donated
In addition to being an educator and entrepreneur, Leonardo is a true agent of social transformation. He has donated thousands of English courses to young people and adults in vulnerable situations across Brazil and the United States. His social work was recognized at the Festival de Cannes, where he was invited to a Forbes France programming event at Villa Forbes and received a plaque honoring his contributions to education in Brazil.
English courses donated to vulnerable communities
Rocinha and Vidigal
Mangueira, Cidade de Deus, Providência, and Alemão
ONG PLT4WAY
Brazilian Red Cross
Alliance of Mercy
Hope and Justice Foundation
Brazilian Consulate in Miami
Projects, Partnerships & Institutions
Organizations served
Beyond individual coaching, Leonardo has partnered with major football clubs, law enforcement, martial arts federations, and business institutions across Brazil and the United States.
FENAPEF
Brazilian Federal Police
Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense
Football Club
Santos Futebol Clube
Football Club
Atlético Mineiro
Football Club
Goiás Esporte Clube
Football Club
JR Diesel
Geraldo Rufino
Federation Krav Maga Israeli System
Martial Arts
Instituto Galo
Social Institution
Confederação Brasileira de Tênis
Brazilian Tennis Confederation
GER — Grupo Especial de Reação
Special Reaction Group
COMAVE
Comando de Aviação do Estado da PMMG de Minas Gerais
DIC
Divisão de Investigação Criminal de Santa Catarina
Awards & Recognition
Honored across three continents
Four continents. Four honors. A career recognized by the world's most prestigious institutions.
Forbes France Recognition — Festival de Cannes
Recognized at a Forbes France programming event at Villa Forbes during the Festival de Cannes for donating 2,000 English courses to the Rocinha favela community in Brazil.
Portuguese Brazilian Award
Honored at the Portuguese Brazilian Award ceremony in New York in recognition of his contributions to education and the Brazilian community in the United States.
Top of Business Award
Received the Top of Business distinction in Dubai, recognizing his entrepreneurial achievements and international business leadership.
FBI Coin
Received an official FBI challenge coin at FBI Headquarters in New York — a rare honor extended to civilians in recognition of distinguished service and collaboration.
Connect with Leonardo
Whether you're an institution, a student, or someone inspired by the journey — Leonardo is always open to meaningful conversations.