About Me

I am Aileen Tápanes, daughter of courageous Cuban parents who left everything behind to provide a better life for my brother and me in the United States. I am also Aileen Salmaggi, a loving wife to a Greek husband and proud mother of two wonderful sons. For ever 30 years, I've been a part of  the incredible school community of Edison Language Academy in Santa Monica, California, where I've learned and grown as a "maestra." These experiences have served as the roots and branches that have guided my path towards becoming a Family Constellation facilitator.

My introduction to Family Constellations at a spiritual retreat in 2019 ignited a passion within me that continues to grow stronger each day. This transformative process has allowed me to listen to my inner voice, embrace my gifts, and connect deeply with my ancestors. As a result, I now view the world with more compassion and relate to others in a whole new way.

“Tapping into Your Gifts” came as a calling from my ancestors to honor their pain, as well as an invitation to receive their wisdom. I welcome you to do the same as you heal the past, step into a brighter future and step into YOU.

• Certification as a Family Constellation Facilitator with Edwina Van Der Westhuizen at Relationship Constellations
• Certification in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Transformational Coaching, Family Constellations and Ericksonian Hypnosis from Five Changes.
• Presenter at the California Association for Bilingual Education, 2025
• Presenter at the Cotsen Foundation for the Art of Teaching Empowered Learning Conference, 2024, 2025
• Presenter at the National Conference on Spirituality in Education, Teachers College, Columbia, 2022, 2024
• Shamanic journeying and practices as taught by Sandra Ingerman
• Over 30 years in elementary school education 
• Masters in Educational Administration K-12, California State University, Northridge
• Bachelor of Arts in English with Specialization in Business Administration, University of California, Los Angeles  

• Santa Monica Daily Press
• Voyage LA Magazine

A special thanks to the teachers who have guided me on this path of personal transformation and constellations: Caitriona Reed, Michele Benzamin-Miki and Edwina Van Der Westhuizen.