English program team

Meet our team. Native speakers teach English through games and common communication and give your children a head start over their peers at an early age.

Elena Šarifová

Manager

Education: university

”It has always been my great hobby to learn foreign languages, that is why I graduated from the University of Pedagogy, majoring in English and German. At the same time, I have always gravitated towards children, I have 3 children myself, which is why I decided in 2005 to found a language center for children of preschool and school age. I know from my experience that the earlier a child starts learning a foreign language, the better. Children in this period learn the language quickly, they do not think about it like adults. So my goal is to teach children a foreign language through play, so that learning takes place in a natural way.

After gaining a lot of experience in teaching children’s language, I founded a Czech-English kindergarten in 2015. It is a joy for me to see when a child begins to speak not only one foreign language, but two at the same time. I know that teachers are a very key factor, I always choose them with my heart and some of my own intuition, and I must point out that I am doing well. We have a great team of teachers.

Aneta Řezníková

Director, teacher, native Czech speaker

Education: university

“I’ve always known that I would work with children, as it fulfills me. I want to motivate them to discover themselves and the world, and create an environment where they feel safe, loved, and accepted. My mission is not only to educate children and prepare them for primary school but also to nurture their love for themselves and others. What children learn about themselves, others, and the world in the preschool years is deeply ingrained in their subconscious and influences them throughout their lives. Therefore, I consider it crucial for children to experience a respectful, loving, and supportive approach from adults. I aim to help them build trust in themselves, understand their own emotions, teach them how to manage them, and develop their ability to listen to others, communicate, collaborate, and respect differences. At the same time, I support children in expressing what they feel, what they like or dislike, voicing their needs and feelings, and gradually discovering their potential.

My studies from high school to my master’s degree were focused on preschool education. High school provided me with practical foundations for working with children, where I engaged in internships in preschools, created puppet shows, and participated in educational events. At university, I gained a broader perspective on preschool education. I gained practical experience as a teacher and assistant in preschools, including working at a Czech-Slovak school and an English school in London.”

               Justin Hart

Teacher, native English speaker

Education: university

“Hello! My name is Justin. I’m originally from the United States but have been living overseas for around 18 years. I have a background in theater and believe that kids can explore the world around them in exciting ways using imagination and creativity. Whether it’s through storytelling, role-playing, or hands-on activities, I strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where children can build confidence, develop social skills, and discover a love for learning through the performing arts. Aside from teaching, you can find me delving deeper into obscure history, enjoying a karaoke night, or finding knick-knacks at the flea market and antique shops.  

       Kaity Bitter       

Teacher, native English speaker

Education: university

“Hello, I’m Kaity!
I am from Canada and have lived in the Czech Republic since 2020. I received my TEFL Certification in 2022 and have been working with kids for seven years. I have taught English at a language school in Prague and also with one on one lessons. 
I believe that when kids feel safe and loved, magic happens. In the classroom, I want every student to feel valued and cared for, because it is then that they reach their highest potential. 
Building an inclusive, caring and curious classroom environment is so important to me. I love reading, art, and having class discussions. Watching students learn and grow is so rewarding as a teacher!”

          Kristýna Grössová

Teacher, native Czech speaker

Education: high school

“My name is Kristýna Grösslová, and I am 23 years old. I studied preschool and extracurricular pedagogy and have been working with children of various ages for several years. For some time, I led a group of cubs in our scouts in Domažlice. My hobbies include playing musical instruments, singing, dancing, and reading.”

       Kateřina Váchalová       

Teaching Assistant, native Czech speaker

Education: university

My name is Kateřina Váchalová, and I am a student of special education. Working with children fulfills me; I enjoy discovering their uniqueness and finding ways to support them in what they enjoy and excel at. I believe that an individualized approach to each child is the key to helping them feel accepted and enabling them to fully develop their potential.  In my free time, I enjoy relaxing with a good book or spending time in nature, where I find peace and inspiration. Children teach me to see the world through their eyes and to appreciate the joy in little things – this motivates me not only in my work but also in my personal life.

       Monika Blahošová        

Teacher, native Czech speaker

Education: vocational college

“Hello, my name is Monika. I always knew that I wanted to work with people and be of benefit to them. So I decided on a pedagogic lyceum, where I had the opportunity to try out work in various fields. In the end, the little ones won me over the most. I like children’s honesty, openness and, above all, their enthusiasm for everything new. Children’s curiosity and the need for discovery is a nature that I would like to continue to develop in children so that they develop a positive attitude towards learning. It also motivates me to find new ways. So I decided to continue my studies at the vocational college, field Preschool Pedagogy, where I could get valuable advice from more experienced teachers and deepen my theoretical knowledge. At the same time, I studied the English language, which now helps me communicate with my English-speaking colleagues. I am happy that I can support the children and be a part of their development in such a friendly kindergarten.

Contact

Opalinka mateřská škola a jesle s.r.o.     

Branch Bubeneč                          

Executive director Mgr. Elena Šarifova
+420 773 529 411

bubenec@opalinka.cz 
facebook.com/opalinka

 

Other branches

All branches navigation
www.opalinka.cz 

Branch Flora
www.opalinka.cz/flora 

Address

Čechova 587/29

170 00 Praha 7-Bubeneč

Opening hours
Mo-Fri 8 AM to 6 PM 

Corporate information

Opalinka mateřská škola a jesle s.r.o.

Registration number: 03708411

File number: C 236535 (Municipal Court in Prague)

Application 

Do you want your children to attend English-Czech kindergarten with native speakers? Sign up to Opalinka!

The application form can be found HERE.

We would like to inform you that we succeeded in applying for a grant from the European Union funds within the Operational Program Research, Development and Education (Templates III. For OPALINKA kindergarten and nursery sro, reg. Number CZ.02.3.X/0.0/0.0/20_081/0022651 ). Our goal is to increase the quality of education and training, including strengthening their relevance for the labor market. Staff support, joint education and development of children and pupils in cooperation with parents / public. Facilitating the transition of children to kindergarten and subsequently to primary school.