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

From an early age, I knew that I wanted to work with children. I naturally saw myself in the role of a guide who accompanies children on their journey of discovering themselves and the world around them.

My mission is not only to educate children and prepare them for school, but above all to create a safe, loving, and accepting environment in which they feel seen, heard, and valued for who they truly are. What children form in early childhood about themselves, others, and the world stays with them deeply throughout their lives. That is why I consider a respectful and supportive approach essential – one that helps children develop healthy self-confidence, self-esteem, the ability to cooperate, and respect for differences.

An important part of our everyday work is the development of emotional intelligence. We guide children to understand their own emotions, to have the courage to express them, to name their needs, to say what they like and what they do not, and to find joy in learning and discovering. I place great emphasis on self-reflection – we teach children that it is not necessary to be perfect, that mistakes are not failures, but a natural part of learning and an opportunity for growth. When a child can recognize what they are good at and where they can try a different approach, it strengthens their inner motivation and healthy self-esteem.

I believe that every child carries a unique potential within them. My role is to create the conditions that allow them to discover it with joy, self-trust, and a sense of safety.

My education, from secondary school through to my master’s degree, was systematically focused on early childhood education. I gained practical experience as a kindergarten teacher in the Czech Republic and abroad, including in a Czech-Slovak preschool 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!”

       Morgan Zvolska       

Teacher, native English speaker

Education: university

“Hi! My name is Morgan, and I was born and raised in Key West, Florida. I recently graduated with my bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Florida. During my time there, I gained experience teaching English at the English Language Institute (ELI), where I had the opportunity to work with students from all around the world. For the past year I’ve worked with kids, and I absolutely adore it. From my own personal experience, I know how meaningful it is to have a teacher who inspires and motivates you, especially early on in education. I strive to be that kind of role model for children, encouraging them to feel confident and excited about learning. Alongside teaching, I also work in research at Národní Ústav Duševního Zdraví (NUDZ). This is my first time living in the Czech Republic, and I am excited to embrace the experience, both personally and professionally.“

       Kateřina Váchalová       

Teacher, native Czech speaker

Education: university

“My name is Kateřina Váchalová, and I studied 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. “

       Eva Hollitzerová      

Teaching assistent, native Czech speaker

Education: university

My name is Eva, and working with children has been a natural part of my life for many years. Since my teenage years, I have enjoyed being a support for children, helping them discover the world and creating an environment where they feel safe, accepted, and valued.I am currently studying Pedagogy at the Faculty of Arts, Charles University, where I deepen my knowledge and seek inspiration for a sensitive and respectful approach to working with children. I have been learning English since the age of six and hold a Cambridge certificate at the C1 level. I have experience as an English language tutor for both children and adults, as well as providing individual tutoring for children.Since the age of fifteen, I have regularly attended summer camps for children—first as a trainee and later as a camp leader—where I learned how important trust, kindness, and the joy of spending time together truly are. Teaching languages brings me great joy, and I strongly believe that children are our future. For this reason, I consider it essential to support their natural curiosity and help them develop skills that will be useful not only at school but also in everyday life.I am grateful to be part of a Czech-English preschool with a friendly atmosphere, where children are encouraged to grow at their own pace

       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.“

      Steffi Clare Mountain       

Teacher, native English speaker

Education: university

My name is Steffi, I am 24 years old and have recently graduated from BA Fine Art at Central Saint Martins in London. I am a very creative person with a passion for writing, poetry and painting. My past experiences working with children includes leading mixed-age art classes and choirs in summer music schools, and I’m so glad to be starting in a role that helps to nurture children’s playful creativity.
Alongside my degree, I studied for my TEFL Level 5 qualification and I am very excited to use my new teaching skills to help little ones develop their English.

      Violeta Merrow Garrabou       

Teacher, native English speaker

Education: university

My name is Violeta. I grew up in Barcelona and New York and am excited to be working as an art teacher at Opalinka. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art and have always been passionate about making art with children. For the past two years, I’ve worked as an art teacher at a preschool in Brooklyn, where I lead open-ended, process-based classes for ages 2–5. I believe that art classes should always be focused on experimentation and play, letting the children have fun and express themselves through all sorts of different materials. I come from a family of teachers and have held a variety of jobs revolving around making art with kids and have always found it a beautiful way to connect with them and get to know them. Empowering young artists to confidently express themselves and find inner tranquility through art is my greatest joy and I look forward to a great semester at Opalinka!

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.