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
” Ever since I was a child, I played “teacher.” I always knew I wanted to work with children to be their guide on the 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 where they feel seen, heard, and valued just as they are. What children internalize in early childhood about themselves, others, and the world stays with them for life. That’s why I believe the foundation must be a respectful and supportive approach that helps children develop self-confidence, self-worth, the ability to listen, cooperate, and respect differences, understand their emotions, have the courage to express them, and learn to communicate their needs, likes, and dislikes. All while nurturing their joy in learning and exploring.
We work with children daily on self-reflection and self-evaluation. We teach them that it’s okay not to be perfect that mistakes are not failures, but opportunities to grow. When a child is able to recognize what they did well and where they might try something differently next time, their inner motivation and self-esteem grow stronger. I believe that every child holds a unique potential, and my role is to create the conditions that allow them to discover it with joy and trust in themselves.
My education, from high school to a master’s degree, has been focused on early childhood education. In high school, I gained hands-on experience working in kindergartens, creating puppet shows, and participating in educational events. At university, I explored early education in a broader context. I’ve continued to build my practical experience as a teacher and assistant in various kindergartens, including in 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
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
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
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.
