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 Řezníčková
Director, teacher, native Czech speaker
Education: university
Zachary Moustis
Teacher, native English speaker
Education: university
“I was born in Buffalo, New York and graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Communication and Culture. After my studies, I worked as a children’s TV show producer, activity coordinator for after-school programs, swim instructor, and online ESL teacher. In 2021, I obtained my TEFL Certificate and began working in Prague. I have worked as an Elementary and Secondary school teacher as well as a private teacher for children and adults. I bring my knowledge and creativity to create dynamic and inspiring lessons. I particularly love to incorporate music and games. I believe that children are naturally curious and interested in the world around them and understand the importance of providing them with a safe and nurturing environment in which to thrive. In my free time, I like to travel, play guitar, read comics, and play board games with friends. “
Carolyn Hart
Teacher, native English speaker
Education: university
” I am American and have lived abroad with my teacher husband for over 12 years. I am a mom to two young adults who grew up in third cultures. We enjoy Prague for its rich culture and quality of life. This is our sixth year in Prague after having a break in the USA during the Covid-19 pandemic. I come to Opalinka with a love for young children to help them grow and learn. I have been in the preschool classroom in schools in North Africa, the Middle East, the USA and Europe. Children can learn best when they feel secure and cared for while they are at school. My 8 years of teaching children from different parts of the world has helped me understand how to guide children in play while they are simultaneously learning English. I follow best practices for young children from both the UK and the USA. My favorite activities are literacy focused; reading books and telling stories. I understand that the environment is the third teacher and strive to make the classroom a stimulating, calm place. Teaching young children is a most rewarding experience!”
Kaity Bitter
Teacher, native English speaker
Education: university
Erica Vural
Teacher, native English speaker
Education: university
“I’m a native English speaker born and raised in the US, where I graduated from Wesleyan College with a degree in communications. I moved to Prague in 2021 to be near my husband’s family and we had a baby girl here in 2022. We are in love with Prague and with the way families and children are prioritized in the Czech Republic. Having a child has given me a renewed sense of purpose and nothing gives me more joy than to see the world through her eyes. Motherhood has inspired me to work with children and I am so excited to be a part of your children’s growth, development and sense of wonder.“
Lenka Trig
Teaching Assistant, native Czech speaker
Education: high school
” My name is Lenka, I am a professional nanny and I have been working with children for many years. At the age of 18, I traveled for the first time outside the borders of the Czech Republic to England, where I worked as an au-pair. After returning, I was definitely convinced that I would continue in this profession. My priority has always been individual care. So I started working as a nanny in Czech and mixed families, where I provided complete childcare and minor housework. After a few years of experience in Czech and Czech-English kindergartens, I came to Opalinka, which became my second home thanks to the friendly and family atmosphere. I like to create, sing, read books and do Montessori activities with children. It always charms me with its immediacy. It’s a wonderful job when you see how children can learn quickly. It brings a lot of joy. “
Kristýna Klokočníková
Teacher, native Czech speaker
Education: university
“My name is Kristýna Klokočníková, and ever since elementary school, I knew that my dream was to become a teacher. Over time, I realized that I enjoy working with preschool children the most, which is why I studied at a secondary pedagogical school, focusing on the pedagogical lyceum program. After graduating, I went to Germany for a year and a half, where I worked in a different field, but it was there that I realized how much I longed for a job in a preschool and working with children. I am currently studying Early Childhood Education at Charles University.
I am new to Opalinka, but I really like the team and the overall concept of the language school. Working with children fulfills me because it brings me joy every day to see their progress. I believe that learning multiple languages from an early age is very beneficial for children—not only in developing their communication skills but also in their overall cognitive development.”
Contact
Opalinka Flora
+420 722 406 020
Head of Opalinka Flora
ms.reditelka@opalinka.cz
CEO
Opalinka mateřská škola a jesle s.r.o.
+420 773 529 411
flora@opalinka.cz
facebook.com/opalinka
Other branches
All branches navigation
www.opalinka.cz
Address
Slezská 117
130 00 Praha 3-Vinohrady
Opening hours
Mo-Fri 8 AM to 6 PM (English program)
Mo-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM (Czech program)
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.