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
“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.”
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. “
Christy Nelson
Teacher, native English speaker
Education: university
“Hello, I’m Christy! I’m from Florida in the United States and I have been teaching since 2015. I taught in U.S. public schools for two years before moving to China, where I began working with young, bilingual students. I started working in China at a language school teaching English to children ages 3-7. I went on to teach kindergarten students at a Montessori and international school. While in China, I was a well known teacher on a popular app, where I taught millions of students from ages 3-10 through interactive videos and songs. I have also worked one-on-one with young students as a tutor for over six years and know how to create individualized plans to help each student succeed. After coming to Prague one year ago, I began working with Basis international school, creating classes for students from kindergarten to third grade. I have a degree in English literature and psychology, so I have a passionate love of humanities and science that I try to share with students in any way I can. I blend my educational background with my knowledge of psychology, always trying to approach students with compassion and understanding. My experience has given me the skills to effectively teach using a variety of activities while focusing on cultivating the strengths of each student. I am so happy to join the Opalinka team and I can’t wait to help this fantastic group of students learn and grow. “
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!”
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.“
Kaity Bitter
Teacher, native English speaker
Education: university
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.