Our Primary & Secondary Team

Jan Svihalek
jan.svihalek(zavinac)isob.cz

I was born in Brno, where I live now together with my family. Both my parents and some of my grandparents are teachers, so my professional path was quite clear. I earned my Master's at the Pedagogical Faculty of Masaryk University specialising in German and Physical Education and I have been teaching PE and German language at various schools since I was a universtity student. I have been working as Head of School at the International School of Brno since it's founding in 2008. I speak English, German, Spanish, Russian and Czech. I am also an active musician, with passion for literature and art.

Sara Evans
sara.evans(zavinac)isob.cz

Seema Singh
seema.singh(zavinac)isob.cz

My name is Mrs. Seema Singh (Ms. Seema). I am from Delhi, India. I have a Masters degree in Education and Political Science. I have been teaching for about 16 years, and it is so rewarding. I have spent my career teaching primary and special needs children in India. I started teaching in ISB kindergarten in 2009. I just love working with the little ones. I enjoy watching their faces as they make connections to the learning around them each day. I am amazed by how much the children I teach actually teach me. Each day in a kindergarten classroom brings new and exciting things. I am honoured to be able to do what I truly LOVE to do.

Marjan Moharrer
marjan.moharrer(zavinac)isob.cz

Nobuhle Ngacu
nobuhle.ngacu(zavinac)isob.cz

I am from a wonderful country called South Africa. Port Elizabeth is where I live also called ‘the friendly city’. I have a Bachelors Degree in Education and started teaching internationally in 2005. I’ve been teaching for two decades now and my favourite things in class is reading to the kids and writing. In my spare time I enjoy reading, singing, watching movies, exercising and socialising with friends over a great cup of coffee. I’d like to think I’m a risk-taker but I’m never trying bungee jumping!!I look forward to making a positive impact at ISOB and can’t wait to explore this beautiful city!

Estelle Schoeman
estelle.schoeman(zavinac)isob.cz

I am from the beautiful city of Cape Town, South Africa. I obtained my teaching certificate from the University of Cape Town and have recently completed my Masters in Advanced Teaching. I grew up in central and southern Africa, before broadening my horizons and moving to Asia. Before coming to Brno, I was living and working in Hanoi, Vietnam, and prior to that in Seoul, South Korea. I love spending time outdoors and I especially love to hike. I also really enjoy doing yoga, reading, listening to live music and being creative through pottery and sketching. My ultimate aim as an educator is to instil a love for learning in my students as I share my lifelong commitment for learning with them.

Olivia Dela Cruz
olivia.delacruz(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi, I’m Ms. Olivia from the Philippines. I’ve been teaching English since 2008. I hold an AB/BSE in Literature and a Master of Arts in Education, majoring in English. I spent 13 years teaching at an international school in Mongolia before moving to the Czech Republic. With over 15 years of experience, I’m always looking for ways to improve my teaching and make learning meaningful for my students, who are at the heart of everything I do. Outside of work, I love traveling, baking when I can, and taking photos. I’m passionate about teaching and enjoy the energy kids bring to the classroom!

Lara Mayer
lara.mayer(zavinac)isob.cz

I am Australian and have a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from the University of New England. I taught in government schools in Sydney and London, and PYP schools in Kyiv and Ulm (Germany). I love gardening, crafts such as cross stitch and crochet, and visiting new places. I am excited to be here in Brno and am looking forward to learning more about Czech culture.

Corona Cermak
corona.cermak(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello! My name is Corona Cermak. I am from Tanzania and I have lived in Brno for ten years now. I have Bachelors in Laws from the University of London, England. I have been teaching English in the kindergarten and after school clubs for 9 years. I teach Swahili at Masaryk University and online since 2015. I speak Swahili and English and intermediate Czech language. I am an author of children's books. I have so far published 3 children’s books. I enjoy reading, writing, travelling and meeting new people. I have lived and worked in Tanzania, the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic. I have visited Kenya, USA, France, Germany and the Netherlands. I always look forward to new experiences and I am ready for this new adventure with the ISB community.

Mylena Volochai
mylena.volochai(zavinac)isob.cz

Jazmin Herrera
jazmin.herrera(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello! My name is Ms. Jazmin Herrera, and I am one of the new After School Club teachers. I am from the United States of America and am a second year student at Masaryk University working towards a Medical Degree. Some of my hobbies include pottery, reading and learning new languages. With this, I hope to bring a good mixture of science and art into the After School Club for your child(ren) to enjoy. I am honored to be a part of ISB and excited to have the opportunity to work with all of the incredible students at the International School of Brno.

Britney Hand
britney.hand(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello! My name is Britney, I am from the beautiful country of South Africa. I completed my studies in Fashion Media, and continued working in the industry after my studies. I had the opportunity to relocate to Brno just short of a year ago, and the opportunity to assist in the kindergarten arose. I have gained a lot of experience in my short time at the school thus far, along with a passion for working with children and learning about their cultures through their stories. I have a passion for photography, as well as enjoy baking, writing, and spending time in the African wildlife conservation areas.

Avital Shalem
avital.shalem(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello! my name is Avital, and I am from Israel. I am currently studying at Masaryk University in Brno. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the city and its surroundings, cooking, practicing yoga, and listening to music. I am excited about the opportunity to join ISOB. Studying in an international environment has been an enriching experience, and I look forward to inspiring students to appreciate the diverse cultures around them. During my school years, I helped in a kindergarten where my mother worked, and I hope to bring that experience to the classroom.

Asia Abdalla Salimu
asia.salimu(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi, I am Asia. I am from the Kilimanjaro region in Tanzania and have been living in the Czech Republic since 2021. I graduated with a diploma in development planning. I will be looking after the kindergarten children during the afternoon program. I love watching the kids express their creativity and grow into independent individuals. I speak English, Swahili, and am excited to start learning Czech. In my free time, I enjoy dancing, watching movies, spending time with my family, and participating in summer camps.

Viola Dsupin
viola.dsupin(zavinac)isob.cz

My name is Viola Dsupin. I’m a proud Hungarian and a happy inhabitant of Brno. I grew up in a village, then moved to Budapest where I completed my degree in Primary School Teaching with a specialization in English. My experience with kids includes tutoring, au pairing, volunteering and various positions in primary education in Hungary, Spain and the Czech Republic. In my free time I like being in the nature and going to vegetable or flea markets. I am looking forward to another year of learning with the ISB community!

Lenka Caine
lenka.caine(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi, my name is Lenka Caine. I’m originally from Namest nad Oslavou. I have studied Social Work at Vocational School of Social Matters in Brno. After finishing my studies as a social worker I moved to Uk, where I lived till last year. In Uk I completed Diploma for the Young People’s Workforce and attended many other courses to further progress my knowledge in this field.

Geneva Fink
geneva.fink(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello! My name is Geneva Fink. I’m originally from a small farm in the Great Plains of the central United States. I studied Human Development and Family Sciences with a concentration in Psychology at Kansas State University. After finishing my first degree, I made the exciting move to Brno, where I earned my Master's degree in Cultural Sociology at Masaryk University, specializing in displaced student integration. This is my first full-time year at the International School of Brno, and I’m so excited to be the Primary Well-being Coordinator, Year 5 Teaching Assistant, Year 5 EAL Teacher, and to help with the After School Club! I live here in Brno with my partner, a Brňan, and I love being part of the Draci Brno baseball fan club, diving into a good book, traveling to new places, and hanging out with friends!

Katerina Vance
katerina.vance(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello! My name is Katerina Vance. I was born in Brno, and it's where I embarked on my academic journey at Masaryk University, specializing in Primary Education and English as a Second Language. Today, I find fulfillment as a Czech Primary Teacher at ISB. Guiding my students through their primary years and nurturing their bond with their native language fills me with pride and joy. Outside of work, you'll often find me engrossed in books, practicing yoga, indulging in crafts, but most importantly, cherishing moments with my family.

Sophie Lefevre
sophie.lefevre(zavinac)isob.cz

My name is Sophie Lefèvre and I am originally from France. I have lived abroad for nearly 25 years. In high school I specialised in art and then made a master´s degree in philosophy from Sorbonne in Paris. I also hold a Waldorf/Steiner teaching certificate. I have been teaching art, languages and literature in various institutions (primary, secondary, high schools and universities) in the Czech Republic, England and America since 1991. I have been painting and drawing since the day I could hold a pencil in my hand and next to my teaching I dedicate my time to my wall and fresco painting company and illustrating books.

Sarka Kovarikova
sarka.kovarikova(zavinac)isob.cz

I was born in Vyskov, but moved to Brno whne I was young. I did my last year of high school in the United States, where I graduated and then returned to graduate from the Czech system here in Brno. In university I spent time at the Hogeschool van Utrecht in the Netherlands, where I studied and did teacher training. I have a Master's Degree in Secondary Education from Masaryk University specialising in Special Education and English Language. I also have a bachelor's degree in Foreign Languages specialising in French. When I am not at work, I am with my family. I am a big ice-hockey fan, but I enjoy other sports: volleyball, cycling, inline skating, skiing and snowboarding.

Martina Hrda
martina.hrda(zavinac)isob.cz

I am from the South Moravia region in the Czech Republic. My whole life is related to Brno, where I achieved 3 stages of teacher education training: High school of Education, Master´s degree in Upper Secondary School Teacher training with specialization in Czech and Music, and Higher Education in doctoral degree programme in Education at Masaryk University. I have been interested in teaching Czech as a second / foreign language over 10 years. My teaching practise involves the wide range of nationalities and social environments. I worked in asylum centers, Kindergartens, High school, Music school and in many Language schools and was a member of the committee for state examinations in the Czech language. I love to teach Czech in Czech and help people to feel nice in the Czech Republic. The most important things in my life are my daughter, classical music, singing, dancing and playing the piano.

Vojtech Bastyan
vojtech.bastyan(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi, my name is Vojta and I am from Kromeriz, Czech Republic. I have a master‘s degree in Education of Biology and Physical Education from Palacky University in Olomouc and doctoral degree in Kinesiology from Masaryk University in Brno. I have lived and worked in Anchorage, Alaska during my studies and worked as a ski instructor in South Lake Tahoe, California after I graduated. I have taught internationally in Tanzania for the past 3 years, before that I had organised and supervised the leisure time activities for children from kindergartens and elementary schools here in Brno. I like sports, outdoor activities and reading travel books. I can speak Czech, English, Swahili and little German.

Kristi Lescinski
kristi.lescinski(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi! My name is Kristi and have been living in Brno for almost two years, but am originally from Pennsylvania, U.S. I attended the University of North Carolina where I received degrees in Political Science and History. I also minored in music (which is my true passion). I have spent the last few years working as an au pair, performing as a singer-songwriter, and teaching private singing lessons. I enjoy being active, especially hiking, bouldering, & water skiing, as well as reading, cooking, meeting new people, and finding cool places in Brno to listen to music. This will be my first year full time at ISB and I cannot wait!

Kristi Lescinski
lavin.benes(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello, my name is Lavin and I am from Palm Springs, California! I have been in the Czech Republic since 2022 and have had the privilege of sharing my love for math with all the students in Primary. When I am not igniting the excitement of math on campus, you can find me training for triathlons, Brazilian Ju Jitsu, cooking, or practicing my new found love for gardening. I love being an active part of the growth here at ISB and your child's education journey!

Marianna Suarez
marianna.suarez(zavinac)isob.cz

My name is Marianna Suarez, and I was born and raised in Maracaibo - Venezuela, coming from an Italian family, I´ve always carried that multicultural layer that makes ISB the perfect place to develop professionally. I hold a BA in Business Administration but luckily learning and teaching have always been a part of my life. Apart from my professional side, I enjoy discovering the world by traveling and honoring its culture by recreating their typical dishes.

Katerina Dimovska
katerina.dimovska(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello, I am Katerina, from Brno. I completed the Master´s programme of Czech for Foreigners at the University of Ostrava -Faculty of Arts. I completed my bachelor's degree at the Masaryk University Brno-Department of Slavistic. I have been teaching since 2010. I love reading, theater, and honest people. Besides the Czech language, I can speak all Slavic languages, English and Portuguese.

Emmanuel Santen
emmanuel.santen(zavinac)isob.cz

Emmanuel Gorim Santen, your child's dedicated teaching assistant, brings seven years of rich teaching experience to our classroom journey. Having served as a shadow teacher and teaching assistant at Woollen British School, Dubai, and as a Geography teacher at Charity Bilingual Academy, Buea, I am deeply committed to creating an inclusive and nurturing learning environment. Currently pursuing a PhD at Masaryk University, I hold certifications in teaching assistance (KHDA Certified), shadow teaching (KHDA Certified), special education needs and disability (I-Connect Global Education), and international security Expert (City and Guilds London/Dubai Police Academy). My passion for recognizing and celebrating every child's unique potential only grows stronger.

Barbora Horvatova
barbora.horvatova(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello, my name is Ms. Barbora Horvatova and I am a Czech native. I grew up in Uherské Hradište, South Moravia. Then I moved to Brno to study Speech Therapy and I have been working as a Speech Therapist in an ambulance for children and adults since I finished my studies in 2018. I work mainly with children with language and speech difficulties and I am going to provide Speech Therapy sessions for the Early Years and Year 1 students at ISB. I believe that the ability to communicate is extremely important in today's world and I am glad that I can help the next generation to improve it. I am looking forward to joining the ISB team and working with the ISB families.

David Jirman
david.jirman(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello, I'm David and I've spent most of my life in Brno. I earned my master's degree in Computer Science from Masaryk University in Brno. My aim is to assist your digital natives in becoming responsible digital citizens with a solid foundation in ICT. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, cooking, spending time in nature, and being in good company.

Tania Dumbrava
tania.dumbrava(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi, I'm Tatiana (or Tania), I have a master degree in Psychology and I'm working as a coach, counselor and school psychologist since 2017. I love when children and adults leave the consultation room excited to have found their own solutions and with a bit more energy, courage and self confidence. Besides coaching and counseling I lead workshops on mental wellbeing. I love hiking, feeling nature with all senses, reading, dancing, being inspired, laughing out loud, and having fun.

Dylan Vance
dylan.vance(zavinac)isob.cz

I grew up in Thunder Bay Canada on the north shore of Lake Superior. I have a BA in Philosophy and am currently working towards a Master's in Education specialising in Administrative Leadership. I have been teaching for over ten years and am very proud to see how far ISB has come as I've been here since the beginning. Along with spending time with my family, I love cooking, photography and playing music. I can speak English, Czech and French.

Kurt Bonser
kurt.bonser(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi! I am from Livonia, Michigan, U.S.A. I have a bachelor’s degree in Zoology with a minor in Spanish from Northern Michigan University. After that I obtained a teaching certificate in Integrated Science from Madonna University and am qualified to teach all sciences at the secondary level (grade 6 to 12). I am currently working towards my masters in Education Leadership through Madonna University (online of course). I have taught internationally in China for the past 4 years, before that I had taught in American for 2 years. In my spare time I like doing anything outdoors in nature, hiking, running, biking, swimming, and camping.

Robin Smith
robin.smith(zavinac)isob.cz

I've worked for 18 years as a teacher and have a Master's Degree from Dundee University in Scotland. I also have a Cambridge Celta certificate and I'm currently studying at Buckingham University as a post-graduate distance student to improve my teaching further. On top of teaching, my responsibilities at ISB include the Community Service work of the school and raising the profile and respect of the school in the community. I love music and theatre and helping with the school productions. As well as teaching, my CV includes being the director of two businesses and working as the Czech director of VisitBritain, although I gave these up to work at ISB 2 years ago.

Madison Eblen
madison.eblen(zavinac)isob.cz

I am orginially from Ohio, but I've been living and working for the past five years in Dallas, Texas. I attended Ohio University for my undergraduate, where I received degrees in both Journalism and Spanish. Upon graduation, I moved down to Dallas to take part in a teaching program while also working toward my Masters in Education from Johns Hopkins University. Over the past five years, I've taught 7th grade English Language Arts, worked as an English interventionist specializing in dyslexia small groups, and, most recently, taught 8th grade ELA. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, watching films, and being outdoors. This will be my first year at ISB, and I am excited to be here and be part of the team.

Rhandy Jermia
rhandy.jermia(zavinac)isob.cz

Jerbylyn Velasquez
jerbylyn.velasquez(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi! I’m Ms Bing. I graduated with a degree in Secondary Education majoring in Mathematics from the Philippine Normal University and completed my Master’s degree in Educational Measurement and Evaluation from Miriam College. I am from the Philippines but have lived in several countries, teaching IB MYP/DP Mathematics to Secondary students for the last 12 years. I taught at a Cambridge IGCSE school in Indonesia, and IB Continuum schools in the Philippines, Mexico, Japan and most recently in Albania. I enjoy traveling and meeting people from different cultures, and working with students from different cultural backgrounds is something I have grown accustomed to. This is my first year at Brno and also at ISOB and I am really excited to be part of this school community.

Roxanne Uy
roxanne.uy(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi, I am Ms. Rox and I am from the Philippines. I got my master’s degree in teaching biology at De La Salle University Manila. I have a decade of teaching experience ranging from elementary pupils to senior high school students in Manila and Jakarta. I believe in the power of student-centered learning, growth mindset, and inquiry-based approach. I am also keen in promoting environmentalism and sustainability in school-wide activities. I enjoy travelling and listening to music during my free time. I look forward to my life in Brno and a new adventure in my career here in ISB!

Rebecca Daum
rebecca.daum(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello! I am originally from the United States, where I completed my bachelor and master's degrees in Anthropology. I have spent the last several years teaching in Japan, as well as an international boarding school in the US. I have seven years of IB teaching experience, which includes subjects such as Social and Cultural Anthropology, English Language and Literature, English Language Acquisition, and Language and Culture. Other roles have included DP and Extended Essay coordinator, Residential Assistant, and homeroom teacher/advisor. I enjoy traveling, learning new things, and reading. I am excited to be teaching History and I&S here at ISB!

Erika Correa
erika.correa(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello, I am Ms.Correa. I am orginally from NYC. I have a master's in TESOL and am a licensed teacher in the US. I been living and teaching overseas for 15 years, mostly in different Asian countries. I have taught different curriculums but enjoy teaching the IB curriculum. I have beening teaching IBDP English A & B for the past four years. I enjoy traveling, reading, and learning about different cultures. I am excited to here in Brno and teaching IB MYP English.

Ronald Dela Cruz
ronald.delacruz(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello, I'm Ronald dela Cruz from the Philippines. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education and recently earned my Master's degree in Science Education. With 17 years of teaching experience, the majority of which was spent at an international school in Mongolia, I have developed a deep passion for education and cultural exchange. Beyond the classroom, I find joy in exploring the world of culinary arts, where cooking serves as a creative outlet for me. My love for exploration also extends to travel and photography. Traveling allows me to immerse myself in new cultures and landscapes, while photography helps me capture the beauty of these experiences, preserving memories and stories through the lens. I'm excited to be a part of ISB!

Sean Fogarty
sean.fogarty(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello! My name is Sean and I'm from Ireland! I've been teaching for the past 8 years, so it's something that I am really passionate about. I have a Bachelor's in English Literature and History, a Masters in Training and Education, and I will be studying a Masters in Literature and Language here in Brno! I have worked in a few different countries, but I'm really excited to add the Czech Republic to that list. In my spare time I like playing guitar, travelling and reading.

Sonia Bueno Garcia
sonia.garcia(zavinac)isob.cz

I am from Barcelona, Spain. I teach Spanish as a foreign language since 1998. I have taught in the UK, in Greece and, since 2014, in the Czech Republic. Although I have a BA in History of Art, I was soon attracted to teaching my mother tongue. I enjoy very much teaching students from all around the world. In my free time, among lots of things, I love hiking, travelling and swimming in the sea.

Eva Klarova
eva.klarova(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello, my name is Eva and come from the Czech Republic. I´ve been interested in art and crafts since I was very little. I studied to become an Art and English language teacher at Masaryk University in Brno. After that I went on learning different crafts and art techniques, studied a three-year seminar for Waldorf teachers and taught at secondary grammar school in Brno and then in Waldorf school in Kurim. This is my first year in ISB and I really appreciate to have the opportunity to meet students and teachers from different cultural backgrounds in our school. I love making pottery, textile art, playing music in an amateur band and hiking.

Sophie Lefevre
sophie.lefevre(zavinac)isob.cz

My name is Sophie Lefèvre and I am originally from France. I have lived abroad for nearly 25 years. In high school I specialised in art and then made a master´s degree in philosophy from Sorbonne in Paris. I also hold a Waldorf/Steiner teaching certificate. I have been teaching art, languages and literature in various institutions (primary, secondary, high schools and universities) in the Czech Republic, England and America since 1991. I have been painting and drawing since the day I could hold a pencil in my hand and next to my teaching I dedicate my time to my wall and fresco painting company and illustrating books.

Vojtech Calkovsky
vojtech.calkovsky(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi, I´m Vojta. I grew up, studied and worked in Brno, Czech Republic. I am currently half way through my Ph.D. studies on CEITEC researching semiconductors. I love to travel which is my every year adventure. Beside Physics I enjoy fixing cars, wiring houses, riding bike and playing quitar. It is my pleasure to be a part of ISB team.

Ondrej Kala
ondrej.kala(zavinac)isob.cz

I am from Brno and I work at ISB from September 2021. I finished my bachelor’s degree in Czech and History at Masaryk University in the summer 2013. Now I study Master’s degree in Palacky University in Olomouc. Before teaching Czech at ISB, I was employed in big worldwide corporates where I worked in several managerial and coordinating positions. I spend my free time with my family, reading and meeting friends while drinking a good coffee.

Kristi Lescinski
kristi.lescinski(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi! My name is Kristi and have been living in Brno for almost two years, but am originally from Pennsylvania, U.S. I attended the University of North Carolina where I received degrees in Political Science and History. I also minored in music (which is my true passion). I have spent the last few years working as an au pair, performing as a singer-songwriter, and teaching private singing lessons. I enjoy being active, especially hiking, bouldering, & water skiing, as well as reading, cooking, meeting new people, and finding cool places in Brno to listen to music. This will be my first year full time at ISB and I cannot wait!

Martina Hrda
martina.hrda(zavinac)isob.cz

I am from the South Moravia region in the Czech Republic. My whole life is related to Brno, where I achieved 3 stages of teacher education training: High school of Education, Master´s degree in Upper Secondary School Teacher training with specialization in Czech and Music, and Higher Education in doctoral degree programme in Education at Masaryk University. I have been interested in teaching Czech as a second / foreign language over 10 years. My teaching practise involves the wide range of nationalities and social environments. I worked in asylum centers, Kindergartens, High school, Music school and in many Language schools and was a member of the committee for state examinations in the Czech language. I love to teach Czech in Czech and help people to feel nice in the Czech Republic. The most important things in my life are my daughter, classical music, singing, dancing and playing the piano.

Emmanuel Santen
emmanuel.santen(zavinac)isob.cz

Emmanuel Gorim Santen, your child's dedicated teaching assistant, brings seven years of rich teaching experience to our classroom journey. Having served as a shadow teacher and teaching assistant at Woollen British School, Dubai, and as a Geography teacher at Charity Bilingual Academy, Buea, I am deeply committed to creating an inclusive and nurturing learning environment. Currently pursuing a PhD at Masaryk University, I hold certifications in teaching assistance (KHDA Certified), shadow teaching (KHDA Certified), special education needs and disability (I-Connect Global Education), and international security Expert (City and Guilds London/Dubai Police Academy). My passion for recognizing and celebrating every child's unique potential only grows stronger.

Vojtech Bastyan
vojtech.bastyan(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi, my name is Vojta and I am from Kromeriz, Czech Republic. I have a master‘s degree in Education of Biology and Physical Education from Palacky University in Olomouc and doctoral degree in Kinesiology from Masaryk University in Brno. I have lived and worked in Anchorage, Alaska during my studies and worked as a ski instructor in South Lake Tahoe, California after I graduated. I have taught internationally in Tanzania for the past 3 years, before that I had organised and supervised the leisure time activities for children from kindergartens and elementary schools here in Brno. I like sports, outdoor activities and reading travel books. I can speak Czech, English, Swahili and little German.

Sarka Kovarikova
sarka.kovarikova(zavinac)isob.cz

I was born in Vyskov, but moved to Brno when I was young. I did my last year of high school in the United States, where I graduated and then returned to graduate from the Czech system here in Brno. In university I spent time at the Hogeschool van Utrecht in the Netherlands, where I studied and did teacher training. I have a Master's Degree in Secondary Education from Masaryk University specialising in Special Education and English Language. I also have a bachelor's degree in Foreign Languages specialising in French. When I am not at work, I am with my family. I am a big ice-hockey fan, but I enjoy other sports: volleyball, cycling, inline skating, skiing and snowboarding.

Nichole Lim
nichole.lim(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi, I'm Nichole! I'm a first-generation Filipino-American from California, but I spent the last four years across the pond in Norwich, England. After finishing my master's in Education & International Development, with a focus on early childhood and special education, I came to Brno to complete my CELTA training at Masaryk University. Before joining ISB, I first found a home in international education through my continuing involvement in the United World Colleges movement, in which I support secondary students from Tajikistan to study at IB schools around the world. When I'm not at ISB, you can either find me hanging off a cliff face somewhere in Slovakia or buried under my covers reading fiction. It really just depends on the weather... My cello also has my heart, and there are few things I miss more than making music and gigging around Norwich with my band, echoing folk with overtones of jazz and indie.

Marianna Suarez
marianna.suarez(zavinac)isob.cz

My name is Marianna Suarez, and I was born and raised in Maracaibo - Venezuela, coming from an Italian family, I´ve always carried that multicultural layer that makes ISB the perfect place to develop professionally. I hold a BA in Business Administration but luckily learning and teaching have always been a part of my life. Apart from my professional side, I enjoy discovering the world by traveling and honoring its culture by recreating their typical dishes.

David Jirman
david.jirman(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello, I'm David and I've spent most of my life in Brno. I earned my master's degree in Computer Science from Masaryk University in Brno. My aim is to assist your digital natives in becoming responsible digital citizens with a solid foundation in ICT. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, cooking, spending time in nature, and being in good company.

Cindy van Roosmalen
cindy.van.roosmalen(zavinac)isob.cz

I am originally from the Netherlands which is where I got my Masters degree but I got my teaching certificate in Scotland, where I lived for 10 years. I have worked in many international schools, including Cambodia, Russia, Egypt, China and Iran. I also lived in South Africa for a year as a volunteer in a monkey sanctuary as I love animals and working with animals. I think our environment is super important tand this is something I try to always teach the children in my class. I also love arts and crafts like pottery and origami and drama.

Martina Grochalova
martina.grochalova(zavinac)isob.cz

I earned a Master’s degree from the University of Pardubice, followed by a PhD in Proteomics from Masaryk University in Brno. Early in my career, I worked as a researcher at the CEITEC research center and teacher for university students. I am passionate about science and delicious food. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature with children and have a love for creative activities like sewing, crocheting and gardening.

Tania Dumbrava
tania.dumbrava(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi, I'm Tatiana (or Tania), I have a master degree in Psychology and I'm working as a coach, counselor and school psychologist since 2017. I love when children and adults leave the consultation room excited to have found their own solutions and with a bit more energy, courage and self confidence. Besides coaching and counseling I lead workshops on mental wellbeing. I love hiking, feeling nature with all senses, reading, dancing, being inspired, laughing out loud, and having fun.