Our Primary & Secondary Team

Jan Švihálek
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.

Jennifer Berry
jennifer.berry(zavinac)isob.cz

Greetings ISB community, my name is Jennifer Berry and I am a proud Canadian who has completed a Bachelor of Arts in Geography, as well as, a Masters of Science in Education. I have been teaching for over ten years and I have enjoyed the challenges and adventures throughout the years. Along with my academic achievements I have discovered my passion for sports. I have had the opportunity to coach, as well as compete as a player in various sports. Teaching is more than just lectures and books, it is about getting involved and participating in different activities. When not at school, I can be found on the rugby pitch, in a canoe or exploring the wonders of the world!

Lorraine Lourens
lorraine.lourens(zavinac)isob.cz

My name is Lorraine Lourens. I was born and raised in South Africa. I moved to Czech Republic in 2019 and have been enjoying the city ever since. I completed my studies at the University of the Witwatersrand. I hold a bachelor degree in Education within the Foundation Phase, and specialize in Early Childhood Education. In addition to that, I have qualified through the TEFL academy to teach English as a Foreign language. A few activities that I enjoy, include painting, drawing, and spending time outdoors. I am very excited to join the ISB team, and look forward to helping our children become lifelong learners.

Christina Winzurk
christina.winzurk(zavinac)isob.cz

I grew up in New Hamphire, United States but have lived in Germany, the Seycelles, and in different areas in the US. I studied in Maryland and Bachelor of Science degree in Business with a concentration in Accouting. I have been teaching for 5 years specializing in English, ESL and Middle School Mathematics. I have taught in Vietnam, Colombia and the United States. In addition to my mother tongue, I speak German and can understand a little bit of Spanish. I love to visit museums and explore the great outdoors. I am looking forward to living in Brno and becoming part of the ISoB team.

Lauren Hake
lauren.hake(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello! I am from Kansas City, Missouri in the United States. I went to the University of Arkansas for both undergrad and graduate school. From there, I received my Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Arts in Teaching. I have taught a total of five years, two in the United States and three in Bangkok, Thailand. When I am not teaching, some of my favorite things to do include reading, traveling, diving, baking, or trying new cafes! I am so excited to be part of the ISB community this year!

Elizabeth Wilson
elizabeth.wilson(zavinac)isob.cz

I began my teaching career in 2007 when I gained a placement on a Graduate Teaching Programme in a primary school in Kent, U.K. After qualifying, I continued to work as a class teacher in the same school until 2011. I then moved schools to take part in a school improvement programme in an underachieving school; one of the toughest challenges of my teaching career. In 2012, I moved to Brno to join ISB where I developed my skills in teaching further. After spending the last four years on maternity leave, looking after my young family, I am happy to return to ISB as a part time class teacher. When I’m not with my family, I like to cycle, swim and read.

Rachel Garford
rachel.garford(zavinac)isob.cz

Dia dhuit or hello in Irish! My name is Rachel and I am from Northern Ireland but I have lived and studied in Edinburgh, Liverpool and Malaysia, whilst teaching internationally in Qatar for two years! I have completed a Master of Arts in Business Management as well as a PGDE in Primary Education. Outside of the classroom I love to read, cook and play field hockey or netball. I can also speak English and Spanish. I look forward to our journey together in helping our children become global and lifelong learners.

Lena Bell
lena.bell(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello! My name is Lena. I grew up in the Middle East but I’m originally from Northern Ireland and Canada. In addition to my native tongue, I also speak Arabic and French. I received my Bachelors of Science from Waterloo University in Canada followed by a Bachelors of Education from Nipissing University. After working for over 10 years in education, I am still inspired by the students and love the diversity in an international classroom. I’m passionate about teaching but love to bring in my other passions into the classroom. These include sports, travel, puzzles and books!

Mylena Volochai
mylena.volochai(zavinac)isob.cz

Viola Dsupin
viola.dsupin(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello! I grew up in a village in Hungary, then moved to Budapest for university where I studied primary school teaching with a specialization in English. My experience with kids includes: tutoring kids in English, volunteering at an alternative school, au pairing and an Erasmus semester in Spain and 1 year as a primary and English teacher in Budapest. In order of proficiency I speak Hungarian, English, Spanish, French and a little Czech. In my free time I like being in the nature, in the kitchen, at flea/vegetable markets or on the internet, looking at old photos, new ideas or listening to podcasts. I am happy to be back to school and surrounded by children because they maintain my curiosity and thirst for learning.

Lenka Caine
lenka.caine(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi, my name is Lenka Caine. I’m originally from Náměšt 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.

Kateřina Vance
katerina.vance(zavinac)isob.cz

I am from Brno and studied at Masaryk University where I specialized in Primary Education and English as a Second Language. Before teaching Czech at ISB, I taught primary classes for six years. I love my work at the school and in addition to my teaching, I'm in charge of the primary library and teach the Art Club after school. I love spending time with my family, reading, yoga and travelling.

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.

Šárka Kovaříková
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 Hrdá
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.

Vojtěch 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.

Omar Rojas Ruiz
omar.rojas(zavinac)isob.cz

I am from Tamaulipas, but I grew up in Mexico City, where I studied the Bachelor's degree in Music Composition at the Centro de Investigación y Estudios de la Música, where later I worked as a teacher of Piano, Aural Training, Counterpoint and Harmony. Even when I am currently based in Ludgerovice, I lived for a long time in Brno while studying my Masters and Doctoral degrees in Music Composition and Theory of Composition at JAMU, where I also worked as a teacher of Composition and Instrumentation for international students and History of Latin American Music. Besides being an active Composer, Teacher and Guitarist, I love to make paper sculptures and oil painting. Apart from speaking Spanish my mother tongue, I am able to fluently communicate in English and Czech, so in Slovak, Italian and Portuguese at an intermediate level. I truly look forward to becoming a part of the ISoB community!

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.

Adéla Bonser
adela.bonser(zavinac)isob.cz

I am from Brno and I am lucky to have been working at ISB since February 2017.  I finished my master's degree in English teaching at Masaryk University in the summer of 2018. Since 2011, I have worked in the USA as a camp counselor, in Ireland as an au pair and in India, Sweden, and Iceland as an English teacher/assistant. I spend most of my free time in the woods or mountains volunteering as a leader of a tourist club and summer camp for children.

Šárka Purdjaková
sarka.purdjakova(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello, I am Šárka, I was born in Brno and I studied at Brno Masaryk University where I specialized in Primary Education and English as a Second Language. During my university studies I spend a year at a university in Portugal as an Erasmus student. After my graduation I applied for Comenius program and tought at an Elementary School in Lisbon. I used to be teaching at here more than 10 years ago, when all about ISB was just starting. I am happy to be back again. One can say I have gone full circle. It is amazing to feel the spirit of such a global village and to work with children from all around the world. I am on maternity leave now and I love to spend my free time with my family. I like listening to music, dancing, watching movies, low-cost travelling, skiing, swimming, teaching English and I prefer winter to summer.

Lavin Beneš
lavin.benes(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi, my name is Lavin Benes and I am one of the new After School Club teachers. I was born and raised in Joshua Tree, California, USA and recently came to Brno to study Medicine at Masaryk University. I have family here in Brno and am looking forward to spending the next six years enjoying this beautiful city and region and everything it has to offer. My personal interests include marathons and triathlons, cooking, reading, and exploring new trails with my dog. I have already had the privilege of getting to know some of your children and am thrilled to be onboard at ISB and watch them develop into kind and talented young adults.

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.

Maria Yoder
maria.yoder(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi, my name is Maria Yoder and I was born in Berlin, Germany even though my nationality is Czech/American. I've lived in Brno for 12 years now and consider it my home. I enjoy playing the guitar and drums and also like drawing and painting. Last year, I graduated from ISB and I am very happy that I am able to continue my time at this school, as an After-School Teacher. I love working with children as well. I am very excited to be a part of the ISB Team.

Barbora Horvátová
barbora.horvatova(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello, my name is Ms. Barbora Horvatová and I am a Czech native. I grew up in Uherské Hradiště, 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.

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.

Ana Jovanovic
ana.jovanovic(zavinac)isob.cz

Ana is joining ISOB as Secondary English and Individuals & Societies Teacher.

Michele Costabile
michele.costabile(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello, my name is Michele (pronounced with a strong "ch" sound, such as in "Michal"), I am Italian and I can't wait to begin my teaching experience at the International School of Brno. I have been teaching for 4 years only, but I grew up in a family of teachers and this job fits well with my love for Maths and the mission to do something good for the future of my students. In the past 12 years I travelled, studied and worked in different countries, such as Australia, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. I am passionate about music, cinema, western philosophy and sports, mainly football and rugby. I love animals, walking, swimming and reading a good book whenever I have some free time.

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!

Callum Sutton
callum.sutton(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello! My name is Callum and I from Wales, or Cymru as it is known in Welsh. I have previously taught in the UK and Qatar, and I am looking forward to teaching at the International School of Brno. This will be my fourth year of teaching a subject that I am hugely passionate about, which is history! I completed my bachelors degree in International Relations & Politics, and my PGDE in Secondary History. Outside of the classroom I am happiest when reading, going for walks, visiting historical locations, travelling, and playing golf. I'm extremely excited to help you become hardworking, fun, and respectful members of society.

Ondřej 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.

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 García
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 Klárová
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 Kuřim. 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.

Vojtěch Čalkovský
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.

Omar Rojas Ruiz
omar.rojas(zavinac)isob.cz

I am from Tamaulipas, but I grew up in Mexico City, where I studied the Bachelor's degree in Music Composition at the Centro de Investigación y Estudios de la Música, where later I worked as a teacher of Piano, Aural Training, Counterpoint and Harmony. Even when I am currently based in Ludgerovice, I lived for a long time in Brno while studying my Masters and Doctoral degrees in Music Composition and Theory of Composition at JAMU, where I also worked as a teacher of Composition and Instrumentation for international students and History of Latin American Music. Besides being an active Composer, Teacher and Guitarist, I love to make paper sculptures and oil painting. Apart from speaking Spanish my mother tongue, I am able to fluently communicate in English and Czech, so in Slovak, Italian and Portuguese at an intermediate level. I truly look forward to becoming a part of the ISoB community!

Martina Hrdá
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.

Vojtěch 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.

Adéla Bonser
adela.bonser(zavinac)isob.cz

I am from Brno and I am lucky to have been working at ISB since February 2017.  I finished my master's degree in English teaching at Masaryk University in the summer of 2018. Since 2011, I have worked in the USA as a camp counselor, in Ireland as an au pair and in India, Sweden, and Iceland as an English teacher/assistant. I spend most of my free time in the woods or mountains volunteering as a leader of a tourist club and summer camp for children.

Šárka Kovaříková
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.

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.

Šárka Purdjaková
sarka.purdjakova(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello, I am Šárka, I was born in Brno and I studied at Brno Masaryk University where I specialized in Primary Education and English as a Second Language. During my university studies I spend a year at a university in Portugal as an Erasmus student. After my graduation I applied for Comenius program and tought at an Elementary School in Lisbon. I used to be teaching at here more than 10 years ago, when all about ISB was just starting. I am happy to be back again. One can say I have gone full circle. It is amazing to feel the spirit of such a global village and to work with children from all around the world. I am on maternity leave now and I love to spend my free time with my family. I like listening to music, dancing, watching movies, low-cost travelling, skiing, swimming, teaching English and I prefer winter to summer.