Primary Years Programme (PYP) 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.

Christianna Simmons
christianna.simmons(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello! My name is Chrissy Simmons, and I am excited to join the International School of Brno as the PYP Principal. Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, I have worked in international education since 2009, with experience across Asia, the Middle East, and now Europe. In my free time, I enjoy reading, playing music, and traveling. I am excited to be part of the ISOB community and look forward to getting to know our students and their families throughout the school year.

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

Salam ( means hi in Persian)! My name is Marjan. I was born and raised in Austria up to the age of 7 when I went back to my homeland, Iran. My parents are both Iranians. I have studied English language and literature and have a bachelors degree. Teaching and Learning have always neen a passion in my life. Prior to Brno, I taught in the German embassy school in Tehran. I am happy to be an ISB member now and excited to explore the beautiful Czech Republic. Also, I have a son named Shervin who is 12 years old and is an ISB member.

Robyn Cronje
robyn.cronje(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello, my name is Robyn. I'm from sunny South Africa, and before moving to the Czech Republic, I spent 5 wonderful years teaching in Asia. I studied Marketing before completing my PGCE, and now I get to combine creativity with teaching. I’m passionate about creating engaging and supportive learning environments where students feel confident enough to explore, question, and grow. When I'm not in the classroom, you'll find me sipping coffee, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, or working up a sweat at the gym.

Jadine Baldan
jadine.baldan(zavinac)isob.cz

I am from Brazil, this is my second year in the Czech Republic and I am looking forward to it. I love to travel, learn different languages and cultures. I have a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Post Graduate Degree in Education, I feel very fufilled when taking part in student's development. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends and having a laugh.

Pam Ureta
pam.ureta(zavinac)isob.cz

Originally from the Philippines, I have spent more than twenty years working in education as an IB teacher and PYP coordinator across Early Years and Upper Primary settings. Before moving to Brno, I lived and worked in Kobe, Japan for six years. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from De La Salle University and pursued graduate studies in Education with a focus on Special Education. I believe that children learn best when they feel seen, valued, and inspired to be curious about the world around them. Outside the classroom, I enjoy painting, photography, and traveling. As I begin this new chapter in the Czech Republic, I look forward to learning more about the local culture, becoming part of the ISB community, and making Brno my home.

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.

Jazmin Herrera
jazmin.herrera(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello! My name is Ms. Jazmin Herrera. I am from the United States of America and am a student at Masaryk University. 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 School 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.

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.

Kateřina Vance
katerina.vance(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello! My name is Kateřina 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.

Corona Čermák
corona.cermak(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello! My name is Corona Čermák. I am from Tanzania and I have lived in Brno for 13 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 12 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

Sai Sai Naung
sai.naung(zavinac)isob.cz

My name is Sai Sai Htun Naung; call me Sai Sai, and I am originally from Myanmar. I recently completed a Bachelor's degree in Education for Diversity and Inclusion at Masaryk University, where I developed a strong interest in intercultural and inclusive education. Throughout my studies, I gained practical experience working with children through volunteering placements in Spain and Greece, an Erasmus exchange in Norway, and an EU-funded research exchange programme in Turkey and Latvia, alongside collaborative work with several NGOs. Besides my studies, I am an aviation enthusiast who loves airplanes. I have a strong interest in travel and cross-cultural learning, and I enjoy spending time outdoors - particularly hiking in forests - as well as cooking. I look forward to applying my background in diversity and inclusion to support children's learning and growth in an international environment, and I am excited to join the ISOB community.

Aung Win
aung.win(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi everyone. My name is Aung Win, but you can call me Win. I’m originally from Myanmar, but I’ve been living in Brno for the past three years. I recently graduated from Masaryk University with a degree in Education. I love sports, working with kids, and traveling. I’m so happy and excited to be part of this community, and I can’t wait to learn, share, and work with you all.

Sepideh Sanedoust
sepideh.sanedoust(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi, I’m Sepideh. I’ve been living in Brno for the past four years and have studied Czech up to A2 level at MUNI CJV. I have three years of teaching experience with children in my home country (Iran), followed by two years working as a cover teacher at ISOB. I’m very excited to be joining the team this year as a PYP Student Support. Alongside my work, I’m currently finishing my Master’s degree at Masaryk University. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, making arts and crafts, cooking, and traveling. What makes me really happy in an educational environment is to watch young learners grow, learn, and make progress.

Petra Doležalová
petra.dolezalova(zavinac)isob.cz

Dobrý den/Hello, my name is Petra Doležalová. I was born in Brno and recently returned home after 25 years of living and teaching in Australia. During that time, I gained invaluable experience as a high-school teacher and university printmaking lecturer, while also running my own art-therapy practice supporting children with disabilities. On a personal note, I am a practicing artist with a deep passion for exploring various mediums, including painting, ink drawing, ceramics, and printmaking. My work has been widely exhibited and recognised across Australia and Europe. I am excited to bring my expertise in both art and education to the International School of Brno. I believe my diverse background, blending international teaching experience with a deep passion for visual creativity, will enable me to contribute positively to the ISB community. I look forward to connecting with students, parents, and fellow colleagues. If you see me around the school, please don’t hesitate to come and say hello.

Elyce Brady
elyce.brady(zavinac)isob.cz

My name is Elyce Brady and I'm from Ireland. My bachelor's degree was in Religious Education and Music Education (secondary school teaching), awarded by Dublin City University. My master's degree was in Piano Performance and Musicology, awarded by Maynooth University. Now, I am doing my PhD in Musicology at Masaryk University. In the past, I've worked as a music teacher, piano + voice tutor, and an English language educator. I enjoy working with kids and being part of their academic journey.

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.

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.

Šárka Kovaříková
sarka.kovarikova(zavinac)isob.cz

I was born in Vyškov and moved to Brno when I was ten. I spent a year of high school in the United States, where I also graduated, which was my first real experience of living and studying in an international environment. During my university studies, I spent a semester in the Netherlands as part of the Erasmus programme. I studied at Hogeschool van Utrecht and also completed part of my teacher training there. I later graduated from Masaryk University with a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education, majoring in Special Education and English Language and Literature. I also have a Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching Foreign Languages, specialising in French. I really enjoy working at ISB because every day brings the opportunity to learn from different people and see various approaches to teaching and learning. Outside of school, I like to spend as much time as possible with my family. I am a big ice hockey fan, but I also enjoy playing and watching other sports, especially volleyball, cycling, skiing and snowboarding.

Michelle Kiob Quarrie
michelle.quarrie(zavinac)isob.cz

Originally from beautiful and multicultural Borneo Malaysia, I am passionate about creating inclusive learning environments where every child feels valued, confident, and inspired to grow. Drawing on my teaching experience in international education with IB philosophy, I strive to make learning meaningful, engaging, and fun! Outside the classroom, I enjoy reading, painting, traveling, and exploring new cultures with my family.

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.

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.

Giulia Zilotti
giulia.zilotti(zavinac)isob.cz

My name is Giulia Zilotti, and despite what my name might suggest, I’m originally from Brazil! Sports have always been a big part of my life and even took me to the United States on a volleyball scholarship. I joined the school in 2024 and have since worked across different areas of Early Years, where I currently teach Physical Education. I also coordinate our outdoor programs, including Adventure Club and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, combining my love for movement, nature, and a good adventure. Outside of school, you’ll often find me playing padel, reading a good book, listening to music, or simply enjoying time outdoors. I’m very happy to be part of our school community and to share my enthusiasm for being active, exploring, and learning through new experiences with our students.

Jan Navrátil
jan.navratil(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi, my name is Jan and I am from Brno, Czech Republic. I am professional musician and I play the guitar with variety artists. I work for musical theatre (Mestske divadlo Brno) and occasionally I collaborate with the opera or philharmonic orchestras for different shows. I studied at B.I.B.S. (Brno International Business School) for Bachelor's programme and Master's degree in Strategy and Leadership in English. I am looking foward to sharing and exploring world of music with all the students!

Lavin Benes
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!

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.

Adéla Moravcová

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.

Tereza Straka
tereza.straka(zavinac)isob.cz

Hi, I’m Miss T!
I’m the School Psychologist, and I’m passionate about supporting children and helping them feel safe, heard, and understood.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Masaryk University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Sigmund Freud University in Vienna. I’m also currently completing certified psychotherapy training with Dalet.
Outside of school, I love travelling, surfing, painting, good music, deep conversations, and spending time with my husband, friends, and my dog Ollie.
I believe that sometimes, having someone who truly listens can make all the difference.