PYP Early Years & Kindergarten 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.

Markéta Yoder
marketa.yoder(zavinac)isob.cz

My name is Marketa Yoder (Ms. Markéta). I joined the ISB Kindergarten team in 2012. I was born in Brno, Czech Republic. I worked as a teacher at KinderCare in Virginia US from 2006 to 2008 and at Casablanca American School in Morocco from 2008 to 2010. I received an Early Childhood Certificate from Concordia University in 2007 as well as a Masters in Architecture from Brno Technical University in 1996. My teaching career began after my daughter Maria was born in 2004. She was the reason I changed my professional career. I love Art, books about history, and long walks in nature. I enjoy discovering the world through the eyes of children. It's my pleasure everyday.

Elizabeth Wilson
elizabeth.wilson(zavinac)isob.cz

I am originally from the UK and, after completing my teaching qualification 18 years ago, I have enjoyed a rewarding career as a Primary teacher, both in the UK and here at the International School of Brno. I am currently teaching Early Years, and I feel very fortunate to be part of such a wonderful and dedicated team. I particularly enjoy creating a warm, nurturing environment where children feel confident to explore, discover, and develop a love of learning.

Britney Ptáček
britney.ptacek(zavinac)isob.cz

I am Britney Ptáček, I'm originally from South Africa and have had the pleasure of working in Early Years at The International School of Brno for the past 4 years, serving as the Teaching Assistant for Early Years 1 and Coordinator of the Afternoon Programme.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Media, majoring in Fashion Photography, Marketing & Journalism. While my academic background is creative, it's my hands-on years learning alongside our wonderful Early Years team, specifically Markéta Yoder, that has truly shaped how I support our youngest learners.
Outside the classroom, you'll find me behind a camera, embroidering, baking, spending time with family, or enjoying a good cup of coffee with my dog curled up nearby! I believe children thrive when they have the full support of their families, and I look forward to partnering with you this year to help your child grow and flourish.

Naomi Varmuža
naomi.varmuza(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello, my name is Naomi Varmuža. I'm from the tropical country of the Philippines. I graduated with a Bachelors of Early Childhood Education at Brokenshire College Davao City. I have been working as a Teaching Assistant and Preschool Teacher for about 11 years in my country and in an International Kindergarten School in Kuwait and in Okinawa Japan. Recently, I worked as an Assistant at Slunicko Montessori School and at Viki Kids Club here in Brno. The experiences I have gained have taught me that children are unique individuals with their own learning needs. During my spare time, I like to do nature walks, baking, gardening, and playing guitar. I'm thrilled to be a part of the ISOB community of young learners and contribute to a fun learning environment.

Avital Shalem
avital.shalem(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello! My name is Avital, and I’m originally from Israel. I’m currently studying at Masaryk University. In my free time, I enjoy exploring Brno and its surroundings. I’m happy to be part of ISOB and its international community. I’m looking forward to watching the younger students grow, learn, and discover new things. I hope to bring positivity, creativity, and fun to their days.

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.

Petra Doležalová
petra.dolezalova(zavinac)isob.cz

Dobrý den/Hello, my name is Petra Dolezalova. 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.

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.

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.

Cindy Van Roosmalen
cindy.vanroosmalen(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.

Blanka Kulhánková
blanka.kulhankova(zavinac)isob.cz

I am happy to be part of the Early Years team.