Enthusiasts and professionals in one person
Wonderland Academy's international teaching team is a mosaic of inspiring, creative and open-minded individuals who share a common goal: to help provide a family school that emphasizes not only the effective education of children, but also their education and all-round development in a friendly and stimulating environment.
Management
Elementary school teachers
Courtney Campbell
Secondary Teacher for English, Math, and Science
Joscelyn Evener
Secondary Teacher for English, Math, and Science
Jennifer Dickinson
Secondary Teacher for English, Math, and Science
Secondary school teachers
Foreign languages teachers
Kateřina Světlíková
Coordinator for Foreign Languages at the Secondary Level Spanish Teacher
Assistants
After-school club and activities
Teachers for extracurricular activities
Support centre
Administration
Maintenance
Bio
Pavla Hajian
CEO
Pavla Hajian has experience as a director and owner of a preschool in London, Ealing. She has worked for many years in international language schools and nurseries. She has been running Wonderland Preschool since 2009 and is the founder of Wonderland Academy, a private language school. She is herself a mother of five children (Kimi, Dany, Melanie, Charlotte and Nicolas).
Jan Voda
Director of Wonderland Academy
Jan Voda, Ph.D. has a total of 25 years of experience as a teacher, lecturer, head of the children's department, parent and pedagogical leader. He studied teaching for the 1st grade at PedF UK, and has taught at all levels of schools, including university. He first worked in a municipal managerial position for 15 years and then he started work as a manager at a private school. He is a graduate of a long series of continuing education courses and teaches continuing educations courses himself. He is a two-time finalist of the Global teacher prize Czech Republic, a 2-time winner at the global teachers' forum (Seattle 2015, Singapore 2018) and certified as a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert.
Klára Kosová
Deputy Director for Administrative Matters
Klára Kosová studied teaching at the Faculty of Pedagogy of Masaryk University in Brno, where she focused on a combination of Czech language and physical education. She has experience teaching at all three levels. In the past, she worked at an elementary school with extended physical education program, where she was a third-grade classroom teacher and led skating and swimming lessons. For many years, she participated in children's summer and winter camps as a section or sports leader. She loves working with young children. When working with the youngest school children, she especially enjoys their high level of imagination, natural curiosity and straightforward view of the world.
Lucie Gaidošová
Secondary School CoordinatorClass Teacher for 5.A
Lucie Gaidošová studied English language teaching at the University of Pardubice and then studied translation at the University of Silesia in Opava. She likes to use positive motivation and conceptual learning in her classroom. As a former professional athlete, she ran children's tennis schools and organized an annual training camp. For years she also worked in the media in a managerial position and created news programs. She connects all her experiences in the lessons so that the lessons are not only fun for the students, but also varied, motivating and beneficial. Lucie spends her free time playing sports, cooking, leading healthy eating challenges and also with her large family of seven children, which, as she says, is sometimes the ultimate challenge in time management.
Filip Novák
Secondary School Coordinator Class Teacher for 7.A
Filip Novák is a graduate of the University of Economics in Prague with a master's degree in business economics and management. Even before starting his studies, his love for mathematics prompted him to establish a project system for preparing for entrance exams and matriculation exams that is still functioning today. During his studies, he gained practical knowledge of marketing during his internships. He applied all his experience while teaching at the elementary school in Týnec nad Sázavou, where he started his teaching career. In the last year, he has completed certification courses for cooperation with teaching assistants, pupils with SEN and foreigners. He has collaborated with schools and companies on the implementation of Office 365 and on the development and design of websites. He has also worked as an IT coordinator. After working hours, he devotes himself to the development of education in the region in cooperation with non-profit organizations. Furthermore, he devotes himself to community development in the settlement committee. In his spare time, he likes to do sports, conquer mountain peaks, travel the world and strengthen his positive relationship with nature.
Adrienne Eberhart
Deputy director for the English section - for the primary school
Adrienne Eberhart was born in Washington, D.C. She studied at George Mason University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in international relations and biology. She has worked with children for decades through tutoring, mentoring, and substitute teaching. After graduating university, this led her to Prague where she earned a TEFL certificate in 2007 and immediately began teaching preschool and primary school. Eventually, her passion for teaching young learners grew into developing and leading teacher training workshops which focus on effective teaching methodologies for English as a second language.Her classroom thrives on building learner confidence, natural curiosity, and motivation for students to reach their full potential with their use of English. She has called Prague her home for 16 years and when she's not with her family and dog, she enjoys music and concerts, art, travel, badminton, swimming, nature and games with friends.
Nicholas Jared Neild
Zástupce ředitele pro anglickou sekci - 2. stupeň
Nick Neild dokončil v roce 2009 Kalifornskou universitu v San Diegu (UCSD) se zaměřením na mikrobiologii. Během studia pracoval osm let jako vědec v oboru biotechnologie v San Diegu. V roce 2012 se zde stal manažerem komunity mladých praktikantů, kterou založil se svou budoucí ženou, jež pochází z České republiky. Pracoval také jako wellness trenér a rehabilitační pracovník a pomáhal postiženým lidem při učení základních schopností a jejich zařazování do běžného života.Učitelské kariéře se začal věnovat v roce 2015. Pomáhal dospělým propuštěným vězňům s výukou základních oborů (matematika, vědy, angličtina), aby prošli závěrečnými testy střední školy. V roce 2018 se s rodinou přestěhoval do České republiky a začal učit angličtinu, biologii, chemii, tělesnou výchovu, výuku o zdraví a španělštinu od první do deváté třídy na základní škole Be Open s.r.o. Snaží se vždy efektivně pomáhat studentům, aby dokázali správně komunikovat a byli lépe připraveni pro náš měnící se svět, schopni uvažovat v souvislostech a porozumět kulturním rozdílům.
Nick rád medituje, táboří, chodí na túry, jezdí na kole či snowboardu, zahradničí, hraje deskové hry a tráví čas se svou rodinou. Je nadšený, že může být členem Wonderland týmu a pracovat společně s ostatními na zajištění inspirativního prostředí pro žáky.
Denisa Davidová
Class Teacher for 2.A
Denisa Davidová comes from northwestern Bohemia. She graduated from the Duncan Center dance conservatory in Prague, where she majored in dance theater. She then continued her education at the education department of the Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem. Before becoming a teacher, Denisa had already been working with children from an early age as a dance lesson trainer, a head of suburban and residential camps, and in assisting children from socially disadvantaged families. She also spent some time abroad, in Sweden, where she took worked as an au pair. She has many passions including dance, sports, speaking, and photography.
Kristýna Šikýřová
Class teacher for 2.B
Kristýna first graduated from the Pedagogical Lyceum in Prague. This motivated her to pursue higher education and she completed her studies at the Faculty of Pedagogy of the Charles University, where she majored in Teaching in the 1st grade of elementary school. Before becoming a teacher, she worked in education as a substitute teacher, a teacher's assistant and as an educator in at an after school group. She began her teaching practice as a classroom teacher in a Montessori school, teaching according to the Hejné method, for which she completed a certified course. Subsequently, she worked as a class teacher in an international school, where she taught children with OMJ and gained experience in tandem teaching with native speakers. Outside of her regular teaching, she works with children from bilingual families. In her spare time, Kristýna spends her time mainly with her family and friends. She likes music, art, books and good food. For her, working with children is above all a childhood dream come true. Her priority is a happy and sincere environment in the classroom, where children are positively motivated and guided by the teacher to greater and greater achievements.
Zuzana Piškulová
Class Teacher for 2.A
Zuzana Piškulová is originally from South Moravia. She graduated from Palacký University with a degree in Teaching for the 1st grade and special pedagogy. She comes from a family of teachers, which shaped her motivation to study and stay in the profession after college.She has worked many years with children as a section leader and in guiding children in scouting and woodcraft. She has been working at summer camps for the last ten years during the holidays. During the year, Zuzana works with children on weekends, helps at schools in nature and leads a singing group. She also tutors students in Czech and has worked as at teaching assistant. Her studies in special education have helped her to become particularly empathetic to her student's individual needs. Zuzana learned a lot about life, thanks in part, to helping to raise her three brothers. She feels like because of this experience there is not much that can surprise her.
Klára Skopalová
Class Teacher for 2.B
Klára Skopalová obtained her university education at the Palacký University in Olomouc in the field of Teaching for the 1st grade and special pedagogy. She comes to Wonderland from another school in Prague, where she previously worked as a class teacher in the 2nd grade. Klára completed seminars on the Hejné method of teaching mathematics and as a lecturer she prepared children for entrance exams and worked with students with dyslexia and dysgraphia. She is also a fitness trainer. During the holidays, she was the head of the Veselá veda suburban camp.
Lucie Kovaříková
Class Teacher for 3.A
Lucie is a native of Chomutov, where she also began her teaching career at the Secondary Vocational School of Construction and Energy. She graduated from the University of Economics and Management in Prague, with a bachelor's degree in human resource management. She then expanded her education at Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem. During her three-year stay in England and the USA, she studied English, worked with children and also traveled a lot. She enjoys working with children very much. For the last 12 years, worked at Prague British International School. Lucie travelling very much. Her other favorite activities include cycling, running and reading good books. She likes to spend her free time with her family and two dogs.
Kateřina Smolíková
Class Teacher for 4.B
Kateřina graduated with a degree in teaching for the 1st grade of elementary school with a specialization in drama education at Charles University in Prague. She plays the violin and viola. Her love for music started during her childhood when she was part of an orchestra and a folk ensemble. She is an avid reader who likes to explore new places, eat new foods, and drink coffee. She sees great meaning in working with children, and during her studies at the gymnasium, she realized that it was teaching that could fulfill her in life. She began to devote herself intensively to tutoring and babysitting. Her assumption that she could find teaching to be fulfilling was confirmed during her pedagogical studies. She always wished that she could wake up in the morning with the feeling of looking forward to work, which she did in her role as a teacher.
Linda Samková
HeadteacherClass Teacher for 5.B
Linda Samková graduated from the University of Pedagogy in Hradec Králové where she majored in teaching for the 1st grade of elementary school. She then expanded her education at the Faculty of Management and Information Technology at the University of Pedagogy in the field of Financial Management. She worked with children since her time in high school when she helped lead science clubs in elementary schools. She began her teaching career with a three-year tenure at the First Private Elementary School in Hradec Králové. Subsequently, she worked at elementary schools in Prague 10 and Prague 4. She also tested her teaching skills while working at a secondary vocational school. After a break of several years, which she filled by working in the private sector, she returned to her original profession in 2019. She worked as a teacher's assistant at Wonderland Kindergarten, where she took care of boys with developmental dysphasia. At the same time, she was engaged in the education of preschool children.She has worked at deepening her education by completing a course for teaching assistants, participating in seminars by Professor Hejný that were focused on teaching mathematics, learning about the Bee Project, and taking a class on formative assessment in teaching. She also completed the Czech as a Second Language Education Program. She likes to spend her free time being active in nature with her family or at home with a good book.
Claudia Kubiszová
Class Teacher for 5.A Methodological consultant
Immediately after studying at Comenius University in Bratislava, Claudia embarked on a career as a teacher. She gradually gained extensive experience at 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade schools in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. She enjoyed working with different age groups of people, experiencing and observing their differences and learning the best ways to teach different age groups. In Prague, she completed one of the first requalification courses for teaching Czech as a foreign language under the auspices of the CIC, became a member of the Association for the Integration of Foreigners and spent some time teaching people from different parts of the world to speak Czech. About ten years ago, she accidentally came across the pedagogy of Marie Montessori and a starting Montessori school looking for an assistant. It was a shot in the dark, but it was Claudia's great desire to break into this beautiful world full of respect and naturalness. She completed Montessori training and still works with first-grade children. With her respectful and individual approach, she helps them discover (or rather discovers together with them) the beauty of language, numbers and other phenomena that the world offers us. She considers continuing education to be important. She herself is a graduate of many courses, such as: Systemic Course, Critical Thinking Course, Formative Assessment, Reading Literacy, MBTI Typology and many others. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her four-legged pet, relax in the sauna, read, torture her body in the gym or watch a movie with strong reviews.
Zuzana Faldýnová
Class Teacher for 5.B
Zuzana Faldýnová graduated from the Charles University in Prague, majoring in teaching for the 1st grade of elementary school where she majored in art education. After the state exam, she went to England, where she studied for one semester at St. Austel college. For several years, she worked at the elementary school in Mníšek pod Brdy, where she managed two classes of first-graders, which she looped with. During those years, she taught for 3 years in the Start Together program. She completed courses and training at DYSCENTRU in graphomotorics, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and Maxík, Method of good start. She likes to include projects or activity centers in her teaching, and prefers verbal assessment. During the summer she helps run summer camps. Outside of work, she enjoys jogging, yoga, and cooking.
Erica Yamane
Secondary Teacher for English, Math, and Science
Erica Yamane grew up in the mountainous countryside of West Virginia in the United States. After earning a bachelor's degree in art and Japanese studies, she moved to Japan, where she began teaching English. She taught children of all ages at an English school for six years. In addition to direct teaching activities, she participated in the planning of various school events, organizing exams and seminars, and teacher training.From 2013, she became an English teacher at an elementary school in Hiroshima, Japan. While in Japan she also got her TEFL certificate. In 2017, she went to Ireland, where, among other things, she received a CELT certificate in Dublin. In 2018, she moved to Prague. She now continues her teaching work in the Czech Republic. Since she has lived in Prague, she has worked at Compass Primary School, where she taught English and mathematics and also prepared students for Cambridge exams.
Gabrielle Garcia
Secondary Teacher for English, Math, and Science
Gabrielle Garcia is from the Philippines. While living in the United Arab Emirates, she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from New York University. She then moved to Chicago and earned a master's degree in speech therapy. While living in Chicago, Gabrielle worked with children of various ages and obtained her TEFL certificate.
Mike Bevevino
English Teacher
Michael Bevevino, a native of the American state of New York, has been living and teaching in Prague for the past two years. He studied journalism at Springfield College. He then earned a Master of Science degree at Saint Rose University and a TEFL certificate at Language House in Prague. Before moving to Prague, he taught English at a private boys' high school in New York. He now also teaches business and general English courses for adults. In his spare time, Mike likes to play sports, travel and is always interested in what is going on around the world. He enjoys working with children and helping them develop a love of English. He is excited to be a part of the Wonderland team!Joscelyn Evener
Secondary Teacher for English, Math, and Science
Joscelyn was born in rural Upstate New York. She majored in sociology with a concentration in human services at Le Moyne College. She gained her first valuable teaching experience while working in a children's home, where she worked with children from different age and social groups. In 2019, she moved to Prague, where she started teaching English in kindergarten and also in elementary schools. She also gave private lessons. She thinks that being a teacher is a very meaningful job and enjoys developing her students in a language that is not their mother tongue. In her spare time, she likes to walk her dog, travel and spend time in nature.Jennifer Dickinson
Secondary Teacher for English, Math, and Science
Jenny Jennifer Dickinson was born in Miami, Florida. She received a bachelor's degree in English and history from Kennesaw State University, Georgia. She later studied elementary education at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta. Subsequently, she taught children from 1st to 5th grade in Atlanta and Abu Dhabi.Jennifer loves to travel and first visited Prague shortly after the Velvet Revolution. She fell in love with the city and returned many times. After she moved to Prague and obtained her TEFL certificate, Prague became her new home. She gradually gained additional valuable work experience. She helped children and adults prepare for Cambridge exams, worked as a summer camp tutor and led after-school STEM clubs for primary school children. She loves finding creative ways to teach children how to discover and learn new information and skills.
Jason Susim
English Teacher
Jason Susim grew up in Southern California. He graduated from Portland State University in Oregon, where he majored in journalism and communications. After university, he worked as a reporter, contributing mainly to various online news organizations. He also dreamed of living and working in Europe and wanted to become a teacher, so he got a TEFL certificate so he could teach both adult students and children. In his free time, he engages in many different activities. He is an avid reader and also enjoys photography, basketball, motorcycles and traveling. He likes live music and is teaching himself to play the guitar. He loves animals and is currently busy raising a 17-year-old German shepherd. At Wonderland Academy, he would like to apply his language skills and diverse experiences to his teaching.
Josef Štefl
Class Teacher for 7.A
Josef Štefl is a graduate of Charles University in Prague where he majored in mathematics and physics. While studying astrophysics, his life became connected with numbers. After college he used his knowledge in practice as an analyst of large data sets for companies trading on capital markets. During his studies, he provided individual lessons to children on how to solve problems with mathematics and led entrance exam preparation courses for students preparing to enter secondary schools and universities. He is an avid supporter of strengthening the financial literacy of children in our schools. While teaching he has found he has a knack for being able to estimate the needs and abilities of students. Outside of school, he likes to spend his freetime with swimming and teaching his two children how to swim.
Marek Lansdorf
Class teacher 9. A, speech therapist, prevention specialist
Marek Lansdorf graduated from the Faculty of Education at Charles University in Prague, where he specialized in biology and health education. During his studies, he realized that it is very necessary to be able to help more pupils who may have difficulties in relation to education, and therefore he decided to study special education with a focus on speech therapy at the same university. During his studies, he gained experience in the creation and application of preventive programs for primary and secondary schools. He gained the most experience in teaching biology and health education at the Secondary Medical School in Prague, and applied his knowledge from speech therapy studies at the Prague Basic School of Speech Therapy. He happily teaches biology in nature and likes to awaken curiosity in children. Feedback from students is very important to him. It helps him to better his teaching. He claims that a safe classroom environment is the cornerstone of teaching.
Aneta Rolcová
School coordinator of international students Czech teacher for foreigners
Aneta Rolcová was born in Prague. She studied special education at Jan University Ámos Comenský and completed a two-semester improvement course to teach Czech as foreign language at Charles University. A great life experience for her was her stay in Canada, Toronto, where she worked in an advertising agency and had the opportunity to appear in a TV commercial. After returning from Canada, she worked for 7 years at international elementary schools in Prague, where she was dedicated to teaching Czech to foreigners and at the same time worked as a teacher's assistant. She also has experience working at birthday parties and teaching company language lessons. Her biggest passions are helping others to learn languages, creative activities (especially painting), and taking long walks with her dog in the forest. She likes to spend her free time traveling, and learning about new cultures and people.
Lýdia Timková
Secondary, Geography, and Physical Education Teacher
Lýdia Timková comes from Slovakia. She graduated from the Faculty of Education of the Charles University in Prague, where she obtained a master's degree in geography and physical education. Already during her studies, she had started working with children by dedicating herself to leading afternoon sports clubs at primary schools and working as a karate coach. After finishing school, she went to the USA and Canada, where she worked as an au pair for two years. Her stays in foreign countries helped her to learn about different cultures and languages. She also acquired a large number of new knowledge and experiences in the field of education and training, which changed her view of the world. She also tried her hand at working as a sports animator in Greece and completed a month-long trek in Nepal under Mt. Everest. But her wandering shoes found their way back to the Czech Republic. The desire to teach won. She is looking forward using her travel experiences to provide an enriching geography education in the 2nd grade at Wonderland Academy.
Lucie Pochopová
Secondary Teacher for Czech, Art, and History
Lucie Pochopová graduated from the Technical University in Liberec, majored in Teaching Czech Language and History for the 2nd grade of elementary school. An important turning point in her life was the summer of 2007, when she visited Menorca for the first time as a part-time worker. his pearl of the Balearic Islands enchanted her so much that she returned there every summer for five years. After completing her master's degree, she needed to fulfill her travel dreams, so she began to explore the world as part of the Working Holiday program. Through this program she was able to travel to New Zealand and Canada. She applies her rich experience from abroad in her everyday personal and professional life. In her spare time, she devotes herself fully to her family, especially to her two daughters, whom she has been teaching sports, creative activities, and music to since they were little. She, herself, plays the recorder. She likes to recharge her energy while inline skating and skiing. She is passionate about travelling and also enjoys photography. Lucie believes that all our dreams can come true if we have the courage to follow them.
Alison Killy
Secondary Teacher for English, History, and ICT
Alison Killy přišla do Wonderland Academy ze Severní Karolíny, kde vyrůstala a vystudovala East Carolina University. Získala bakalářský titul, obor angličtina pro druhý stupeň. Po vysokoškolských studiích pracovala jako učitelka na střední škole. Zároveň si rozšiřovala vzdělání a získala certifikaci v oblasti sociálních studií. Nedávno se přestěhovala do Prahy. Absolvovala školení v The Language House, kde získala certifikaci TEFL. Ve volném čase si nejraději čte nebo s přáteli diskutuje o literatuře. Pokud zrovna nemá „hlavu v knize“, lze ji najít, jak hraje deskové hry, cvičí jógu či chodí na procházky do přírody. A co je nejdůležitější? Ráda vyhledává různá dobrodružství.
Petr Pánek
Secondary Teacher for Czech and History
Petr Pánek was born in Prague to a deaf family and as a CODA interpreter is part of the deaf community. He graduated from Charles University where he majored in communication with the deaf. Since 2005, he has been interpreting for the deaf at the secondary medical school. As a graduate of Live Teacher, he has been interested in inspiring educational methods for a long time. He admires creativity and teamwork and follows the Montessori pedagogy. He also learned a lot while working at ScioŠkole from 2020-2022. According to him, children are the best teachers. He used to travel a lot. He spent half a year among the Ossetians, Kurds, Arabs and Jews, and fell in love with the Caucasus, Turkish and Romanian mountains. He and his wife are raising four children. He loves chess, historical fiction, gardening, hiking, downhill and cross-country skiing, and all ball sports. "I wish for all of us that every day has meaning. Let us feel good every evening that we have learned something new or enriched others with something interesting."
Christopher Clark
Secondary Teacher for English and Art
Christopher was born in California, United States, but soon moved to North Carolina, where he grew up. He graduated from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC with a degree in Art Education. After graduating from university, he taught visual arts to 4th to 8th grade students for nine years. He always focused on the application of intersubject relationships and the integration of other fields, such as financial literacy, into art education. He teaches students to think like artists, believe in their potential, and develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Christopher was looking for an interesting change, so he decided to move to the Czech Republic, the country where his favorite artist Alfons Mucha came from. He completed a TEFL course and is now looking forward to teaching English and Art at Wonderland Academy. In addition to his own artistic creation, he is also involved in fitness, loves yoga, hiking and competing in obstacle races.
Hanna Krassa
Secondary Teacher for English, Math, and Science
Hanna Krassa comes from the Ukraine. She has a Master's Degree in Education and a TEFL Certificate. She has been teaching children English as a foreign language for the past 10 years. She has valuable work experience in leading educational courses. She has also organized school clubs for mathematics, science and history that were conducted in English. Her hobbies include yoga, art and traveling. She enjoys working with children and is really excited to join the Wonderland team!
John Tedder
English Teacher
John Tedder was born in Jackson, Michigan. He studied at Thomas A. Edison State College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in history. He served 23 years in the US Army and taught hundreds of non-native speakers during his service. He was also a youth soccer and lacrosse coach and substitute teacher in Connecticut and Florida for several years. He moved to Prague with his family in January 2022. He received a TEFL certificate at the Language House in Prague. John strives to help children grow into adults who are self-sufficient, responsible and fluent in multiple languages. He finds the process of developing their inquisitiveness and exploring their potential to be very fulfilling. John spends his free time either with his family or in nature. He likes tourism and sports and he enjoys getting to know new cities and cultures. He is happy to be a part of the Wonderland group and is looking forward to the coming school year when he will be able to help pupils become closer to English.
Aida Mujačić
Music Teacher and Lecturer
Aida comes from Bosnia and Herzegovina, where she studied piano and singing. In addition, in Prague she studied musicology at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University. She completed an international course in neurolinguistic programming and combines knowledge from healing therapy and coaching in her work. She has taught at various schools. In the past she has worked at ZUŠ, International Conservatory Prague, RockOpera Prague, Šárynka Forest Kindergarten, and Feel Good Company. She also worked as a lecturer in Norway. In addition, she teaches private lessons. She leads the workshop We can play together, in which she introduces Czech students to Bosnian music and her personal firsthand experiences of the war in Bosnia. She is a member of the international folk-jazz rock band Korjen, where she sings and plays keyboards, and gives solo concerts in interesting acoustic spaces where she presents Balkan, Slavic and Jewish music. She was very moved and influenced by life and music of Karel Reiner, who worked as a composer and teacher in the Terezín concentration camp. Her other interests include reading fictional, technical, and philosophical literature; listening to traditional and avant-garde music; and taking in different kinds of art. Her other passions include relaxing at saunas and swimming. Aida wants to use music to teach children about love and humanity, while encourages them to always follow their dreams and experience happiness.
Ondřej Krejza
Učitel ICT, IT podpora
Ondřej Krejza se narodil v Praze. Vystudoval střední školu informatiky v Kolíně. Poté studoval na fakultě informačních technologií na Českém vysokém učení technickém. Již při studiu využíval své znalosti s programováním k doučování, které ho velice bavilo. Později nastoupil na pozici software vývojáře. Nyní by rád využil své znalosti v oblasti IT pro podporu týmu učitelů a žáků Wonderland Academy. Jeho zálibami jsou čtení, deskové hry a společenské sporty.
Kateřina Vysoká Jancová
Coordinator for Foreign Languages at the Secondary Level
Kateřina was born in Prague. After completing business academy, she studied German at a language school. For many years she worked for large corporations. She gained her last experience at the Lego company. She has been working as a children's yoga teacher for a long time. She completed a course for teaching assistants, and put her experience to good use while working in a kindergarten. She has an eight-year-old son and believes that children are our great teachers. She likes to spend her free time with family and friends, walking in nature, traveling, practicing yoga and traditional Chinese Qigong or dancing.
Arturo Ochoa
Spanish teacher and English Coordinator for the afterschool
Arturo Ochoa was born in Machala, Ecuador. He studied psychology and pedagogy in Quito, Ecuador, and social development in Israel. His mother tongue is Spanish, but Arturo also learned Portuguese in Lisbon, Italian in Turin and English in Johannesburg. Now he is getting acquainted with Czech. He has experience teaching foreign languages and facilitating educational projects in Ecuador and Colombia. For ten years he worked on social development projects with youth and adolescents in Mozambique, Swaziland and Malawi. He would like to apply his education and experience at Wonderland Academy and thus become an asset for pupils, their families, and teachers.
Ilona Szentiks
German teacher
Ilona Szentiks graduated from college in Lithuania and has a bachelor's degree in Business and business administration. She has worked extensively with children since she was a student. Some of her experience was in working at an Au-Pair. She also gained valuable experience as a volunteer in an orphanage in Jamaica. Her hobbies include hiking and other sports activities, reading crime thrillers and self-improvement books, and eating good food. She chose Wonderland Academy mainly because of the friendly atmosphere that prevails here. She also thinks that children learn more, if learning is fun.
Adéla Bakosová
Spanish Teacher
For Adéla Bakosová, languages are a lifelong passion. At school she studied English, Spanish and French. During her college studies, she went on a study abroad and ended up staying in sunny California for 2 years. Working with children fulfills her and motivates her to keep improving. In her free time, she is involved in sports, especially volleyball and swimming.
Jitka Tichá
German teacher
Jitka Tichá studied education at the department of German Studies at the University of Warsaw in Ústí nad Labem. She has ten years of experience teaching German at the secondary level and another five years of experience teaching at the primary level. In cooperation with a language school, she also has conducted company courses. For the past two years, she has been a classroom teacher fifth grade at an elementary school. She enjoys working with children in the primary school. She enjoys the atmosphere of the class with younger students and their view of the world. She has two adult children. In her free time, she likes to spend her time in nature with her dog. Or sometimes she prefers to do nothing at all, but for that she has to go far away...
Anděla Brandejsová
Assistant
Anděla Brandejsová was born in Prague. She graduated from Pedagogical Lyceum. After that she started studying education for the primary level at Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem.In the third year, she interrupted her studies for a year, and will continue again in September. Working with children is very enjoyable and fulfilling for her, so she cannot imagine working in any other field. She gained her first work experience as a teacher's assistant where she worked with small groups and students at the second level of elementary school. She likes to practice yoga and spend free time with friends and family.
Michaela Strnadová
Assistant
Michaela Strnadová comes from Prague. She graduated from a vocational high school where she majored in preschool and extracurricular pedagogy. During her studies she worked with children in various capacities. For example, she worked as a lecturer in a children's group, tutored English and worked as a children's coach in a sports training school. Her hobbies include music, especially playing the piano and singing. Her free time she is engaged in various sports, and enjoys taking trips into nature, and reading.
Lenka Kovářová
Assistant
Lenka se narodila v Chomutově, kde maturovala v oboru cestovní ruch. Po úspěšném ukončení střední školy se přestěhovala do Prahy. Zde pracovala v oboru a zároveň se ve volném čase věnovala hlídání dětí. Během těchto chvil si Lenka poprvé uvědomila, že práce s dětmi ji velmi baví a přijde jí smysluplná. Největší zkušeností jsou pro Lenku pochopitelně její vlastní dvě děti. S dcerkou je potřeba více pracovat, protože se u ní vyskytla vada řeči s vývojovou dysfázií. Toto bylo Lenčinou motivací ke studiu speciální pedagogiky, během kterého se také úspěšně zúčastnila kurzu Zdravotník zotavovacích akcí.Po roce a půl působení v mateřské škole Wonderland, kde pracovala s dětmi s ADHD a autismem, se zapojuje do týmu Wonderland Academy. Chystá se dále vzdělávat v pedagogickém oboru, protože práce s dětmi je, jak sama říká, naplněním jejího života.
Petra Chramostová
Assistant
Petra se narodila v Praze. Vystudovala obchodní akademii. Dosud si vyzkoušela práci jak v korporátních firmách, tak i v menších českých společnostech. V blízkém okolí má hned několik dětí se speciálními vzdělávacími potřebami. To jí přineslo mnoho životních zkušeností. Svůj zájem o tuto problematiku podpořila studiem pedagogiky pro asistenty pedagoga. Snaha pomoci ji vedla až ke změně profese. V této práci shledává smysl a věří, že správná podpora a přístup mohou děti pozitivně formovat už od útlého věku. Zároveň se domnívá, že musí fungovat vzájemná komunikace a spolupráce mezi školou, rodičem a dítětem. Volný čas ráda tráví se svou rodinou při sportu, procházkami v přírodě nebo cestováním.
Barbora Yeová
Assistant
Bára pochází z Benátek nad Jizerou, odkud se přestěhovala do Prahy během studia na gymnáziu. Po studiích se začala věnovat práci v sociálních službách, kde nabyla plno cenných zkušeností, které nyní aplikuje při učení s dětmi. Skrze neziskové organizace ráda vyjíždí na sociálně-terapeutické pobyty s dětmi z dětských domovů a také se pravidelně stýká s dětmi v pěstounské péči a poskytuje pravidelnou podporu jak jim, tak pěstounům. Má ráda kolektivní sporty, chození do přírody a ve volném čase se vzdělává v oblasti psychologie a antropologie.
Klára Plecháčková
Assistant
Klára se narodila ve Frýdku-Místku a sociální práci vystudovala na Ostravské univerzitě. Po obhajobě diplomové práce se přestěhovala do Prahy. Vždy ji to táhlo k dětem. Pracovala jako terénní sociální pracovnice pro děti a mládež v ulicích Jižního města a po narození dcery se začala více zajímat o vzdělávání dětí. Proto se také rozhodla studovat pedagogiku na Karlově univerzitě a ráda by se stala paní učitelkou :). Ve svém volném čase se věnuje praktikování jógy, miluje přírodu, knihy a dobré jídlo.
Jana Komárková
Assistant
Jana Komárková comes from Kostelka nad Černými lesy. After graduating from secondary school where she focused on economics, she moved to London. While in London, she worked as an Au-pair, completed various courses, and travelled. After returning to Prague, she worked in the administrative field, but over time she found that she enjoys and misses working with children, so she decided to study a teaching assistant course.She mainly spends her free time with her young son and likes to undertake trips to nature and to learn about other cultures.
Ondřej Dadák
ICT and Physical Education Teacher
Ondřej Dadák comes from Krnov in the Moravian-Silesian region. He studied physical education and sports at Charles University, where he received a bachelor's degree, and he continues to study there for a master's degree. Ondřej is a member of a team representing the Czech Repulic in Greco-Roman wrestling, thanks to which he traveled to many destinations around the world. He has worked as a youth coach in many clubs throughout Prague, where he taught children combat sports. He also has experience as a fitness trainer, personal trainer and a lecturer for courses on many sports-based activities.
Andrea Sikmundová
Assistant
Andrea began her teaching career by studying at the Secondary Pedagogical School in Prague and continued at the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, majoring in Teaching for the 1st grade with a certificate in physical education. During her university years, she participated as a lecturer in children's summer and winter camps.For about ten years, she worked at an elementary school in the center of Prague, where she organized outdoor schools, one-day trips abroad, and various school-wide events and projects. Within her class, she focused mainly on the atmosphere and climate of the class. She left this school due to motherhood.
She likes to utilize group work and projects in her teaching. She expanded her education by learning how to become an educational counselor and recovery health worker and also completed other courses focused on communication and how to use a respectful and partnership approach with elements of coaching.
During her free time, Andrea enjoys beach volleyball, ZUMBA Dance, squash, skiing and skating. She also likes to read and play games.
Karolína Fidrmuc
Leader of the afterschool club and afternoon activities
Karolína Kocourková comes from the Orlické mountains. After finishing the gymnasium in Žamberk, she decided to attend the University of Hradec Králové, where she majored in elementary education. After two years, she interrupted her studies and started studying special education at the Jan Amos Comenius University in Prague. She has been working with children since she was fifteen. In the past, she has worked as an animator, lifeguard, lecturer of leisure activities for children and, last but not least, as a leader at children's camps. In her free time she tutors pupils with special needs. Her hobbies include art and sports.
Nikola Žamberská
Teacher in the afterschool
Nikola Žamberská comes from České Budějovice. She graduated from the Secondary Pedagogical School in Prachatice. She then started at the University of South Bohemia where she majored in natural science and history for the second grade of primary schools. She had to interrupt her studies due to illness. She is now studying remotely at the Faculty of Theology in České Budějovice. Nikola always knew that working with children was an area that she enjoyed. At the age of 15, she started working at children's camps as a leader. After interrupting her studies at university she started working in a private kindergarten. Later she started teaching at an elementary school in České Budějovice, where she worked for two years as a school group teacher and teacher's assistant. She also led creative afternoon circles and activities.
John Foster
Teacher in the afterschool and assistant
John pochází z města Durham ze severu Anglie. Vystudoval politologii a filozofii na Liverpoolské univerzitě. Před šesti lety se přestěhoval do Prahy a hned začal pracovat s dětmi. Cení si svého smyslu pro humor, rád zkouší vyprávět vtipy. Vždy se zajímal především o oblasti informatiky, dramatu a práva. Při programování ho baví řešení problémů, v oblasti dramatu oceňuje možnost uplatňovat kreativitu. Ve svém volném čase se věnuje pěší turistice, běhání a nahrávání hudby. Ovládá hru na klavír a kytaru, zatímco ve zpěvu tak zdatný není! Baví ho proces psaní hudby, textů a nahrávání. Užívá si výlety s přáteli, naposledy absolvoval třítýdenní dobrodružství po balkánských státech. Než se John stal učitelem, pracoval v mnoha oborech, například jako asistent pro dospělé se speciálními potřebami či vedoucí kavárny.
Moises Torres
Teacher in the afterschool and assistant
A native of New York City, Moises Torres studied behavioral science at Mercy College. He has almost ten years of work experience as a leader of leisure activities, a mentor, and working in children's residential camps. He also worked in the field of social services. Before recently moving to Prague, he worked in a non-profit organization in New York, where he learned not only to help others in need, but also to work effectively with children of all ages and inspire them to take on new challenges. He enjoys programming Lego robots, and he likes to pass on his experience to others. On three different occasions he led a group of mentees in winning the New York State Lego Robotics championship in the area of programming Lego robots. In his free time, he is passionate about sports, watching movies, traveling and trying new food.
Ludmila Grundzová
Preschool teacher, Exceptional children's specialist
Ludmila Grundzová comes from Beroun. After graduating from the Drtinova Secondary Vocational School in Prague, she decided to study at the Jan Amos Comenius University, where she majored in special education. She is now entering her final year. In the past, she has worked as a children's nanny. She knew from an early age that she wanted to devote herself to working with children. Children are everything to her. Children are everything to her. She comes from a big musical family, so her interests include music and singing. She spends most of her free time with her family and likes to take family trips. She also really enjoys cooking.
Chloe Herbrand
Teacher in the afterschool
Chloe Herbrand was born in Wisconsin. She earned a degree in Community and Nonprofit Leadership and Global Health from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She always wanted to get to know Europe, and work here and teach, so after graduation in May 2022 she moved to the Czech Republic, where she received a TEFL certificate. She is enthusiastic about working with young children, because she perceives that children are not only enthusiastic to learn from us, but we adults can also learn a lot from them. Chloe looks forward to helping the children grow and gain more confidence in their communication skills during her time at Wonderland Academy as a native speaker. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family. She also likes to cook, play or listen to music by herself, read and discover new exciting things in her new home, in Prague.
Zachary Moustis
Teacher in the afterschool and assistant
Zachary graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Communication and Culture. After his studies, he worked as a producer of a children's TV show. Since high school, he has worked in various positions where he had the opportunity to work with children. He has worked as an ESL teacher, swimming instructor, elementary school afternoon activity coordinator, and even a camp counselor! In his free time, he likes to walk in nature with his dog, play bass guitar in various bands, read comics and bake.Ilona Szentiks
Teacher in the afterschool
Ilona Szentiks graduated from college in Lithuania and has a bachelor's degree in Business and business administration. She has worked extensively with children since she was a student. Some of her experience was in working at an Au-Pair. She also gained valuable experience as a volunteer in an orphanage in Jamaica. Her hobbies include hiking and other sports activities, reading crime thrillers and self-improvement books, and eating good food. She chose Wonderland Academy mainly because of the friendly atmosphere that prevails here. She also thinks that children learn more, if learning is fun.
Lukáš Pařík
Music Teacher
Lukáš Pařík je zpěvák, hudební skladatel a muzikálový herec. Má vystudovaný zpěv na Mezinárodní konzervatoři a dokončuje studium kompozice filmové a popové hudby na Pražské konzervatoři. Je autorem mnoha písní a rockového fantasy muzikálu Králové Avalonu hraného v pražském divadle Hybernia v sezóně 2015/2016. Učení se věnuje už od svých 16 let a od roku 2017 organizuje veřejná vystoupení studentů. K jeho hlavním zásadám patří snaha o rozvíjení dětské kreativity a představivosti. Ve Wonderland Academy je lektorem zpěvu, piana a kytary.
Petr Kubín
Music Teacher
Petr Kubín je klavírista, kytarista a pozounista. Je absolventem konzervatoře Jana Deyla v Praze. Již tři roky soukromě vyučuje hru na kytaru a piano. Nyní obohatil tým Wonderland Academy a stal se lektorem hudebních kroužků. Hudba je jeho prací i koníčkem, mimo jiné hraje v několika kapelách. Ve svém volném čase se věnuje pěší turistice, běhání a nahrávání hudby. Ovládá hru na klavír a kytaru, zatímco ve zpěvu tak zdatný není! Baví ho proces psaní hudby, textů a nahrávání.
Štěpán Pokorný
Music Teacher
Štěpán Pokorný je zpěvák, hudební skladatel, dirigent, sbormistr a multi-instrumentalista. Na Pedagogické fakultě UK v Praze vystudoval bakalářský obor sbormistrovství a hudební výchova ve třídě Marka Štryncla. V současné době působí jako profesionální sólový a ansámblový zpěvák, cembalista a varhaník. Spolupracuje se soubory jako jsou Musica Florea, Victoria Ensemble, Czech Ensemble Baroque, Pražský filharmonický sbor a jiné. Jako vystudovaný sbormistr a dirigent si založil vlastní soubor „Humble Ensemble“, který se věnuje převážně poučené interpretaci hudby 16.–19. století, provádí vlastní skladby, věnuje se cross-over a vzdělávacím projektům. Štěpánovou největší vášní je skladba. Je autorem žánrově různorodých skladeb klasické i populární hudby. Samostatně se vzdělává ve hře na další hudební nástroje, jako jsou například harfa, kontrabas, flétny, kytara či viola da gamba. Příležitostně se věnuje také ladění a servisu hudebních nástrojů, práci se dřevem, výtvarnému umění, psaní a překládání poezie.
Lukáš Konfršt
ICT Consultant
Lukáš Konfršt se narodil a žije celý život v Praze. Na střední škole se věnoval pozemnímu stavitelství, ale rozhodl se změnit směr a nastoupil na pedagogickou fakultu v Ústí nad Labem, kde vystudoval učitelství anglického jazyka v bakalářském a následně navazujícím magisterském studiu. Před dokončením zkoušek již začal pracovat na základní škole, kde první rok učil na prvním stupni a dalších 5 let učí napříč všemi ročníky. Ve Wonderland Academy Lukáš uplatní hlavně výchovné dovednosti jako člen týmu vychovatelů školní družiny. Rád pracuje ve vícejazyčném prostředí, kde má jako učitel anglického jazyka možnost dětem rozvíjet komunikační dovednosti v českém i anglickém jazyce. Ve volném čase, kterého moc nezbývá, rád tráví čas hraním stolního tenisu nebo například sledováním poznatků ze světa vědy, techniky a psychologie. V neposlední řadě se Lukáš věnuje využívání ICT ve vzdělávání a hledá způsoby, jak využívat techniku přínosným způsobem, aby ulehčovala práci, vzdělávání a celkově život.
Tereza Macurová
School Psychologist
Tereza Macurová je absolventkou oboru Psychologie na Univerzitě Palackého v Olomouci. S dětmi pracuje již od studií, kdy lektorovala edukační LARP programy a asistovala dětem s PAS. Později získala cenné zkušenosti na Lince bezpečí, krizové lince pro děti a dospívající. Nyní již rok působí v Mateřské školce Wonderland jako psycholog pro předškolní děti. Jejími odbornými tématy jsou digitální prostředí, sociální sítě, kreativita a odolnost.
Lucie Chladilová
Office Manager
Lucie Chladilová vystudovala střední zemědělskou školu ve Vyškově a po jejím ukončení se zaměřila na práci v administrativě. Pracovala například jako asistentka předsedy představenstva STROJEXPORTa.s. Má velmi kladný vztah k dětem a sama je maminkou tří dětí. Ve svém volném čase se věnuje rodině, chodí do přírody a příležitostně sportuje.
Marta Mikulecká
Accountant
Marta Mikulecká vystudovala Vysokou školu ekonomickou v Praze a získala inženýrský titul v oboru Národní hospodářství. Již během studií vyrážela „na zkušenou“ do zahraničí. Jeden rok například strávila v Londýně a několik měsíců měla možnost pobývat na Long Islandu v New Yorku. Po ukončení studií na VŠE se rozhodla zaměřit na oblast účetnictví a daňové problematiky. Pracovala v zahraniční společnosti na pozici účetní /mzdová účetní a poté nastoupila jako hlavní ekonom do organizace zaměřené na poskytování zdravotních služeb. Je ráda, že může být nyní součástí Wonderland týmu a pomoci škole v oblasti ekonomie a účetnictví.
Jana Kučová
HR manager
Jana Kučová vystudovala střední pedagogickou školu. Po několika letech v mateřské škole, kde pracovala jako učitelka u mladších i starších dětí předškolního věku, ji osud přivedl do Prahy. Zde začala působit v oblasti HR. Během pobytu v Londýně posílila své jazykové znalosti a získala mnohé nové cenné pracovní zkušenosti. Jana miluje tanec, zpěv, hudbu, dobré jídlo a pití a celý život se věnuje folklóru.
Klára Telecká
HR and Social Media Manager
Klára Telecká pochází z Vysočiny. Na České zemědělské univerzitě vystudovala magisterský obor Podnikání a administrativa. Během studia absolvovala několik zahraničních pracovních stáží a Erasmus +. Klára má předešlé zkušenosti v HR a social media managementu. Miluje cestování a objevování jiných kultur a jídla. Ve volném čase se ráda vzdělává, medituje a energii nejraději dobíjí v lese nebo na horách.
Marta Šomšáková
Accountant
Marta Šomšáková vystudovala gymnázium ve Vyškově. Vždy ji zajímal svět čísel, začala se tedy ihned po škole věnovat práci účetní. Po mateřské dovolené nastoupila na pozici hlavní účetní, v níž setrvala od roku 1994 až do současnosti. Je ráda, že může být nyní součástí Wonderland týmu a pomoci škole v oblasti ekonomie a účetnictví.Mezi Martiny největší záliby patří cestovaní, pečení a vaření. Ve volném čase se dále věnuje rodině, především pak vnoučkovi.
Kateřina Steinbachová
Dispensary manager
Kateřina graduated from the Secondary Vocational School of Apparel Design and then went on to study at The Business Academy. She likes working in positions where she gets to work with people. She looks forward to using the Wonderland team. She has two daughters who are never boring. The younger one plays the piano, which inspired Kateřina herself, who also started learning. She is not idle in sports either. She also enjoys traveling and her other hobbies include sewing and gardening.
Petr Vodenka
Head of Technical
Petr je velmi důležitou součástí Wonderland Academy týmu. Vždy ho bavila práce se dřevem. Po absolvování oboru truhlář se tomuto řemeslu intenzivně věnoval a také předával své zkušenosti dál mladým lidem jako mistr odborného výcviku. Nyní se rozhodl, že využije svou zručnost a pomůže naší škole se všemi technickými trablemi. Je otcem dvou dětí, se kterými tráví svůj téměř veškerý volný čas. Pokud mu přece jen nějaký zbyde, hraje na různé hudební nástroje. Nejvíce miluje kytaru, banjo, harmoniku a nově se učí hrát na housle.
Vladimír Bezkočka
Technician
Vladimír absolvoval obor elektromechanik. Pracoval v příbuzných technických oborech, ale i jako izolatér či malíř a lakýrník. V roce 2010 se rozhodl vrátit do školních lavic a dodělat si maturitu. Po úspěšném dokončení oboru Podnikání pracoval jako technik klimatizací. V této oblasti absolvoval několik rozšiřujících kurzů a stal se certifikovaným technikem Ministerstva životního prostředí. Velkým zlomem pro něj bylo získání staršího rodinného domku, kde v sobě objevil vášeň pro kutilství a práci na zahradě. Zde si neustále rozšiřuje znalosti v dalších řemeslných oborech.Svůj volný čas tráví nejraději s rodinou na chalupě a věnuje se péči o zděný domek. Má rád Marvelovky, rodinné výlety a houbaření.Ve Wonderland Academy oceňuje milou rodinnou atmosféru a možnost propojit svou kutilskou zálibu s prací.
Jiří Plíva
Bus Driver
Jiří Plíva zastává ve Wonderland Academy pozici řidiče školního mikrobusu. Svým pozitivním a přátelským přístupem dětem obohacuje všední den. Vždy velmi rád sportoval. Mnoho let se věnoval judu, kde dosáhl na 3. dan. Jeho největší zálibou je však sběratelství a oprava starožitných hodin.
Josef Račák
Bus Driver
Josef Račák vystudoval střední zemědělskou školu, díky které posílil v mnoha oblastech svou manuální zručnost. Má za sebou řadu zajímavých pracovních zkušeností. Mimo jiné působil v Mlékárně Kunín na pozici manažera pro oddělení distribuce mléka do škol. Díky tomu také lépe poznal školní prostředí a rozhodl se zde uplatnit své dlouholeté řidičské zkušenosti. Je pro Wonderland tým skvělou posilou při ranním svozu a odpoledním rozvozu dětí. Oceňuje především celkovou klidnou atmosféru, která ve škole panuje. Má rád přírodu, ve které se snaží trávit co nejvíce svého volného času, a zajímá ho vše kolem aut.Would you like to join our team?
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Wonderland Academy team, please send your structured CV and cover letter to telecka@wonderlandacademy.cz
