Our Kindergarten Team

Jan Svihalek
jan.svihalek(zavinac)isob.cz

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

Sara Evans
sara.evans(zavinac)isob.cz

Creating inspirational educational environments has always been an ongoing passion for me. I received my master's degree and teaching degree from London and after working a few years in England, I decided to travel further afield and broaden my horizons. Once I was in Dubai I started my leadership career in an MYP/DP school and decided then that this was the path I would continue, as the IB curriculum truly embodies what education is about, sparking the natural curiosity of students through challenging yet significant inquiry. From Dubai I continued onwards to the German Embassy School of Tehran a PYP school with very high academic standards and diverse cultures, that continued to develop my skills for creating meaningful actions in a global community. I feel very honored to be starting my new career at the International School of Brno with an outstanding group of educators. I was very warmly greeted by the school community in March and I would like to take this opportunity ahead of time to thank my team for fostering, what I know will be, an inspirational, caring and an intellectually stimulating academic year for our students.

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.

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.

Britney Hand
britney.hand(zavinac)isob.cz

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

Naomi Varmuza
naomi.varmuza(zavinac)isob.cz

Hello, my name is Naomi Varmuza. 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.

Kristi Lescinski
kristi.lescinski(zavinac)isob.cz

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

Giulia Zilotti
giulia.zilotti(zavinac)isob.cz

I am from Brazil and I did my Bachelor's degree in the US in Athletic Training. Currently I am in my second year at Masaryk University studying medicine. This will be my fisrt year at ISB and I am very excited for the opportunity to be a part of the after school program. My mother tongue is Portuguese but I also speak English and a little bit of Spanish. I am very passionate about sports as I have played volleyball since I was 11 and had the opportunity to play on a scholarship in the US. I also love music, puzzles and watching movies.

Vojtech Bastyan
vojtech.bastyan(zavinac)isob.cz

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

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 Kulhankova
blanka.kulhankova(zavinac)isob.cz

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