Neverland Preschool: Our Team

Principal (on maternity leave) - Mgr. Markéta Kynclová

Hello, I’m Marketa, a graduate of the Charles University of Prague, Faculty of Education in 2005, where I earned my degrees in Child Education and Psychology, English Language and Literature, and Mathematics. During my studies, as a part of the training, I gained lots of experience with kids of all ages. I also spent six months in Mallorca where I worked as an English teacher at a local preschool and primary school. As I loved working with kids so much, I joined the Neverland team in 2005. The first three years I worked as a teacher of 2-ups, then took a year’s maternity leave. After coming back I was really excited to head up the Czech/English bilingual programme. And now I am very happy to have the opportunity to become a principal. I take it as a great challenge and will try my best to keep all our children as well as parents and teachers happy throughout the whole year.

Deputy Principal - Anna Bashan

Hello, my name is Anna Bashan and I am from Israel. After graduating from Tel Aviv University where I earned my MBA degree in Business Management, I got many years of experience working in one of the largest banks in Israel as the head of the private banking department. I moved to Prague with my family nine years ago and after that I’ve been mainly taking care of my three daughters. As my youngest one has attended Neverland for the past three years, I know the school very well. I know and love its philosophy and approaches, as well as, its attitudes towards the individuality of each child. I am certain that through the various forms of art, your children will find enjoyable ways to develop their confidence, self-esteem, and creativity as they learn from their own experiences. I am very happy I got the opportunity to replace Marketa while she is on her maternity leave. I am also very excited to work with you and all the staff on your children’s development.

Office Manager - Mgr. Ivana Vávrová

My name is Ivana Vávrová and I am from North Morava. After my studies at a language school, I went to the University of Ostrava in the Department of Philosophy to get a high school teaching degree. After teaching English and Civics for 2 years in a high school, I went to work abroad. I worked for an American advisory company to get more experience and skills in the field of recruitment. I really enjoy being a part of Neverland and it is already my 4th year now as the Office Manager. I have a very positive attitude towards education and preschool because many members of my family are preschool teachers. I love small children and enjoy working with them. Any time I see them playing and laughing, I feel very happy. The staff, children, and parents at Neverland are just amazing and I am proud to be part of this family.

1 UP "Ladybirds", Teacher - Pavla Mečkovská

Hello, I´m Pavla. In 1986 I graduated from the Medical High School as a pediatric nurse. I have training and experience in working with nursery-aged children in the Czech Republic and also in Glasgow, where I volunteered in a private nursery in order to continue gaining experience with young children and also learn English. From 1996-1999 I worked as a manager and teacher in the Child care Centre at the IBTS site. After taking time off for maternity leave, I became a member of Neverland in 2003, and have been working with the Ladybirds class and as a school nurse ever since. I am happy to consult with parents concerning health questions, and in case of emergencies I am here to assure proper care is taken and proper procedures are followed for the safety and security of everyone at Neverland.

1 Up "Ladybirds", Assistant - Angela Přichystalová

Hello, my name is Maria Angela Přichystalová, or Angie, for short.  I was born in Mexico City. I hold a B.A. in International Relations and Diplomacy from the National University of Mexico and also graduated from the National Institute of Fine Arts of Mexico in Modern Dance and Ballet. During my dance studies, I was working in a theatre company and discovered the joys of teaching drama, dance and ballet to kids of all ages. I have also taught English in Mexico, Spanish in Canada and the Czech Republic, and dance and ballet at a Czech family center.  I am very happy to join the Neverland team this year.

2 UP "Frogs", Teacher - Tereza Stehlíková

Hello, my name is Tereza and I am so glad to be a part of  the Neverland team. I've always loved working with children, even from an early age, since my sister is ten years younger and I have played a large role in her upbringing.  My experiences helping to raise my sister sparked my interest in pedagogy, and I studied preschool education.  After finishing school I worked for three years in one of the international preschools in Prague as a teacher.  Then I had the pleasure to work with one amazing family as a nanny for more than two years; unfortunately they had to move back to Spain. I've been at Neverland since March 2011, and I'm having a great time getting to know all the kids here!

2 Up "Frogs", Assistant - Dana Svatová

Hi, I’m Dana, one of the original members of the Neverland team.  I have a degree in Economics, but being a mother means that I’ve always been involved with children. For the past 10 years I’ve been working for various kindergartens in Prague, and I’ve been at Neverland since the beginning; prior to that I worked for Osnat Sagi in her previous Kindergarten.   My greatest assets as a team member are my warmth and charisma, and my ability to bring my creative energy to the classroom, giving all the children love and understanding. Over the years I’ve met many children and have loved them all for their spirit, individuality and creativity.  It gives me great joy to see them grow and develop in our unique environment.

3 Up "Penguins", Teacher - Anjani Mahabir

Hello! My name is Anjani Mahabir and I’m happy to be one of the new additions to the Neverland team. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, I moved to Prague 3 years ago as a student in Charles University. I received my Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor and as my studies came to an end, I found it very difficult to leave this beautiful and inspirational city! Here, I discovered the joys of teaching in preschools and I have had the privilege to teach in two other preschools in Prague before I came to Neverland. Children inspire me to be happy and creative.  I’m looking forward to the challenges and adventures that await me here in Neverland.

3 Up "Penguins", Assistant - Sinai Solis

Hello, my name is Sinai and I come from Mexico. I studied Visual Arts and I have plenty of experience working with children of all ages teaching English, Spanish as well as clay and art workshops in small communities outside the city. I really enjoy working with the children at Neverland.

3 UP "Penguins" and Czech Programme, Teacher- Veronika Uhnáková

Hello, my name is Veronika and I came from Slovakia. I graduated from a high school of preschool education in Prague and I´ve been working as a preschool teacher for the past two years. I have got experience working with preschool kids of all ages. I love any kind of art, dance, music and all kinds of sports and I am really excited to be here working with your kids. I am the Czech teacher of the Czech-English Bilingual Programme as well.

4 UP "Dinosaurs", Teacher - Gillian Bird

Hello, my name is Gillian (or Gill!) and I'm from Ireland. I have an International Bachelor Degree in Primary Education from Dublin City University and Charles University here in Prague, where I spent a year as an Erasmus student. This international year left me with a great love of the international community and the varying cultures within it that I experienced. I also came to think of Prague as a home from home so I am delighted to be here once again as teacher of children from all around the world.My studies gave me great experience in all areas of primary education and practical experiences in many schools. Along with this I also have a great love and appreciation for Drama, both as an art form and an invaluable teaching tool. It was my elective subject at college and I was also greatly involved in theatre work there. I also hold a TEFL qualification which I used in teaching international children attending summer camps in Ireland as well as running Drama, IT and outdoor workshops. These experiences showed me how creative expression and enjoyment are central to the holistic growth of a child and their willingness to learn; I will always try to create a child-centred, relaxed environment for children in which they can explore and learn!