Nursery

Duhovka is great for children because it follows the Montessori philosophy, which emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and respect for each child’s unique pace and interests. In a Montessori environment like Duhovka, children learn through exploration and discovery, fostering deep understanding and a love of learning. The classrooms are carefully prepared with materials that encourage curiosity and critical thinking. Teachers at Duhovka act as guides, helping children build confidence and take ownership of their education. This approach supports not just academic growth, but also emotional and social development, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

One of the most valuable parts of my life experience that helps me at Duhovka is my own journey of choosing my path, starting at Rutgers University and later shifting careers from legal work to teaching to align with my true interests. This decision to follow what felt meaningful and authentic mirrors the Montessori philosophy, which encourages children to explore their passions and learn through self-direction. In many ways, I see myself as a living example of what Montessori nurtures: curiosity, independence, and a deep respect for personal growth. Sharing that journey helps me connect with the children and support them in becoming confident, self-motivated learners.

I love working at Duhovka not only because it is a beautiful, peaceful environment but there is also a
sense of peace within and amongst the staff. There is not the normal culture of negativity and blame I
have witnessed elsewhere. Issues are dealt with with openness, conversation and focus on the issue,
not an individual. The same approach is applied throughout the school, which supports a positive
environment.

Since moving to Prague in 2012 I have been working with young children. This was a great
preparation for having my own children. Being a mother of two small boys has given me the self-
awareness and experience to know how to be calm, even when everything else is not.
In 2015 I completed my AMS Early Childhood Teaching diploma. In addition to this, having a BA (hon)
in Interior Design and being the owner of a teahouse/community centre/theatre called A Maze in
Tchaiovna for 9 years taught me how to observe patterns in people, create new systems and design
solutions.

Duhovka is a place where children naturally develop their potential and personality. Its prepared and calm environment offers enough space for each child to build his/her social skills, independence, self-confidence, responsibility, and a positive attitude towards learning. 

I strive to guide children on their journey through life and support spontaneous exploration in them.This is why I continue educating myself and seek effective ways to develop children. 

This desire to learn has brought me to Montessori pedagogy and to Duhovka. I was drawn to its comprehensive educational approach based on the natural developmental needs of the child.

During my many years in the position of a teacher and in a leadership role in a private English preschool and later also in a public preschool I gained rich teaching and practical experience which I would like to further develop at Duhovka.

I first learned about Duhovka as a parent when we chose the preschool for our own son, then two years old, as a place that offered everything that was important to us – a respectful approach, Montessori pedagogy, bilingual Czech-English environment, everyday time and space for free play in a garden, and even food without sweets. Duhovka has perfectly fulfilled our expectations and has won our favor also thanks to its warm and friendly atmosphere and aesthetic environment. However, from the position of a teacher, I consider Duhovka’s greatest asset its sincere efforts to adjust the program, to the maximum extent possible, to the children’s development and needs at the given age. Some decision may not look attractive at first sight but the parents can be absolutely sure that their children always come first at Duhovka.

I got seriously interested in exploring respectful education approaches and
Montessori education after the birth of my son. The world of toddlers draw me in to the point where I decided to change my job and become first a child caretaker and later a teacher for the youngest children. My knowledge of foreign languages and the international environment, as well as my long-term interest in further education and self-development, which I carry from my former career helps me greatly at my current position with Duhovka. I do my best to pass to the children the values I as a parent believe in, and, just like the children, I learn something new at work every day.

I have graduated from a university specializing in (teaching) foreign languages, speak fluent English, German and Chinese, and also have a basic knowledge of the Polish language. I am an accredited child caretaker with experience from a children’s group for children from 2 to 4 years old, I have completed a study course in respectful education, and attended Montessori education lectures focusing on children from 0 to 3 years old. In my work I also draw on my experience from Montessori workshops for the youngest children and their parents.