Kindergarten 3 - 6 years

Since the birth of my daughter, I have been deeply involved in Montessori education. Working with children is incredibly inspiring at every stage of their development, and it is wonderful to accompany them on their journey toward independence and personal growth. It’s beautiful to see how children perceive the world and to be there with them as they discover it.

Mili graduated from a secondary school of Hotel Management and Tourism and passed her diploma exams in the German language. She holds AMI 0–3 training with Patricia Wallner and AMI 3–6 training with Elina Rautasalo. She has been working in Montessori environments for over 15 years and has been part of the Andílek team since 2016. She has extensive experience in teaching and daily work with children and is currently in the AMI Training of Trainers program for the 3–6 age level. She also contributes to adult education within the Andílek Montessori Academy.

I have dedicated my entire adult life to working with children—both in kindergartens and in outdoor youth groups. When I had my own children, I started looking for a place that would resonate with my view of education and where children could be happy. I found all of that in Andílek, so it was natural that after my parental leave I was drawn to return here as a teacher.

Andrea graduated from a Secondary School of Education in Prague. She worked for several years as a kindergarten teacher. In her free time, she led and organized activities and camps for a youth hiking club as an instructor, later as a group leader and health officer. She completed AMI Assistant Courses for ages 0–3 with Heidi Philippart and for ages 3–6 with Elina Rautasalo.

Even before becoming a mother of two daughters, I knew that working with children would fulfill my life. Through my personal experiences, I found my way to Montessori education. From the very beginning, I was captivated by the love with which a teacher approaches the child—and the love with which the child responds to the world around them. I’m very happy to have found my way to Andílek and to be part of it.

Monika earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Westminster University in London, where she lived for four years. After returning to Prague, she completed her Master’s degree in Special Education at Jan Amos Komenský University. During her studies, she worked for two years as a teacher assistant in a state kindergarten in an integration class for children with intellectual disabilities. After this experience, she founded her own children’s center, which she ran for five years. She holds the AMI 3–6 Diploma with Elina Rautasalo and has been part of the Andílek team for six years.

I’ve been drawn to working with children since my scouting days, when we spent time outdoors and I always looked forward to summer camp. When I had to choose my career path, teaching felt like the one that made sense. I first discovered a Montessori preschool during my high school practicum—and I was amazed at how simple it all was. When teachers stop being afraid to let children try things on their own, they realize how capable children truly are. After graduation, I briefly stepped away from teaching, but Andílek soon won me over completely. I’m grateful to work in an environment that makes sense, where I can be creative and continue to learn myself.

Nadia graduated from a Secondary School of Education in Prague and went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Studies at the University of Sunderland. In early 2023, she successfully completed the Montessori Assistant Course for ages 3–6.

My path to Montessori education and to Andílek wasn’t entirely deliberate—but it was definitely love at first sight. I was amazed by how natural, simple, and respectful it all can be—not only toward children but also toward adults. I’m grateful that Montessori has allowed me to see parenting my two sons from a new perspective. So when my parental leave ended, I knew I wanted to return to the classroom and teach in the way that feels most meaningful to me

Veronika first gained experience working with children as a scout leader and camp counselor. She graduated from a Secondary School of Education and later from the Faculty of Education, specializing in Health Education. She worked for several years as a preschool guide at Andílek and returned to the same role after maternity leave. She completed the AMI 3–6 Assistant Course and holds the AMI 3–6 Diploma with trainer Elina Rautasalo.

I’ve always enjoyed observing what children are capable of and how creative they can be. I used to work with children of various ages during choir retreats, which I have very fond memories of. I have younger siblings and always loved spending time with them—they were probably the first big reason why I wanted to work with children. From my first day at Andílek, I knew I had found the place where I want to be—where I can grow, laugh, and share joy together with the team, children, and parents.

Martina studied Business Economics and Management and spent many years in the financial sector. She worked in fundraising for a non-profit organization, which gradually opened new doors to the field she truly wanted to pursue—education and social work. Her desire for creative work with children won her over. She has completed the Montessori Sports Fundamentals Course, the AMI 3–6 Orientation Course with Elina Rautasalo, the “Child’s Mind in Motion” course by Karen Pearce, and the Professional Path of the Assistant course at Andílek Academy. She is currently studying a Montessori course focused on senior education. In her free time, she enjoys sports, spending time with her dog, and traveling the world in her VW New Beetle.

From a very young age, I was part of a canoeing and hiking club, where I later served for several years as a main leader. Thanks to these experiences, I became independent and unafraid of any situation, yet I remain a team player who’s always ready to help others. I see great value for children in mixed-age groups, where they can learn from each other and where older ones can take responsibility by helping the younger ones. I find fulfillment in working with people of all ages—from children to seniors—because every age group has its unique magic. I see great potential in activities where children’s spontaneity meets human wisdom.

Kateřina studied Teaching for Lower Secondary and High Schools at the Faculty of Education, Charles University, majoring in Pedagogy and Visual Arts. She has experience from a state kindergarten, where she worked for three years, and from an elementary school, where she worked mainly as an assistant for children with learning difficulties. This also gave her the chance to teach various subjects as a substitute teacher and observe many teaching approaches—an essential part of learning to teach. For six years, she led day camps at Toulcův dvůr, which also included animal care as part of the program.

I had no idea how independent even a two-year-old child could be when treated with respect, when adults see their potential and give them the space to develop it fully. I enjoy finding the right level of support for each child – enough for them to feel secure, develop at their own pace, and gradually become more independent. I am continually fascinated by children’s ability to adapt and by how quickly they can find their place at Andílek, feel safe, and become ready to explore.
In the prepared environment, I enjoy focusing on the details, and I love seeing how children immediately respond to even the smallest changes in the classroom. Working at Andílek inspires and motivates me to continue developing myself. I am surrounded by professionals who share a genuine love for children.

Kačka studied the History of Christian Art in Prague, but even during her studies, she found herself more drawn to working with children than gaining experience in galleries. After spending a year in the USA as an au pair, her path towards working with children became clear. She has been part of Andílek since 2020, completed a professional childcare course, an AMI 0–3 Orientation Course, and in 2022 completed her AMI 0–3 Diploma Course under the guidance of Heidi Philippart.