MAGDALENA MODRZEWSKA

OWNER

Blossom Preschool fulfils my dream of work which is more than just a job.

I have a Master’s degree in English Language and Literature Studies, I also completed MBA studies at Nottingham Trent University/Poznań University of Economics. I spent twenty years of my life working in corporations, with the last fourteen as a publishing director at Edipresse Poland, managing women’s magazines.

I started my career while still at the University, teaching English to children, and it was a very inspiring experience. It showed me that children soak up new languages like a sponge. In my private life, I am a mother of two daughters – the younger attends my preschool. My older daughter – eight years old – is bilingual. This is because she went to an English-speaking preschool.

Outside of work, I love to travel. I’ve seen a lot of the world backpacking. I have particularly warm memories of my 3-month trip around South-East Asia. I like a good book, cinema, jazz, photography.

DOROTA ROGULA

PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR

I’m back! To those who already know me, I look forward to seeing you again and for the new faces I am excited to meet you. So a little about me… I grew up in South Africa. My teaching career started in Dubai where I worked for an airline and after having my daughter I started my teaching career as a nursery school teacher. I am happy to be back living in Poland. My education background includes Cache level 3 in Early Years Foundations and Stages (EYFS-UK) and International TEFL/TESOL Training (USA). I find great joy in being able to help nurture the growth in our young children. I will be embracing and encouraging their sense of wonder, enthusiasm and creativity. Open communication is very important to me, as staff and parents to work together as a team. I’m looking forward to a great new year!

KAROLINA MIZERSKA

ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER

My name is Karolina and I work at Blossom as an administrative manager.

I have completed studies in finance and accounting, pedagogical preparation, early childhood and preschool education as well as educational management.

I have worked as an accountant and a teacher in the preschool. Working with children brings me a lot of joy.

Personally, I am a mom of two sons and a daughter, I love spending time with my family. I enjoy travelling and watching good movies.

JUSTYNA CEDRO

ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER – Currently on maternity leave

My name is Justyna Cedro. While studying at the University of Warsaw I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Pedagogy and a Master’s degree in English Philology. I had been working as a preschool teacher for 5 years before I started to work at Blossom as the Administrative Manager.

Being and working with preschoolers brings me a lot of joy and teaches me a lot! It’s a great opportunity to discover their colourful and mysterious world!

In my spare time I like to cook, especially vegetarian meals. I also like to practice Yoga and travel as much as possible.

PAULINA KAROLKIEWICZ-KOMAROWSKA

LEAD HOMEROOM TEACHER

I have 13 years of experience in leading preschool groups (especially the oldest children). I graduated from the University of Warsaw, where I obtained a master’s degree at the Faculty of Pedagogy. I also completed a post-graduate course in Early School Education at the Warsaw Academy of Special Education. I am certified in English Language Teaching, too.

I get a lot of joy and satisfaction from working with children. I love seeing the world through their eyes and stimulating their creativity, which surprises me every day. Interacting with a little person and having the opportunity to accompany them on their journey of discovering the world is extremely valuable and enriching for me. I believe that every child is unique, an individual with their own interests and a specific learning style and pace. I see my role as a teacher as getting to know my students well enough to help them achieve their best development and potential so that they can be successful in their future lives.

As a teacher I love to learn – I attend different kinds of trainings and courses. One of the trainings – Non-Violent Communication – changed a lot in my life, and I deeply believe that being close to our emotions and needs makes our lives better every day.

I am passionate about travelling far and near – with Italy being my greatest love. I also love the mountains and spending long hours wandering on the trails. I always find time for an interesting book and like to surround myself with music from different genres and parts of the world. I play the guitar and ukulele. I love to cook and bake. I try to smile a lot every day, following the maxim that “a smile is a curve that makes everything straight.

Nina Nowakowska

LEAD HOMEROOM TEACHER

Hello! My name is Nina Nowakowska and I am a preschool teacher. When I was a little girl I always looked up to my teachers and wanted to be just like them. When I’d arrive home from school I would pretend to teach all of my stuffed animals. When I grew up, I started to make my dream a reality. I finished my Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education at Warsaw University and now I am pursuing my Master’s degree in pedagogical therapy at Akademia Humanistyczno-Pedagogiczna in Lodz. I have also completed several courses, including fairy tale therapy, teaching through art, and the basics of art therapy. In addition, I have 7 years of experience working with preschool kids. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and testing new recipes. I am also an avid indoor gardener because I really appreciate nature and want to bring it into my home. Working with kids brings me a lot of joy; their ideas and creativity never fails to surprise me.

KAROLINA MIŚTAL

LEAD HOMEROOM TEACHER

I come from a small town in Podkarpacie and even as a little girl I knew that I wanted to be a teacher. I watched my parents at work – my mother taught history, my father biology. Seeing how dedicated they were to their work, I wanted to do the same.

I graduated from the University of Lublin with a master’s degree in history. Immediately after graduating, I went to Oxford, England, where I learnt English and observed the work of primary school teachers in second grade. Upon my return to Poland, I completed postgraduate studies in preschool and early childhood education. I have been working in the profession for six years. In my work with children, I appreciate their openness to the world, I love their imagination, which I like to support. I also have an interest in child psychology. I value cooperation with parents.

I like to spend my free time in nature. I have a country house with a garden where I grow my own vegetables and flowers. I like traveling, good literature and I love animals. I have two dogs and I would like to take up horse riding in the future.

ANALAURA AGUILERA

LEAD HOMEROOM TEACHER/SPANISH TEACHER

Hey there! I’m Analaura Aguilera. Or as the kids call me, Ms. Analaura. I’ve been teaching English and Spanish here in Warsaw since January 2021 and have been loving it ever since. I truly feel like I’ve found my calling and made Warsaw my home away from home. Ever since I was a little girl, I always loved going to school and interacting with others, so it was only natural that I became a teacher.

I’m originally from Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia but grew up in Naples, FL, U.S.A. I learned English at school and practiced Spanish at home with my family, thus both languages becoming my native tongues. I studied General Studies at Valencia College in Orlando, FL, U.S.A. and became TEFL certified in Florence, Italy.

My teaching style is fun and interactive. It’s also very important to me that I allow my students to feel confident, seen, heard and most importantly, safe.  Outside of school, I enjoy being at home with my cat, taking walks around the Old Town and discovering new cafes.

JANA GOOSEN

SENIOR PRESCHOOL TEACHER

I am from a small town in South Africa. Having come from a large family of teachers, I always new I would find my passion in this field. I first started my teaching journey when I completed the TEFL-Course and became a preschool assistant in Warsaw, where I had many opportunities to engage in courses and had my introduction to Non-Violent communication, which I value as an intricate part of my teaching philosophy. I returned to South Africa a few years ago to pursue a degree in education and had the opportunity to work at various local schools. I firmly believe that there is nothing more rewarding than experiencing the great creativity and curiosity that children have to offer. Outside of the classroom I find great enjoyment in reading, travel and the people around me. Nature holds a special place in my heart and I explore the outdoors as often as possible.

Kirsty Ambrose

SENIOR PRESCHOOL TEACHER

I’m Kirsty and hail from sunny South Africa. With degrees in Communications and Media Studies, I’ve honed my skills across various sectors including Public Relations, Advertising and Education – with my passion for Teaching English as major highlight. The adage “children are the future” resonates with me in a special way as I believe the preschool years are an exciting time to tenderly guide and build young minds. There’s simply so much to learn and explore – and that’s priceless.

Outside of teaching, you’ll probably find me reading a good book, plying my culinary talents or somewhere on a sight-seeing excursion.

Ludmila Correa Garcia

ASSISTANT TEACHER

My name is Ludmila, I’m from Brazil. I have a bachelor’s degree in Law and Pedagogy. I came to Poland to study for a semester at the University of Warsaw and decided to do a Master’s degree in Linguistics at the same university. I’ve been working in bilingual schools for 4 years now and I’m really passionate about education. I really like to dance and listen to brazilian music.

MAGDALENA JACKOWSKA 

ASSISTANT TEACHER/ART ATELIERISTA

My name is Magdalena Jackowska and I am a cultural studies student. I have always been fascinated by the world of art in the broadest sense which is why I decided to pursue studies in this field.

I am also an active member of the Scouts where I serve as a troop leader. Working with the youngest age group allows me to foster their curiosity about the world as well as their creativity. It is an incredibly gratifying experience for me, which not only allows me to teach but also to learn from them.

By combining these two aspects, I have found my calling in imparting knowledge about the world of art and inspiring the youngest to artistic expression!

Furthermore, I also enjoy reading, travelling, and meeting new people. I love spending time discovering new places and cultures, which allows me to broaden my horizons and inspires further personal development.

WOJCIECH GURTIAKÓW

CHEF

I have been cooking for almost 20 years for now and for the last 9 years I have specialised in cooking for kids. Cooking is my passion and also a big adventure that I hope will last for many years to come. Before I started cooking for kids – I travelled and lived around Europe, including 10 years alone spent in the UK where I developed my cooking skills at top international restaurants and hotels.  While learning and practicing my technique, I simultaneously fuelled my love for cooking, taste creation and the joy of granting healthy and delicious food experiences.

Healthy and tasty cooking for my own son has come as a surprising challenge and also the main trigger as to why I chose to focus on kids. Proper food for children is essential. It is up to us to present them healthy yet tasty options that will result in healthy habits for the rest of their lives.

Kids are inquisitive and their  young palettes and tastes are evolving – it is important to address that in cooking, so that food brings them joy in trying new things and discovering their individual taste map.

Healthy food is key for their health. That is why my main priority is to make food a healthy and tasty experience for kids.  In my kitchen I base my work on natural and unprocessed ingredients designed to use up their seasonal power with close cooperation with experts on diet optimization.

On top of that I try to use all my creativity for creating a true taste experience.

In my everyday work I enthousiastically join Blossom’s experience with mine, and it is crucial for me to establish regular contact with your children – as they will be the main jurors of my dishes – and also with you – so that you know what is on my mind with menu.  I hope you also get inspired at our regular culinary workshops when we gather and enjoy cooking all together.

JAKUB RYPIŃSKI

COOK

My name is Jakub Rypiński. I was born and raised in Warsaw and I graduated from catering school here. Cooking has always been my passion and my specialty is Italian cuisine. I have been cooking for children at Blossom for two years. The work is interesting, but also a great challenge and responsibility. Still, cooking for the little ones is something I really enjoy!

ALEKSANDRA ZAGUBIEŃ

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

Hi! My name is Ola. I am a graduate of special education, more specifically, specializing in early support for child development with preschool and early school education. In addition, I expanded my competences during trainings and workshops, among others, in Children’s Mathematics, Social Skills Training and Positive Discipline. I am currently studying clinical and health psychology part-time and participating in the training and internship program “Psychology Practitioner Vademecum”.

Accompanying children has always given me joy. For about 5 years I led a Cub Scout group. Later, I gained professional experience working as an animator, camp counsellor, nanny, teacher and therapist for children on the autism spectrum. I have been working in preschool for about 6 years.

When working with children, my priority is to build a safe bond, give children space to develop empathy and independence, and learn through experience. Working with children gives me the opportunity to discover the world anew and gain insight into myself. I believe that in the child-teacher relationship, both parties benefit and learn from each other.

In my free time, I love going to the theatre, sing, deepening my psychological knowledge, and admiring art. I enjoy travelling, especially Scandinavian countries.

Adriana Wagner

PSYCHOLOGIST

I am a psychologist specializing in working with children, adolescents, their families, and educators. I work daily in various educational institutions, including preschools and schools at different levels, as well as at the Perspektywa Psychological Clinic. I lead preventive workshops, developmental training, consultations, and psychological interventions. I believe that a systemic approach, cooperation, and dialogue help create a supportive environment for everyone’s development.

I hold a master’s degree in Psychology from the University of Warsaw (UW) and completed postgraduate pedagogical studies at WSKZ. I am currently undergoing a four-year psychotherapy training in the integrative approach. My professional experience includes working at the Children’s Therapy Center at the UW Faculty of Psychology, the Epsilon Center for Innovative Prevention, and the Adenium Children’s and Youth Therapy Clinic. I have experience working with children and families from various cultural backgrounds (Europe, Zambia, and the Arabian Peninsula). I also provide support and therapy for individuals on the autism spectrum.

My work is my passion, and I am inspired by people—their growth, strengths, challenges, and unique, individual journeys. Outside of work, I recharge my energy through movement, especially outdoors when possible. I love dancing, laughing, dark chocolate, and anything that can be said in Spanish.

ALEKSANDRA TOMAŚ

SPEECH THERAPIST

I am Ola. Or Tola. And recently even LOGOTOLKA. This is the name of my YouTube profile where you can find some unconventional speech therapy videos that (according to reliable sources) allow children to spend a productive 10 minutes in their room. I had been toying with the idea of a channel like this for some time. The channel came into being during the pandemic to support parents by giving them a much-needed breather and to provide children with a daily dose of speech therapy exercises. Soon, I plan to provide audio stories for children’s speech therapy practice.

I am a qualified actress and speech therapist. I manage to combine these two passions successfully on a daily basis. Although I have to admit that when I started my professional career, I never dreamed how much colour and inspiring moments such an unusual mix would bring into my life.

I currently run an individual and group speech and language therapy practice, and work with a therapy centre for children with autism and pervasive developmental disorder. As an actor, you can see me on stage in plays for children (Teatr Małego Widza in Warsaw) and for adults (Me/St Theatre).

WIOLETTA JAKUBIEC

MUSIC TEACHER (PIANO, VIOLIN, UKULELE)

My name is Wiola Jakubiec. Since I was a child, I dreamed of becoming a musician, I sang and danced, and I learned to play the violin. I am a graduate of the Secondary Music School in Żywiec. Then I graduated in musicology from the University of Wrocław. I also studied art education in the field of musical art at the Mari Skłodowska-Curie University in Lublin. I am currently improving my instrumental skills in the violin class of Mateusz Smoczyński at the Faculty of Jazz and Stage Music at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw.

Music is at the center of my life, but I also like reading good books or taking a walk. I love painting and photography.

I teach violin and piano in a friendly atmosphere, and I approach each student individually. I try to show that music can be fun.

ADRIAN SOBIERAJSKI

PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER/FOOTBALL COACH

I am a graduate of Physical Education at the Academy of Physical Education in Warsaw. This year I completed the UEFA B course, and am currently a football coach at the Escola Varsovia club.

I treat working with children as a challenge, because every child requires a different approach.

I enjoy interacting with children, giving them my positive energy through play gives me great satisfaction.

Paulina Gaweł

DANCE TEACHER

My name is Paulina Gaweł, and I am a professional dancer with the highest International Dance Class “S”. I also hold an international sports instructor license with a specialty in dance. I have been involved in dance for 25 years, during which I have earned numerous podium finishes at national and international tournaments. I have participated in the largest and most prestigious dance competitions in Poland and worldwide, such as the Blackpool Dance Festival, UK Open Championship, Dutch Open Assen and many more.  I have also had the pleasure of taking part in numerous dance showcases, including a dance project in the USA inspired by Broadway.

I graduated from the Pedagogical University of Krakow with a degree in Sociology.

Teaching children and working with people is my greatest passion, and my boundless positive energy allows me to share it. I have been teaching children and adults for 16 years, which is an inexhaustible source of inspiration.

Privately, I love dogs, traveling, nature, music, singing, and I also do makeup and I`m learning to play the drums.

LAURA SOMMER-SOBIERAJSKA

YOGA TEACHER

I am a certified instructor of yoga and recreation for adults (among others, I hold certification from the KRI Research Institute) and yoga for children, an organic music therapist, and a PhD candidate at the Warsaw School of Economics. I completed music school majoring in the flute. In my yoga classes, I use various materials and instruments, both archaic and classical: a wind gong, a chau gong (tam-tam), Tibetan bowls, Koshi bells, flutes. In my private life, I am a mother of three children, with whom I experience the positive effects of mindfulness and awareness of body and emotions. I have a great passion for music therapy and kinesiotherapy. I have gained experience in working with children by teaching music and movement classes for children in kindergarten (Musical English). I am an enthusiast of innovation in education and am currently preparing my doctoral thesis in this subject.

I love the mountains, sport, including road cycling, and singing.

WOJCIECH JEŻ

MARTIAL ARTS COACH

I have been running the “Yawara” Martial Arts School for 20 years. I am a qualified educator, classical philologist, trainer and sports instructor. I teach people of all ages, but I have the most fun training with the youngest. When I started working in Warsaw kindergartens 20 years ago, I had a difficult task because no one before me had ever done classes for such young children. There were no programs, books or coaches to inspire you – at that time I had to rely on my own intuition in everything. IT WAS WORTH IT!

Today, irrespective of all my experience, I still feel that this is highly creative work that gives me great satisfaction. As a judo/ju-jitsu coach, I focus first and foremost on the individual child and his or her needs, while the technical aspects of the martial art have to take a back seat.

In my free time, I dance a bit, run stage movement classes for actors, read books and enjoy walking in the forests around Warsaw.