MAGDALENA MODRZEWSKA

PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR – 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.

JUSTYNA CEDRO

ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER

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

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.

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.

MAGDA GĄSIOR

LEAD HOMEROOM TEACHER

Hello My name is Magda! I am a very open, curious and enthusiastic person. Being with children and participating in their development and exploration of the world is my passion and joy.

I have nine years of experience teaching early childhood education to children three to six years old in Poland and in Greece. I was also a preschool manager in Poland for four years.

I completed my master’s degree, majoring in general education and lower primary education at the University of Warsaw and intercultural education at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. I completed a  preschool course through the Polish Montessori Institute as well as a program in Management of Education Studies.

I am fascinated by the theory of Non-Violent Communication (NVC) and I try to implement it in my day-to-day contact with children, parents, and co-workers. I have attended several workshops and courses throughout my educational career (e.g. education about ethnic and national minorities, project management in education, Veronica Sherborne’s developmental movement etc., Non-Violent Communication course, Positive Discipline workshop). I worked at the Academy of Special Education in Warsaw as a teacher and as a team leader for the student program “‘I Can Problem Solve,” implementing programs to develop the social skills of kindergarten children. For several years I led preschool groups focused on preparing children for school.

When I am working with children, I like to maintain a positive atmosphere based on respect and understanding of the child’s needs. I believe that learning through play brings the best results and that emotional development is as important as acquiring knowledge.

I love to travel. I try to return to Greece as often as possible. I love music and I’m learning how to play the bass guitar right now.

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.

DOROTA ROGULA

LEAD HOMEROOM TEACHER

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!

DONELL WILLIAMS

SENIOR PRESCHOOL TEACHER

My name is Donell Williams and I moved to Warsaw from South Africa to complete my studies in IT Management. In the past I’ve plied my trade as an English tutor and classroom assistant having found teaching and education to be an intrinsic part of my purpose on the planet; with the general idea in mind that there is much joy to be derived from working with young, developing minds. On a personal note, my interests range cover a broad spectrum of disciplines in the humanities that includes classical literature, philosophy, arthouse cinema and analytical psychology. In fact, some of my own work can be found in the more obscure corners of the literary world.

JERICA MERCADO

SENIOR PRESCHOOL TEACHER

My name is Jerica Mercado and I am from the great state of Idaho in the northwestern corner of the United States. I have a Bachelor’s Degree from the College of Idaho and a Master’s Degree from the University of Oregon. While I was studying at Oregon I took language classes and discovered that I absolutely loved learning languages. It was at that point that I had decided that I wanted to try teaching it as well. Since then I have taught in Mexico, China, and briefly in Spain, before finding my home here in Warsaw. I’ve been living here and teaching at preschools in Warsaw for ten years
now. I’ve also been trying to learn Polish—it’s not easy, but I’m getting there. I’ve also taken several workshops on Positive Discipline and Non-Violent Communication (NVC) which I find to be great tools both inside and outside the classroom. In addition, I have also trained in yoga for young learners and love the benefits it brings to young and old minds alike!In my private time, I absolutely love reading! I manage a local book club and on most evenings you can find me curled up with my rescue cat, Billie, and a good book.

ALED SMITH

SENIOR PRESCHOOL TEACHER

I come from Wales in the UK.  I hold a bachelor’s degree in Music and a master’s and PhD in Composition from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. My music has been performed around the world and has given me the opportunity to travel and meet so many interesting people.

After working with children and young adults for a number of years through music teaching, I decided that the pre-school route was one that I would like to explore. I found Blossom by chance on Google Maps. What a cool place! I’ve been coming to Poland since 2018 so I thought why not put everything together, take the plunge and move to Warsaw.

I aim to bring warmth, encouragement and my artistic experiences into the classroom.

In my free time I have so many interests that it’s hard to list them all here – I like playing guitar and tinkering with audio equipment, keeping fit, reading and watching as much as possible, making things by hand, painting, sculpting, etc. I also write, produce and record music and sound art.

JULIA JACKOWSKA

ASSISTANT TEACHER

My name is Julia Jackowska and I’m currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of Warsaw. My academic journey has been driven by a deep passion for understanding and nurturing the development of young minds. I have gained valuable experience working as an assistant teacher where I had the opportunity to engage with students and actively contribute towards their learning journey. On a personal note my free time is devoted to my deep interests in yoga, music, and gardening.

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!

MAGDALENA JACKOWSKA 

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.

ULA MALKO

PSYCHOLOGIST

I am a psychologist, group trainer and family mediator. I’ve completed a five-year master’s degree in Psychology at SWPS University, postgraduate studies for group trainers at the Psychoeducation Laboratory in Warsaw, the Intensive Course in NVC-Based Mediation, and I also trained at the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families. I’m currently training in systems therapy.

I am a co-founder of the Psychological Support Centre “Bliskie Miejsce”, where I help parents in building relationships with their children, trying to strengthen their belief in their own intuition and sense of competence.

For more than 10 years I have been working as a trainer, leading workshops for parents, and working in kindergartens, schools and day care centres. I am fascinated by children’s curiosity, which constantly drives them to act, to experiment, to challenge, to ask new questions. I feel that children are still teaching me to be open and curious about the world. In my private life, I am a mother of two boys.

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.

MATEUSZ GARBACZ

PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER

I have a degree in Physiotherapy from Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce. I have been
involved in sports for as long as I can remember. To date I have practised many disciplines, from
volleyball and gymnastics through to judo and wrestling. I am currently on the National Judo
Team. Working with children is very fulfilling and it gives me great joy to see progress in every
child. As a coach, I work with preschoolers as well as secondary school youth. Outside my work
as a coach and physiotherapist, I am passionate about travel.

MONIKA CAPUTA

BALLET TEACHER

I am proud alumna of the Ludomir Różycki Public Ballet School in Bytom. From 1993-2008, I danced with the ballet company of the Grand Theatre – National Opera in Warsaw, taking part in numerous ballet productions, classical as well as modern. I have had the honour of working with some of the world’s great choreographers, including: Natalia Makarova, Mats Ek, Boris Ejfman, Jiří Kylián, Irek Muchamiedov.

Over the past few years, I have been performing for children in the Palladium Theatre. I have 9 years experience  giving classical dance classes to children. I taught at Saska Dance Studio, Kabaty Dance Studio and at Egurrola Dance Kids. I have also been running my own ballet studio in Żolibórz for the past 5 years. 

ADRIAN SOBIERAJSKI

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.

NICOLE FATULE

SPANISH TEACHER

I am an afternoon teacher at Blossom, so some of you may already know me! I am from Peru, I came to Poland to study Psychology at the University of Warsaw, and have been living here for 2 years now. I have a lot of experience in teaching languages to children, especially Spanish! During my classes, the children will be doing fun activities, singing songs, and doing exercises, all while speaking Spanish.

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.