Jitka Benedíková
Jitka is originally from South Moravian region in the Czech Republic. She graduated from the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague and worked in Academy of Sciences in Prague for couple of years. In 2000 she moved to San Diego, USA, where she lived till 2007, working first as a volunteer later as a Research Assistant for a small bio company. In 2007 she moved together with her husband to Pittsburgh, where both sons were born shortly after. Her priority is helping her kids to become full members of the society and at the same time maintain Czech language and heritage. She decided to help in the Czech and Slovak School of Pittsburgh, not only because she likes working with kids, but also because she firmly believes how important it is to know your family origins and to teach our kids become proud Czech
Alice Ždrale
Organizer & Teacher
[email protected]
[email protected]
Alice is originally from Prague, Czech Republic where she graduated from the University of Public and International Affairs. Alice has been living in Pittsburgh since 2018 with her husband and now two sons. Alice worked for the University of Pittsburgh as an Immigration Specialist and received her Public Policy and Management Master's degree from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.Petra and Alice founded the school in 2015. Alice teaches the youngest group of students "Mravenecci".
Petra Virágová
Organizer & Teacher
[email protected]
[email protected]
Petra Viragova was born and grew up in the small town of Pisek in southern Bohemia. She received a master’s degree in civil engineering from the Czech Technical Institute (CVUT) in Prague. After finishing college, Petra worked as a swimming instructor and gymnastics coach. At this time, she found that work with children brought her more fulfillment than her technical training. In 2001, Petra relocated with her husband and three children to the United States. In their new home, she helped her children adjust to life in a new country, while maintaining their connection to Czech Republic by home schooling them in Czech language and history and preparing them for yearly exams in these subjects. From 2006 to 2014, Petra worked in ABC Daycare as a teacher. Recently, she has joined the staff of the Sunrise School in Monroeville, where she works as a personal care assistant for students with special needs. Working with children is not only Petra’s job, it is her passion and joy. Petra lives with her family and dog in Murrysville, close to Pittsburgh, PA. She spends her summers in her beloved hometown Pisek, where she enjoys biking, swimming and spending time with family.
Blanka Jozová
Teacher
Mravenečci (elementary school children, 5-10 years)
Mravenečci (elementary school children, 5-10 years)
I grew up in small town of Vodnany located in beautiful region of South Bohemia. I studied economy school, and I worked as an accountant in private and government companies for more than 10 years in the Czech Republic. I came to Pittsburgh together with my husband. We have two sons who were born in Pittsburgh. Both speak Czech language fluently and enjoy our regular long summer trips to my native country. I love traveling, outdoor activities, theater, and music. I was happy to join the team of Czech and Slovak School of Pittsburgh.
Tereza Drábková
Teacher, preschool group Tygříci (0-5 years)
I spent my whole childhood in a small spa city Podebrady. After completing my education as a Nurse for Intensive Care Unit, I worked at a large hospital IKEM (Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine) in Prague and then at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. I am a mother of three wide age - spaced boys so I am qualifying myself as an experienced manager and a skilled communicator with a teenager, an elementary school student and a wild child just entering “the terrible twos” age…… on top of my Czech husband :-)
My hope and desire are that our school students and friends know that Czechs have a very unique language, culture and traditions. My goal is to keep these alive and pass them along to future generations. I will make every effort to having fun and a great time together!
My hope and desire are that our school students and friends know that Czechs have a very unique language, culture and traditions. My goal is to keep these alive and pass them along to future generations. I will make every effort to having fun and a great time together!
Ludmila Khila
Teacher
Ludmila comes from little town Mikulov in South Moravia. This region is famous for growing wine and her family is no different from most of the residents around here. The grape harvest brings lot of joy not only to those who take part in caring for the vineyards. Ludmila lives in Pittsburgh since 1999. She has two children, Maria and Adam, who attend middle school. Even though they were born in Pittsburgh, they speak fluently Czech and visited school in Mikulov many times. Ludmila studied School of Tourism in Brno. Then she came to USA to explore, meet new people, and learn the language. She worked in hospitality service most of the time. In years 2009 - 2015, she and husband owned a little restaurant called Kous Kous Cafe. Now she works in senior assisted living community. She likes to travel, specially back home. She also enjoys dancing. She and her children joined folk dance group PAS couple years ago and are performing since then.