Our Team
We’re more than colleagues — we’re a tightly connected community of educators who support and inspire one another, creating a safe and stimulating online environment for our students.
A passion unites our team for the Slovak language, culture, and working with people. Each of us is a professional with our own style, but we share a single goal — our students’ progress and satisfaction. We work with enthusiasm, teach with heart, and continually create practical, explicit, and fun materials that bring both joy and confidence in Slovak communication.
Flamingos operates as a modern online school with a professional backbone, where teamwork, trust, and sharing experience are the foundation of every day. When someone needs a break, falls ill, or seeks advice, there is always someone ready to help.
Like our students, our team is spread across the world — you’ll find us in Slovakia, Cyprus, the UK, Ukraine, and China.
Our greatest reward is seeing students “fly from the nest” with ease and confidence, ready to use Slovak in everyday life.
Martin Hoľko
Hi, I’m Martin. I’m one of those lucky people for whom teaching is not only a job, but also fun and a calling. After university, I started teaching and I’ve stayed with it — seven years at a grammar school and three years at a primary school.
I loved excursions that combined with fun and experience. Teaching outdoors — for example, in a city’s historical centre — had a special charm. I’ve also worked with adults and third-country nationals — often with the humour and playfulness you might expect only with children.
I’m part of a team dedicated to experiential learning, currently focusing on online experiences. I believe hands-on teaching should be the foundation of education in every school. Subjects should connect, not exist in isolation. Slovak has the advantage that, through its language, we can discover the culture, history, geography, and beauty of Slovakia.
In my free time, I enjoy sports, travel, history, sleep, and smiles on people’s faces — often the result of a lesson well spent.
Martin Hoľko
Hi, I’m Martin. I’m one of those lucky people for whom teaching is not only a job, but also fun and a calling. After university, I started teaching and I’ve stayed with it — seven years at a grammar school and three years at a primary school.
I loved excursions that combined with fun and experience. Teaching outdoors — for example, in a city’s historical centre — had a special charm. I’ve also worked with adults and third-country nationals — often with the humour and playfulness you might expect only with children.
I’m part of a team dedicated to experiential learning, currently focusing on online experiences. I believe hands-on teaching should be the foundation of education in every school. Subjects should connect, not exist in isolation. Slovak has the advantage that, through its language, we can discover the culture, history, geography, and beauty of Slovakia.
In my free time, I enjoy sports, travel, history, sleep, and smiles on people’s faces — often the result of a lesson well spent.
Lenka Hanusová
Hello, I’m Lenka. From a young age, I was drawn to working with children. After grammar school, I studied biology and physics, but during practice, I realised I was most fulfilled working with the very young. That’s why I turned to pre-primary education and finished my university studies alongside work.
I’ve been a kindergarten teacher for more than six years. Teaching children is a calling that brings me joy, challenges, and inspiration. I take an individual approach to each child and strive to create an environment in which their unique potential can blossom.
With children, I love discovering the beauty of Slovakia through games, songs, rhymes, and dramatisation. I adore puppets, stories, and playful learning. My biggest reward is the children’s laughter and the sparkle in their eyes as they look forward to the next lesson.
In my free time, I travel and explore new cultures. I’m also learning Korean — I know what it’s like to be in the learner’s shoes, which helps me understand my students even better.
Lenka Hanusová
Hello, I’m Lenka. From a young age, I was drawn to working with children. After grammar school, I studied biology and physics, but during practice, I realised I was most fulfilled working with the very young. That’s why I turned to pre-primary education and finished my university studies alongside work.
I’ve been a kindergarten teacher for more than six years. Teaching children is a calling that brings me joy, challenges, and inspiration. I take an individual approach to each child and strive to create an environment in which their unique potential can blossom.
With children, I love discovering the beauty of Slovakia through games, songs, rhymes, and dramatisation. I adore puppets, stories, and playful learning. My biggest reward is the children’s laughter and the sparkle in their eyes as they look forward to the next lesson.
In my free time, I travel and explore new cultures. I’m also learning Korean — I know what it’s like to be in the learner’s shoes, which helps me understand my students even better.
Zdenka Valeková
Hi, I’m Zdenka — teacher, special-education specialist, coach, and above all, a mum. I accompany children on their learning journey and help them discover their own potential. I believe motivation to learn comes from within, so I create a safe, stimulating, supportive environment where every learner can grow.
I see each person as unique. Mistakes aren’t failures, but rather part of learning — they teach us knowledge, as well as self-acceptance and tolerance of others.
Alongside teaching, I provide coaching in education and advisory consultations for parents and children with special educational needs. I currently work as an internal expert for the Research Institute of Child Psychology and Pathopsychology.
Slovak is my native language — a connection to the cultural and natural heritage of our country. I’m happy to pass it on.
In my free time, I enjoy skiing, swimming, cycling, and hiking. I love reading, meeting new people, and challenges — one of my favourite experiences was climbing Gerlachovský štít.
Zdenka Valeková
Hi, I’m Zdenka — teacher, special-education specialist, coach, and above all, a mum. I accompany children on their learning journey and help them discover their own potential. I believe motivation to learn comes from within, so I create a safe, stimulating, supportive environment where every learner can grow.
I see each person as unique. Mistakes aren’t failures, but rather part of learning — they teach us knowledge, as well as self-acceptance and tolerance of others.
Alongside teaching, I provide coaching in education and advisory consultations for parents and children with special educational needs. I currently work as an internal expert for the Research Institute of Child Psychology and Pathopsychology.
Slovak is my native language — a connection to the cultural and natural heritage of our country. I’m happy to pass it on.
In my free time, I enjoy skiing, swimming, cycling, and hiking. I love reading, meeting new people, and challenges — one of my favourite experiences was climbing Gerlachovský štít.
Stanislava Michalková
Hi, I’m Stanka — mum of two adult children and a teacher through and through. As a little girl, I dreamed of teaching in kindergarten — a dream I’ve lived for over 20 years. In addition to kindergarten, I also work with primary-school children who have special educational needs.
My work is my mission. With children, I explore Slovak through stories, games, poems, and dramatisation. I help them develop their expression, correct pronunciation, self-confidence, and the ability to communicate with peers. I teach responsibility, creativity, sensitivity to nature, and a healthy lifestyle.
My biggest reward is when children look forward to our meetings, want to share what they can do and what they’ve learned — often thanks to our shared work.
In my free time, I’m active; in winter, I ski and cross-country ski. I love motorbikes, music, cultural monuments, musicals, and history.
Stanislava Michalková
Hi, I’m Stanka — mum of two adult children and a teacher through and through. As a little girl, I dreamed of teaching in kindergarten — a dream I’ve lived for over 20 years. In addition to kindergarten, I also work with primary-school children who have special educational needs.
My work is my mission. With children, I explore Slovak through stories, games, poems, and dramatisation. I help them develop their expression, correct pronunciation, self-confidence, and the ability to communicate with peers. I teach responsibility, creativity, sensitivity to nature, and a healthy lifestyle.
My biggest reward is when children look forward to our meetings, want to share what they can do and what they’ve learned — often thanks to our shared work.
In my free time, I’m active; in winter, I ski and cross-country ski. I love motorbikes, music, cultural monuments, musicals, and history.
Ivana Cigániková
Hello, I’m Ivana — a teacher and Slovak lecturer, and someone whose childhood dream came true: to become a teacher. In my first year of primary school, I knew I wanted to follow in my teacher’s footsteps. To this day, the work brings me joy, passion, and fulfilment.
I studied the Slovak language and literature, catechetics, and geography. I teach at a primary school and also teach Slovak to adult foreigners in a language school. I deeply respect their perseverance and their admiration for the Slovak language and our country. Their motivation and determination to improve are a huge inspiration.
I’m proud to live in Slovakia — and even more grateful to share my love for the Slovak and cultural heritage with the children at Flamingos. In return, I learn a great deal from them — about other countries, languages, and perspectives.
I have three great children and a wonderful husband — thanks to them, I stay in tune with young people and constantly test new ideas I also use in teaching. I love taking students on excursions, to the theatre, and on trips — I believe it’s experiences and memorable moments that move us forward most.
Ivana Cigániková
Hello, I’m Ivana — a teacher and Slovak lecturer, and someone whose childhood dream came true: to become a teacher. In my first year of primary school, I knew I wanted to follow in my teacher’s footsteps. To this day, the work brings me joy, passion, and fulfilment.
I studied the Slovak language and literature, catechetics, and geography. I teach at a primary school and also teach Slovak to adult foreigners in a language school. I deeply respect their perseverance and their admiration for the Slovak language and our country. Their motivation and determination to improve are a huge inspiration.
I’m proud to live in Slovakia — and even more grateful to share my love for the Slovak and cultural heritage with the children at Flamingos. In return, I learn a great deal from them — about other countries, languages, and perspectives.
I have three great children and a wonderful husband — thanks to them, I stay in tune with young people and constantly test new ideas I also use in teaching. I love taking students on excursions, to the theatre, and on trips — I believe it’s experiences and memorable moments that move us forward most.
Katarína Vidiš
Hi, I’m Katarína. I was born in Liptovský Mikuláš, and from childhood, I felt working with children was my calling. I’m an empathetic, positive, proactive teacher who enjoys discovering new approaches to education.
As a volunteer, I worked in Baku, Azerbaijan, educating socially disadvantaged children. I’ve taught in kindergarten and lower primary, gaining experience with different age groups.
I now live in the UK, where I teach Slovak online and assist in creating teaching materials for the Flamingos team.
I’ve completed training in Hejného’s math method and Comenia Script handwriting, as well as a two-year youth work programme. I see teaching children as an enriching exchange — I teach them, and they teach me to see the world with simplicity and joy.
In my free time, I’m in nature — hiking in the Tatras, cycling around Liptov, travelling, skiing, and swimming. I also enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, and gospel music.
Katarína Vidiš
Hi, I’m Katarína. I was born in Liptovský Mikuláš, and from childhood, I felt working with children was my calling. I’m an empathetic, positive, proactive teacher who enjoys discovering new approaches to education.
As a volunteer, I worked in Baku, Azerbaijan, educating socially disadvantaged children. I’ve taught in kindergarten and lower primary, gaining experience with different age groups.
I now live in the UK, where I teach Slovak online and assist in creating teaching materials for the Flamingos team.
I’ve completed training in Hejného’s math method and Comenia Script handwriting, as well as a two-year youth work programme. I see teaching children as an enriching exchange — I teach them, and they teach me to see the world with simplicity and joy.
In my free time, I’m in nature — hiking in the Tatras, cycling around Liptov, travelling, skiing, and swimming. I also enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, and gospel music.
Natália Sáčková
Hello, I’m Natália. I studied pre-primary and primary education and have always wanted to help people discover their potential. Teaching is a calling that lets me accompany children on their path of learning and self-discovery.
I strive to make my lessons engaging, creative, and filled with joy. I believe that every learner is unique and brings their own perspective on the world — that diversity inspires and motivates me. My role is to create a safe, stimulating environment where children develop not only language skills but also self-confidence and curiosity.
I currently live in sunny Cyprus, where I teach Slovak online. I also support Flamingos with communications and manage our social media.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, baking, skiing, hiking, and spending time outdoors. Nature is my inspiration and a source of calm, which I bring into the classroom. Reading opens new perspectives, and I love sharing with my students. I’m excited about all the new experiences ahead at Flamingos.
Natália Sáčková
Hello, I’m Natália. I studied pre-primary and primary education and have always wanted to help people discover their potential. Teaching is a calling that lets me accompany children on their path of learning and self-discovery.
I strive to make my lessons engaging, creative, and filled with joy. I believe that every learner is unique and brings their own perspective on the world — that diversity inspires and motivates me. My role is to create a safe, stimulating environment where children develop not only language skills but also self-confidence and curiosity.
I currently live in sunny Cyprus, where I teach Slovak online. I also support Flamingos with communications and manage our social media.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, baking, skiing, hiking, and spending time outdoors. Nature is my inspiration and a source of calm, which I bring into the classroom. Reading opens new perspectives, and I love sharing with my students. I’m excited about all the new experiences ahead at Flamingos.
Evelyn Charalambous
Hi! I’m Evelyn. I’m from Australia and have lived on the beautiful island of Cyprus for years. At Flamingos, I teach English to children and adults from many cultures and language backgrounds.
Teaching is a dream come true because it lets me do what I love every day. Working with children is always enriching — their curiosity, energy, and unique view make every lesson lively and full of discovery.
Teaching adults matters to me just as much. I’m fascinated by their motivation and determination to learn something new, often alongside work and daily responsibilities. I admire how they build confidence, overcome challenges, and move forward — personally and professionally.
Privately, I love books — they open new worlds and ideas that often appear in my teaching. I’m grateful to be a guide in learning and to support students on their language journey — wherever they are in the world.
Evelyn Charalambous
Hi! I’m Evelyn. I’m from Australia and have lived on the beautiful island of Cyprus for years. At Flamingos, I teach English to children and adults from many cultures and language backgrounds.
Teaching is a dream come true because it lets me do what I love every day. Working with children is always enriching — their curiosity, energy, and unique view make every lesson lively and full of discovery.
Teaching adults matters to me just as much. I’m fascinated by their motivation and determination to learn something new, often alongside work and daily responsibilities. I admire how they build confidence, overcome challenges, and move forward — personally and professionally.
Privately, I love books — they open new worlds and ideas that often appear in my teaching. I’m grateful to be a guide in learning and to support students on their language journey — wherever they are in the world.
Andrea Draganová
Hello, I’m Andrea. I studied the Slovak language and literature at the Faculty of Arts, where I later completed my PhD. I currently teach history and arts & culture in Bratislava, Slovakia — three areas that connect stories, history, and creativity.
In my teaching, I emphasise media literacy, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. I lead a journalism club and, with students, prepare the school magazine and yearbook. I also run a club called “Today we’re going to see…” in which we visit theaters, galleries, exhibitions, and participate in discussions with inspiring professionals.
My goal is to demonstrate that culture isn’t a chore, but a vibrant world full of experiences and inspiration. I enjoy designing workshops, themed days, and discussions on current, meaningful topics — from art and media to public life.
School should develop not only knowledge but also curiosity, creativity, and the ability to see the world with an open mind.
Andrea Draganová
Hello, I’m Andrea. I studied the Slovak language and literature at the Faculty of Arts, where I later completed my PhD. I currently teach history and arts & culture in Bratislava, Slovakia — three areas that connect stories, history, and creativity.
In my teaching, I emphasise media literacy, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. I lead a journalism club and, with students, prepare the school magazine and yearbook. I also run a club called “Today we’re going to see…” in which we visit theaters, galleries, exhibitions, and participate in discussions with inspiring professionals.
My goal is to demonstrate that culture isn’t a chore, but a vibrant world full of experiences and inspiration. I enjoy designing workshops, themed days, and discussions on current, meaningful topics — from art and media to public life.
School should develop not only knowledge but also curiosity, creativity, and the ability to see the world with an open mind.
Martina Vojtušová
Hi, I’m Martina. I studied Slovak and German at Matej Bel University. My career initially led through management roles in a specialist publisher and a recruitment agency. Eventually, I chose a change — teaching became the most meaningful work for me, and today I see it as my true calling.
I aim to give children not only knowledge but also so-called ‘soft skills’ — empathy, teamwork, tolerance, and the ability to express their own opinions. I put strong emphasis on critical thinking. Within the Komenský Institute, we created a school book podcast and a project to discuss current issues.
I currently live with my family in China, where we embarked on a new life challenge. Thanks to this experience, I understand what expat children go through — especially regarding language loss and cultural identity. My goal is to help them maintain a connection with Slovakia and make adaptation easier.
I spend my free time with my family. I love books, sport, travel, and discovering new countries — and when I can, I enjoy a sound sleep.
Martina Vojtušová
Hi, I’m Martina. I studied Slovak and German at Matej Bel University. My career initially led through management roles in a specialist publisher and a recruitment agency. Eventually, I chose a change — teaching became the most meaningful work for me, and today I see it as my true calling.
I aim to give children not only knowledge but also so-called ‘soft skills’ — empathy, teamwork, tolerance, and the ability to express their own opinions. I put strong emphasis on critical thinking. Within the Komenský Institute, we created a school book podcast and a project to discuss current issues.
I currently live with my family in China, where we embarked on a new life challenge. Thanks to this experience, I understand what expat children go through — especially regarding language loss and cultural identity. My goal is to help them maintain a connection with Slovakia and make adaptation easier.
I spend my free time with my family. I love books, sport, travel, and discovering new countries — and when I can, I enjoy a sound sleep.
Our Management Team
Marieta Horský Gundová
SCHOOL DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER
I’m Marieta, founder and director of Flamingos, an online school of Slovak language and culture.
I grew up abroad and attended an international school — I know first-hand how challenging it can be to learn Slovak at home with your parents when everything around you is a different language and culture. Those early experiences — and the understanding they gave me — inspired the Flamingos vision: to create a modern, accessible, living space where Slovak thrives, especially for the children of Slovak families abroad and for anyone seeking a path to our language and culture.
Over my career, I’ve worked in several countries in leadership roles in finance, management, and business consulting. In multinational firms, I led transformation projects, built successful teams, and facilitated connections among people from diverse cultures. Combining that professional experience with my passion for education and Slovak cultural heritage, a small in-person initiative in Cyprus gradually became an international online school.
Today I lead a great team of teachers and specialists, steer school operations, strategy, and content, and move us forward through innovation and international partnerships. I’m the only team member who doesn’t teach directly, but I’m in daily contact with our students and their families. I listen to their needs, gather feedback, and together with the team adapt our programmes to our students’ varied life and language situations.
I’m also the mother of a bilingual child who learns Slovak at Flamingos. I know first-hand how important — and challenging — it is to maintain language and cultural roots in a foreign environment. I live in Cyprus and aim for Flamingos to be not just a school but a reliable partner for families who want to stay connected with Slovakia.
In my free time, I enjoy travel, languages, architecture, art, and interior design.
Flamingos is more than a language school. It’s a family and community connected by language, culture, and memories of home — wherever we may be in the world.
Juliana Molnarová
Manager
Hi, I’m Juliana — Flamingos’ school manager. I ensure the smooth running of our courses, communication with students and parents, and the organisational support for our teaching team. You’ll also meet me in Slovak lessons.
I studied the Slovak language and literature, along with its history. Slovak has been with me throughout my life — not only as a language, but also as a tool that connects people, culture, and identity.
I currently live in Ukraine, from where I coordinate our school while teaching Slovak online. It brings me great joy to see smiling faces after lessons and the satisfaction of parents who find a reliable education partner in us. I’m proud to be part of a school that connects Slovaks worldwide.
In my free time, I read, explore nature, and bring inspiration back to work, which includes management, teaching, and communication with our community.