Our staff

Magda Gąsior

Head of school

I am a passionate and dedicated early childhood educator with over eleven years of experience teaching children in Poland and Greece. Additionally, I have four years of experience as a preschool manager in Poland. My work is driven by a deep enthusiasm for supporting children’s development and exploration of the world.

I hold a master’s degree in General Education and Lower Primary Education from the University of Warsaw, as well as a degree in Intercultural Education from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. Furthermore, I have completed a preschool education course at the Polish Montessori Institute and a program in Education Management Studies.

I am particularly interested in Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and actively incorporate its principles into my daily interactions with children, parents, and colleagues. To enhance my professional development, I have attended numerous workshops and courses, including training on ethnic and national minority education, project management in education, Nonviolent Communication, and Positive Discipline.

My experience includes working as a teacher and team leader at the Academy of Special Education in Warsaw, where I implemented the “I Can Problem Solve” program to support children’s social skills. Most recently, I completed training in Sensory Integration Therapy at Maria Grzegorzewska University.

I strongly believe in creating a positive and respectful learning environment that nurtures children’s emotional and cognitive development. I advocate for learning through play, as I find it to be the most effective way for young children to acquire knowledge and essential life skills.

Beyond my professional pursuits, I have a deep love for travel and frequently return to Greece. I am also passionate about music and am currently learning to play the bass guitar.

Ashleigh Anderson

Homeroom teacher / English curriculum teacher

I’m Ashleigh Anderson, a passionate educator, originally from the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa. With over nine years of experience teaching primary school learners, my journey into education began in 2015, after balancing service industry work and study to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Language and Life Orientation from the University of the Western Cape. This combination of practical experience and academic dedication laid the foundation for my passion for teaching and my ongoing commitment to shaping the future of my students.

Always striving to enhance the learning experience for my students, I later pursued further studies and earned an Advanced Certificate in Teaching Foundation Phase from the University of Cape Town. This reflects my deep commitment to lifelong learning, both personally and professionally, and is at the heart of my teaching philosophy.

One of my guiding principles is a quote from the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius:
“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”
This resonates with me as I believe true understanding comes through exploration, hands-on experience, and encouraging students to ask questions and solve problems. My goal is to ignite curiosity in my learners, introduce them to new ideas, and inspire self-motivation and a love for learning that will last a lifetime.

I’ve recently relocated to the beautiful city of Warsaw, Poland, and I’m thrilled to continue my teaching journey at Atelier21. The school’s philosophy aligns perfectly with my approach, and I’m excited to be part of an environment where learning is both meaningful and enjoyable.

When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll find me enjoying soulful jazz music, taking leisurely walks, cooking or diving into creative DIY projects.

Leslie-Anne McClune

Homeroom teacher / English curriculum teacher

Hi, I am Leslie-Anne Mc Clune, a dedicated Foundation Phase educator from South Africa with over 11 years of teaching experience across South Africa, the UAE, and Asia. I have taught a range of curricula, including South African CAPS, the English National Curriculum, EYFS, and most recently the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP).

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Support, which has strengthened my ability to meet the diverse needs of all learners. As a lifelong learner, I am currently pursuing further studies with the goal of completing a Master’s degree in Inclusive Education. My passion lies in creating a classroom environment that is inclusive, student-centered, and grounded in best practice, where every child feels safe, motivated, and empowered to take ownership of their learning.

My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that learning is most meaningful when it connects the child, the community, and the environment. I aim to meet students where they are on their learning journey and to foster curiosity, confidence, and joy in learning. Through an emphasis on international-mindedness, inquiry, and personalised learning, I encourage students to make real-world connections and take action based on their understanding.

Outside the classroom, I am an avid explorer and enjoy spending time outdoors with my husband and son. I am also a passionate reader and never go anywhere without my Kindle. I am excited to immerse myself in Polish culture and look forward to attempting to learn the language too.

“The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you know, the more places you’ll go.” — Dr. Seuss

Keith De Villers

Year 1  homeroom teacher / English curriculum teacher

My name is Keith and I am from South Africa. From an early stage in my high school career, I knew that teaching was my true calling. This early decision has guided my journey, allowing me to blend my two greatest passions: education and the English language.

I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Education, which deepens my understanding and refines my approach to teaching.

One of the greatest sources of inspiration in my teaching career comes from my students. Their unending curiosity and awe of the world around them continually energize and motivate me, reaffirming my commitment to fostering a classroom where exploration and discovery thrive.

Outside the classroom, I am an extrovert at heart with a profound love for travel. I enjoy meeting new people and immersing myself in different cultures.

Karolina Kotowska

Year 1 homeroom teacher / Polish curriculum teacher

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Preschool and Early School Education and a Master’s degree in School Pedagogy with Child Development Support from the Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw. I have completed numerous courses that have deepened my knowledge of working with children of all ages.

Immediately after graduating, I went on a volunteer mission to a children’s home in Kenya, where for almost a year, I cared for children aged 1.5 to 13. Afterward, I worked at a Polish community school in Boston, where I was a homeroom teacher. I gained much valuable experience there.

I have been a volunteer for the Herosi Foundation since I was 19, and it was there that I discovered I want to build my future around working with children. Being among the youngest brings me great joy. Watching them develop turns my efforts into satisfaction and the realization that working with children is the right place for me.

I am a creative, conscientious, and responsible person, which greatly facilitates my work with children. Working with them has taught me that every day is different and every day is crazy, but that is what makes every day unique in its own way.

Blanca Valejjo

Spanish teacher

I am originally from Puebla, Mexico. In the winter of 2022, I moved to Poland with my family from Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
I hold a degree in Spanish and Law from the University of the Americas in Puebla, as well as a Master’s degree in European Studies and Human Rights from the Pontifical University of Salamanca in Spain. I also completed a specialization diploma in Spanish and Neuro-Linguistic Programming at the International University Isabel I of Castile in Spain.

In the United States, I worked at The Madeleine Choir School of Utah as a religion teacher and substitute Spanish teacher. Currently, I teach Spanish part-time at a school in Warsaw.

Working with young students brings me great joy—I enjoy seeing their progress and growth throughout the school year. I take pride in helping them develop problem-solving skills and build confidence.

Outside of teaching, I love spending time with my family—my husband and our three teenage daughters. In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym and reading books.

Wiola Jakubiec

  Music teacher

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.

Maria Maliszewska

  Art teacher

I am a graduate of the Faculty of Design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, as well as the Pedagogical Studies in Fine Arts. Currently, I am continuing my education in the master’s program Design and Research at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw.

I have many years of experience working with children—both in scouting and in educational settings. I have led workshops at the Creative Learning School in Warsaw and organized art exhibitions, camps, and youth trips.

My greatest passion is ceramics, which I also developed during an Erasmus program at the University of Ústí (Czech Republic). I am deeply interested in a variety of artistic techniques and enjoy combining them with my pedagogical knowledge and design skills.

I believe that art subjects have extraordinary power: they nurture sensitivity, imagination, and the ability to think creatively. My goal is to create a space where every child can freely express themselves, discover their talents, and learn to see the world in a non-standard way. I want art classes to be not only about learning techniques, but also about inspiring students to search for their own artistic language and to build confidence through creativity.

Mateusz Pawlak

  Physical education teacher

I graduated in Physical Education from the Academy of Physical Education in Warsaw. For many years I have been an active Olympic boxing athlete, winning medals at the Polish Championships.

I had the privilege to develop my boxing skills under the guidance of some of the greatest legends of Polish boxing, such as Raubo, Kosedowski, and Wilczewski.

For the past few years, I have also been sharing my knowledge as a coach and sports activity instructor.

When working with children, I always focus on an individual approach and making sure they have fun — because sport should bring joy!

Agnieszka Senderowska

 Improv theater teacher

I am an actress, improviser, educator, and jazz dance instructor.

I graduated from the Halina and Jan Machulski Acting School, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, and the Mazovian Center of Culture and Art, where I was also a scholarship recipient.

My artistic journey began at the Dorożkarnia Cultural Center and the Teatr Nowy, where I was raised by inspiring artists and teachers.

For nearly two decades, I have been connected with the theater — both on stage and behind the scenes. I perform, co-direct, create choreographies, guide body awareness and stage movement, and lead workshops that introduce young people to the art of performance.

Over the last 15 years, I have been combining elements of dance theater, improvisation, and acting workshops. I perform in dramatic, improvisational, and literary productions, for both children and adults.

I regularly collaborate with Teatr Temat, Teatr Improwizacji Afront, Teatr Itakzagramy, Studio Teatralne Kadr, and Magdalena Glapińska’s Theater Workshop.

With passion, I also explore the world of attachment parenting and Nonviolent Communication. I must admit — I have a weakness for the color black and a touch of glitter.

Julia Jackowska

Teaching partner

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 to their learning journey.

On a personal note, my free time is devoted to my deep interests in yoga, music, and gardening.

Alex Mularczyk

Teaching partner

¡Hola! My name is Alex. I lived in Spain until I was 19, so my heart has always been divided between these two countries. I am now nearing the end of my journey with English studies, which I began out of a passion for American literature, and I’m leaving with the desire to share this beautiful and useful language with others.

However, learning Spanish or English doesn’t have to be difficult—it can even be enjoyable when we do what we love. That’s why my approach to students begins with their interests and with fun.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending my time creating audiovisual art, cooking, and traveling.

¡Nos vemos en clase!

Katarzyna Wierzbicka

 Special needs educator

I am a psychologist and a special educational needs (SEN) co-teacher with many years of experience working with children and young people with diverse educational needs. I hold a Master’s degree in Psychology from SWPS University in Warsaw. I am committed to continuous professional development – I have completed a qualification course in oligophrenopedagogy and am currently undertaking teacher training for psychologists as well as postgraduate studies in educational therapy.

I support students at various stages of education, from preschool to primary school, both through individual work and in-class support. I have experience working in international and bilingual educational settings, as well as delivering the PYP and MYP programmes.

I am particularly passionate about one-to-one support and about designing and implementing Individual Educational and Therapeutic Programmes tailored to each student’s abilities and needs.

In my work, I combine the competencies of a psychologist, educator, and homeroom teacher. I deliver remedial and revalidation sessions, provide psychological support therapy, and offer short-term psychological intervention when needed. I support students in developing reading, writing, and numeracy skills, as well as their emotional and social development. I place great importance on close collaboration with teachers, parents, and specialists, believing that consistent and cooperative adult support is essential for a child’s well-being and growth.

I am guided by empathy, attentiveness, and an individualised approach to every student, striving to ensure that school is a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for their development.

Dominika Kokoszka

 Psychologist

I am a psychologist with diagnostic and therapeutic experience working with children, adolescents and their families. I specialize in the assessment of autism spectrum disorders and in conducting social skills development sessions. I have extensive experience working in educational institutions, foundations, and therapeutic centers. My professional background includes working as a school psychologist in international schools in Warsaw, as well as a therapist at the Synapsis Foundation and the “Definitiva” Therapy Center.

I earned my Master’s degree in Psychology from The Maria Grzegorzewska University in Warsaw. I also completed postgraduate studies in psychological assessment in clinical practice at SWPS University, where I am currently continuing my education in Postgraduate Studies in Crisis Psychology and Crisis Intervention.

I believe child’s development is best supported through collaboration with parents, teachers and the wider environment. In my work, I emphasize a systemic approach, attentiveness to individual needs including dialogue that creates space for growth for every child and the entire family.

My work is my passion, inspired by authentic encounters, people, and their unique stories. I value everyday moments: peaceful walks, mindfulness in small details and noticing the beauty in seemingly ordinary things. I cherish family life and time spend together.

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).