Learn more about who works at CISP!
Elementary
Kelly Robinson
1st Grade, Elementary Department Head
My home is British Columbia, Canada. I came with Teach Beyond.
I have Bachelor in Education from King’s University and have been teaching primary grades for 14 years. I have been a teacher at CISP since 2011.
I enjoy photography, painting, reading, traveling and exploring.
I love being a part of the CISP community because of its rich diversity and amazing people I get to work with and teach.
Laura Harrell
2nd Grade
My home is Cartersville, Georgia and I came with Teach Beyond. I received my Undergraduate from Berry College, a Christian school in the foothills of northwest Georgia. I received my Master’s Degree from Jacksonville State University and Doctorate from Argosy University. I’ve enjoyed many aspects of serving through education, however my favorite position has always been teaching.
I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, biking, and riding horses. I am looking forward to working at CISP and getting to know the children and parents.
Christina Barteld
4th Grade
I love travelling, reading, hiking.
I came to Prague to join my sister, fell in love with the city and CISP community.
Elizabeth Polak
5th Grade
I am an American who is at home in Prague. I have raised four children here. I have been teaching international children from ages 3 to 18 in many schools here in Prague.
I enjoy cooking, making music, learning and spending time in nature.
I am excited to be a part of the CISP community because of its cultural diversity and learning from my colleagues.
Makayla Swearman
ELL / ASL
Natalie Poppová
Czech language
What I really enjoy about studying and teaching languages is the ability it gives us to connect with other people and getting to know different cultures. I also love helping my students find different ways to better understand and fall in love with the language they are learning.
My hobbies include reading books, cooking and going on hikes.
I feel very blessed to be a part of the CISP community and I really enjoy its diversity and friendly atmosphere.
Insuk Jung
Teacher’s Aide
I come from South Korea.
I like taking a walk, drinking tea, reading and spending time with friends.
I believe that God reveals His love and His eternal life through CISP and builds His next strong generation to conquer the world with the biblical values and the academic excellence.
I am glad I got the chance to serve God’s children and I think it is honor to me for His Kingdom.
Sweena Stanly
Elementary Aide
Kristi Lochala
Elementary Art
I love baking, art, travelling and sharing God’s love.
We came to Prague in 2024 and already feel at home here.
I am thankful to be part of this caring community.
Jerry Lillard
Chaplain
Where is home: Interesting question for a third culture Missionary Kid, Pastor’s Kid, turned Missionary and Pastor. Hmm. Home is where my wife and three kids are. Does that work? If not, Prague and Tulsa? :o)
I worked for 8 years as the pastor of All Nations Vineyard Church in Tulsa, OK and have been the Executive Director of International Community Outreach from 2012 until present.
I like football (soccer), sports in general, going to the cinema.
My family and I moved to the Czechia to continue in the ministry after being away for almost 9 years. CISP has been wonderful for our 3 children and I have enjoyed contributing to a similar school that I attended in Prague back in high school. It was life changing, and I know CISP has been life changing for many students that have attended.
Jessica Lenderman
Elementary/ Middle School PE
Prague is a fantastic city and I love the opportunity to live and work here. I enjoy attending live sporting events and reading on my balcony in the cool of the day. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve at CISP!
Kate Parker
Admissions Manager / Math
I grew up in New Jersey, then studied Middle grades education at Covenant College. I taught missionary kids in Slovakia for one year, and then taught 8th grade humanities in Atlanta, Georgia for 4 years before coming to CISP in 2008.
I have 4 children. I like baking and sewing, and I love to have friends over for dinner and interesting conversations.
I love CISP’s mission to both missionary work in Prague and to be a mission field to students from families of any faith.
Secondary
Middle School
Abby Martin
6th Grade
I came to CISP right after I graduated from Oral Roberts University with a degree in English Education. I wanted to move to Europe and decided on Prague after finding a Teaching English as a Foreign Language course here, which I completed in July 2023.
When I’m not at school, you probably won’t find me at home because I love exploring the city with my friends and traveling to other countries when I can!
Jacob Cavett
English / Bible
My home is Greenville, South Carolina, USA. I came with Teach Beyond.
I studied English and communication at Anderson University in South Carolina. Before serving at CISP, I worked as an admissions field liaison at a residential high school for the arts, as well as a senior sales specialist for an onsite primary healthcare company. I’ve known for years that I wanted to live and teach in Prague, so I’m thankful to (finally) serve at CISP!
I enjoy Reading, writing, exploring, biking.
When I first applied to serve in the Czech Republic, my mission organization’s only openings were at CISP. Coincidentally, one of my church friends in South Carolina was a CISP graduate and told me how greatly the school impacted her as a young Christian. Once I looked into the school’s mission and vision, it became clear that the Lord was leading me to serve at CISP.
Dana Chumbley
Science / PE
My home is Dallas, Texas and I came with Teach Beyond.
I studied Physical Education and Biology. I have Bachelor’s of Science degree. I taught physical science, biology, & physical education., and coached cross-country, basketball, track, softball, & soccer.
I enjoy spending time with family & friends, coffee shops & reading books, watching TV/Movies, music & concerts, riding horses, assorted arts & crafts.
20 year path to International mission field to teach that began with summer missions in Australia after college and my family who has been living here for 10 years brought me to CISP. I was directed to teach at an international Christian school, ministering to the student body and the TCK (Third Culture Kid).
Jessica Lenderman
Elementary/ Middle School PE
Prague is a fantastic city and I love the opportunity to live and work here. I enjoy attending live sporting events and reading on my balcony in the cool of the day. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve at CISP!
Václav Janča
Graphic Design
My home is Prague, Czech Republic
What do you enjoy most about your position?
– It is a blessing and an honor for me to serve alongside my missionary colleagues and to teach the amazing students of CISP. I love the people, the promoted values, the atmosphere – I love to come to work everyday!
What is your favorite thing about living in Prague or the Czech Republic?
– Having lived in NYC for six years, I got used to interacting with many different cultures and nationalities. I have worked together with people from 36 countries and here in Prague I serve in a church which has well over 15 nations represented just in the most active membership. It’s a goulash of people. And I love goulash! 🙂
Jerry Lillard
Chaplain
Where is home: Interesting question for a third culture Missionary Kid, Pastor’s Kid, turned Missionary and Pastor. Hmm. Home is where my wife and three kids are. Does that work? If not, Prague and Tulsa? :o)
I worked for 8 years as the pastor of All Nations Vineyard Church in Tulsa, OK and have been the Executive Director of International Community Outreach from 2012 until present.
I like football (soccer), sports in general, going to the cinema.
My family and I moved to the Czechia to continue in the ministry after being away for almost 9 years. CISP has been wonderful for our 3 children and I have enjoyed contributing to a similar school that I attended in Prague back in high school. It was life changing, and I know CISP has been life changing for many students that have attended.
Michelle Sharp
Art
Kate Parker
Admissions Manager / Math
I grew up in New Jersey, then studied Middle grades education at Covenant College. I taught missionary kids in Slovakia for one year, and then taught 8th grade humanities in Atlanta, Georgia for 4 years before coming to CISP in 2008.
I have 4 children. I like baking and sewing, and I love to have friends over for dinner and interesting conversations.
I love CISP’s mission to both missionary work in Prague and to be a mission field to students from families of any faith.
Alena Pecková
Czech Language
My home is Prague, Czech Republic.
What do you enjoy most about your position?
– the Christian and international environment.
What is your favorite thing about living in Prague or the Czech Republic?
– Culture, food, beer and countryside.
Karen Reigle
ELL/Math
I’m originally from Connecticut, but I have lived in Central Pennsylvania most of my life.
I have a BA in Math and French from Bucknell University and an MS in Math, also from Bucknell. Recently, I became TEFL certified. I taught math for several years and then became a stay-at-home mom for 16 years before returning to teaching.
I love to sing and play piano. I also enjoy learning languages. You might say that my hobby is budgeting; I’m obsessed with spreadsheets.
Why CISP? We felt God leading us to Prague in 2012 with friends who were also at CISP.
I spent time in France when I was a teen and also for a semester in college. I loved Europe, but did not come back for 30 years! When I finally returned, it felt like coming home.
Gabrielle Hirschy
ELL
I enjoy reading fun books, watching movies, and exploring parks around Prague.
I’m excited to serve the CISP community, as I get to support students as they grow their confidence and language skills!
Anastázie Krejčová
Czech Language
I come from Prague. Before becoming a teacher at CISP I was tutoring children and adults helping them with Czech and English. I am currently studying at Charles University – English and Spanish philology.
I enjoy languages, comparing them, finding similarities and differences and teaching others to enjoy languages as well. I also enjoy music, particularly violin. Finally, I love wandering around in Prague.
Why CISP: God’s providence brought me here through my friend who is also a teacher at CISP. I wish to encourage students to see the beauty of Czech language, and languages in general. I love that I can freely express the Christian faith and that every subject here is taught through biblical integration. It really shows that everything we do and everything that we study has its purpose in God’s plan and being able to talk about it during our classes is indeed a great blessing.
Anna Hayden
English – 2nd semester
Calvin Wunderink
Math
My home is USA and Peru. I came with TeachBeyond.
I studied Secondary Education, Mathematics in the USA and this is my first teaching job.
I enjoy swing dance, board games, card games, any games, and puzzles.
I grew up going to a very similar school in Peru, so I wanted to teach students who are going through the same things I went through.
High School
Jacob Cavett
English / Bible
My home is Greenville, South Carolina, USA. I came with Teach Beyond.
I studied English and communication at Anderson University in South Carolina. Before serving at CISP, I worked as an admissions field liaison at a residential high school for the arts, as well as a senior sales specialist for an onsite primary healthcare company. I’ve known for years that I wanted to live and teach in Prague, so I’m thankful to (finally) serve at CISP!
I enjoy Reading, writing, exploring, biking.
When I first applied to serve in the Czech Republic, my mission organization’s only openings were at CISP. Coincidentally, one of my church friends in South Carolina was a CISP graduate and told me how greatly the school impacted her as a young Christian. Once I looked into the school’s mission and vision, it became clear that the Lord was leading me to serve at CISP.
Dana Chumbley
Science / PE
My home is Dallas, Texas and I came with Teach Beyond.
I studied Physical Education and Biology. I have Bachelor’s of Science degree. I taught physical science, biology, & physical education., and coached cross-country, basketball, track, softball, & soccer.
I enjoy spending time with family & friends, coffee shops & reading books, watching TV/Movies, music & concerts, riding horses, assorted arts & crafts.
20 year path to International mission field to teach that began with summer missions in Australia after college and my family who has been living here for 10 years brought me to CISP. I was directed to teach at an international Christian school, ministering to the student body and the TCK (Third Culture Kid).
Hannah Hudson
English / History
My home is Ontario, Canada and I come with Teach Beyond.
I majored in English and History at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, where I then studied for my Bachelor of Education, with a focus on high school teaching. CISP is actually my first full-time teaching position! I briefly worked with fifth-grade students teaching math and language, but I’m thrilled to be here teaching high school. I love reading, photography, and baking!
Why CISP: I felt called to teaching internationally and CISP was willing to host me as a student teacher while I was still in school — so we reconnected after I graduated, and they had teaching positions for me and my husband!
Jonah Hudson
Science
My home is Ontario, Canada and I came with Teach Beyond.
I came to CISP straight out of university. I studied English Language Arts at Queen’s University in Kingston, ON before completing a Bachelor of Education (English/Chemistry) at the same school!
Some of my favourite things are poetry, photography, reading, and volleyball. I enjoy all sports and getting outdoors when I can, but I’m perfectly content to be inside with a good book or a favourite movie!
Why CISP: It feels like CISP chose us! After my wife Hannah visited in 2020 as a student teacher she fell in love with the school. When we found out that English and science teachers were a need we wanted to help out! We have felt the call of missions for a while and the opportunity to teach while doing seemed like a great opportunity.
Václav Janča
Graphic Design
My home is Prague, Czech Republic
What do you enjoy most about your position?
– It is a blessing and an honor for me to serve alongside my missionary colleagues and to teach the amazing students of CISP. I love the people, the promoted values, the atmosphere – I love to come to work everyday!
What is your favorite thing about living in Prague or the Czech Republic?
– Having lived in NYC for six years, I got used to interacting with many different cultures and nationalities. I have worked together with people from 36 countries and here in Prague I serve in a church which has well over 15 nations represented just in the most active membership. It’s a goulash of people. And I love goulash! 🙂
Michelle Sharp
Art
Garrett Parker
Strength & Fitness
My home is Hanover, NH, USA. I came with RCE.
Share one or two lessons you have learned from your students.
– Students are very forgiving even when I’m impatient with them. I also have learned that they bounce.
What is your favorite thing about living in Prague or the Czech Republic?
– I enjoy games like “tourist dodging” on Charles Bridge while eating gelato from Cream & Dream. And let’s not forget about steaming trdlo. MMhmmmm
Alena Pecková
Czech Language
My home is Prague, Czech Republic.
What do you enjoy most about your position?
– the Christian and international environment.
What is your favorite thing about living in Prague or the Czech Republic?
– Culture, food, beer and countryside.
Gary Reigle
IT Manager / IT Teacher
BS Computer Science, Minor Physics, Bloomsburg University.
9 Years Network Communications and Internet Security with a Fortune 500 Company.
14 Years Owner and Principle Consultant with Quality Networks.
Karen Reigle
ELL/Math
I’m originally from Connecticut, but I have lived in Central Pennsylvania most of my life.
I have a BA in Math and French from Bucknell University and an MS in Math, also from Bucknell. Recently, I became TEFL certified. I taught math for several years and then became a stay-at-home mom for 16 years before returning to teaching.
I love to sing and play piano. I also enjoy learning languages. You might say that my hobby is budgeting; I’m obsessed with spreadsheets.
Why CISP? We felt God leading us to Prague in 2012 with friends who were also at CISP.
I spent time in France when I was a teen and also for a semester in college. I loved Europe, but did not come back for 30 years! When I finally returned, it felt like coming home.
Carolyn Turnau
Bible
I grew up in Virginia Beach. Winston-Salem, North Carolina is now “home base”.
I came to the Czech Republic with Global Scholars (places Christian professors in secular universities).
I studied at University of Virginia – Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I worked as a nurse 14 and a half years in newborn ICU’s. I married and now have 3 grown children, all CISP graduates. We moved to Prague in 1999, I was a stay-at-home mom. I started teaching Bible at CISP when it opened in 2004, and we are still here by God’s grace.
I enjoy quilting and knitting, reading, swimming, cooking, photography, hospitality, and I am a Bible nerd.
In 2004, we were one of the founding families who wanted to start a new school. Two weeks before CISP opened its doors, my husband volunteered me to be the Bible teacher. I am still here by God’s grace.
Vartan Agopian
HS Choir
Having received a master’s degree in Educational Psychology and a double master’s in Music Education and Piano Performance, Vartan Agopian has combined his passions into a doctorate in Music Psychology from the faculty of Education of Charles University in Prague. Vartan Agopian teaches Psychology and Statistics, Music, Music Education, and Piano Performance at the university level, in addition to composing, arranging, accompanying many choirs, instrumental ensembles, and soloists, and editing music education articles submitted to journals.
In his own words: “God has blessed me with the talents of music and teaching, and I want to use these talents for His glory.”
Kyle Brosseau
HS Bible
Calvin Wunderink
Math
My home is USA and Peru. I came with TeachBeyond.
I studied Secondary Education, Mathematics in the USA and this is my first teaching job.
I enjoy swing dance, board games, card games, any games, and puzzles.
I grew up going to a very similar school in Peru, so I wanted to teach students who are going through the same things I went through.
Staff
Jodi Oppenhuizen
Director
I was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. I have been serving in the Czech Republic International since 1999.
My education:
Taylor University, Christian Education and Bible, B.A.
Columbia International University, Teaching English as a Foreign Language and Intercultural Studies, M.A.
La Salle University, Clinical Counseling Psychology, M.A.
Columbia International University, Ed.S.
What do you enjoy most about your position?
I love the cultural diversity of the CISP community. I also appreciate the way that people from different organizations and churches are working together for a common cause. I firmly believe in the mission and vision of the school and the value of Christian education.
What is your favorite thing about living in Prague or the Czech Republic?
I love the Czech people and the rich cultural history of the city of Prague. CISP is not far from Vyšehrad, my favorite place in Prague.
Becca Miller
Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction
My home is Hurt, Virginia, USA. I came with RCE.
I’ve learned from my students that being different is not a bad thing. They are from so many different countries and have been to so many different places, and they still love and accept each other. Diversity is something incredibly beautiful, and classrooms like the ones here at CISP show a tiny picture of what Heaven will be like.
My favorite thing about living in Prague is the beauty of the city, and how access to it is at my fingertips. I can hop on a metro or tram and go to Old Town Square, the Charles Bridge, or Prague Castle easily and within minutes.
Baylor May
Development Manager
My wife and I have both lived in different regions of Europe previously, but we are grateful to raise our 3 girls in Prague. Together, we enjoy visiting new parks, going on long walks, and eating LOTS of pizza.
As development manager, I have the great honor of inviting and walking alongside people to advance God’s Kingdom through our school. There is nothing that I enjoy more than meeting individuals who have a passion for proclaiming Christ among the nations!
My education:
CFRE, Certified Fund Raising Executive, CFRE International
MDiv, Christian Leadership and Church Ministries, Liberty University
MBA, Organizational Leadership, Bluefield College
BS, Camp and Outdoor Adventure Leadership, Liberty University
Carol Lillard
School Counselor
I was born in Kentucky and have lived in Oklahoma and Prague.
I studied Social Work at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa Oklahoma. In 2005 my husband, 9-week-old daughter and I moved to Prague to work with The Life Center for 7 years. Then, my family (husband and 3 kids) and I moved back to Tulsa Oklahoma for 8 years. While in Tulsa, I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I worked in a community mental health setting as a therapist for children and their families, trained therapists in evidence based practices, and was a field instructor for BSW and MSW students from multiple universities.
I enjoy exploring places I have never been.
When we decided to move back to Prague we knew we wanted to be at CISP because of the vision of the school and the opportunity to share God’s love.
Marketa Huber
Office Manager
My home is Prague.
It’s a pleasure to work in such giving, honest and God loving environment.
Prague is my hometown and I cannot imagine not having this city in my life. I lived and loved living in many other places and Prague still remains my favorite place
Kate Parker
Admissions Manager / Math
I grew up in New Jersey, then studied Middle grades education at Covenant College. I taught missionary kids in Slovakia for one year, and then taught 8th grade humanities in Atlanta, Georgia for 4 years before coming to CISP in 2008.
I have 4 children. I like baking and sewing, and I love to have friends over for dinner and interesting conversations.
I love CISP’s mission to both missionary work in Prague and to be a mission field to students from families of any faith.
Sheri Gaches
HR Manager
Then I finally got to move to Prague and connected with CISP. After several years of volunteering I became the HR Manager. I am passionate about students, teachers and reaching Prague with the Gospel of Christ.
I love reading, hanging out with friends and exploring the city.
Jessica Wunderink
Communications Manager
My home is Omaha, Nebraska, United States. I came with Teach Beyond.
I was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. I went to Dordt College in Sioux Center, IA and graduated with a degree in Digital Media Production. I met my husband Calvin there. I worked for a year as a paraprofessional at Sioux Center High School while Calvin finished his degree. We got married in December of 2016 and moved to Prague in August of 2017.
I really enjoy swing dancing, watching movies, and reading books. I also like to bake bread and sew. I also really love to play the piano and I used to play mallet percussion in college and community bands.
My husband Calvin wanted to teach internationally. Of the schools that we were looking at and narrowing down, this was most familiar to him and the kind of students he wanted to teach; because he grew up similarly as a TCK.
Irena Volná
Attendance Manager, Office Assistant
Romana Grindeland
Finance Manager
My home is Karvina, Czech Republic. I studied Business Administration and got Bachelor’s degree from UMUC at the Asia campus in Japan, where I lived with my husband and 2 children for several years.
I love movies, music, books, travelling and spending time with my children.
I joined CISP for the opportunity to learn and gain experience and my great need to be surrounded by fellow Christians.
Patty Schonhoff
Librarian
My home is McKinney, Texas, USA. I came with Teach Beyond.
I LOVE the city of Prague. I visited here before in December when the Christmas Markets were up. It was so beautiful!!
I taught school in the states where I had 25-30 students in each of my classes. I was so excited that my largest class at CISP will have only 11 students!
Currently I enjoy my newest role at CISP as a librarian.Gary Reigle
IT Manager / IT Teacher
BS Computer Science, Minor Physics, Bloomsburg University.
9 Years Network Communications and Internet Security with a Fortune 500 Company.
14 Years Owner and Principle Consultant with Quality Networks.
Tom Swearman
Safety Monitor
My home is Bel Air Maryland, USA. I came with Teach Beyond.
I studied psychology and religion at Harford Community College. Meanwhile, I worked small jobs to make a living. I then got married and came to Prague.
I enjoy cooking, learning about language, playing video games and singing.
I chose CISP because my wife volunteered there, and we felt called to go.