A mother and Ontario Certified Teacher looking to enrich children’s learning and guide them to become valuable members of our society. Jovana is the lead teacher in our project. She is contributing by working on various assignments, with her main focus being on school administration, teaching curriculum/program and classroom design.

Jovana is a dedicated mother of four whose commitment to advancing a brighter educational future for children, grounded in Christian Orthodox values, reflects her profound sense of purpose. With nearly 15 years of diverse leadership and educational experience in the healthcare sector, she brings invaluable insights and expertise to her leadership role in this project.

Maya Smudja is an OCT-certified educator with a passion for early childhood learning and French language instruction. She holds a Bachelor of Education from Brock University with a specialization in English for the Junior/Intermediate division, as well as an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto. Fluent in French and experienced in French Immersion classrooms, Maya has taught Grade 1/2 and Grade 2/3, creating engaging, inquiry-based lessons that foster critical thinking, creativity, and social-emotional growth. She integrates music, movement, and mindfulness into her teaching to support diverse learners and builds strong connections with students and their families. Maya is committed to nurturing classrooms where all students feel supported, inspired, and empowered to thrive.

Adriana Zafirovska is an OCT-certified educator with over two decades of international teaching experience in English, History, and ESL across Europe, North America, and virtual platforms in Asia. Holding a Master’s degree in English Language Teaching and multiple TEFL and TESOL certifications, Adriana specializes in differentiated instruction, curriculum design, and inclusive language education. She has taught in both public and private institutions and is fluent in Macedonian and Serbian. Currently teaching for the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, Adriana brings a rich multicultural perspective and a strong commitment to fostering meaningful, student-centered learning environments.

Miroslav is a theologian, graduated from the Faculty of Theology of the Serbian Orthodox Church at the University of Belgrade. For ten years he was a teacher in Belgrade at the “Đura Daničić” elementary school, and for three years he also worked at the “Jovan Cvijić” elementary school. Today he teaches religious education classes at the Holy Trinity Church in Kitchener. His main preoccupation in working with children is to use modern methods to bring the basic truths of Orthodox Christianity closer. To lead children to the practical application of Christian ideas in everyday life through active and experiential participation in liturgical life. Miroslav participated in the work of the commission for the adoption of proposals for a new curriculum for religious education in elementary schools in Serbia. He has received numerous awards for his work.

Maja Vojinović graduated from the Faculty of Philosophy in Belgrade with a major in Pedagogy. She completed her professional practice at the Elementary School "Braća Baruh" and continued her work at the school of the same name. She founded the non-governmental organization "Center for Positive Parenting". Maja participated in the implementation of the Institute for Pedagogical Research project - "From encouraging initiative, cooperation and creativity in education to new roles and identities in society." Maja is a member of the Pedagogical Society of Serbia. As our Serbian language teacher, Maja will bring her extensive experience and deep pedagogical knowledge to create a dynamic and high-quality learning environment.

Jadranka Ninković brings over 15 years of experience in administrative support, therapeutic care, and early childhood education to her role as a school administrator. With a background in rehabilitation assistance and pediatric support, Jadranka has worked in both healthcare and educational environments, including physiotherapy clinics, legal offices, and childcare centers. She holds a degree in Special Education and Rehabilitation from the University of Belgrade and is known for her compassionate approach, strong organizational skills, and multilingual abilities. Jadranka is dedicated to creating a welcoming and efficient environment for students, staff, and families alike.

Milka brings a strong background in both teaching and program coordination, with years of experience supporting students in school and community settings. She is dedicated to creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. With her warm approach and excellent organizational skills, she ensures that every child feels supported and encouraged.

Emilija is a passionate educator with experience in teaching and school leadership in both Canada and the US, and a graduate of Harvard University. As a practicing Orthodox Christian, she values integrating faith and learning in meaningful ways. Her focus has been on building the enhanced curriculum for our school, ensuring it aligns with both academic excellence and deeper values. Emilija is grateful to collaborate with such an empowered team, working together to create transformative educational experiences for the incoming classes.

Teodora is an Ontario Certified Teacher with several years of experience teaching Math and French. She is focused on enhancing the Mathematics curriculum at our school. Having grown up in Canada, Teodora appreciates the importance of our cultural and Christian Orthodox heritage, and she is excited that this project gives students the chance to balance these values with their academic pursuits.

Danijela is an accomplished educator and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with young children. As a dedicated professional and mother of two, she is passionate about inspiring a love of learning in her students. Danijela has extensive experience in curriculum planning and development, as well as organizing collaborative efforts among children and educators.

Branislava is a mother and a Registered Early Childhood Educator. She works full-time as the Director of a Child Care Centre. Passionate about high-quality education, Branislava brings her expertise in early childhood education, along with her experience in developing policies and procedures for our school.

Professor of physical education with specialization in martial arts, Mr. Šarčević has extensive experience in working with young people in sports and education. Long-term teacher in state and private schools and founder of "Junak Sports School", which since 2001 has been helping in the formation of healthy and successful young athletes in the Serbian community. Proud of his roots and tradition, he deeply believes in the value of physical activity in the psycho-physical formation of a child. Mr. Šarac is incorporating his experience and knowledge into the foundations of the Serbian elementary school.

Mirjan Krstović is an experienced educator with over 20 years in the field of education. He began his career as a high school science teacher, where he taught for 10 years, fostering a deep passion for student learning and engagement. Mirjan then transitioned into the role of Instructional Coach within his district, where he was responsible for advancing professional learning across K-12 schools, supporting teachers in their development and improving instructional practices. Mirjan further expanded his impact as the Head of School Transformation at Peel Alternative School, where he led efforts to redesign and innovate educational experiences to better meet the needs of diverse learners. Currently, he serves in Leadership Development and School Partnerships at the Peel District School Board, leading the implementation of various systems partnership programs to enhance collaboration and educational excellence. With his broad experience in teaching, coaching, and leadership, Mirjan continues to be a driving force in advancing educational quality within his community.

Tatjana is the principal and teacher of the private "St. Sava" Serbian language school at our Community Center in Mississauga. She holds an elementary teaching diploma from Serbia and has over 20 years of experience teaching Serbian as a second language in Mississauga. Her focus at our school is on developing a curriculum that fosters reading and writing skills while creating a friendly environment where children can learn about Serbian history, culture, and traditions.

Mila is a dedicated teacher with over 15 years of experience working with children. With a background in healthcare, she began her educational journey by instructing anatomy and mathematics before obtaining her O.C.T. qualifications. Specializing in Health and Physical Activity, Mila aims to inspire children to learn through movement and make health-conscious choices. As a mother of two, she is passionate about creating communities that promote and uphold Serbian Orthodox traditions and values for future generations.

Suzana is a Registered Early Childhood Educator with over 25 years of experience, specializing in family support and community practice. With a deep understanding of child development, play-based learning, program development, and educational philosophies, Suzana is passionate about creating positive impact, by focusing on building responsive relationships and fostering high-quality, stimulating learning environments for children and families.