Our Team

Hello! My name is Lena Hirtl. I was born and raised in Carinthia. After graduating from a secondary school with a focus on art education in 2004, I moved to Vienna. I am a person with many interests, so I tried my hand at various studies at university. Although I was academically successful, I didn't feel professionally fulfilled in any of these fields. Then I decided to follow my heart and pursue my desire to work with children, beginning training as an elementary school teacher, which I completed in 2021.  Working with children is where I found my purpose.

​

Although my path may have been longer, I don't regret any of the steps I took to get here. I have learned a lot and am happy to share my knowledge with the children and to accompany them on their educational journey. For me, there is nothing better than discovering children's interests and using them to explore different areas of education. I focus not only on promoting cognitive, but also emotional and social skills.  In my work with children, I attach great importance to inclusion, participation and maintaining children's natural joy in learning and discovering new things.

Furthermore, it's essential to me that I work closely with families, because I fell that in this way, we can make the most of a child's kindergarten experience. I'm excited to support the children entrusted to me as they grow and learn, using a foundation of love, kindness, respect and composure.

My name is Alyssa Rosales . I was born in Vienna and my parents are from the Philippines.  I studied “Secondary Education“ for the subjects English, Disability Studies- Inclusive Pedagogy and Psychology in 2021. In 2022 I decided to continue my studies for “Primary Education“ at PH Wien. During my training I was able to learn how to deal with children's emotions, how to support children in language acquisition and what gender-sensitive & intercultural education means. Between the happy laughter and curious eyes of children is a world full of opportunities in which I, as a passionate educator, can use my skills and my heart to aid the development and well-being of students. Working with children and observing the educational, as well as emotional progress has always been a passion of mine. Kids United is a place of acceptance of each individual child and I am truly happy to be part of it.

My name is Silvia Mayer. I am a BAfEP8 graduate and have worked as an early childhood educator in Vienna for the past three years. It is important to me that children learn through play and are the focus of attention with all their abilities, skills, and needs. I want to actively and creatively shape educational processes for and with children. As an early childhood educator, I can contribute to ensuring that the children entrusted to my care experience the strength to face the world with confidence. Children learn something new every day. No two days are the same for them. What fascinates me most is being able to accompany and support them in the daily development of their individual abilities, skills, and personalities. You get so much back from the children, which is incredibly enriching.

"Children need strong roots and wings to be able to face the world with confidence later on."

My name is Candice Serbu. I am originally from Romania but grew up in Ireland since the age of two. I achieved my Masters Degree in Environmental Studies. After moving to Vienna in June 2024 I decided to pursue a new career path. I completed a TEFL course pursue working with children and teaching English. I have always loved working with kids and enjoy helping them grow and develop academically and emotionally. I am also looking forward to growing with the Kids United team.

Xin chao! My name is Hoa Thi Le. I come from Vietnam. I have been living and working in Vienna for 14 years. I love working with children! I have over 10 years of experience working at bilingual kindergartens with children aged 1 - 6. I enjoy crafts, singing, and interacting with kids. I gain fullfilment from the development of cognitive and emotional knowledge strength in children. I thrive in an international kindergarten where I am exposed to different cultures. At Kids United the children are given opportunities to learn a spectrum of skills to improve individual growth and to prepare them for school entry.

I am the proud mother of two sons. After the birth of my first son, I discovered my passion for working with children, which led me to train as a childminder. Later, I also completed training as an Early Years Assistant.

I worked in a children's group for almost five years and gained a lot of valuable experiences. Then it was time for something new! That is where the Kids United inspired me. Their values align with my belief in how children should be supported: with heart, patience, respect, and the joy of discovery.

I look forward to all the new adventures with the children and accompanying them on their journey.

My name is Anastasia Rapti and I am originally from Greece. I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2015 at the University of Athens, Greece. I came to Vienna as an intern with the Erasmus Plus programme. I have over 7 years of teaching experience. I joined Kids United in 2019. I am currently pursuing my Master’s Degree in Special Educational Needs. In my experience, working with children is a whole new world; full of wonder, innocence, and amazement! Kids United is a unique place to work, with a friendly environment, family-oriented atmosphere and diversity. Kids United is a wonderful place to grow as a child and a teacher.

My name is Michelle Preyer! I was born and raised in the Philippines and have been living in Vienna since 2008. I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in Banking and Finance. After moving to Vienna, I followed an alternative career path and requalified as a kindergarten teaching assistant. I have over 13 years of experience and I have been at Kids United for 2 years. I found my “home” at Kids United. I strongly believe in the vision of Kids United, which aligns well with my own personal educational philosophy. Kids United is a happy place for both children and staff!
 

Annyeonghaseyo! My name is Vanessa Kneider. I’m half Korean, half German. I was born and raised in Seoul and graduated highschool at the Seoul International German School. I moved to Germany in 2018 and after completing my studies in Game Art & Animation at the SAE Institute in Bochum with a Bachelor of Arts degree, I am now seeking a career shift toward becoming an educational support worker. Although my education has been primarily focused on video games, I have taken on numerous responsibilities throughout my personal life that closely align with those of a childcare provider. During my studies, I gained meaningful experiences in various child-centered roles, which I found both fulfilling and rewarding. I have always deeply valued and enjoyed working with children, a passion I discovered early on in my life. After I moved to Vienna in August of 2024, I am genuinely excited and grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on children’s lives. I look forward to guiding them with warmth, care and dedication, helping to shape their journeys in a loving and nurturing way.

My name is Nino Gumberidze and I come from Georgia. I studied social sciences and completed my training as an early years teacher at Bafep 10. I have 7 years of experience working at kindergartens and after-school care centres. My work caters to building sensitive relationships with children.

​

"Children are like colours in a rainbow - their diversity makes our world colourful and their education teaches us to see the beauty in diversity."

My name is Saša Šprajc and I was born in Croatia. I achieved my Masters Degrees in pedagogy and English language and linguistics. I moved to Vienna in 2022, where I have pursued my passion for teaching children.

​

I believe in the importance of creativity, curiosity, freedom and play as a basis for quality early childhood development. I am passionate about supporting children with love, care, and understanding as they discover the world around them! I am now thankful to work at Kids United, a place that fosters a bright and dynamic atmosphere for children, staff, and parents alike.

​My name is Efthymia and I am from Greece. I studied art in the U.K. where I achieved my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I also have 7 years experience working as a nursery teacher. I enjoy spending time with nature and I believe that art and music play a vital role in education for children.​

My name is Veronika Jurcsa. I was born in the Czech Republic and I grew up in Austria. In 2019 I finished my yoga teacher training and turned my passion into my career. I truly love to teach, share and inspire children through movement, mindfulness, creativity and well-being. Kids United is a lovely place where everybody can learn, grow and where everyone is treated equally. I am very grateful to guide the children through yoga in a playful way.

​​Hello and Servus! My name is Magdalena Stinauer, and I am half American, half Austrian. Music and dance are my greatest passions and have been essential parts of my life for as long as I can remember. I am looking forward to sharing these valuable passions with children, fostering their creativity, and helping them discover the magic of music and dance. I have completed my training as a kindergarten and music teacher and have gained experience working in various kindergartens. Witnessing the spark in children's eyes when they play an instrument for the first time or hearing their laughter while dancing brings me immense joy. I'm very excited to work in the open-minded, multicultural environment here at Kids United, where creative education is highly valued.

My name is Isolett da Conceicão, I am from Portugal and have been working at Kids United since January 2024. I enjoy working at Kids United, because I feel welcomed by both the staff and the children. Kids United embraces a warm working environment where we are all connected.

My name is Nicole Heffels, and I am the music teacher at Kids United. I am originally from Germany. I have spent the past 8 years in Peru working with children of all ages on music and school projects including choirs, piano groups, and classroom bands. I love teaching music to children and creating a space where they can discover music freely and creatively. I am thrilled to be part of the Kids United Team! It's a wonderful atmosphere to work in, and I look forward to guiding the children in their musical development.

My name is Ghada Khaled and I came to Vienna as a refugee in 2015. I previously volunteered at the Red Cross Elderly Home. I spent many years learning German which has allowed me to work full-time for Kids United. I am very grateful to be working alongside such a kind, nuturing and welcoming team and within such a diverse and international environment. I truly enjoy my everyday work here.

My name is Hasima Salihovic, and I am from Croatia. I have been working at Kids United for 2 years. I enjoy the happy and loving environment for the children and it brings me pleasure to do my job.