Harfa team
In our school, every child comes first!
A new dimension of education
Meet our team!
SCHOOL in OUR way
Maja Čatlak is a dedicated educator at Harfa International School, known for her strong academic background and passion for student wellbeing and development. She holds two Master’s degrees—one in Pedagogy and another in English Language and Literature—which guide her holistic and thoughtful approach to education.
Before joining Harfa, Maja worked as a school pedagogue at a Music School, where she supported students’ academic and emotional growth. Her experience also includes an internship at an international school in Rome teaching English, various substitute teaching roles in English language classrooms, and a unique position as a sports pedagogue at Hajduk Football Club. In addition, she has completed training in counseling skills, enriching her ability to guide and support students in meaningful ways.
Maja brings creativity, empathy, and a global perspective into the classroom. With a love for travel, hiking, acting, and dance, she inspires her students to stay curious, express themselves, and grow into confident, well-rounded individuals.
Anne je rođena i odrasla u Kanadi. Diplomu prvostupnice novinarstva (s počastima) stekla je na Sveučilištu Carleton u Ottawi, u provinciji Ontario. Nakon toga nastavila je obrazovanje i stekla certifikat za nastavu engleskog jezika kao drugog jezika.
Anne već 30 godina živi u Hrvatskoj sa svojom obitelji. Dvojezična je na engleskom i hrvatskom jeziku, a te je vještine koristila u prošlosti radeći za Ured za strani tisak u Zagrebu, Ekonomski fakultet u Splitu i različite škole engleskog jezika u Splitu.
U slobodno vrijeme uživa u boravku na otvorenom, putovanjima, čitanju, pečenju, a najviše od svega u provođenju vremena s obitelji i prijateljima.
Ela Šerić je dinamična edukatorica u Harfa International School, gdje svojim entuzijazmom i kreativnošću obogaćuje svoju ulogu u osnovnoškolskom obrazovanju. Sa stečenim magisterijem iz osnovnog obrazovanja, Ela se fokusira na to da nastavu učini angažirajućom i zabavnom, s ciljem da učenicima usadi ljubav prema učenju koja će trajati cijeli život.
Prije nego što se pridružila Harfa International School, Ela je stekla značajno iskustvo u različitim osnovnoškolskim okruženjima, usavršavajući svoje nastavničke metode i prilagođavajući se različitim potrebama učenika. Osim nastave, Ela je strastvena plesačica, čiji plesni talenti unose posebnu energiju i kreativnost u njezin pristup poučavanju.
Elina posvećenost i inovativne obrazovne prakse čine je neizostavnim dijelom Harfa International School, nadahnjujući učenike da istražuju svoj potencijal i prihvate učenje s radošću i znatiželjom.
Dubravka Šušnjara započela je svoj profesionalni put s čvrstom obrazovnom osnovom, uključujući magisterij iz osnovnog obrazovanja s posebnim naglaskom na engleski jezik. Uz to, stekla je certifikate iz ranog obrazovanja, dječjih usluga i obuku za poremećaj iz spektra autizma. Opremljena certifikatom za pružanje prve pomoći i kvalifikacijom kao IB učiteljica u programu Osnovnih godina, Dubravka je bila spremna za uspjeh u obrazovanju.
Više od desetljeća Dubravka je obnašala funkciju voditeljice sobe u australskoj predškolskoj ustanovi, organizirajući obogaćujuće aktivnosti i stvarajući poticajno okruženje za mlade učenike. Prelaskom u ulogu učiteljice osnovne škole, dijelila je svoje stručno znanje u Školi stranih jezika, održavajući prilagođene nastave engleskog jezika i književnosti za učenike osnovnih škola. U Harfa International School, Dubravka je implementirala kurikulum IB programa Osnovnih godina, stvarajući inkluzivno učioničko okruženje koje doprinosi rastu i angažmanu učenika.
Osim svojih formalnih uloga, Dubravkina strast prema putovanjima i multikulturalizmu obogaćuje njezino poučavanje, potičući otvorenost i poštovanje različitosti. S više od 15 godina iskustva, posvećena je oblikovanju mladih umova i poticanju njihovog sveobuhvatnog razvoja.
Cecilia je uspješna edukatorica s bogatom akademskom pozadinom, koja posjeduje diplomu iz psihologije i magisterij iz obrazovanja. Također ima certifikat za nastavu španjolskog jezika kao stranog jezika, engleskog jezika kao stranog jezika te diplomu iz marketinga i menadžmenta.
S 30 godina iskustva u podučavanju jezika, Cecilia je dala značajan doprinos brojnim nacionalnim i međunarodnim obrazovnim projektima kao akademska savjetnica, trenerica učitelja i akademska menadžerica u Hispano Americi, Irskoj i Španjolskoj. Njezina stručnost obuhvaća akademsko savjetovanje, obuku učitelja i akademski menadžment, s posebnim naglaskom na razvoj kurikuluma, integraciju tehnologije, profesionalni razvoj učitelja, procese akreditacije i međunarodne ispite. Svoje je uvide podijelila kao govornica na različitim konferencijama u Hispano Americi, SAD-u i Ujedinjenom Kraljevstvu.
U Harfa International School, Cecilia obnaša funkciju koordinatorice PYP-a, gdje je posvećena uspješnoj implementaciji International Baccalaureate (IB) kurikuluma.
Ivana Čavka je inženjerka informatike s velikom strašću za poučavanje. Rođena i odrasla u Kaštelima, kasnije je nastavila više obrazovanje u Splitu i Zagrebu. Trenutno predaje informatiku, matematiku i dizajnersku tehnologiju u našoj školi. Tijekom svog obrazovanja, Ivana je također bila mentorica na Ljetnoj školi znanosti, vodeći radionicu iz matematike i organizirajući znanstvene radionice sa svojim kolegama u državnim školama. Za svoj doprinos timskom događaju u dizajniranju projekta, nagrađena je Rektorovom nagradom. U slobodno vrijeme, Ivana uživa u boravku u prirodi i kvalitetnom provođenju vremena sa svojom obitelji.
Katerina je nastavnica tjelesne i zdravstvene kulture u Harfa International School. Dolazi iz Sjeverne Makedonije, gdje je završila studij, a posljednjih deset godina živi u Hrvatskoj. Magistrirala je kineziologiju i posjeduje IB certifikat za nastavu.
Sport je oduvijek bio važan dio njezina života. Katerina je nositeljica crnog pojasa trećeg DAN-a u judu, bivša olimpijska predstavnica na Igrama u Rio de Janeiru 2016. godine te danas i međunarodna judo sutkinja. Uz rad u školi, djeluje i kao trenerica juda, a svoju strast prema sportu, timskom radu i zdravom načinu života rado prenosi na učenike, pomažući im da rastu i razvijaju se kako u učionici, tako i izvan nje.
Prof. Ivana Carev, PhD, is an experienced educator and scientist with over 20 years of teaching and research expertise in the fields of chemistry, and biology. With her PhD in Chemistry, she currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split. Alongside her academic career, since the very beginning, she actively contributes to the International IB School Harfa in Split, where she combines her passion for natural sciences with innovative teaching methods, curriculum development, and fostering students’ critical thinking and global awareness. She has a strong dedication to the development and modernization of education, and long track of work with talented students through various initiatives, especially through the Center of Excellence for Split-Dalmatia County.
In her role at the International IB School Harfa, she is deeply committed to inspiring young talents in their formative years by fostering a passion for science and encouraging critical thinking and curiosity. This collaboration of Harfa with faculties in the local community, provides students with access to innovative learning opportunities, mentorship, and hands-on experiences that connect academic knowledge to all levels of education. Working at the International IB School Harfa fuels Ivana’s passion for shaping the next generation of curious, compassionate, and globally aware individuals. The school’s emphasis on interdisciplinary education and inquiry-based learning aligns perfectly with her belief that education should inspire students to explore, question, and innovate. Ivana creates a learning environment where there are meaningful connections between scientific concepts and real-world challenges, empowering students to not only understand the world but to make a positive impact on it. Being part of a community that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning is both a privilege and a profound source of inspiration.
Erika is a passionate early childhood educator at Harfa International School, bringing warmth and expertise to the Preschool and 1st-grade classrooms. Originally from Oxford, Ohio, Erika made her home in Split in 2013, embracing life in Croatia and enriching her teaching with a deep understanding of diverse cultures. With a bachelor’s degree in English, focusing on creative writing from Miami University, and a TEFL/TESOL certification from Prague, Erika’s background spans over a decade of nurturing young learners.
Erika’s teaching is centered on creativity and connection, creating an environment where children feel supported and encouraged to explore. Her international experience brings a unique depth to her classroom, inspiring open-mindedness and a love for learning that she fosters daily. At Harfa, Erika is dedicated to guiding young minds with patience, kindness, and an enthusiasm that lights up each lesson.
Lea brings her enthusiasm for science and education to Harfa, where she teaches Biology, Chemistry, and Science and Social Studies. Born and studying in Split, Lea completed her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and is now deepening her knowledge through graduate studies in Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry.
When she’s not in the classroom, Lea loves to read, travel with friends, and explore new destinations. Her adventures took her to Portugal, where she joined the Sustainability and Social Innovation on the Move program, which strengthened her dedication to sustainable practices. Lea is eager to introduce creative projects and fresh perspectives to inspire her students and encourage a genuine curiosity about the world.
Nataša je nastavnica dizajna u Harfa International School, gdje predaje informatiku, robotiku i tehničku kulturu s naglaskom na kreativnost i inovaciju. Rođena je i živi u Splitu.
Magistrirala je elektrotehniku i ekonomiju te donosi više od 21 godine iskustva u vođenju projekata, razvoju softvera i umjetnoj inteligenciji. Posebno ju nadahnjuje povezivanje stvarnog svijeta tehnologije s nastavnim sadržajem u učionici.
Iskustvo u obrazovanju stekla je predajući informatiku, matematiku i fiziku u srednjoj školi, što je dodatno učvrstilo njezinu ljubav prema poučavanju i radu s učenicima. Kao AI Navigators Teacher vodi projekt u kojem surađuje s nastavnicima iz različitih zemalja na istraživanju načina kako umjetna inteligencija može unaprijediti njihov rad.
Tina je nastavnica vizualne umjetnosti u Harfa International School. Rođena je u Splitu, gdje je završila Školu primijenjene umjetnosti. Dio života provela je u Italiji, gdje je diplomirala slikarstvo na Accademia di Belle Arti u Firenci. Tijekom boravka u Italiji radila je i u modnoj industriji, s naglaskom na tekstilni dizajn, što je dodatno obogatilo njezinu umjetničku perspektivu. Posljednjih 15 godina s velikim je entuzijazmom poučavala djecu, mlade i odrasle u području umjetnosti, mode i dizajna.
Iako je prvenstveno slikarica, posljednjih se godina posvetila radu s keramikom. Uživala je u istraživanju različitih materijala te u spajanju različitih umjetničkih formi kako bi stvorila jedinstvena iskustva i projekte. Njezin je cilj nadahnuti učenike da se povežu sa svojom kreativnošću, slobodno eksperimentiraju i otkriju radost stvaranja nečega vrijednog vlastitim rukama i srcem.
Rajko Marinović magistar je primijenjene geografije sa stručnim usmjerenjem na geoinformacijske tehnologije i njihovu praktičnu primjenu u istraživanju i obrazovanju. Podrijetlom je iz Kaštela, srednjoškolsko obrazovanje završio je u Geodetskoj školi u Splitu, a potom studirao na Sveučilištu u Zadru. Nakon diplome ostao je na Sveučilištu, gdje je radio kao znanstveni asistent na nekoliko projekata financiranih iz fondova Europske unije te je autor više znanstvenih radova. Njegovi se akademski interesi često isprepliću s povijesnim perspektivama, osobito u razumijevanju razvoja geografskih krajolika.
U nastavi Rajko potiče učenike na kritičko promišljanje prostora koji ih okružuje te na dublje razumijevanje povezanosti geografije i povijesti s ljudima, mjestima i okolišem.
Irena Orlović is the founder and principal of our school. Under her leadership, our school has flourished, becoming a nurturing environment where both staff and students thrive. Her open-door policy means she’s never too busy to have a chat with students and staff alike, often infusing her conversations with wit and wisdom. Irena’s commitment to education and personal growth makes her a beloved figure in our community.
She is a distinguished graduate of psychosocial counseling from the University of Graz, where she earned her Master of Science degree. She also completed a five-year training as a neurolinguistic psychotherapist accredited by the German umbrella organization DVNLP. Irena is a member of the Croatian Health Education Association and is certified as an NLP trainer by both the German DVNLP and the Croatian HANLP.
Sarah Miller has lived in Split, Croatia for the past three years with her family. Originally from the Toronto area, her corporate career was in communication, training, and marketing across financial services, technology, private equity, and small business.
She now focuses on serving on the boards for foundations and charities. Sarah is passionate about helping them effectively tell their stories through photography and videography along with professional branding and strategic planning.
Sarah holds a B.A. in International Development and Spanish from the University of Guelph and a Master’s Degree in Communication and Media from Liberty University.
Her M.A. is published and focuses on the communication effects of experiential learning and homelessness.
Sarah and her family have a passion for traveling, building meaningful connections with others and of course, playing and watching football!
Bri Vellis je suosnivačica i vlasnica tvrtke Luminis Marketing. S više od 20 godina iskustva u marketingu i međunarodnim odnosima, vodila je globalne timove s ciljem povećanja prihoda, podizanja svijesti o brendu i ulaska na nova tržišta. Rođena je u San Franciscu u Kaliforniji (SAD), a posljednjih šest godina živi u Europi, od čega zadnje tri godine u Splitu. Uz odgoj dva dječaka, njezine strasti su učenje o povijesti, posjećivanje novih mjesta i sve što ima veze s prirodom – bilo da je riječ o boravku na plaži ili planinarenju novim stazama.
Marina Braica was born in Split; however, she was raised in the suburbs of Chicago. She completed her education at RIT Croatia, earning a degree in Hotel & Resort Management. Most recently, Marina served as the Director of Sales & Marketing at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in downtown Chicago. After several years of residence in the United States and a successful career in the hospitality industry, she, along with her husband and two children, made the decision to relocate to Split two years ago.
Presently, Marina works for Lamont Associates as the Associate Regional Vice President – EMEA. There she coordinates meetings and events for a diverse range of organizations on a global scale. When not engaged in her professional endeavors, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, traveling, and maintaining an active lifestyle through regular workouts.
Anne was born and raised in Canada. She received her Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) degree from Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario. She then continued her education and received certification in teaching English as a second language.
Anne has been living in Croatia for the past 30 years with her family. She is bilingual in English and Croatian and has used these skills in the past to work for the Foreign Press Bureau in Zagreb, the Faculty of Economics in Split and various English language schools in Split.
In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors, travelling, reading, baking and most of all, spending time with her family and friends.
Ela Šerić is a vibrant educator at Harfa International School, where she brings enthusiasm and creativity to her primary education role. Holding a Master’s Degree in Primary Education, Ela focuses on making learning engaging and enjoyable, aiming to instill a lifelong love for education in her students.
Before joining Harfa International School, Ela accumulated significant experience in various elementary settings, refining her teaching methods and adapting to diverse student needs. Beyond the classroom, she is passionate about dance, which infuses her teaching approach with unique energy and creativity.
Ela’s dedication and innovative educational practices make her an integral part of Harfa International School, inspiring students to explore their potential and embrace learning with joy and curiosity.
Dubravka Susnjara embarked on her professional journey with a robust educational background, including a Master’s in Primary Education with a specialization in English Language. Complementing this, she attained certifications in Early Childhood Education, Children’s Services, and training in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Equipped with a First Aid Certificate and a qualification as an IB Teacher in the Primary Years Programme, Dubravka was primed for success in education.
For over a decade, Dubravka served as a Room Leader at an Australian Preschool/Long Daycare facility, orchestrating enriching activities and fostering a nurturing environment for young learners. Transitioning to a Primary Teacher role, she shared her expertise at the School of Foreign Language, delivering tailored English language and literature lessons to primary students. At Harfa International School, Dubravka implemented the IB Primary Years Programme curriculum, fostering an inclusive classroom environment conducive to student growth and engagement.
Beyond her formal roles, Dubravka’s passion for travel and multiculturalism enriches her teaching, nurturing open-mindedness and respect for diversity. With over 15 years of experience, she is dedicated to shaping young minds and fostering their holistic development.
Cecilia is an accomplished educator with a rich academic background, holding a degree in psychology, and a master’s in education. She also possesses a certificate for teaching Spanish as a foreign language, English as a foreign language and a diploma in marketing and management.
With 30 years of experience in language teaching, Cecilia has contributed to numerous national and international educational projects as an academic consultant, teacher trainer, and academic manager across Hispano America, Ireland, and Spain. Her expertise encompasses academic consulting, teacher training, and academic management, with a strong focus on curriculum development, technology integration, teacher professional development, accreditation processes, and international examinations. She has shared her insights as a speaker at various conferences across Hispano America, the USA, and the UK.
At Harfa International School, Cecilia serves as the PYP Coordinator, where she is dedicated to fostering the successful implementation of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum.
Ivana Čavka is an IT engineer with a passion for teaching. Born and raised in Kaštela, she later pursued her higher education in Split and Zagreb. Currently, she teaches Computer Science, Maths, and Design Technology at our school. During her higher education, Ivana also served as a mentor at the Summer School of Science leading a math workshop and organizing science workshops with her colleagues in state schools. She was honored with the Rector’s Award for her contributions to a team event designing project. In her free time, Ivana enjoys immersing herself in nature and spending quality time with her family.
Katerina is the Physical Education teacher at Harfa International School. Originally from North Macedonia, where she completed her studies, she has been living in Croatia for the past ten years. She holds a Master’s degree in kinesiology and is an IB-certified teacher.
Sport has always played a central role in her life. Katerina is a 3rd DAN black belt in judo, a former Olympic representative at the Rio 2016 Games, and now also an international judo referee. Alongside her teaching role, she also works as a judo coach and enjoys sharing her passion for sport, teamwork, and healthy living with her students, supporting their growth both inside and outside the classroom.
Erika is a passionate early childhood educator at Harfa International School, bringing warmth and expertise to the Preschool and 1st-grade classrooms. Originally from Oxford, Ohio, Erika made her home in Split in 2013, embracing life in Croatia and enriching her teaching with a deep understanding of diverse cultures. With a bachelor’s degree in English, focusing on creative writing from Miami University, and a TEFL/TESOL certification from Prague, Erika’s background spans over a decade of nurturing young learners.
Erika’s teaching is centered on creativity and connection, creating an environment where children feel supported and encouraged to explore. Her international experience brings a unique depth to her classroom, inspiring open-mindedness and a love for learning that she fosters daily. At Harfa, Erika is dedicated to guiding young minds with patience, kindness, and an enthusiasm that lights up each lesson.
Lea brings her enthusiasm for science and education to Harfa, where she teaches Biology, Chemistry, and Science and Social Studies. Born and studying in Split, Lea completed her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and is now deepening her knowledge through graduate studies in Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry.
When she’s not in the classroom, Lea loves to read, travel with friends, and explore new destinations. Her adventures took her to Portugal, where she joined the Sustainability and Social Innovation on the Move program, which strengthened her dedication to sustainable practices. Lea is eager to introduce creative projects and fresh perspectives to inspire her students and encourage a genuine curiosity about the world.
Nataša is a Design teacher at Harfa International School, where she teaches Computer Science, Robotics, and Technical Culture with a focus on creativity and innovation. She was born and lives in Split.
She holds dual Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and Economics and brings over 21 years of experience in project management, software development, and artificial intelligence. She is passionate about connecting real-world technology with classroom learning.
Nataša gained valuable teaching experience by working as a high school teacher of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics, which further deepened her love for education and working with students. As an AI Navigators Teacher, she leads a project collaborating with educators from different countries to explore how AI can support and enhance their work.
Tina is the Visual Arts teacher at Harfa International School. She was born in Split, where she completed her secondary education at the School of Applied Arts. She spent part of her life in Italy, where she graduated in Painting from the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence. During her time in Italy, she also worked in the fashion industry, focusing on textile design—an experience that further enriched her artistic perspective. For the past 15 years, she has been passionately teaching children, young people, and adults in the fields of art, fashion, and design.
Although primarily a painter, in recent years she has devoted herself to working with ceramics. She enjoys exploring different materials and combining various forms of art to create unique experiences and projects. Her goal is to inspire students to connect with their creativity, experiment freely, and discover the joy of creating something meaningful with their hands and heart.
Rajko Marinović is a Master of Applied Geography with a focus on geospatial technologies and their practical application in research and education. Originally from Kaštela, he completed his secondary education at the Geodetic School in Split and later studied at the University of Zadar. After earning his degree, Rajko remained at the University, working as a research assistant on several EU-funded projects, and has authored several scientific papers. His academic interests often intersect with historical perspectives, particularly in understanding the evolution of geographic landscapes.
In the classroom, Rajko encourages students to think critically about the space around them, fostering a deeper understanding of how geography and history connect people, places, and environments.
Irena Orlović is the founder and principal of our school. Under her leadership, our school has flourished, becoming a nurturing environment where both staff and students thrive. Her open-door policy means she’s never too busy to have a chat with students and staff alike, often infusing her conversations with wit and wisdom. Irena’s commitment to education and personal growth makes her a beloved figure in our community.
She is a distinguished graduate of psychosocial counseling from the University of Graz, where she earned her Master of Science degree. She also completed a five-year training as a neurolinguistic psychotherapist accredited by the German umbrella organization DVNLP. Irena is a member of the Croatian Health Education Association and is certified as an NLP trainer by both the German DVNLP and the Croatian HANLP.
Sarah Miller has lived in Split, Croatia for the past three years with her family. Originally from the Toronto area, her corporate career was in communication, training, and marketing across financial services, technology, private equity, and small business.
She now focuses on serving on the boards for foundations and charities. Sarah is passionate about helping them effectively tell their stories through photography and videography along with professional branding and strategic planning.
Sarah holds a B.A. in International Development and Spanish from the University of Guelph and a Master’s Degree in Communication and Media from Liberty University.
Her M.A. is published and focuses on the communication effects of experiential learning and homelessness.
Sarah and her family have a passion for traveling, building meaningful connections with others and of course, playing and watching football!
Bri Vellis is the co-founder and owner of Luminis Marketing. With 20+ years of marketing and international relations experience, she has managed global teams to drive revenue, brand awareness and break into new markets. Originally from San Francisco, California (USA), she and her family have lived in Europe for six years, living the last three years in Split. Along with raising two boys, her passions are learning about history, visiting new places and anything to do with nature, whether its at the beach or hiking new trails.
Marina Braica was born in Split and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. She completed her education at RIT Croatia, earning a degree in Hotel & Resort Management. Most recently, Marina served as the Director of Sales & Marketing at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in downtown Chicago. After several years living and building a successful hospitality career in the United States, Marina relocated to Split three years ago with her two children.
Presently, Marina works for Lamont Associates as the Associate Regional Vice President – EMEA. There she coordinates meetings and events for a diverse range of organizations on a global scale. When not engaged in her professional endeavors, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, traveling, and maintaining an active lifestyle through regular workouts.
