Harfa team
In our school, every child comes first!
A new dimension of education
Meet our team!
SCHOOL in OUR way
Put Duilova 23, Split 21000
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Andrew Jones, originally from Akron, Ohio, brings a rich background in sports education and coaching to our team. After earning his degree from the University of Tampa, Andrew dedicated himself to coaching baseball and developing youth programs across Europe and Australia. His expertise shone through as a key player on the Croatian National Baseball team, achieving a seventh-place finish at the European Championships in 2021.
Now based in Split, Croatia, Andrew’s approach in the classroom extends beyond traditional teaching; he focuses on holistic health, emphasizing nutrition and physical activity. Outside of work, he enjoys the natural beauty of Split, often exploring the Marjan forest park.
We’re excited to have Andrew on board, inspiring our students with his passion for sports and wellness.
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.
Glorija originates from the charming town of Metković in southern Croatia and holds a master’s degree in primary education with a specialization in English language from the Faculty of Philosophy in Split. Alongside her academic achievements, Glorija also boasts an IB diploma, further bolstering her credentials as an educator. Following her studies, she embarked on a fulfilling teaching career, beginning with a year of professional training at Blatine – Škrape Elementary School.
With a deep-seated commitment to innovative pedagogy, Glorija spent three enriching years as a Kindergarten teacher in a Montessori environment. Here, she refined her skills in Montessori methodology, focusing on fostering a nurturing and individualized approach to children’s education.
In addition to her dedication to teaching, Glorija finds joy in her passion for football, particularly in supporting Haduk FC, and delights in spectating various sports. She also enjoys exploring diverse genres in literature, film, and music to unwind.
During her free time, Glorija prioritizes quality moments with loved ones. She also enjoys exploring new destinations and immersing herself in the beauty of nature through relaxed walks. Her profound appreciation for the natural world fuels her sense of wonder and renewal.
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.
Beti is a dedicated teacher at Harfa International School, where she teaches History, Geography, and Music. She holds a Master’s degree in History from the University of Zagreb. At the same university, she also gained pedagogical, psychological, methodological, and didactic qualifications through the PPDM program, further deepening her understanding of the teaching profession.
In the classroom, Beti focuses on the exploration and discovery aspects of Humanities and Social Studies, always encouraging students to follow their own interests. Her aim is to inspire students with knowledge and a deeper, more thoughtful understanding of the world around them.
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.
Glorija originates from the charming town of Metković in southern Croatia and holds a master’s degree in primary education with a specialization in English language from the Faculty of Philosophy in Split. Alongside her academic achievements, Glorija also boasts an IB diploma, further bolstering her credentials as an educator. Following her studies, she embarked on a fulfilling teaching career, beginning with a year of professional training at Blatine – Škrape Elementary School.
With a deep-seated commitment to innovative pedagogy, Glorija spent three enriching years as a Kindergarten teacher in a Montessori environment. Here, she refined her skills in Montessori methodology, focusing on fostering a nurturing and individualized approach to children’s education.
In addition to her dedication to teaching, Glorija finds joy in her passion for football, particularly in supporting Haduk FC, and delights in spectating various sports. She also enjoys exploring diverse genres in literature, film, and music to unwind.
During her free time, Glorija prioritizes quality moments with loved ones. She also enjoys exploring new destinations and immersing herself in the beauty of nature through relaxed walks. Her profound appreciation for the natural world fuels her sense of wonder and renewal.
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.
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.
