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Michael Soucie
Director of English Clubs / Business, General, SAT/TOEFL English Leader
Michael, originally from Maine, USA, has been managing and teaching at the Croatian-American Society for over 20 years. He oversees all English programs and is known for launching CAS’s first slogan, “Bringing America to you!” Michael teaches Business English, SAT, TOEFL, and MICO IB prep, leads American culture workshops, coordinates the “Mock USA” Presidential Election project, and organizes summer camps in the U.S. A former high school teacher and basketball coach, he remains active through sports and coaching. He has helped nearly 40 Croatian student-athletes earn full scholarships to U.S. colleges, including seven to Ivy League schools. Michael also enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.
Dajana Grubeša
General English Leader / Assistant to the English Programs Director Manager
Dajana has been teaching English at the Croatian-American Society for 15 years, designing interactive lessons that cover grammar, vocabulary, speaking, and listening. She believes students learn best in a relaxed, supportive environment and focuses on helping them apply their skills in real-life conversations. Known for her patient and encouraging approach, Dajana finds great joy in seeing her students grow more confident with each lesson.
Andreas Botelho
English Leader
Andreas is a native English speaker from Wellington, New Zealand, now living in Zagreb for the past six years. He has been teaching English at the Croatian-American Society for five years and brings a dynamic, student-focused approach to the classroom, using interactive activities like video lessons, group work, and debates. With Croatian roots, Andreas feels at home in Zagreb. Outside of teaching, he coaches tennis, teaches online English classes, plays guitar, sings, and enjoys cooking—especially sushi. Staying active and having fun is central to both his teaching and lifestyle.
Bella Pehar
English Leader
Bella Pehar is a group leader in her first year at the Croatian-American Society. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, she recently moved to Zagreb. Bilingual in English and Croatian, Bella also enjoys learning French and German. She looks forward to helping students improve their English and connect with American culture during her time at CAS.
Iain MacLennan
English Leader
Iain is from Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, UK. He studied English and History at The University of Glasgow, earning both an MA (Hons) and an MPhil (Research), and completed his PGDE (Secondary Education) before teaching in High Schools in Scotland. Iain moved to Italy in 2012 and taught in various Italian cities, including Bari, Barletta, and Livorno, while studying for Cambridge DELTA.
Iain is extremely enthusiastic about language learning and teaching, and particularly interested in phonetics and pronunciation. He is also currently a registered Cambridge Speaking Examiner.
When not teaching, Iain enjoys cooking, reading, public speaking and debates, and writing an occasional poem.
Nika Renko
English Leader
Houston was born in Toronto, Canada and has lived in Croatia for the past 16 years. He has been teaching English since 2019 and currently has a master’s degree in Finance from the Faculty of Economics and Business. His main approach to teaching is to learn by having fun. Students are encouraged to express themselves freely, state their opinions and collaborate with each other through interactive games, activities and exercises. There is never a dull moment in the classroom. His overall goal is to help your child develop skills that can be successfully applied in their personal, social and academic life. On a personal level, he likes to participate in fitness related activities such as basketball,
hiking and running. Houston is a true music lover and loves to listen to a variety of albums in his free time.
Domago Gregorovic
English Leader
Domagoj was born and raised in Zagreb and used to be a student at CAS many years ago. Now, equipped with a Master’s degree in English and French, he returns as a teacher who prides himself on his patience and his varied lessons. The focus in his lessons is primarily on conversational skills, while never neglecting grammar, writing skills and vocabulary. In his free time, he indulges in all sorts of movies and TV shows, the occasional tennis match, or a board game. Hidden talent: baking.
Ira Žunjević
English Leader
Ira holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Rijeka and a Croatian teaching certificate. She has taught Fine Arts at both elementary and high school levels in Croatia. After moving to the U.S., she earned a Diploma in Computer Graphics and Advertising Design, as well as a TESOL/TESL/TEFL certificate. Upon returning to Zagreb, Ira has served as principal/head teacher at the International British School and Language Leader at the Croatian-American Society. She also coordinates summer camps and brings creativity into her teaching to promote active, engaged learning. In her free time, she enjoys being with her family.
Lucija Vuletić Pucko
English Leader / Social Media Manager
Lucija was born and raised in Zagreb, Croatia, and later pursued her academic journey in the United Kingdom, where she earned a Master’s degree in Communications. Since 2018, she has been teaching English at the Croatian American Society, working with students of all ages—from preschoolers to high schoolers. Her passion for teaching comes from the joy of seeing students grow in confidence and language skills. Lucija finds inspiration in creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where every student can thrive.
Nikol Žun
English Leader
Nikol is a native English speaker from Melbourne, Australia, who also spent much of her childhood in Croatia. She has been part of the Croatian-American Society’s teaching team for four years. Passionate about working with children, Nikol brings a warm, holistic approach to the classroom, aiming to spark curiosity, build confidence, and help each child become a strong communicator.
Lucija Požgaj
English Leader
Lucija is a native Croatian speaker who has studied English from a very young age. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Communications and Public Relations at the Croatian Catholic University, and was a part of the biggest student organization in Croatia where she was passing her knowledge of communication to the team members. Her path continues in CAS where she is thriving to teach and pass on her English and communication skills to the students, while incorporating numerous formal and non-formal education techniques she learned at her Erasmus intercultural exchanges. Her teaching point is all about providing supportive environment, with fun and engaging learning ideas that will inspire students in becoming powerful communicators.
Elena Paleorouta
English Leader
Elena, originally from Greece, has lived in Croatia for the past four years. Fluent in English, French, and Croatian, she holds a master’s degree in Social Anthropology from Stockholm University. Passionate about language and learning, Elena brings enthusiasm and positivity to her classes, using diverse activities, projects, and games to enhance students’ English skills. She also encourages critical thinking and social awareness, aiming to create a dynamic and enjoyable classroom environment.
Nika Renko
English Leader
Nika was born and raised in Zagreb and studied English for many years at the Croatian-American Society. She is currently pursuing a degree in Business Economics at the University of Zagreb. With a strong foundation in English and a passion for teaching, Nika aims to help students become confident communicators both academically and socially. Her lessons focus on grammar, vocabulary, reading, pronunciation, and writing, delivered through a creative and engaging approach.
Gabriela Dimitrova
English Leader
With over two and a half years of teaching experience at the Croatian-American Society, Gabriela is passionate about helping students build confidence, communicate clearly, and develop a curiosity for languages and cultures. With a background in international education and experience living in multiple countries, she fosters a supportive and engaging classroom environment. Gabriela holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Dundee and a Professional Certificate in International Communications and Marketing from the University of Munich. A native Bulgarian speaker, she is fluent in English and German, with strong communication skills in all three languages.
Suzette Dimitrovic
English Leader
Mrs. Suzette Dmitrovic is a qualified Art and English teacher with a Level 5 Diploma in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TTA), a Post Graduate Certificate in Education, and a Bachelor of Technology in Fine Art. Originally from South Africa, she has lived in Croatia for three years. With four years of teaching experience, including three years at a special needs school, she joined CAS in 2024. Suzette is passionate about educating young learners and creating a fun, engaging learning environment for her students.
Thaina Tomičić
English Leader
Originally from Brazil, Thaina holds a degree in English Language and Literature and has been teaching English since 2011. Having attended an American school and lived in Zagreb for seven years, Thaina joined the school in 2020. Passionate about teaching, especially teenagers, she enjoys the curiosity and energy they bring to the classroom. In addition to teaching, Thaina has worked as a copywriter and currently works as a procurement specialist for the American market, maintaining strong connections with native English speakers.