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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.
Sophie Ristic
English Leader
Sophie Ristic has been teaching for four years and is currently pursuing a psychology degree. She sees her role as both a teacher and cheerleader, drawing from her own experiences of learning a new language and adjusting to life in an unfamiliar country. Sophie ensures her classes are interactive and fun, where students speak confidently and practice useful, relevant phrases. She fosters a supportive environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, creating a lively classroom where everyone is encouraged to participate.
Houston McDonald
English Leader
Houston, originally from Toronto, Canada, has lived in Croatia for 16 years. He has been teaching English since 2019 and holds a master’s degree in Finance from the Faculty of Economics and Business. His teaching approach focuses on learning through fun, encouraging students to express themselves, share opinions, and collaborate through interactive games and activities. Houston’s goal is to help students develop skills for personal, social, and academic success. Outside the classroom, he enjoys fitness activities like basketball, hiking, and running, and is a passionate music lover.
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.
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.
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.
Suzana Rokov
English Leader
Suzy, originally from Canada, is a graduate of McGill University and has been teaching English for 15 years, with a strong focus on Business English. She teaches both in-person and online, creating interactive lessons that encourage speaking and build confidence. A self-proclaimed “grammar police,” Suzy is passionate about teaching grammar and emphasizes it in her classes. Energetic and outgoing, she’s also a proud mother of three.
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.
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.
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.
Zrinka
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stephanie Noguera Brajkovich
English Leader
Stephanie, originally from Kalamazoo, MI, USA, spent significant years in Venezuela, where she attended a German-Venezuelan school, sparking her passion for languages and cultures. She holds a degree in Production Engineering and has completed credits in Art History. As an exchange student in Japan, she conducted research and volunteered at an English school, inspiring her to complete the Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) from Cambridge. Stephanie has taught English, basic Japanese, and Business English in Venezuela and Mexico, always focusing on creating a safe and engaging environment for her students.
Maja
English Leader
Lucija Požgaj
English Leader
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English Leader