Our team
At Smiles we believe that our educators are the most important part of our project, which is why we take great care in selecting the people who join our team. Our educators have experience working with young children and create a warm English-speaking environment for them to grow, explore and communicate.
For us, every child is unique and has individual interests and needs. For this reason, we organise our activities in small groups that allow us to offer close attention and support each child’s development.
Our groups are intentionally small: up to 4 children per educator in the babies’ group, up to 6 in the toddlers’ group, and up to 8 in the groups for older children.
LAUREN BUDD
Deputy Manager
"Silly Avocados" Lead Educator
As a TEFL-qualified nursery teacher from London with over a decade of experience, I have had the privilege of teaching English and working with children in various countries, including Spain, Asia, and South America. My journey through different educational settings has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud to have found my home at Smiles since its opening in 2019.
At Smiles, I have been able to fully embrace my passion for making learning a fun and motivating experience for young children. I believe in teaching in a way that encourages independence and nurtures a child’s natural curiosity. For me, it is essential that children enjoy their time at nursery and remain engaged in their surroundings, allowing them to explore their senses and maximize their abilities.
Communication is key in ensuring a child’s sense of safety and security, and I’ve learned that a smile can go a long way in fostering that connection. Growing up in England with limited exposure to other languages has only deepened my commitment to helping children develop their language skills, recognizing the profound impact it can have on their future.
BRUNA CHARMILLOT
Pastoral Deputy Head
At the age of 19, I moved from my small town in the countryside of Brazil to Barcelona on my own, seeking new experiences, a new language and being in contact with a new culture. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but one of the many things my lovely family has taught me is that if you do things with passion, you will always be successful. So I did.
I’ve learned Spanish and French, finished my studies in Early Childhood Education, volunteered in a program with children from 0 to 3 years of age at risk of social exclusion, and later on I taught English to kids and teens at a private academy.
Now, after 6 years living in this beautiful city, I feel fortunate to be able to work with 2 of my biggest passions: languages and education.
My goal is to transmit my excitement to our children and to help create an environment where they can learn new skills while having fun, which will lead them to grow confidently.
JOSE NOCETE
"Bonkers Bananas" Lead Educator
Hello, my name is José Luis. I was born and raised in a small town on the beautiful coast of Granada. From a young age, I’ve always had a passion for teaching, which led me to pursue a degree in Primary Education with a focus on English at the University of Granada.
Although my studies were geared towards primary education, I began my professional journey working in an Early Years setting in Dublin in 2022. During my two years there, I discovered a deep love for working with young children and realized how fulfilling this work is for me.
I believe that one of the most important aspects of education is creating an environment where children feel safe, comfortable, and happy. When children are in such a nurturing environment, they are free to express themselves and learn without limits. This is especially crucial during the early years, which are vital for stimulating and developing their learning potential.
I am thrilled to be part of the Smiles English Kids team, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside people who share a genuine passion for teaching.
MARTA LEMA
"Tiny Blueberries" Lead Educator
Born and raised in Galicia, I have had the privilege of growing up immersed in linguistic diversity. From an early age, I have recognized the profound benefits of understanding and appreciating different languages.
My passion for working with children naturally led me to pursue a career in education. I am a qualified Preschool Education teacher with a specialization in Early Attention, holding a Master’s degree in this field. Currently, I am furthering my expertise by studying for a degree in Language Therapy, driven by a desire to deepen my knowledge of early childhood development.
Professionally, I have had the opportunity to work with children at risk of social exclusion, an experience that shaped my understanding of the critical role education plays in every child’s life. Following this, I worked as an English teacher in both a private academy and a private school, where I taught children aged 3 to 6. My approach to education is rooted in the belief that affection forms the foundation of the learning process. I am convinced that children thrive in environments where they feel safe, secure, and loved.
Joining the Smiles team has allowed me to engage with one of the most fascinating stages of development—early childhood. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a special and dedicated community.
IRENE INCERA
"Mad Mangos" Lead Educator
I was born in France and raised in Mexico City. Growing up, I attended a French school throughout my education, as my parents were determined to maintain our connection to the language and culture. When I was young, we moved to Colorado for three years, where I had the opportunity to learn English and immerse myself in it daily.
Although I studied Business Administration, I always knew that my true passion was working with children. It began with babysitting my younger cousins at family gatherings, which quickly evolved into counseling at summer camps, teaching at schools, and surrounding myself with children in various capacities.
From the moment I started working with kids, I knew it was my dream job—I couldn’t envision myself doing anything else. The joy that comes from working with children is unparalleled, and they have a unique way of keeping the imagination alive!
I’m thrilled to be part of the Smiles team and am eager to share my enthusiasm for learning with the children. I look forward to making them as excited about learning as we are about teaching!
JULIA ANTONIOLLI
"Crazy Papayas" Lead Educator
Hello everyone,
I’m excited to introduce myself as a new member of the Smiles team! I come from southern Brazil, where I studied Pedagogy and later specialized in Modern Education. My journey in education began as a primary school teacher in both public and private schools, where I developed a deep commitment to fostering a love of learning in young minds.
After moving to Barcelona, I had the pleasure of teaching English to children aged 3 to 7 at a language school. I focused on creating a fun and interactive environment that made learning English an enjoyable experience for my students.
My inspiration to pursue a career in education comes from my mother, who was a dedicated and passionate teacher. She taught me the importance of building caring and respectful connections with each child, and I believe that these relationships are essential to their learning and development.
At Smiles, my goal is to support our students in developing their independence and emotional growth while nurturing their potential to learn. I’m thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with you all and look forward to working together to create a stimulating and supportive environment for our students.
GENJI KAWAI
Early Years Assistant Educator
I was born in Japan and raised in a small town in the Basque Country, north of Spain.
Growing up in a multilingual family has shown me the importance and benefits of learning languages at such a young age.
As a passionate Early Childhood Education graduate, I have a deep love for working with children. I had it very clear since the first day I started my studies.
It’s truly amazing how the little ones develop through the years, and it is very rewarding to see the important role that, as Early Years educators, we play in their childhood.
My educational journey in both Spain and Denmark has led me to understand the importance of play-based learning which encourages children to learn through experiences.
Being a teacher makes me happy and proud, and it feels like much more than just a job. I can’t imagine myself anywhere else. I am very happy to be part of this caring and dedicated team at Smiles and I’m excited for what’s to come!
SYDNEY STEWART
Early Years Assistant Educator
Born and raised in a small town near Detroit, Michigan, I always felt a drive to explore beyond my familiar surroundings. In 2020, I took a leap of faith and moved to Italy, where I spent two transformative years. Afterward, I embarked on a 16-month van journey across the European Union, immersing myself in diverse cultures and landscapes. My travels ultimately led me to Barcelona, a city that has since become my home.
I hold a degree in Speech Language Pathology and Communications, which laid the foundation for my career in language education. While living in Italy, I began teaching English online, a role I enjoyed for four years. However, after settling in Barcelona, I sought a deeper connection with the local community, which led me to join the wonderful team at Smiles.
Working with children has always been a passion of mine. I believe my ability to adapt and approach situations with empathy fosters a sense of trust and comfort with the young learners I work with. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the Smiles team and am excited to contribute to the growth and development of our students.
LETICIA THURLER
Early Years Assistant Educator
From a young age, I was captivated by the intricacies of language and vividly remember telling my mother that one day, I wanted to live abroad. This curiosity about how language functions inspired me to study Linguistics at university, where I began my career as an Early Childhood Teacher. Working with young children while exploring how humans develop language was an incredibly enriching experience, leading me to pursue a Master’s in Bilingualism/Language Acquisition and a degree in Education in Brazil, my home country.
In recent years, I have had the opportunity to work in Australia, where exposure to diverse cultures broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for intercultural communication. I am thrilled to bring this global experience into my daily work once again, collaborating with fellow teachers, children, and their families.
I firmly believe that respecting the natural pace of childhood—through play, discovery, and making sense of the world—is crucial in fostering an environment that nurtures children’s development. I cherish the opportunity to relearn how to see the world through the eyes of children and am excited to contribute to a warm and enriching environment for their growth.
ANNA FAY
Early Years Assistant Educator
I was born and raised in a small town in Ireland, where I cherished the peaceful, green countryside. However, I’ve recently moved to Barcelona, eager to embrace new experiences and the vibrancy of city life.
My passion for languages has been a constant in my life since my school days. I studied German and French at university and am currently learning Spanish. My love for languages is matched by my passion for working with children, which I discovered during a year of teaching in a primary school in Ireland.
I feel incredibly fortunate to now combine these two passions in my work. I am thrilled to be part of the Smiles team and look forward to contributing to the next generation of English learners in Barcelona!
GABRIELA DA SILVA
Early Years Assistant Educator
I was born and raised in France, and from an early age, I was fascinated by learning languages. At nineteen, I moved to Barcelona to study Spanish.
After working as a babysitter in Spain and spending two years as an Au Pair in the United States, I realised that I could combine my two passions, languages and working with children. This led me to study Early Years Education in England. In the classroom, what I value most is supporting children’s development by building strong,
trusting relationships with them. I believe that when children feel secure and connected, they are free to explore, grow, and gain self-confidence. Watching children learn, flourish, and become more independent is one of the most fulfilling aspects of being a teacher.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work in nurseries in England, France, Spain, and Australia. Now, I have returned to my city of adoption, Barcelona.
I am very grateful to be part of the Smiles team, surrounded by educators who share a
genuine passion for working with children and who love being teachers.
FRANCESCA NERVO
Early Years Assistant Educator
I’m Francesca, and it’s a pleasure to be part of the passionate team of teachers at Smiles!
I was born in Italy, in my beloved Bologna, but from a young age, I was filled with curiosity and a strong desire to explore the world. At nineteen, I moved to Greece, where I cared for children of various ages. That experience completely changed my life, and I knew deep inside that I wanted to continue following my passions.
Over the past ten years, I have lived in Australia, New Zealand, England, Greece, and Hungary. During this time, I gained experience with children in a variety of settings, including schools, summer camps, and babysitting. In Budapest, I also fulfilled one of my dreams by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Kindergarten Education.
Now, in Barcelona, I have found everything I was looking for — a lively city and a place to call home. I am truly excited for the year ahead, as nothing makes me happier than spending time with children and sharing in their growth and discoveries.
DORIS DRVOSEK-KIHAS
Early Years Assistant Educator
Hello, my name is Doris. I was born and raised in Croatia, a small country with a big heart.
I’ve always loved working with people, which led me to pursue a degree in Special
Education. During my university years, my passion for learning and travelling brought me to Krakow and Budapest, where I had the opportunity to study under experienced educators. These experiences helped me develop the skills to create engaging, inclusive, and supportive learning environments—guiding children through their unique learning journeys and helping them feel confident to explore and grow.
I believe the most important aspect of education is fostering a love of learning while
recognising and nurturing each child’s unique potential. By combining curiosity, creativity, and empathy, I strive to help children enjoy learning every day and grow into confident, happy individuals.
I’m truly excited to join the Smiles team, alongside educators from around the world who share the same passion and work together toward the same goal. I can’t wait to meet you all!
NADIA LYNTIRIDI
Early Years Assistant Educator
Passionate about the arts and different forms of self-expression, I knew from my teenage years that I wanted to be part of preschool education. I love working with young children because they are playful, creative, and always think outside the box!
I studied Early Childhood Education in Athens and spent part of my studies in Finland, where I completed my internship in Finnish schools. My journey through multicultural environments, such as refugee camps and international schools, taught me that communication with children doesn’t rely on words alone.
Playfulness and body language are often enough to create strong bonds.
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, Forest School education, and Social & Emotional Learning, I enjoy weaving these methods into the classroom. Music is also a big part of who I am, and I love incorporating it into children’s learning experiences.
After moving from Athens to Barcelona, I found a warm and welcoming community at Smiles, and I’m excited to share this journey of growth and creativity with the children and families here!
REBECCA LAUREN
Early Years Assistant Educator
I’m originally from Finland and recently moved to Barcelona, although I like to say I’m already Spanish at heart. Growing up, I attended music school in Finland, where I discovered how creativity, rhythm, and play can be a natural part of everyday learning.
Before working in education, I trained as a pastry chef, a skill that still comes in handy, especially when we bake imaginary cakes or create animals with playdough! My journey with children has taken me to different places: I’ve worked in public daycare centres in Finland, a private Finnish preschool in southern Spain, and as an au pair here in Barcelona.
Working with children brings me great joy. I love their honesty, imagination, and the way they experience the world with fresh eyes every day. I’m very happy to be part of the Smiles team and excited to share moments of creativity, laughter, and learning with the children and their families.
