Our Core Team
Meet the dedicated team behind Mriya Community.
Ms. Iryna
Co-founder , manager and administrator of UA Mriya
I’ve been part of the UA Mriya family since we started back in early 2022, and it’s been such a rewarding journey. Thanks to my sister Zoriana, everything started to develop rapidly. I started out as an English tutor, and over time, I’ve had the joy of coordinating all sorts of events for both kids and adults. My focus has always been on helping Ukrainian families get settled, find their way around local services, and feel at home here in Ireland. Right now, I’m managing and growing both our Ukrainian Community Group and the Saturday Ukrainian School alongside Svitlana and Maksym. What drives me: My heart is in helping our community, stay deeply connected to their Ukrainian roots and Ukrainian language, while also feeling confident and supported as they build their new lives here in the Irish world. Life gives you more than you thought, but maybe not always in the package you expected.
Ms Svitlana
Co-founder , manager, community administrator and artdirector of theatre studio
Since 2022, I have been actively involved in organizing and coordinating the Ukrainian community UA "Mriya". Shortly after the community was established, together with like-minded individuals, we founded a children's theatre studio, which later inspired the creation of other creative clubs. Currently, twice a year, we host performances and concerts that attract a large audience. I also took an active part in organizing and establishing the Ukrainian school in Galway — a true hub of our language and culture on Irish soil. In addition to the creative component, my mission is to coordinate the educational and administrative processes to ensure the effective operation of the school and the community. I graduated from the Faculty of Economics at the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. I worked in my field of study but devoted most of my free time to theatre arts, acting in a youth theatre. In Ireland, I continued my creative journey: I participated in productions by the Galway Youth Theatre, as well as in mini-performances by the ALâ Community Theatre. In 2018, I completed the "Drama Tools for the Classroom" course (Baboró, O’Donoghue Centre for Drama, University of Galway, Ireland). Life motto: "Art begins with order: organize the space for magic to be born."
Ms Natalia
Primary school teacher
Primary School Teacher (1st Category, Higher Education, 14 Years of Experience) An experienced and creative educator, Natalia truly works by vocation. She is fully certified and highly proficient in modern educational frameworks, including NUS (New Ukrainian School), "Rostok", and "The World Awaits the Winged". Natalia transforms learning into an exciting journey where there is no room for fear of making mistakes. She firmly believes that "primary school is not about grades; it is about building self-belief." Guided daily by the motto, "Flying on the wings of success!", she inspires her students to grow into confident, happy, and curious individuals.
Ms Nina
Teacher of Ukrainian Language and Literature
Education: V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University Qualification: Philologist Professional Development Focus: “Stimulating creative activity among schoolchildren in humanities lessons” Life Credo: “All victories begin with victory over oneself.” Pedagogical Credo: “A student is not a vessel to be filled, but a torch to be lit.” I have 30 years of teaching experience and hold the highest professional category. My career spans schools in Ukraine, Poland, and Ireland. For over fifteen years, I have been preparing students for the National Multi-Subject Test (NMT) in Ukrainian Language and Literature. I have also received numerous awards for coaching Olympiad participants and achieving high student pass rates on the national exam.
Ms Larysa
Ukrainian Language and Literature teacher
Education: Master’s Degree with Honors from Odesa I. I. Mechnikov National University, majoring in Ukrainian Language and Literature (specialization in General and Slavic Linguistics). Researched the Ukrainian mentality through the linguistic worldview. For 15 years, I worked as a journalist, screenwriter, and editor for various social and psychological projects on the Ukrainian TV channel STB, while actively studying child psychology. I am convinced that every child is unique and gifted in their own way. My mission as a teacher is to help them discover and develop their talents.
Ms Ludmila
Ukrainian Studies Project Lead at UA "Mriya", Ukrainian Language, Literature, and History Teacher
I was born in the picturesque Transcarpathian village of Kolochava, where since childhood I absorbed the spirit of the mountains, traditions, and vibrant Ukrainian culture. Later, I moved to the village of Huzhivka in the Chernihiv region, where I graduated from school and truly found my calling—working with children and preserving Ukrainian identity. After graduating from Taras Shevchenko Chernihiv National Pedagogical University with a degree in History and Ukrainian Studies, I returned to Huzhivka to teach at my alma mater. For 13 years, I served as a history teacher (holding the qualification of Specialist of the Highest Category) and as a deputy principal. I actively implement training technologies in the educational process, especially when teaching subjects with a Ukrainian studies component, ensuring that students do not just know facts, but truly feel their belonging to the Ukrainian world. My life motto is: 'A happy future is born from a profound knowledge of the past.' This is precisely why the core element of my work is the study of history and language—as the very foundation upon which national resilience, dignity, and personal self-determination are built.
Ms Iryna
Ukrainian Language & Leaving Certificate Teacher
My name is Iryna, and I teach the Ukrainian language. I have always been fascinated by its richness, timeless beauty, and the power of words. In our lessons, children and I explore the wonderful world of their native language, discovering its beauty and depth while learning to express their thoughts and feelings with confidence. Working with children brings me the greatest joy because every child is a unique universe. It is a privilege to discover their world alongside them, getting to know their talents, dreams, and individuality. I truly value that the Ukrainian language becomes a space where children can grow, create, and express themselves while maintaining a strong connection to their roots and to Ukraine, even when they are far from home.
Ms Viktoriia
Dance teacher
As a dance teacher with 18 years of experience, I combine strong technical foundations with limitless creativity. My teaching style is built on a harmonious blend of Ukrainian folk dance and contemporary dance, where classical technique provides the foundation and improvisation becomes a powerful form of self-expression. My mission is to unlock the unique potential of every child, helping them transform their natural talent into true artistry. I encourage confidence, perseverance, and resilience while creating a supportive and inspiring learning environment. Through an individual approach and creative tasks, we work together to overcome self-doubt, making every class a meaningful step towards personal growth. My goal is not only to teach dance techniques but also to inspire children to feel dance with their hearts, nurturing both their physical abilities and their personal development.
Ms Alina
Vocal teacher
My name is Alina Andriienko. I am a vocal teacher who helps children and adults discover their voice, develop their musical abilities, and build self-confidence. In my work, I combine modern teaching methods, attention to the individual needs of each student, and a passion for music. I have 4 years of experience working with students of various ages and skill levels. During my lessons, I pay special attention to proper vocal technique, ear training, artistry, stage presence, and the emotional expressiveness of the performance. I continuously improve my professional skills, learn modern vocal teaching techniques, and strive to create a comfortable and inspiring atmosphere where every student can unlock their creative potential. I believe that music is a universal language that inspires, unites people, and helps everyone find their unique voice. The motto of my lessons is: "Small steps to big goals."
Ms Anna
Drama Club Assistant & a Creative & Social Media Assistant.
Hello! My name is Anna. Although I am not a qualified teacher by profession, creativity has always been an essential part of my life. I am the author of the children's book Colourful Dreams, have participated in numerous Ukrainian and international creative festivals and competitions, was a member of a dance studio, and have brought many of my own creative projects to life. A year ago, I discovered UA Mriya Ukrainian School, and it was truly love at first sight. For me, every class is not only an opportunity to teach but also to learn alongside the children. Through theatre, creativity, and play, we explore the beauty of Ukrainian culture, the richness of our native language, its expressiveness, melody, and endless possibilities. I want our children to grow up loving their roots, feeling proud of who they are, and always maintaining a strong connection with Ukraine. I truly admire every child. I believe that every talent deserves encouragement, inspiration, and the opportunity to flourish. We are one team, and together we create something truly special in the UA Mriya Drama Club.