Our Team

Igor Yaremenko is a guitar teacher at the Montessori Center. He graduated with honors from the Odessa National Music Academy named after A.V. Nezhdanova, specializing in Musical Arts. Igor teaches all types of guitars: classical guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, and ukulele. In his lessons, he focuses on developing playing technique, musical ear, and a sense of rhythm. Igor helps his students master basic skills and then guides them toward studying pieces in various styles and genres, from classical music to rock compositions. His individual approach to each student, use of modern teaching methods, and friendly atmosphere create comfortable conditions for learning. Igor’s students enjoy mastering the guitar, participating in concerts and competitions, and achieving outstanding results.

Anastasiia Mahazynshchykova is a professional and empathetic administrator at our school. She graduated from Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University with a degree in “Preschool Education Organization, Primary School Teacher.” Anastasiia approaches her work with dedication, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the school. She is always ready to listen, assist, and find solutions to any issues related to the organization of the educational process. Her attention to detail, responsibility, and genuine desire to make learning comfortable for every child and parent set her apart from her colleagues. Anastasiia is the true center of communication at our school. Thanks to her professionalism and organizational skills, all processes in the school run smoothly and efficiently. Parents can always count on prompt feedback, while teachers and students receive the support and assistance they need. Her kindness, attentiveness, and love for children make her not only an indispensable staff member but also an essential part of our team.

Vadym Kohut is an experienced and passionate drum teacher at the Montessori Center. He graduated from the Sumy College of Arts and Culture named after D.S.Bortniansky, specializing in “Musical Arts” with a focus on orchestral wind and percussion instruments. Vadym has excellent performance training and strong teaching skills. He inspires both beginners and advanced students, helping them develop rhythm, technique, and musicality. His lessons are always held in a positive atmosphere with a personalized approach to each student. Vadym enjoys working with both children and adults, guiding them from their first steps in drumming to a more advanced level of musical practice.

Sofiya Pysarenko is a vocal and piano teacher at the Montessori Center. She graduated from the Poltava College of Arts named after Mykola Lysenko and is continuing her studies at the National Music Academy of Ukraine named after P. I. Tchaikovsky. Sofiya actively participates in concerts, performances, and international competitions, has extensive stage experience, and sincerely shares her love of music with her students. In her lessons, Sofiya applies modern and effective teaching methods that help children learn proper breathing and voice control, gradually expand their vocal range, and sing freely and confidently. Special attention is given to developing inner freedom and overcoming stage fright. Sofiya believes that every child has immense potential. The teacher’s mission is to notice it carefully, nurture it, and help each student find their own path in the world of music. After all, music is not only about technique but also about emotions, inner depth, and the ability to express oneself. It often reveals aspects of personality that remain hidden in everyday life. By inviting children into the world of music, Sofiya helps each of them feel the joy of singing and playing the piano, discover their talent, and take a step toward a creative future.

Maria Chugaieva — Sewing teacher at the Montessori Center. Maria graduated from the Kyiv Vocational Pedagogical College named after A. Makarenko with qualifications as a tailor, pattern maker, and master of industrial (vocational) training. Maria combines hands-on tailor/pattern-maker expertise with pedagogical experience in vocational training. She teaches courses for beginners and for those looking to upskill—from operating sewing equipment to creating custom garments to individual measurements. Course curriculum includes: taking measurements; drafting and adjusting basic blocks; cutting, sewing technology, and fittings; garment fit, defect correction, and alterations; working with sewing machines and overlockers, machine setup; construction details (pockets, zippers, collars, waistbands, linings); fabric science, material & notions selection; clothing repair and restyling. Typical projects: skirt, dress, shirt/blouse, trousers; optionally — jacket, coat, children’s garments, or stage costumes. Teaching approach: practice from the first lesson, clear tech sheets for each project, individual support during fittings. Emphasis on accuracy, technological sequence, and clean internal finishes. Outcome for students: you will gain a solid construction & technology foundation, learn to use equipment confidently, and be able to sew well-fitting garments independently—for yourself, your family, or as commissions.

Maryna Maiboroda is a piano teacher at the Montessori Center. She graduated from the P. I. Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine and holds professional qualifications as a chamber ensemble artist, accompanist (collaborative pianist), and piano instructor. Maryna has over 20 years of experience working as a collaborative pianist in a professional ensemble, so she knows how to turn a “regular lesson” into real musical practice—developing a beautiful tone, stylistic awareness, and confidence at the instrument. Her key teaching principle is an individualized approach. Each program is tailored to the student’s age, personality, current level, and goals: some students need a solid foundation from scratch, others are returning to piano after a break, and some focus on developing technique, musicality, and repertoire. Maryna believes learning should be enjoyable, and that it is possible to begin a musical journey at any age. Piano lessons include not only hands-on playing, but also essential theoretical components: elements of music theory, solfège/ear training, and basic harmony. This helps students understand the music more deeply, read notation with confidence, develop hearing and rhythm, and—most importantly—play thoughtfully and with enjoyment.

Ihor Dovhodko is a drums and percussion teacher at the Montessori Center. He has strong professional training and extensive practical experience in both performing and teaching. During his military service, he played in a brass band and an ensemble within the military unit, and after completing his service he pursued formal music education. He graduated with honors from the R. M. Glière Kyiv Institute of Music (Pop/Jazz Department, Percussion Class). At the same time, he worked as a percussion teacher at a state music school. He was a member of the institute’s pop orchestra and has performed with musicians in Ukraine and abroad. A key focus of his work is preparing applicants for music programs: he has successfully coached students for admission to the R. M. Glière music institute, helping them build a strong technical foundation, musical thinking, and stage confidence. In his teaching, he combines various methods and practice-proven approaches, drawing on the schools of leading American drummers — particularly Steve Gadd and Dave Weckl — as well as his own original materials. Lessons focus on hand technique, rhythm and timing, coordination, playing with a metronome, reading rhythmic notation, and developing a “live,” expressive sound — both for beginners and for students aiming for an advanced level.

Nikita Demidov is a guitar instructor at the Montessori Center. He received his education at the R.M. Glière Kyiv Municipal Academy of Music. He teaches classical guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, and ukulele. Lessons take place in a friendly atmosphere and are open to both children and adults. For Nikita, the guitar isn’t about innate talent; it’s about freedom and the ability to share one’s thoughts with the world through music. “My approach balances creative freedom with a structured system. As a teacher, I help students unlock their true potential and enjoy the process. Whether you want to play confidently on stage, around a campfire, or simply for your own pleasure, I look forward to seeing you in class!”

Anastasiia Ilienko is a choreography teacher at Montessori Center. She studied at Borys Grinchenko Metropolitan University of Kyiv. Anastasiia is a dancer with many years of experience and has been studying choreography since the age of six. She has extensive stage experience and has participated in competitions, festivals, and concert programs. She has performed on the stages of the Palace “Ukraine” and the October Palace in Kyiv. She is constantly developing professionally, improving her skills, and striving to fulfill her creative potential in the field of choreographic art. Anastasiia has experience working with children of different ages and knows how to find an individual approach to each student. In her lessons, she focuses not only on developing technique, coordination, and flexibility, but also on creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere where children can confidently express themselves and develop their creative abilities.

Olena Voronina is a German and English teacher at Montessori Center. She graduated from Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy with a degree in Romance and Germanic Philology. She is proficient in German and English and has been teaching since 2020. Olena provides individual lessons for children and adults. She tailors each learning programme to the student’s goals, pace, and needs. Her lessons combine a communicative approach, task-based learning, and the structured presentation and practice of new material. She uses textbooks and workbooks, texts and extracts from books, audiobooks, podcasts, films, and TV series. She places particular emphasis on developing speaking skills, listening comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. Olena aims to create a friendly and supportive atmosphere in which students feel confident speaking and asking questions while making steady progress.

Kateryna Tesliuk is a violin teacher at Montessori Center. She studied at the M. V. Lysenko Poltava Professional College of Arts and is currently continuing her education at the Pavlo Chubynsky Academy of Arts. She has taught children since 2022, combining her teaching career with active performance work. Since 2025, she has been an orchestra musician with the Honoured Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Kateryna has won prizes at international and Ukrainian national competitions. In her lessons, Kateryna creates a supportive environment where students can develop with confidence, learn from mistakes, and recognise their own progress. She pays particular attention to correct playing posture and instrument positioning, ear training, technical skills, and musical expression. Kateryna selects repertoire according to each student’s level and interests, combining structured work with encouragement and genuine engagement in the learning process. “It is important to me that learning the violin brings not only good results, but also joy in the process itself and in every achievement, large or small.”

Anna Shakhova teaches flute and recorder at Montessori Center. She earned a bachelor’s degree in flute performance from the National Music Academy of Ukraine. She has experience performing with orchestras and ensembles. During her studies, she took part in the academy’s orchestral projects and toured Italy, Slovakia, and Croatia with concert programmes. She won second and third prizes in the composers’ competition at the international Kyiv Flute Days festival. Anna teaches children and adults, including beginners. Mutual respect, a welcoming atmosphere, and students’ interest in music are central to her lessons. Alongside music, Anna works professionally in digital illustration and visual art. This experience helps her explain music through imagery and visual associations.