Key Staff

Agnieszka Emerle is an English Teacher and a  Project Manager. She holds a Master’s degree in English Philology as well as a second Master’s degree in Pedagogy. Additionally, she has completed postgraduate studies in Oligophrenopedagogy, equipping her with specialized knowledge in supporting students with intellectual disabilities. She obtained a STANAG Level 4 certificate, which signifies her advanced proficiency in the language according to the NATO Standardization Agreement. With over 18 years of experience in English language instruction, Agnieszka is highly proficient in designing, structuring, and organizing the learning process for both adolescents and adults. Her extensive expertise in educational project coordination and management enables her to implement innovative teaching methodologies that enhance student engagement and academic success. She is responsible for examination and assessment duties as aregistered examiner with the District Examination Board in Poznań, where she is accredited at three levels.

Jacek Kawałek is a Computer Science Teacher. He holds a degree in Technology and Information Technology from the Higher School of Engineering in Koszalin and has further expanded his expertise by pursuing advanced studies in Computer Graphicsat the Warsaw University of Technology. Demonstrating a commitment to continuous professional development, he regularly participates in certified training programs in Blender and Unity, which take place in Warsaw. Through these programs, he enhances his skills in 3D modeling, animation, and game development, staying up to date with the latest advancements in the field. His educational background, combined with ongoing specialized training, allows him to apply cutting-edge technologies in his work, ensuring a high level of competence in computer graphics, digital design, and interactive media development. Jacek delivers lectures and workshops at academic conferences, particularly in the application of 3D, AR, and VR technologies in education.

Araxa Edu provides specialized courses and training programs in the following key areas:

• Technology & Digital Learning: Robotics, ICT in the Classroom, Digital Games & Storytelling, Gamification, Online Education, Cyberbullying, Media Literacy
• Innovative Teaching Methods: Project-Based Learning, Flipped Learning, Creative Thinking, Coaching
• Inclusive & Multicultural Education: Integration of Immigrant Students, Diversity & Gender Equality in the Classroom, Multiculturalism in Education, Inclusive Education, Autism Awareness
• Student Well-being & Classroom Management: Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention, Classroom Management, Assessment Literacy, Outdoor Education, Drama in Education
• STEM & Environmental Awareness: STEM Education, Eco-Classrooms, Early School Leaving Prevention

Araxa Edu is committed to enhancing the quality of education by equipping educators with practical methodologies, innovative teaching techniques, and up-to-date knowledge to support diverse learning environments. The organization continues to expand its reach by collaborating with educational institutions and professionals across Europe, contributing to the advancement of modern and inclusive education practices.

Key Staff

Leyla Kemal is an Education Programs Consultant, brings a wealth of experience in strategic client management and digital partnerships, having held the role of Senior Client Manager at Twitter UK. She managed strategic relationships with clients and their digital agencies across a range of industries, including Retail, Media & Entertainment, and FMCG. Her expertise lies in product development and market introduction, particularly focusing on the launch of new video products, with a significant achievement being the collaboration with Burberry UK to live stream London Fashion Week on Twitter—a landmark initiative that attracted millions of viewers and marked a major success for both Twitter and Burberry. Leyla’s impactful strategies also resulted in an impressive 200% revenue growth in her first year, through the strategic planning of social media spending for leading movie studios in the UK, including Universal, Fox, Warner Bros, Disney, and Paramount.

Ozkan Çam is the Project Manager at Araxa Edu, with a decade of experience in writing, executing, assessing, and sharing European projects. He has coordinated and overseen the work packages for various initiatives and has been responsible for tracking project progress and establishing deadlines. With more than 20 years of experience in teaching English, he brings extensive expertise to his role.

Edward Chome is an experienced ICT Specialist with a strong background in project management, software development, and data analytics. His expertise encompasses the development and application of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), and computer vision. Edward has successfully applied these techniques to create intelligent systems that reduce the need for human intervention, enhancing automation and efficiency. Edward has contributed to several high-profile international projects, including Eureka, ITEA, PENTA, Celtic, and H2020 (Horizon Europe) initiatives, as well as Erasmus+ projects. These experiences have equipped him with a diverse skill set to successfully manage complex ICT projects and leverage advanced technologies for educational purposes at Araxa Edu.

Key Staff

Silva Blazulioniene – with a background in business and economics from Vilnius and Siauliai Universities, along with extensive experience in the education sector, Silva is equipped to deliver high-quality training for youth and students. She has contributed to numerous international projects, written applications, implemented several Erasmus+ programs, and gained project management experience. Additionally, she serves as an Erasmus+ Youth Project expert evaluator and has been a national coordinator for multiple projects since 2004.

Robertas Kavolius is a Project Manager with a Ph.D. in Education, Robertas holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art, culture, and education from Klaipeda University. He specializes in IT training for students and is an expert in developing digital non-formal learning methods for youth.

Almeda Sinusaite is a Project Manager with a Ph.D. in Education, Almeda holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education (andragogy) from Klaipeda University

Key Staff

Helga Kraljik is a highly experienced educator with an extensive career spanning twenty-seven years as a teacher of English and German. In 2017, she was promoted to the position of senior advisor for the English language, reflecting her expertise and leadership in the field. Throughout her career, Helga has contributed significantly to various national and international projects. Notably, she led the Peacekeeping English Project for the Republic of Croatia from 2000 to 2004, where she developed educational programs for peacekeeping forces. She was also a member of the STANAG 6001 team at the Croatian Ministry of Defense between 2002 and 2004, working on standardizing language proficiency for military personnel. Helga’s commitment to education extends to her involvement in a range of prestigious initiatives, including the ACES 2011-2012 project on volunteering, the ESCL project, and her collaboration with the National Centre for External Evaluation of Education. She currently serves as the Erasmus coordinator at her school, playing a crucial role in coordinating international projects and enhancing the school’s global connections. Her professional achievements were recognized by the Croatian Ministry of Science and Education, which honored her as one of the 510 most successful educators in 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021, and 2021/2022.

Ankica Šarić is a dedicated and experienced educator with twenty-three years of teaching experience in English and Russian. She has been promoted to advisor for the English language, where she continues to share her knowledge and expertise with colleagues. Throughout her career, Ankica has demonstrated leadership in various educational areas, including serving as the coordinator for National Exams, the coordinator for School’s Self-Evaluation for both General Education and Vocational Education. Ankica plays an influential role in regional education, serving as the head of the County Council for the English language. She is also the Erasmus+ deputy coordinator, supporting the development of international cooperation and opportunities for her school. Ankica’s dedication to professional growth and innovation has been recognized by the Croatian Ministry of Education and Science, which named her one of the most successful educators in 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021, and 2021/2022.

The center offers specialized workshops in 25 laboratories across 10 different vocational sectors and specialties, which include:

• Information & Computer Science (specialties: Computer Network Technician; Software Technician)
• Mechanical Engineering (specialties: Car Mechanic, Mechanical Installations Technician)
• Electrics, Electronics, and Automation (specialties: Electronic Systems Technician; Electrical Systems, Installations, and Networks Technician)
• Construction (specialty: Constructions and Geoinformatics [GIS] Technician)
• Agriculture-Food-Nutrition (specialties: Floriculture and Landscape Architecture Technician; Food & Beverage Technologist)
• Seafarer’s Professions (specialties: Merchant Navy Deck Officer; Merchant Navy Engineering Officer)
• Health & Care (specialties: Nurse Assistant, Pharmacist Assistant, Baby Care Assistant, Medical Labs Assistant)
• Aesthetics and Hairdressing Art (specialty: Hairdressing Art)
• Industrial Design (specialty: Fashion Design and Garment Production)
• Economics and Business Administration (specialty: Tourist Company Clerks)

The center employs 80 teachers across various technical specialties and trains 850 students in two shifts: the morning shift primarily consists of students aged 15-18, while the evening shift is mainly composed of adult working students.

Key Staff

Dr. Gkolonis Chrysanthos (Headmaster) holds a Doctorate in Renewable Resources from the Agriculture University of Athens. He has a background in mechanical engineering and economics, along with a Master’s in Business Administration and Environmental Management and Protection. He has authored several books and manuals for second-grade students and lifelong VET education. Additionally, he serves as an adult trainer at public vocational training institutes. Dr. Gkolonis has experience working as a technical consultant engineer for major Greek and multinational technical companies.

M.Sc. Karaisarlis Thrasyvoulos (Head of IT Department) holds a Master’s degree in School Unit Management and Administration, a degree in Informatics from Athens University of Economics, and a degree in Educational Studies. Currently, he is the Head of the IT Department and has previously worked as a Laboratory Manager for many years. He played a key role in designing and evaluating the Student Support Program at 1st EPAL Piraeus. M.Sc. Karaisarlis is actively involved in organizing and conducting seminars and workshops for teachers. He also participates in various seminars and workshops focused on the development of informatics and education administration. Fluent in English and German, he coordinates and participates in several Erasmus+ projects (both KA 1 and KA 2).

The Piaget Institute’s research activities and project participation are primarily managed through its research units and laboratories, including:

• RECI – Research Unit for Education and Community Intervention
• KinesioLab – Focused on sports, sports education, human movement, health, and the leisure industry
• LaBest – Focused on management, technology, digital transformation of organizations, and social entrepreneurship

These units involve both students and social communities, providing a strong foundation for the project’s development, leveraging experience gained from completed and ongoing research-action projects. The institute offers university courses in psychology education, social education, health sciences, and various technology fields, including Cybersecurity, AR and VR, Robotics, Cloud Infrastructures, Multimedia Applications Development, Video Games, Digital Animation, Electronics, Automation, and Data Analysis. Furthermore, traditional courses such as Laboratory and Quality Management, Marketing and Sales, and Consulting integrate digital elements.

Key Staff

Celestino Magalhães is an Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Postgraduate Course in ICT: Hybrid Learning Ecosystems at ESDE – Higher School of Sports and Education at the Piaget Institute of Vila Nova de Gaia. He is also a member of the Scientific Committee of the Postgraduate Course in ICT: Hybrid Learning Ecosystems and a member of the Pedagogical Council of the Jean Piaget Higher School of Sports and Education. He holds a Master’s in Information Systems and a Master’s in ICT – Information and Communication Technologies, specializing in Multimedia. His research interests include Mathematics, Science, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and Educational Technology. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Sciences, specializing in Educational Technology, at the Institute of Education, University of Minho. His research focuses on the creative use of video in education, particularly using smartphones and tablets for video editing as a pedagogical strategy in understanding complex STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) concepts. He is also the co-leader of the Google Educator Group – GEG SUPERTABi Portugal and teaches Programming and Robotics.

Rita Barros is an Assistant Professor at the Piaget Institute. She holds a Master’s in Educational Sciences from the University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain, and both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Psychology from the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Oporto, Portugal. Rita is a specialist in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Health Psychology, certified by the Portuguese Order of Psychologists. She completed post-doctoral research at the Center for Educational Research and Intervention (CIIE) at FPCEUP. Currently, she coordinates the RECI – Research Unit for Education and Community Intervention, an I&D Unit of the Piaget Institute.