About my journey

Hi, I’m Amanda McCullough. I was born and raised in Nova Scotia, on Canada’s beautiful Atlantic coast, and life has taken me on quite a journey ever since. After graduating from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Therapy, I spent years working with children and adults facing everything from terminal illness to Alzheimer’s, dementia, and severe mental health challenges. Those experiences shaped my deep compassion and taught me how powerful connection can be.

While working aboard Carnival Cruise Lines, I met a Slovak man who stole my heart — and I never looked back. Together we built a life across continents, and in 2014 I made the move to Slovakia with my two little ones, Luka and Guinness, while my husband stayed behind to wrap things up in Canada. Living with my Slovak in-laws during that first year was both challenging and a gift — it turned out to be the best crash course in Slovak language and culture I could have asked for.

I earned my CELTA diploma through Cambridge University, and since then, teaching English has become my passion and calling. In 2015, I opened my own language school in the High Tatras region, where I live and teach today. I’ve had the joy of preparing students for Cambridge exams, running English summer day camps for over a decade, and working with learners of all ages.

My approach to teaching is simple: learning English should be fun, interactive, and never intimidating. I believe the best progress comes when students feel comfortable to speak, laugh, make mistakes, and try again. Creating that safe and positive environment is my priority.

On a personal note, I’m a bubbly, outgoing person who loves connecting with people. My friends and students often tell me I have a knack for making others feel heard, understood, and encouraged — and I’d say that’s my true “superpower.” Outside of the classroom, you’ll often find me running, hiking in the Tatras, or simply enjoying time with my family.