Who we are?

Prof. Krzysztof Ficek, MD, PhD

Creator and originator of the Ninanki programme.

Professor at the Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, specialist in orthopaedics and traumatology of the musculoskeletal system and sports medicine. Graduate of postgraduate MBA studies in healthcare. For many years, he has been combining scientific, clinical and organisational activities, developing modern methods of treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries.

He is the author of numerous scientific publications in renowned journals and a reviewer for prestigious industry publications. He has participated in many international conferences. He is the chairman of the University Bioethics Committee for Scientific Research at the University School of Physical Education in Katowice and a member of the university senate. In 2013–2023, he was a member of the Clinical Expert Council of TÜV NORD Polska. Founder and president of the Galen-Ortopedia medical centre in Bieruń. Project manager of BioMiStem, which conducted innovative clinical research on the use of advanced therapy in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Creator and co-creator of patents and utility models related to medical implants.

Professor Krzysztof Ficek is also passionate about and loves exercise. Physical activity is an integral part of his life, and many years of practice and observation of patients have confirmed his belief in the enormous importance of exercise, not only for everyday well-being and health, but also in the prevention of injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. Healthy exercise habits, formed from an early age, can significantly reduce the risk of many injuries and diseases, which the Professor passionately promotes in his clinical work as well as in his scientific and social activities. Privately, he is the grandfather of Nina and Natalia – it was observing their development that inspired him to create the Ninanki Foundation, which promotes freedom of movement and the development of healthy exercise habits from an early age.

Martyna Borowska, MA

Ninanki programme coordinator, music composer.

She holds a Master of Arts degree in oboe performance and is a graduate of the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice, where she studied under Prof. Tomasz Miczka. She collaborates with numerous orchestras: the Beethoven Academy Orchestra, the Śląsk Song and Dance Ensemble, the Krakow Cultural Syndicate, the Polish Film Music Orchestra, and philharmonic orchestras in Poland: the Zielona Góra Philharmonic, Toruń Symphony Orchestra, Silesian Philharmonic, Opole Philharmonic, Krakow Philharmonic, Częstochowa Philharmonic, etc. She also performs with chamber ensembles such as the ICON Orchestra, Warsaw Symphony Orchestra “Sonata” and many others.

She has gained international recognition for her versatile artistic activity. She has performed on prestigious stages in China, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Greece and Lithuania, collaborating with orchestras around the world. Her musical career includes collaborations with outstanding artists, including Lang Lang, the band Raz Dwa Trzy, Kuba Badach, Katarzyna Cerekwicka, Marcin Wyrostek, Kasia Moś, as well as film music composers, including Simon Franglen. Her passion for music and constant pursuit of artistic development are the foundations of her career, which combines performances, education and collaboration with the world’s most outstanding artists. She also completed postgraduate studies at the same academy, specialising in music therapy, which she uses every day in her work with children.

Martyna Borowska coordinates all activities related to the programme and also conducts classes, where the desire to develop the programme inspires her to constantly improve Ninanek. She is also a co-creator of the programme in terms of music, composing songs used during classes and performing as one of the musicians participating in the recording of these songs.

Julia Walalatek, Msc

Instructor of the Ninanki programme, co-creator of the movement aspects.

She holds a master’s degree in physiotherapy and is a graduate and doctoral student of the Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice. In her professional work, she deals with children and young people with posture problems, in the course of convalescence after orthopaedic surgery, as well as young athletes who want to improve their overall physical fitness. Participant in numerous scientific conferences, author of scientific articles, member of scientific research teams.

Privately, she is passionate about sport, all forms of physical activity and comprehensive physical education. She is a co-creator of the physical aspects of the programme, which, based on the theory of motor preparation and motor development, creates interesting, engaging and popular exercises for children, as well as games and activities based on mutual cooperation. She participates in and leads numerous events aimed at promoting the Programme and encouraging physical activity among people of all ages.

Joanna Mastalerz, MA

Author of poems and interludes in the programme.

Joanna Mastalerz is a graduate of the Ludwik Solski Academy of Dramatic Art and the Literary and Artistic Studies programme at the Faculty of Polish Studies at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow. For 25 years, she was associated with the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre in Krakow, where she performed in many significant roles, gaining recognition from both audiences and critics.

She currently lectures at the Stanisław Wyspiański Academy of Theatre Arts in Krakow, where she specialises in teaching poetry interpretation. Her passion is literature and art, which she actively promotes by sharing her knowledge and experience with successive generations of artists. Joanna Mastalerz is also a nature lover – she cares deeply for animals and plants. She is also fond of physical activity, which makes movement an integral part of her life. Thanks to her versatility, commitment and artistic sensitivity, she is a valued figure in the theatre and literary community. In Ninanki, she has transferred her sensitivity and talent into poems and songs about every movement pattern, creating the rich land of Ninanki.