Meet our talented Early Years teachers.
We read over 250 applications each year before carefully selecting candidates for any new teaching positions. All teachers receive 2 weeks of rigorous training before they start and benefit from around 70 hours of ongoing professional development support throughout the school year.
Teachers must be qualified and experienced, but most of all they must be ready to be role models to our students. We know we ultimately teach through modelling and expect all teachers to fully embrace the values of the school and develop personal attributes in line with the school’s 12 Wise Habits.
At Panyaden, we value passion, personality, commitment.
Myra Lyn Dominguez Cardenas (Myra)
Fireflies Homeroom Teacher
Kru Myra originates from Virginia Beach, Virginia. She has over fourteen years of experience as an elementary school teacher and reading specialist, including three years teaching at an international school in Bangkok. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies and a Master’s in Teaching, complemented by a Post-Master’s Certificate for Reading Specialist.
Kru Myra’s commitment to lifelong learning is evident through her creation of learning environments that foster a sense of community, nurture multiculturalism, and emphasise the development of strong character skills. Outside of her professional endeavours, she finds joy in reading, the culinary arts, Muay Thai training, travelling, and exploring diverse cultures.
Phatcharaphorn Kwanthong (Kru Pond)
Fireflies Homeroom Teacher
Kru Pond brings over twenty years of teaching experience to both Thailand and international settings, encompassing kindergarten, primary, vocational education, and university levels. She holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Chiang Mai University.
Kru Pond firmly believes in nurturing the social and emotional development of children to cultivate their self-confidence, self-discipline, and their ability to care for themselves, others, and the environment. She has discovered that Buddhist Education aligns harmoniously with her personal interests in baking and painting, offering pathways to experience inner peace and relish in life.
Sureerat Prayoonwong (Tookta)
Fireflies Teaching Assistant
Kru Tookta holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Chiang Mai University and a Bachelor of Education degree, majoring in Education and Communication Technology from Sukhothai Thammathirat University. She has a passion for singing, reading, teaching, and finding happiness through interactions with children.
Vanessa Amor Marcos (Kru Vanessa)
Butterflies Homeroom Teacher
Kru Vanessa graduated from the University of the Philippines with a B.A. in Elementary Education, focusing on Special Education. Following four years of work as a Montessori teacher in the Philippines, she embarked on an international teaching journey, starting in Myanmar and subsequently moving to Vietnam before joining the Panyaden community. Throughout her career, Kru Vanessa has taught kindergarten, Year 1, and Year 2. However, her preferred level is preschool, as she finds young children to be naturally curious and enjoyable. During her leisure time, she loves to travel, swim, and play the ukulele.
Wanlaya Loetphornphisit (Kru Mint)
Butterflies Homeroom Teacher
Kru Mint has been teaching for over thirteen years now. She holds a Bachelor of Education from Chiang Mai Rajabhat University. In her free time, she likes travelling with her family and photography. She also loves cooking, painting and gardening. Kru Mint joined Panyaden because of the environment, which she believes will provide the best education for children.
Nundapatr Mongkolsitchoth (Kru Kookkai)
Butterflies Teaching Assistant
Kru Kookkai graduated from Thammasat University with a degree in Social Work. She is passionate about working with both children and the elderly. Before joining Panyaden, she dedicated three years to working in a child development centre and also organised activities for children at a tour agency. Kru Kookkai is an avid sports enthusiast and enjoys playing table tennis, badminton, and football. During her leisure time, she indulges in watching movies and reading. When given the opportunity, she and her friends like to volunteer to contribute to the development of children and the community.
Kevin Charles Lewis
(Kru Kevin)
Caterpillars Homeroom Teacher
Kru Kevin possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in English Language and a Master’s Degree in International Education. Commencing his teaching journey over fifteen years ago in Chiang Mai, he most recently held the role of Deputy Head of Kindergarten at an international school in Bangkok. Renowned for his kindness and compassion, Kru Kevin is devoted to establishing a secure, enjoyable, and interactive learning atmosphere for his students. Beyond his professional life, he finds solace in nature. A significant portion of his leisure time is dedicated to hiking, cycling, and camping.
Jeerawan Panma (Kru Aae)
Caterpillars Homeroom Teacher
Kru Aae has been teaching at Panyaden since 2012. She has invested the last decade of her career as a homeroom teacher for Kindergarten 1, a role she truly loves! She graduated from Maejo University with a major in ecotourism and has since discovered her passion for early childhood education. When interacting with children, she remains mindful and brings a cheerful demeanor. Kru Aae thoroughly enjoys engaging in outdoor activities.
Mintra Tisakit (Mintra)
Caterpillars Teaching Assistant
Kru Mintra earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Management from Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology and a Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Melbourne, Australia. Before becoming a part of Panyaden, she accumulated over five years of experience working in childcare in Australia. She has a profound affection for children and takes joy in fostering their learning and witnessing their developmental progress through creative forms of play.
Laura Lucia Puga Kurucz (Kru Laura)
Kindergarten 2 (Busy Ants) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Laura was born in Hungary, however, she spent most of her life in Ecuador. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from the Universidad de la Rioja in Spain. Her teaching journey began as a Primary Teaching Assistant at the American School of Quito, where she eventually transitioned into the role of an Early Years Teacher within the same institution. Approaching her ninth year of teaching, Kru Laura eagerly anticipates the experiences that lie ahead. She is enthusiastic about immersing herself in the culture of both the school and the country, while also aiming to further enrich her understanding of Buddhism through firsthand engagement at Panyaden and in Thailand.
Tassanee Naksin (Kru Jeab)
Kindergarten 2 (Busy Ants) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Jeab has over twenty-two years of experience working with kindergarten children. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication from Ramkhamhaeng University and holds her professional teachers’ licence. She has been with Panyaden since we opened in 2011. For Kru Jeab, the most important thing is to enjoy her work and spread happiness to people everywhere, especially children.
Kanokporn Yuyen (Kru Gifreen)
Kindergarten 2 (Busy Ants) Teaching Assistant
Kru Gifreen obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism from Chiang Mai University. Following her graduation, while working as an administrator in a private company, she also provided private tutoring to children. This experience ignited her passion for teaching. Subsequently, she committed herself to becoming a full-time Teaching Assistant. During her leisure hours, she takes pleasure in engaging in various forms of exercise such as tennis, badminton, and hiking. She firmly believes that children are akin to little seeds, maturing into beauty with each passing day.
Garam Kim (Kru Garam)
Kindergarten 2 (Honey Bees) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Garam holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s Degree in Primary English Language Teaching. She has been teaching for ten years in London, South Korea, and Thailand. She worked as a children’s book editor for four years, publishing ELT books and picture books. She loves being in nature and helping children feel inspired and at home. Kru Garam is a lifelong learner who enjoys reading and learning about different cultures.
Naranya Tanakulparat (Kru Neung)
Kindergarten 2 (Honey Bees) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Neung has dedicated the past fifteen years to teaching, spanning across both the United States and Bangkok. Her enthusiasm is palpable as she becomes a part of the Panyaden community, which centres on cultivating both academic and spiritual growth. Kru Neung firmly believes that instilling essential values in our children contributes to their journey towards becoming well-rounded, content, and responsible individuals. The foundation for these values begins to take shape from an early age. Her commitment to fostering the holistic well-being of our children is unwavering, which is why she embraced the role of an Early Years teacher.
Nanticha Chutikul (Kru Gift)
Kindergarten 2 (Honey Bees) Teaching Assistant
Kru Gift is originally from Chiang Rai. She graduated from Maejo University, majoring in Food Sciences and Technology for her Bachelor’s Degree. Afterward, she moved to Sydney, Australia to complete a Master’s Degree in Professional Accounting. She used to volunteer at the local library, where she read stories to young children. This experience made her realise that she truly enjoys being and working with young children. She joined Panyaden because she admires the environment and architecture of our school, and she is thrilled to be a part of it.