Primary Years Teachers

Now in her eighth year living and teaching in Thailand, Kru Garam has embraced the country’s rich culture, Buddhism, and meditation practices. These interests have shaped her calm, mindful, and compassionate approach to teaching, allowing her to create warm and nurturing learning environments. She is dedicated to fostering inclusive, play-based classrooms where every child feels seen, valued, and encouraged to be curious.

For Kru Garam, teaching is about much more than academics—it’s about nurturing the whole child. She strives to inspire kindness, confidence, and resilience, helping her students grow into capable, compassionate, and thoughtful global citizens ready to make a positive impact on the world.

Her teaching is strongly influenced by Buddhist values, which guide not only her classroom practice but also how she lives and interacts with others. Believing that children learn best by observing the actions of adults, Kru Pia strives to lead by example—demonstrating kindness, patience, compassion, and integrity both inside and outside the classroom.

Driven by her interest in child development, Kru Mai has pursued certifications in ADHD and diverse learning support, as well as training in demystifying autism and understanding child psychology. She believes in inclusive education and is committed to supporting children with various learning needs in a respectful and nurturing environment.

Kru Mai is an advocate for play-based learning and integrates mindfulness practices and creative art activities into her teaching. Her calm and caring presence in the classroom creates a safe space where children can thrive both academically and emotionally. She is passionate about inspiring young minds and supporting families in their educational journey.

Driven by a deep passion for travel and new experiences, Kru Melanie expanded her horizons internationally, moving to Kuwait. There, she taught second grade for three years before embracing a new challenge as an instructional coach, supporting fellow educators to grow and thrive. Her teaching philosophy centers around the belief that learning has no limits, that children flourish when encouraged to explore, create, and unlock their fullest potential within a caring and supportive classroom.

Now, Kru Melanie is excited to begin her new chapter in Chiang Mai and is thrilled to join the Panyaden community. Outside the classroom, she loves hiking with her dog, rock climbing, and seeking out new adventures that inspire her curiosity and zest for life.

As one of the founding teachers of Panyaden International School, Kru Dokmai has played a vital role in shaping the school’s unique and nurturing learning environment. Over the years, she has taken on many responsibilities, including serving as Thai Coordinator and teaching Thai language to both Thai and international students. Currently, she is the Year 1 homeroom teacher as well as the Thai Primary Coordinator, where she continues to inspire and support her students and colleagues with warmth and dedication.

Outside of school, Kru Dokmai treasures the time she spends with her two daughters, finding joy in family life. She also has a love for cooking and gardening, where she channels her creativity and patience. Kru Dokmai believes that education is a journey of discovery and growth, and she feels truly grateful to be part of her students’ learning adventures every day.

Kru Gai is dedicated to nurturing children with warmth and helping them grow with confidence and curiosity. She believes the early years are a special time for children to explore and learn with joy. Her classroom is a safe and supportive space where students can grow at their own pace and express their creativity.

Outside of school, Kru Gai enjoys cooking, reading, and traveling. These hobbies allow her to explore new ideas, cultures, and experiences, which she brings into her teaching to inspire her students.

For the past seven years, Kru Kenzie has called Chiang Mai home, continuing to develop her holistic and inquiry-based teaching approach. She is especially passionate about early literacy, supporting children as budding readers and writers, and loves weaving mindfulness and emotional awareness into daily routines. Her interest in child psychology helps her tailor learning experiences that support the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally.

In the classroom, Kru Kenzie strives to create a calm, nurturing space where children feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and explore their world with confidence and curiosity. Outside of school, she enjoys yoga, crafting, and spending time outdoors—whether hiking in the mountains or chasing waterfalls with friends and family.

As a former Head of the English Programme, she has extensive expertise in English and bilingual education. Kru Jang also enhanced her skills by completing EAL (English as an Additional Language) courses in Melbourne, Australia, which broadened her teaching approach and perspective. What truly drew her to Panyaden is the school’s unique blend of academic excellence, Buddhist values, and respect for sustainability. She believes education should nurture not only young minds but also kind, responsible hearts. In her classroom, every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Outside the classroom, Kru Jang loves traveling and expressing creativity through crafts. She hopes to inspire her students to embrace learning—and life—with curiosity, kindness, and confidence.

Kru Om brings warmth, patience, and a genuine love for helping children grow and explore their potential. She believes every child learns best through curiosity and creativity and always offers a kind smile, a listening ear, and gentle encouragement. Being part of each child’s learning journey is a true privilege and joy for her.

Outside the classroom, Kru Om enjoys cycling in nature to relax and recharge. She also practices mindful crafts like sewing and macramé, which nurture her creativity and calm focus. These passions enrich her life and inspire her approach to teaching.

Grateful to be part of the Panyaden family, Kru Om is dedicated to helping children become confident, compassionate, and curious lifelong learners.

With a strong background in primary education, Kru Melissa holds an iPGCE from the University of East London as well as a postgraduate degree in Social Responsibility and Development. She is passionate about creating classrooms that are not only engaging and inclusive but also filled with joy and a sense of belonging. Drawing on her experience with inquiry-based learning and her commitment to student well-being through Conscious Discipline, she helps children feel safe, supported, and confident as they explore and grow.

Born and raised in Colombia, Kru Melissa brings warmth, openness, and a global perspective to her teaching. Her time teaching in India further deepened her cultural understanding and sensitivity, which she weaves into her classroom practice to help students develop as caring, globally minded citizens.

Kru Yok believes every child is unique, with a natural ability to learn and grow. She creates a safe, welcoming classroom where children feel encouraged to take risks, ask questions, and explore with confidence. Watching her students blossom, gaining new skills and joy in learning, is her greatest reward.

Outside school, Kru Yok enjoys exploring new restaurants, playing badminton, and relaxing with novels. These interests keep her balanced and inspire her teaching. She feels grateful to be part of Panyaden’s caring community, dedicated to nurturing confident, curious, and resilient learners for life.

In the classroom, Kru Title creates a warm and welcoming space where students feel safe to take risks, ask questions, and express themselves freely. He believes education goes beyond academics—it's about fostering creativity, resilience, and kindness, helping each child uncover their unique strengths and potential. Watching students gain confidence and take pride in their progress brings him great joy.

Outside school, Kru Title enjoys crafts, art, tattoos, running, and weightlifting. His creativity and enthusiasm inspire students to explore learning with curiosity, imagination, and joy every day.

Before joining Panyaden, Kru Adam taught for four years at an international school in Colombia. He brings experience from diverse educational contexts and is committed to nurturing curiosity, creativity, and compassion in the classroom.

In addition to teaching Year 3, Kru Adam serves as Panyaden’s Service Learning and Sustainability Coach, supporting students and staff to connect learning with meaningful action. He empowers children to see themselves as changemakers who can address real-world challenges, from climate action to community wellbeing. Through frameworks like Design for Change, he helps students develop their voice, collaborate with purpose, and take informed action.

Inspired by Panyaden’s integration of Buddhist principles, mindful education, and academic rigour, Kru Adam values the opportunity to grow within a caring, connected community while helping students realise their potential in and beyond the classroom.

These experiences deepened her understanding of people, communities, and the importance of creating supportive environments—an understanding she now brings into her teaching practice.

At Panyaden, Kru Namphung is passionate about helping every child discover their potential. She believes all children can learn when they are in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment. Her classroom encourages curiosity, questions, and confident exploration of new ideas. She takes joy in seeing students grow not only academically, but also in kindness, resilience, and self-awareness.

Outside the classroom, Kru Namphung enjoys reading, which broadens her perspectives, and working out, which helps her maintain balance and well-being. She brings this energy and positivity into her teaching, inspiring students to live with curiosity, confidence, and joy.

Kru Aua believes that language is a powerful tool that opens doors to new cultures, ideas, and friendships. She strives to create a classroom environment that is both fun and supportive, where students feel encouraged to express themselves confidently and explore their full potential. Her warm and patient approach helps children build not only their language skills but also their confidence and curiosity.

When she’s not in the classroom, Kru Aua loves to travel and explore new places, always eager to learn about different cultures and traditions. She treasures spending quality time with her family, sharing fun activities that bring them closer together and create lasting memories.

Born in Hungary, Kru Bori spent much of her childhood in Asia—an experience that shaped her worldview and continues to influence her approach in the classroom. As a homeroom teacher, she is passionate about fostering student wellbeing and self-awareness, creating conditions for meaningful learning and academic growth in diverse, international settings.

Motivated to return to South East Asia, she moved to Yangon, Myanmar, where she taught in a British international school and served as eco-coordinator, helping the school work towards green accreditation. In 2021, she returned to Hungary to join a sustainability-focused international school. Alongside teaching, she worked with the Jane Goodall Institute in Budapest to lead the Roots & Shoots programme, encouraging environmental action among young learners.

Now based in Chiang Mai, she continues to integrate sustainability, wellbeing, and a global perspective into her teaching practice. Outside the classroom, she enjoys being creative through dance and art, and also finds inspiration in yoga, travelling, and reading.

With over 30 years of teaching experience across primary, secondary and university levels, Kru Tarn brings a depth of wisdom and compassion to her teaching. Her approach to education is rooted in the belief that children thrive when learning is joyful, meaningful and connected to their lives. She integrates Thai language learning with literature, nature and creative expression, especially poetry, making learning both beautiful and memorable for her students. Kru Tarn values the inner development of each child and creates a learning environment where students feel safe to explore, express themselves and grow in both knowledge and character.

Through this experience, she discovered her passion for working with children and being part of a learning atmosphere. She feels truly joyful when learning new things alongside her students.

Outside the classroom, Kru Mei enjoys outdoor activities and continues to be a student herself. She has been practicing Muay Thai for over a year. She also finds joy in playing badminton, running, hiking, birdwatching, and learning about different kinds of plants.

With over a decade of experience as an upper primary homeroom teacher and a varied professional background, Kru Don brings real-world context to his teaching. He draws on diverse experiences to spark curiosity and deepen understanding in the classroom.

His professional interests include reading development, project-based learning, and educational philosophy. Committed to deep reading as a foundation for learning, Kru Don believes in the power of books to shape thinking and connect students to the human story. He is also passionate about student agency, encouraging learners to ask meaningful questions and engage with real-world challenges.

As both a teacher and lifelong learner, Kru Don values curiosity, creativity, and purposeful learning. His teaching is rooted in inquiry, authentic relationships, and the belief that students grow best when they are supported, engaged, and empowered to make sense of the world around them.

Currently, Kru Frame is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Education focused on Psychological Studies at Chiang Mai University, further enhancing her understanding of how children learn and develop. With five years of teaching experience at Panyaden International School, Kru Frame brings expertise, creativity, and warmth to her classroom. She is passionate about creating a nurturing environment where every child feels supported and inspired to explore, ask questions, and grow.

Recently, Kru Frame was awarded a prestigious scholarship to study as a master’s exchange student at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Budapest, Hungary. After an exciting academic adventure in Europe, she is thrilled to be back and ready for a joyful and inspiring year with the Year 4 Jaguar class, eager to learn and grow together with her students.

Kru Jah loves playing almost every sport, including volleyball, football, basketball and swimming, and her enthusiasm is contagious. Beyond sports, what truly drives her is working with children. She sees each child as a wellspring of imagination, creativity and unique insight. Ja believes teaching is a two-way street, where educators guide students but also learn from their fresh perspectives.

For Kru Jah, teaching is more than passing on knowledge; it is about inspiring curiosity, fostering growth and building meaningful connections. Her warm, encouraging approach helps children feel confident and excited to explore both their bodies and minds. She feels privileged to be part of their learning journey every day.

Subsequently, he taught middle school for an additional six years in Kiribati, gaining valuable international experience.Timber later taught English to high school students at DARA Academy in Thailand for seven years.

Currently in his 12th year at Panyaden, Timber has experience in teaching Year 6, 7, and now Year 4 Panthers for five years. Apart from teaching, he enjoys activities such as swimming, archery, woodworking, and playing Dungeons and Dragons.

With a solid educational foundation and diverse experiences, Kru Timber brings a unique perspective (and plenty of joy!) to his teaching, benefiting his students. He is eagerly looking forward to another wonderful year at Panyaden.

Kru Ta’s passion for learning goes beyond the classroom. He has conducted academic research, including a thoughtful thesis on “Buddhist Educational Administration Guidelines in Chiang Mai Province.” This research reflects his strong belief in integrating Buddhist values into education. He gently weaves these principles into his teaching, creating a nurturing and mindful environment where students can flourish both academically and personally.

For Kru Ta, teaching is more than delivering lessons; it’s about inspiring curiosity, kindness, and resilience. He is committed to helping each child develop a lifelong love of learning, encouraging them to explore, grow, and become thoughtful individuals. His warm approach and dedication make him a treasured member of our school community. Kru Ta feels honoured to guide his students on their educational journey, supporting them every step with patience, wisdom, and care

Her connection to Panyaden is even more special because both of her sons have been proud students here for many years, and their happiness truly reflects the nurturing environment the school provides. Outside of school, Kru Murn treasures spending quality time with her family. She loves travelling together, exploring new places, and creating joyful memories. She also practices meditation regularly, finding it helps her stay centered and calm. Kru Murn is passionate about cooking and especially enjoys preparing Korean and Chinese dishes, which she often shares with loved ones.

With her warm heart and strong ties to the school, Kru Murn brings both personal and professional dedication to everything she does. She feels grateful to be part of a community where family, learning, and kindness come together so beautifully.

Specialising in literacy, Kru Jordi earned distinction for her Master’s dissertation on developing effective reading practices that inspire a lifelong love of books. She is passionate about providing access to rich texts and clear instruction, helping students express themselves with confidence and creativity.

Student wellbeing is central to her approach. She fosters resilience, curiosity and kindness, encouraging children to take risks, ask questions and develop a strong sense of self. Her classroom is a safe space where students grow academically and emotionally.

Outside teaching, she enjoys yoga, meditation, cooking and exploring cultures through travel. She has recently taken up furniture-making and drumming, hobbies that spark creativity and patience.

Kru Pat is passionate about creating a classroom environment where children feel safe to express themselves, ask questions, and explore their world with curiosity. She believes that nurturing a child’s natural wonder is essential to developing a lifelong love of learning. Her warm, patient approach helps each student feel valued and encouraged to grow in their own unique way.

Outside the classroom, Kru Pat cherishes spending quality time with her family, enjoying simple moments together that bring joy and connection. Whether it’s sharing stories, exploring new places, or trying out new activities, she believes that these experiences enrich both her life and her teaching.

Watching her children grow and develop over the years has been an incredible journey, one made even more meaningful by Panyaden’s commitment to nurturing each student’s unique talents and strong moral values. Kru Pat truly believes in the school’s vision and feels grateful to be part of a community that honors individuality while fostering kindness, curiosity, and confidence.

She looks forward with excitement to continuing her own growth as an educator and to remaining an integral and cherished member of the exceptional Panyaden family for many years to come.

Before joining Panyaden, Kru Yaara taught at an IB international school in Chiang Mai, guiding students through year-long, inquiry-based projects connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These units encouraged practical action and deepened students’ connection to global issues.

Now in her third year at Panyaden, she brings creative energy and a student-centred mindset to the Year 5 team. As Year 5 Maths Specialist, she draws inspiration from Stanford University’s Mathematical Mindsets, Building Thinking Classrooms, and educators like Cath Murdoch and Trevor Mackenzie. Her interests include inclusive education, arts integration and fostering a growth mindset through inquiry and creativity. She is committed to nurturing learning environments where students feel safe, seen and inspired to thrive.

Kru Krit believes that every student is unique, with their own strengths and ways of learning. Rather than expecting all students to follow the same path, he sees his role as guiding each learner to grow into the best version of themselves. He celebrates diversity as a source of strength and strives to create a safe, welcoming space where every child feels valued and encouraged to explore their interests.

He finds great joy in watching students engage deeply with new ideas, ask thoughtful questions, and build connections with their peers. With a focus on nurturing curiosity and creativity, Kru Krit fosters a lively and supportive classroom environment where learning is an exciting journey for everyone.

Now in her eighth year at Panyaden, Kru Mair’s passion lies in creating a learning environment where children feel safe to express themselves and explore their creativity. She loves encouraging students to embrace their sense of humour and develop independence, believing these qualities help them grow into confident and joyful learners.

Outside school, Kru Mair enjoys reading captivating books, watching inspiring and entertaining movies, and travelling to new places with her family. These interests fuel her imagination and help her bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm into the classroom. With her warm heart and playful approach, Kru Mair is truly committed to nurturing each child’s unique personality and helping them flourish academically, socially and emotionally.

With over a decade of teaching experience, Kru Andrew is committed to nurturing the whole child—intellectually, socially, emotionally and ethically. He believes inquiry-based learning plays a crucial role in holistic development. By encouraging curiosity, reflection and critical thinking, he aims to empower students to become lifelong learners who engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

As a parent of two children at Panyaden, Kru Andrew is deeply connected to the school community. His dual role as teacher and parent lets him see the value of the school’s principles from multiple perspectives, enriching his approach to education.

Beyond the classroom, Kru Andrew is an avid outdoors enthusiast. Having grown up exploring South Africa’s wild beauty and now discovering Thailand’s natural wonders, he finds inspiration and renewal in nature. This passion spills into his teaching, where he fosters a sense of wonder, respect and stewardship for the environment in his students.

Kru William has a love for maths and inquiry-based learning. He’s currently writing a book for Routledge | Taylor & Francis titled The Inquiry Math Classroom: Growing Confidence and Bringing Equity to K–8 Settings. His approach focuses on helping students build confidence and find joy in learning through curiosity and exploration. He feels closely aligned with Panyaden’s values, especially its focus on nurturing the whole child academically, emotionally and mindfully. He believes every child should feel seen, supported and empowered to lead their own learning journey.

Kru William lives in Chiang Mai with his wife, Meagan, and their two young sons, Callum and Wells, who also attend Panyaden. Together, they love exploring nature, travelling and reading stories as a family.

With over two decades of teaching experience—fourteen years in a private school and ten years in international schools in Chiang Mai—Kru Mon has developed a deep passion for both Science and the Thai language. She enjoys making these subjects come alive in the classroom, inspiring students to explore and appreciate the world around them.

Outside of school, Kru Mon is a dedicated plant enthusiast, especially fond of collecting Caladium Bicolor. She finds joy and peace in nurturing nature’s beauty. She also treasures quiet moments by the rural coast, where the gentle sound of the sea and fresh seafood create a soothing escape from busy life. These experiences fuel her calm, caring presence both in and out of the classroom.

After exploring various professional paths, it was the values and vibrant learning environment at Panyaden that reignited her passion for education. Kru Noon is deeply committed to creating a classroom where curiosity, creativity, and kindness are nurtured every day. She believes in the power of education to transform lives and finds great joy in supporting students as they grow socially, emotionally, and academically.

Outside the classroom, Kru Noon’s adventurous spirit shines. She loves to travel, explore different cultures, and recharge in nature—often by hiking scenic trails. When at home, she enjoys reading, staying active through sports, and finding inspiration in everyday moments.