Meet our talented Primary 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.
Nadia Maria Pashkevich (Kru Nadia)
Year 1 (Dragonflies) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Nadia’s upbringing is a blend of German and American heritage, yet most of her childhood was spent in the Middle East, particularly Yemen. She earned an Honours Bachelor Degree in Primary Education and a Master of Education degree from the University of Brighton in the UK. For a span of six years, she resided, studied, and taught in the UK. Following this, she relocated to Germany for a three-year tenure at an international school.
Kru Nadia finds immense joy in immersing herself in nature, relishing delicious cuisine, and venturing into unexplored territories. She is passionate about play-based education and fostering opportunities for exploratory learning.
Podchanart Manipuntee(Kru R)
Year 1 (Dragonflies) Homeroom Teacher
Kru R holds a Bachelor Degree in Thai Language from Payap University and a Master Degree in Education Administration from Chiang Mai University. She became a part of the Panyaden community in 2019, assuming the role of Thai Head Teacher. With an extensive career spanning over ten years, she has excelled as a Middle & High School Thai Teacher and as the Thai Department Leader in one of Chiang Mai’s most prominent international schools.
Throughout her previous roles, her focus has been on guiding and coaching fellow Thai teachers, enhancing their teaching prowess to create an enriching learning experience and instilling a passion for learning in children. During her leisure moments, Kru R delights in travelling alongside her family and cherishing precious time with her daughter.
Kamonwan Kamdee (Kru Mai)
Year 1 (Dragonflies) Teaching Assistant
Kru Mai graduated from Rajabhat Chiang Mai University with a first-class honours Bachelor Degree in Business English. She worked as an international translator at Chiang Mai Ram Hospital for over ten years and also spent eight years working at Susan’s House Kindergarten. She is a mother of two sons and has a passion for Thai desserts, cooking, children’s crafts, reading, and singing.
Ibone Verhey (Kru Ibone)
Year 1 (Ladybirds) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Ibone was born in Germany, however, she spent her formative years in Colombia and Zimbabwe. Her educational journey took her to the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Alongside her teaching degree, she holds a Bachelor Degree in International Studies and a Master Degree in Global Mental Health. Over recent years, she has been dedicated to teaching Years 1 and 2 in London, UK, while also gaining experience in working with children who have additional needs.
A specific area of fervour for her is primary science education, and she is equally passionate about facilitating outdoor learning experiences.
Jiranat Sriphet (Kru Dokmai)
Year 1 (Ladybirds) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Dokmai holds both a Bachelor Degree in Education (Early Childhood Education with Honours) and a Master Degree in Education (Developmental Psychology) from Chulalongkorn University. She was one of the founding teachers of Panyaden International School after 10 years of working as a primary level Thai teacher and coordinator at an international school in Bangkok. At Panyaden, she gained experience in different roles including Thai Headteacher and Thai Coordinator, teaching Thai to both Thai and foreign students.
Kru Dokmai enjoys spending time with her two daughters and has a passion for cooking and gardening.
Mayuree Jaijaroensakundee (Kru Gai)
Year 1 (Ladybirds) Teaching Assistant
Kru Gai completed her studies at Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, majoring in Chinese. She has accumulated five years of experience working with kindergarten children at an international school in Bangkok, and this year marks her eleventh year at Panyaden. Beyond her teaching role, Kru Gai finds joy in cooking, reading, and exploring new destinations through travel.
Mackenzi Maetche (Kru Kenzie)
Year 2 (Grasshoppers) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Kenzie is originally from a small town in the Rocky Mountains in Canada. She studied and obtained her Bachelor of Education at the University of Alberta, specialising in Primary Education. Kru Kenzie began her teaching career in Canada at an outdoor kindergarten, where she found her passion for connecting children with nature and creating rich and meaningful learning experiences. Kru Kenzie thoroughly enjoys her time at Panyaden, immersing herself into Buddhism, Thai language and culture.
In her free time, Kru Kenzie enjoys practicing yoga, reading about psychology and going on nature adventures.
Tamisa Wiboonkiat (Kru Jang)
Year 2 (Grasshoppers) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Jang holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Khon Kaen University and a Master of Education from Sukhothai Thammathiraj University. With a teaching tenure spanning two decades, she has garnered extensive experience in instructing English and bilingual programmes in Chiang Mai. During this time, she ascended to the role of Head of the English programme at her former school. Kru Jang further enriched her understanding of English by undertaking EAL courses in Melbourne, Australia.
Kru Jang's journey to Panyaden International School was inspired by the school's educational philosophy, which encompasses Buddhist principles and a focus on sustainability. Outside of her professional commitments, Kru Jang finds delight in travelling and honing her culinary skills.
Weeranut Srion (Kru Om)
Year 2 (Grasshoppers) Teaching Assistant
Kru Om graduated with a degree in Mass Communication from Chiang Mai University. She brings twenty years of experience working in international schools. Initially, at Panyaden, Kru Om served as the Academic Secretary for four years. This year marks her fourth year working as a Teaching Assistant. Kru Om is passionate about the Panyaden philosophy and finds immense fascination in observing children’s growth and development. During her free time, she enjoys travelling, gardening, listening to music, and spending quality moments with her daughter, Pak, who will be in Year 9 at Panyaden this year.
Melissa Quintero (Kru Melissa)
Year 2 (Cicadas) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Melissa chose education as her path to making a positive impact on the world. Believing in the potential of today’s children to shape tomorrow, she is dedicated to fostering global citizenship and nurturing a love of learning. As a committed educator with a strong foundation in primary school education, Kru Melissa holds an iPGCE from the University of East London and a postgraduate degree in Social Responsibility and Development. She is devoted to creating engaging and inclusive classrooms.
Her experience with inquiry-based learning, combined with her passion for student well-being through Conscious Discipline, equips her to inspire young learners and provide them with an environment where they feel safe and happy. Born and raised in Colombia, Kru Melissa has also taught in India, gaining valuable experience that enhances her global-mindedness and cultural sensitivity in her teaching practice.
Aumporn Panthong (Kru Ta)
Year 2 (Cicadas) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Ta boasts an extensive teaching career spanning over eighteen years, predominantly focused on kindergarten and primary students. He is equipped with a Bachelor of Science degree in Primary Education Management, specialising in sports, from Srinakharinwirot University. With an unwavering passion for educational exploration, Kru Ta explores diverse teaching methodologies while seamlessly integrating a Buddhist perspective. He firmly believes that this approach enhances both his personal growth and the learning experiences of his students. His ultimate objective is to instil a sense of enjoyment in learning among his students.
Chittapol Hoomphang (Kru Title)
Year 2 (Cicadas) Teaching Assistant
Kru Title holds a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese from Chiang Mai University. He joined Panyaden’s team eight years ago as a teaching assistant for one year, then worked as a project coordinator for two years. After exploring other career fields, he rejoined us. Kru Title is passionate about trail running, weightlifting, and also enjoys art, creating things, and tattoos.
Adam Lewis (Kru Adam)
Year 3 (Manta Rays) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Adam hails from Sheffield, England, and possesses an Master of Science in International Relations from the University of Nottingham. His journey into teaching took an unforeseen turn while interning for a children’s rights charity in Ghana. Kru Adam’s supervisor informed him about a local school in need of an English teacher and asked for his assistance. Despite his initial hesitations due to his lack of teaching experience, Kru Adam’s affection for teaching swiftly emerged. His foray into education prompted him, upon returning to the UK, to participate in the Teach First Leadership Development Programme, culminating in the completion of his PGCE at University College London.
Kru Adam's commitment to teaching took him to an international school in Colombia, where he worked for four years prior to joining Panyaden. He enjoys sharing his passion for learning with others, whilst also growing and developing amongst his peers.
Yokfa Saehan (Kru Yok)
Year 3 (Manta Rays) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Yok possesses a distinguished Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education, with the distinction of first-class honours. She had the privilege of participating in a Thailand & Singapore Virtual Tour and the Carleton Thai Buddy Programme. Growing up in a diverse environment, Kru Yok firmly believes that while each individual is unique, all learners have the innate capacity to enhance their knowledge and skills in their own authentic way. The profound experience of interacting with students and witnessing their journey of growth and development holds a deeply meaningful place in her heart.
Tita Tepparak (Kru Aua)
Year 3 (Manta Rays) Teaching Assistant
Kru Aua graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Tourism and Business English. Before joining Panyaden, she worked for more than eight years in a language school and at an international school. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling and doing fun activities with her daughter and son.
Borbala Tamas (Kru Bori)
Year 3 (Sea Turtles) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Bori’s career and life journey are a testament to her dedication to education and environmental sustainability. She began her academic path with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Fine Art in the UK, followed by a PGCE from the University of Sunderland. Her professional teaching career started at an international school in Budapest. Although born in Hungary, Kru Bori’s early years were spent across Asia, a multicultural upbringing that shaped her global perspective. Driven by a desire to return to South East Asia, she moved to Yangon, Myanmar, where she taught at a British international school.
Her role extended beyond the classroom as she took on the responsibilities of an eco-coordinator, playing a crucial part in steering the school towards green accreditation.
In 2021, she returned to Hungary and joined an international school focused on sustainability. Alongside her teaching, she worked with the Jane Goodall Institute of Budapest, where she helped coordinate the Roots & Shoots programme, emphasising her dedication to fostering environmental consciousness in young minds. Currently residing in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Kru Bori is actively involved in integrating environmental sustainability into her teaching practices. In her free time she enjoys traveling, she loves to explore books and the arts, teaching yoga and Zumba.
Punrada Chueamahawan (Kru Tarn)
Year 3 (Sea Turtles) Homeroom Teacher
For Kru Tarn, witnessing children learn Thai language joyfully and applying it in real-life situations has been her steadfast goal throughout her impressive twenty-eight years as an educator. She earned her Bachelor Degree in Thai Language from Chiang Mai Teacher’s College, followed by a Master Degree in Teaching Thai Language from Chiang Mai University. Her love for education is matched by her passion for story writing, drawing, and engaging in song with children. Kru Tarn infuses her creative pursuits into her teaching, using what she loves to inspire children to embrace learning with enthusiasm every single day.
Varinthon Wadkeaw (Kru Pat)
Year 3 (Sea Turtles) Teaching Assistant
Kru Pat holds a Master of Arts in Arts and Cultural Management from Chulalongkorn University. Prior to joining Panyaden, she taught at Assumption University (ABAC) and later moved to Chiang Mai. Her oldest daughter, Ola, is thriving in the Secondary programme at Panyaden, while her youngest, Funmi, is in Primary. Witnessing the developmental journey of her own children over the years has been truly remarkable.
This journey has been significantly enhanced by the school's vision, which places considerable emphasis on each student's individuality and potential, as well as moral values. Kru Pat is eagerly looking forward to her continued growth and to remaining a cherished part of the exceptional Panyaden family.
Donald Johnson (Kru Don)
Year 4 (Jaguars) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Don hails from San Jose, California, and earned his Bachelor Degree in Psychology from San Jose State University. Following his graduation, he embarked on a journey with the US Peace Corps, serving as a health volunteer in Niger, West Africa. This experience exposed Kru Don to a life of education across various cultures. He has resided in five West African countries, as well as South Korea, and now Thailand for the second time. With eight years of experience as a Year 4 and Year 5 homeroom teacher, Kru Don also holds a Master Degree in Education with a focus on English language development.
Notably, he is an alumnus of the US State Department English Language Fellowship. Kru Don resonates deeply with Panyaden’s values-based approach to life and takes immense joy in sharing his passion for books, nature, and the world with his eager-to-learn Jaguars.
Natsasipha Manosoi (Kru Nin)
Year 4 (Jaguars) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Nin graduated from Chiang Mai University with a major in Thai. Following her graduation, she enthusiastically pursued a career in teaching. Initially, she taught Thai to foreigners for two years before transitioning to teaching within schools. She spent five years in a Thai curriculum school and then dedicated eleven years to teaching in an international school curriculum. This marks her third year with Panyaden. Kru Nin’s aspiration as a Thai homeroom teacher is to empower students to find joy in learning new concepts, navigate challenges independently, and learn from their mistakes. During her leisure time, she finds pleasure in gardening, reading, and cooking.
Yupapan Nikhom (Kru Murn)
Year 4 (Jaguars) Teaching Assistant
Kru Murn holds a Master Degree in International Studies, Human Resource Development from Burapha University and a Bachelor Degree in Economics. She holds a deep fondness for our school environment and our Buddhist-oriented curriculum. Both her sons have been studying with us at Panyaden for years, and her family’s happiness reflects this. During her leisure time, she enjoys travelling with her family, practising meditation, and cooking, particularly Korean cuisine.
Timothy Mercer (Kru Timber)
Year 4 (Panthers) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Timber hails from New Waterford, Ohio, USA. His name is Timothy Mercer, but he prefers the nickname “Timber.” He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Youngstown State University and has an extensive and diverse teaching career. Kru Timber began his journey at Nature’s Classroom, an outdoor education centre on the east coast of the USA, where he taught for three years. He then spent two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer, training fellow educators. Subsequently, he taught middle school for six years in Kiribati, gaining valuable international experience.
Timber later taught English to high school students at a school in Thailand for seven years. Currently in his twelfth year at Panyaden, Timber has experience in teaching Year 6, 7, and now Year 4 Panthers for four years. Apart from teaching, he enjoys activities such as swimming, archery, crafting, 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.
Dr. Nanthawan Watthanawara (Kru Dear)
Year 4 (Panthers) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Dear holds certification in Teaching Thai for foreigners and has earned her Ph.D. in Multicultural Education from Chiang Mai University. Prior to joining the Panyaden team, she taught at an international school for two years and served as a lecturer in the German department at Payap University for eight years. Additionally, she held a lecturing position at the Faculty of Education, Chiang Mai University, for five years. Over the past decade, she has worked closely with our multicultural education philosophy.
She believes that each student's differences are strengths, which create a classroom that values respect, creativity, and thinking critically. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, spending time in nature, laughing with friends and family, travelling, and eating delicious food.
Mira Wongsing (Kru Mira)
Year 4 (Panthers) Teaching Assistant
Kru Mira graduated with a ฺBachelor Degree in Tourism Development from Maejo University, Chiang Mai, and completed a Teaching Profession Diploma at Chiang Mai Rajabhat University. She has six years of experience as an assistant teacher and has a passion for nature travel, art, cooking, children’s crafts, and playing the piano.
Jordana Godber (Kru Jordi)
Year 5 (Blue Herons ) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Jordana is deeply passionate about teaching and committed to ongoing personal and professional growth. She strives to captivate and inspire her students, making their learning experience both engaging and transformative. Originally from the Cotswolds, England, she has spent 9 years in Cairo and 2 years in Vietnam. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, achieved Qualified Teacher Status through the GTP programme, and holds an Master of Science in Leadership in Education.
Her teaching journey began with nursery work, evolved through volunteering in a primary school, and advanced through roles as a teaching assistant and trainee teacher, culminating in her qualification as a fully qualified teacher in 2012. Following this, Kru Jordana moved abroad to continue her teaching career while experiencing different communities and developing her understanding of the world. Outside of teaching, Kru Jordana enjoys yoga, meditation, cooking, travelling, reading, and exploring her creativity.
Patthawan Assawaprapa (Kru Pat)
Year 5 (Blue Herons) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Pat graduated from Chulalongkorn University with a Bachelor Degree in Communication Arts, majoring in Speech Communication. She was born in Bangkok, where she both studied and worked before becoming a part of our team at Panyaden. In an effort to enhance her teaching expertise, she commenced her Graduate Diploma Programme in the Teaching Profession at Chiang Mai Rajabhat University last year.
During her leisure time, she enjoys cooking with her family and indulging in reading. Kru Pat firmly believes that a teacher’s role is to cultivate an environment that ignites children's curiosity to learn.
Yaara Docrat (Yaara)
Year 5 (Toucans) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Yaara is what’s known as a “third culture kid.” She possesses Canadian and South African roots with Indian heritage. Interestingly, even though she was born in Bahrain, Kru Yaara’s upbringing spanned across Bahrain, Canada, and Dubai (UAE). She holds a Master of Education, a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sociology, and a Bachelor of Education with a focus on At-Risk Youth – all earned from Queen’s University. Kru Yaara commenced her teaching journey with Year 7 students at Chiltern Way Academy, a special education school in the United Kingdom.
Subsequently, she pursued her master's degree with a specialised research focus on utilising the arts to aid emotional self-regulation in children with ADHD.Driven by a passion for creative and inclusive teaching methods, Kru Yaara returned to the classroom at an international school in Chiang Mai a few years ago. Significantly, she guided her students in completing year-long inquiry-based projects centred around sustainable development goals through transdisciplinary learning and taking practical action. Kru Yaara is overflowing with enthusiasm as she brings her dynamic energy to the Panyaden students and the broader community.
Thanakrit Muangjun (Kru Krit)
Year 5 (Toucans) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Krit earned his Bachelor of Education in Social Studies, from Chiang Mai University. Following his graduation, he chose to embark on a journey as a social studies teacher in an English programme school in Chiang Mai, a role he embraced for two years. During this period, he accumulated valuable experience teaching students hailing from diverse cultural backgrounds. Kru Krit firmly believes that the crux of effective teaching lies in fostering understanding, not solely imparting knowledge.
Kru Krit's primary objective is to witness his students relish their learning experiences and evolve into responsible citizens. He recognises that being a teacher entails nurturing comprehension and empathy. During his leisure hours, he finds enjoyment in watching mystery and crime movies, engaging with podcasts, and exploring his culinary skills. .
Litaphat Muangnen (Kru Mair)
Year 5 Teaching Assistant
Kru Mair is a fun-loving and dedicated educator with a passion for reading, watching movies, and travelling. She earned her Bachelor of Education from Chiang Mai University, majoring in French. Kru Mair became a part of the Panyaden family several years ago. After taking some time off to start a family of her own, she returned to join us. This marks her fifth year at Panyaden, where her primary objective is to nurture the children’s sense of humour, foster creativity, and encourage independence.
Andrew Fanton (Kru Andrew)
Year 6 (Unicorns) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Andrew is a dedicated educator from South Africa, bringing a wealth of knowledge and passion to his teaching practice. With a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Philosophy and Classical History and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), he blends a good understanding of ancient cultures and ethical thinking with modern pedagogical techniques.
Outside the classroom, Kru Andrew is an avid outdoors enthusiast, finding inspiration and rejuvenation in South Africa’s and now Thailand’s stunning landscapes. His love for nature not only enriches his personal life but also influences his teaching philosophy, where he encourages students to explore and appreciate the world around them.
Amy Elizabeth Little (Amy)
Year 6 (Gryphons) Homeroom Teacher and Math Coach
Kru Amy hails from the North Island of New Zealand. She discovered her passion for teaching early, completing her Bachelor Degree in Primary Education at Massey University. With nearly twenty years of teaching experience across different age groups, Kru Amy returned to New Zealand after living in the USA. Here, she developed a strong interest in helping students with Math. She taught small-group interventions, coached teachers, and earned her Master’s Degree in Mathematics Education.
Her enthusiasm lies in fostering a positive mindset and cultivating a love for learning in all children. Both of Kru Amy's children attend Panyaden, and alongside her husband, their family enjoys staying active and exploring new places. She has a basic understanding of Japanese and is fond of art, cake decorating, and teaching yoga.
Sriwimon Wongchomphu (Kru Mon)
Year 6 Homeroom Teacher and Thai Coach
Kru Mon holds a Bachelor of Education Science – Chemistry from Thaksin University and a Master of Education Teaching English from Chiang Mai University. Previously, she worked as a medical scientist in a Medical Science centre and was a visiting scholar at the University of Vermont, USA, teaching Thai culture to American students. With fifteen years of experience in teaching Science and Thai language at a private school, and another five years teaching at an international school in Chiang Mai, Kru Mon has also served as the Head of Primary in a Thai private school.
Apiwan Onnom (Kru Noon)
Year 6 Teaching Assistant
Kru Noon graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Education, majoring in Computer Education from Chiang Mai Rajabhat University. Following this, she completed a two year diploma programme in Hong Kong majoring in Cultural Studies. After graduation, Kru Noon worked in a variety of roles, but it was Panyaden that inspired her to return to education. In her free time, she enjoys travelling, hiking, reading books and playing sports.