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 Pashkevichl (Kru Nadia)
Year 1 (Dragonflies) Homeroom Teacher
Nadia Pashkevich (Kru Nadia) has parents from Germany and America, however, she spent most of her childhood in the Middle East – specifically Yemen. She holds an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education and a Master of Education degree, both from the University of Brighton in the UK, where she lived, studied and taught for six years.
She then moved to Germany for three years to teach at an international school. Kru Nadia is excited to live in Thailand, and loves being in nature, eating delicious food and exploring new places. She is passionate about play-based education and exploratory learning and is excited to teach at Panyaden.
Podchanart Manipuntee(Kru R)
Year 1 (Dragonflies) Homeroom Teacher
Kru R holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Thai language from Payap university and Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Chiang Mai university. She joined Panyaden in 2019 as Thai Head Teacher. She brings over ten years of experience working as a Middle & High School Thai Teacher and as Thai Department Leader in one of the best known international schools in Chiang Mai. Her previous roles have focused on mentoring and; coaching Thai teachers to improve their teaching skills to create a positive learning experience and fostering a love of learning in children. In her free time, Kru R loves travelling with family and spending time with her baby daughter. This year, Kru R is entering her first year as a Year 1 Homeroom Teacher at Panyaden International School.
Kamonwan Kamdee (Kru Mai)
Year 1 (Dragonflies) Teaching Assistant
Kru Mai graduated from Rajabhat Chiang Mai University with a 1st class honours Bachelor’s Degree in Business English. She worked as an international translator at Chiang Mai Ram hospital for over 10 years and also worked at Susan’s House Kindergarten for 8 years. She is a mother of two sons and loves Thai desserts, cooking, kids crafts, reading and singing.
Ibone Jane Orith Verhey (Kru Ibone)
Year 1 (Ladybirds) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Ibone was born in Germany, and grew up in Colombia and Zimbabwe. She studied in the Netherlands and in the United Kingdom. In addition to a teaching degree, she holds a Bachelor’s in International Studies and a Master’s in Global Mental Health. For the past few years she has been teaching in Years 1 and 2 in London, UK and also has experience working with children with additional needs.
She is particularly passionate about teaching primary science and doing outdoor learning. Kru Ibone is committed to creating a warm and welcoming classroom environment that allows all students to challenge themselves, take risks, explore their own interests and form strong relationships with their peers and teachers. In her free time she enjoys learning new languages, riding her bicycle and going hiking and camping.
Jiranat Sriphet (Kru Dokmai)
Year 1 (Ladybirds) Homeroom Teacher and Primary Thai Coordinator
Kru Dokmai hold both a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (Early Childhood Education with Honours) and a Master’s Degree in Education (Developmental Psychology) from Chulalongkorn University. She was one of the founding teachers of Panyaden International School after 10 years working as a primary level Thai teacher and coordinator at an international school in Bangkok.
Mayuree Jaijaroensakundee (Kru Gai)
Year 1 (Ladybirds) Teaching Assistant
Kru Gai graduated from Huachiew Chalermprakiet University with a major in Chinese. She has five years’ experience working with kindergarten children at an international school in Bangkok and this is her seventh year at Panyaden. Kru Gai loves cooking, reading and travelling.
Emily Beck (Kru Emily)
Year 2 (Grasshoppers) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Emily was born and raised in Calgary, Canada and has her Bachelor’s degrees in Biology, Psychology, and Primary-Junior Education from Queen’s University. Upon graduation, she taught first grade for a year in Venezuela before moving to Guadalajara, Mexico where she has been living and teaching pre-first grade for the last seven years.
While in Mexico, she earned her Masters in Education, learned Spanish, and adopted her best friend, Haddie (a German shepherd cross). Kru Emily loves teaching, reading, painting, dancing, and exploring new places. She is interested in Buddhism and loves to be immersed in nature, so Panyaden and Chiang Mai are a dream come true.
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. She has 20 years of experience teaching in English and bilingual programmes here in Chiang Mai, and became the Head of the English programme at her former school. Kru Jang also completed EAL courses in Melbourne, Australia to deepen her study of English.
Kru Jang initially decided to work at Panyaden International School because she was impressed with Panyaden’s philosophy of education, including the Buddhist principles and the focus on sustainability. She is excited to begin her third year as a Year 2 Homeroom teacher. In her free time, Kru Jang enjoys traveling and cooking.
Weeranut Srion (Kru Om)
Year 2 (Grasshoppers) Teaching Assistant
Kru Om graduated with a degree in Mass Communication from Chiang Mai University. She has 12 years of experience working in international schools. At Panyaden, Kru Om initially worked as the Academic Secretary for 4 years. This year will be her fourth year working as a Support Teacher. Kru Om is passionate about the Panyaden philosophy and fascinated by watching children grow and develop.
Mackenzie Maetche (Kru Kenzie)
Year 2 (Cicadas) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Kenzie is originally from a small town in the Rocky Mountains in Canada. She obtained her Bachelor of Education at the University of Alberta, specializing 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. The past two years, Kru Kenzie has been teaching at a local international school here in Chiang Mai.
She is excited to begin her learning journey with us 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.
Aumporn Panthong (Kru Ta)
Year 2 (Cicadas) Homeroom Teacher and Sustainability Coordinator
Kru Ta has been teaching kindergarten and primary students for more than 17 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Primary Education Management, majoring in sports, from Srinakharinwirot University. Kru Ta is passionate about exploring different teaching methods and integrating a Buddhist approach. He believes this will improve both himself and his students. His goal is to help his students enjoy learning. Kru Ta moved his family from Bangkok to Chiang Mai to work at Panyaden.
Duangporn Srisupha-o-larn (Kru Eedd)
Year 2 (Cicadas) Teaching Assistant
Kru Eedd graduated from Ramkamhang University where she majored in advertising and public relations. She spent 5 years working towards preserving local forests and developing the handicraft industry with local hill tribe groups for the Chiang Mai Development Foundation. Kru Eedd loves being with children, making art and doing needlework together. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in the garden.
Adam Lewis (Kru Adam)
Year 3 (Manta Rays) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Adam is from Sheffield, England and holds a MSci in International Relations from the University of Nottingham. During an internship for a children’s rights charity in Ghana, Kru Adam’s boss told him a local school was in need of an English teacher and asked if he could help out. Having never taught before, Adam was initially apprehensive, but he quickly, and rather unexpectedly, fell in love with teaching. Upon his return to the UK, he was inspired to enrol in the Teach First Leadership Development Programme, completing his PGCE at University College London.
Yokfa Saehan (Kru Yok)
Year 3 (Manta Rays) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Yok has a graduate degree with an elementary education major with first class honours. She also had the chance to take part in a Thailand & Singapore Virtual Tour and Carleton Thai Buddy Program. Kru Yok grew up in a diverse environment, and believes that while everyone is different, all learners can develop their knowledge and ability just the way they are. Spending time with students and seeing their growth and development is very special for her.
Tita Tepparak (Kru Aua)
Year 3 (Manta Rays) Teaching Assistant
Kru Tita (Aua) graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Business English. Before joining Panyaden, she worked for more than 8 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.
Brianne Paige Martin (Kru Bri)
Year 3 (Sea Turtles) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Bri is from Toronto, Canada and has an Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science degree from Lakehead University, as well as a Bachelor of Education degree. She has developed a passion for teaching through her extensive work with children, both in an academic and athletic setting. Outside of school, she enjoys coaching youth soccer, playing sports, traveling, and enjoying nature. Kru Bri is very excited to share her active learning approach in such a beautiful atmosphere at Panyaden International School.
Punrada Chueamahawan (Kru Tarn)
Year 3 (Sea Turtles) Homeroom Teacher
Seeing children learn Thai with joy and applying it in real life has been Kru Tarn’s goal throughout her 28 years as a teacher. Kru Tarn graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Thai Language from Chiang Mai Teachers College and a master’s degree in teaching Thai language from Chiang Mai University. She is passionate about story writing, drawing and singing with children, and applies what she loves to inspire children to enjoy learning every day. She is excited and ready to learn with the Panyaden family.
Varinthon Wadkeaw (Kru Pat)
Year 3 (Sea Turtles) Teaching Assistant
Kru Pat is a mother of two girls who are currently students of Panyaden. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Arts and Cultural Management from Chulalongkorn University. She taught at Assumption University (ABAC) before moving to Chiang Mai. Her oldest daughter, Ola, is going strong in the Secondary programme at Panyaden. Her youngest, Funmi, is in Primary. Looking at her own childrens’ development throughout the years has been such an amazing journey, in part due to the school vision that puts so much emphasis on each individual student and his or her potential, as well as moral values. Kru Pat is looking forward to continued growth and remaining a part of this outstanding Panyaden family.
Donald Johnson (Kru Don)
Year 4 (Jaguars) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Don is from San Jose, California, and he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at San Jose State University. After graduation, Kru Don joined the US Peace Corps and served as a health volunteer in Niger, West Africa. This adventure opened Don to a life as an educator in many cultures. Kru Don has lived in five West African countries, plus South Korea, and Thailand now for the second time. He has eight years of experience as a 3rd and 4th grade homeroom teacher.
Don holds a Master’s Degree in Education with a focus on English language development, and he is a US State Department English Language Fellowship alumnus. Kru Don connects with Panyaden’s values-based approach to life and he happily shares his love of books, nature, and the world with hungry-to-learn Jaguars.
Natsasipha Manosoi (Kru Nin)
Year 4 (Jaguars) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Nin graduated from Chiangmai University with a major in Thai. After she graduated, she happily chose to be a teacher. She taught Thai to foreigners for 2 years before transitioning to teaching in schools. She spent 5 years in a Thai curriculum school and then 11 years teaching an international school curriculum. This is her third year with Panyaden. Kru Nin’s goal as a Thai homeroom teacher is to support students in being happy to learn new things, solve their own problems, and grow from mistakes.
Yupapan Nikhom (Kru Murn)
Year 4 (Jaguars) Teaching Assistant
Kru Murn holds a Master Degree in International Graduate Studies Human Resource Development from Burapha University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. She is looking forward to teaching and guiding Panyaden children this year. She loves our school environment and our Buddhist oriented curriculum. Her two sons have been studying with us at Panyaden for years and her family is very happy. In her free time, she likes traveling with her family, practicing meditation and cooking, especially Korean food
Timothy Mercer (Kru Timber)
Year 4 (Panthers) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Timber graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Youngstown State University in Ohio, and has been teaching at many different places ever since.He taught at an outdoor environmental school located in the North Eastern part of the USA for 3 years. Then he joined the Peace Corps and lived on a little island in the Central Pacific in the country called the Republic of Kiribati. Kru Timber has been teaching in Thailand for 13 years before joining Panyaden Panyaden International School. This year is his eighth year here. A fan of cycling and running, he loves the family atmosphere and mix of cultures at Panyaden. .
Sriwimon Wongchomphu (Kru Mon)
Year 4 (Panthers) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Mon holds a Bachelor of Education (Science- Chemistry) from Thaksin University and a Master of Education (Teaching English) from Chiang Mai University. She used to be a medical scientist in a medical sScience center and was a visiting scholar at the University of Vermont, USA for teaching Thai culture to American students. Kru Mon has 15 years of experience teaching Science and Thai language in a private school, 5 years of experience teaching at an International school in Chiang Mai and has also worked as the Head of Primary in a Thai private school.
Litaphat Muangnen (Kru Mair)
Year 4 (Panthers) Teaching Assistant
Kru Mair is a fun-loving and dedicated educator who loves reading, watching movies, and traveling. She holds a Bachelor of Education from Chiang Mai University, majoring in French. She joined the Panyaden family many years ago and after taking a few years off to start a family of her own, she has come back to join us. This is her third year in Year 2 where her goal is to nurture the children’s sense of humour, creativity, and foster independence.
Elizabeth Binyon (Kru Elizabeth)
Year 5 (Blue Herons ) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Elizabeth is from Portland, Oregon, USA and holds a Master of Education, a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, plus an ESOL Endorsement and a Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. With 23 years of experience in teaching Primary School and English as an Additional Language, Kru Elizabeth has taught in the U.S., Japan, Colombia, and her favourite – Thailand. She taught Years 5 and 6, as well as EAL at Panyaden for 8 1/2 years.
After briefly teaching in Ko Samui, she is delighted to be back at Panyaden and in Chiang Mai. Kru Elizabeth is passionate about education and believes that every child can learn in an environment that is engaging and supportive. She enjoys yoga, art, traveling, gardening, learning languages, reading, and hiking with her dog.
Ratchadaporn Tala (Kru Frame)
Year 5 (Blue Herons) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Frame graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Education (first class honours) majoring in Thai language. During her time as an university student in 2015, Kru Frame had an opportunity to become a participant of an Exchange programme in Japan for 1 year. She strongly believes that ‘Inside every child is a rainbow waiting to shine’. Her goal is to unveil this rainbow by nurturing talent and unlocking the potential of every student. Kru Frame is very excited to begin the first year of her journey with the Panyaden team.
Yaara Docrat (Yaara)
Year 5 (Toucans) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Yaara is a “third culture kid.” She is Canadian and South African with Indian origin. However, Kru Yaara was born in Bahrain, and was raised there, in Canada and Dubai (UAE). Kru Yaara holds a Master of Education, Bachelor of Arts (Major: Sociology), and Bachelor of Education (Focus: At-Risk Youth). All degrees were completed at Queen’s University. Kru Yaara first taught Year 7 at Chiltern Way Academy, a special education school in the United Kingdom. Thereafter, she completed her Masters with a specific research focus on leveraging the arts to support the emotional self-regulation for kids with ADHD.
Kru Yaara’s passion for creative and inclusive teaching practices led her back to the classroom at American Pacific International School in Chiang Mai a few years ago. Notably, she supported her students to complete year-long inquiry-based projects about the sustainable development goals through transdisciplinary learning and taking action. Kru Yaara’s past students have expressed gratitude for her empathy, understanding of who they are, and cultivating happiness and belonging in their classroom. Kru Yaara is incredibly excited to bring her energy to the Panyaden students and wider community.
Thanakrit Muangjun (Kru Krit)
Year 5 (Toucans) Homeroom Teacher
Kru Krit graduated from Chiang Mai University with a bachelor’s degree in education, majoring in social studies. After graduating, he chose to be a social studies teacher in an English programme school in Chiang Mai for 2 years. At that time, he gained experience teaching students who come from a variety of cultural backgrounds. He believes that the most important thing about being a teacher is understanding, not just giving knowledge.
Kru Krit's goal is to see students enjoy their learning and grow up to be good citizens. In his spare time, he enjoys watching mystery and crime movies, listening to podcasts, and cooking. He is excited to be a part of Panyaden this year.
Janjira Stevenson (Kru Jan)
Year 5 Teaching Assistant
Kru Jan has a Bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Khon Kaen University, Thailand. After graduation, she worked in different fields such as in Hotels, PR and Marketing but became inspired by teacher friends to become one herself. This led to study a Bachelor of Education from the University of Winnipeg, Canada, graduating in 2012. Kru Jan has been working at Panyaden for 11 years, 9 years as HR teacher and this is her 2nd year as TA.
She believes that self-development should never end, no matter how old you are and her new passion is in the area of special education. Therefore, she is planning to further her study in Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Difficulties starting in September this year. Kru Jan also has a daughter in Year 2 and her husband is also working as a teacher in another school.
Lindsey Snellgrove (Kru Lindsey)
Year 6 (Unicorns) Homeroom Teacher and Literacy Coach
Kru Lindsey grew up in north west England where she studied for a bachelor’s degree in Primary Education, specialising in Religious Studies. She has spent the last 10 years in east London, at an outstanding, multicultural primary school, teaching across the school and leading RE, mindfulness and Personal, Social, Health, Economic education. Lindsey is passionate about helping children find success and happiness everyday, whilst developing their emotional intelligence, curiosity and aspirations.
Kru Lindsey is thoroughly excited to begin teaching here at Panyaden in the beautiful outdoor environment that she believes is so beneficial to well being. As well as developing her teaching practice, Lindsey looks forward to improving herself through the Buddhist principles and being immersed in Thai culture.
Amy Elixabeth Little (Amy)
Year 6 (Gryphons) Homeroom Teacher and Math Coach
Kru Amy was born and bred in the North Island of New Zealand. Amy discovered her passion for teaching early, completing her Bachelor Degree in Primary Education at Massey University. She has close to 20 years teaching experience, teaching a variety of different ages. After spending time living in the USA, Amy returned to New Zealand and developed her passion in supporting students in Maths. She taught small-group intervention and coached teachers, whilst gaining her Masters Degree in Mathematics Education.
She is passionate about helping all children build a positive mindset and develop a love of learning. Kru Amy's two children both attend Panyaden and together with her husband their family enjoys keeping active and exploring new places. She speaks a little Japanese, and loves art, cake decorating, and teaching, yoga.
Piti-An Jamoosri (Kru Thoey)
Year 6 Homeroom Teacher and Thai Coach
Kru Toey has a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in Thai Language, and a Master’s degree in Education with a specialisation in teaching Thai language, both from Chiang Mai University. This year will be her fourth year at Panyaden. She loves teaching and enjoys learning from her students. Prior to working here, she taught at an international school for 10 years and was also a Thai lecturer at Chiang Mai University for 4 years. In her free time, Kru Toey loves listening to music, reading books, spending time drinking coffee with friends, and travelling.
Apiwan Onnom (Kru Noon)
Year 6 Teaching Assistant
Kru Noon graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Education majoring in computer education in Thailand. Following this, she completed a 2 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.