Meet our talented Secondary 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.

Christine Vithayathil (Kru Christine)

Secondary School Vice Principal, Student Support Coordinator, IB English B

Kru Christine originally comes from a small and beautiful village in the Austrian Alps. She holds teaching qualifications from Austria as well as the UK. In addition, she has a Master’s Degree in English Literature and various certificates in English language teaching. Kru Christine also holds a Certificate of International School Leadership from the Principal’s Training Centre. She is also an IB DP Examiner for English B. After several years of teaching in Austria and the UK, she ventured into the world of teaching in international schools. As an English language learner, Kru Christine feels very passionately about advocating for multilingual learners.

Robert McConnon (Kru Robert)

Middle School Coordinator, Science and Technology, IB Chemistry

Kru Robert has been teaching Science (specialising in Chemistry) for the past 19 years. He studied Environmental Chemistry and Science education at the University of Melbourne and has taught science in countries including Singapore, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, Oman and Australia. Kru Robert has a young and energetic family. His interests include running, music, environmentalism and being outdoors.

 

Paul Sebastian (Kru Paul)

High School and IBDP Coordinator, Social Studies,  IB Economics

Kru Paul was born and raised in Saskatchewan, Canada. He has a BA in Economics (University of Regina, Saskatchewan), an MA in Curriculum; Int’l Teaching (Michigan State, USA), and a certificate in International School Leadership from the Principal’s Training Centre. He started his career in private business development and international trade with the Canadian government before beginning his teaching career at AISB (Hungary) in 1994. He has taught IBDP and IBMYP (Economics, ToK, Individuals & Societies, and various electives) and, for the past 17 years, has also been a principal and head of school.

Aaron Brice (Kru Aaron)

Science and Technology, IB Physics

Kru Aaron grew up in Portland, Oregon, where he spent his summers camping and hiking in the O. In high school, Aaron spent a year as an exchange student in Portugal, an experience that inspired him to later become an international teacher. Aaron earned a BS in Bioengineering from Rice University and worked as a research and development engineer before becoming a teacher. Aaron has taught Chemistry, Physics, and various other science subjects in the US (Florida, Wyoming, California, and Hawaii) as well as in China and Brazil. During his free time, he enjoys music, cooking, hiking, and spending time with his wife and dog.

Alan Fleming (Kru Alan)

Middle School Counsellor and Life Skills

Kru Alan comes from Sydney, Australia. Before embarking on his teaching adventures 15 years ago, he worked in the finance industry, where he drew on the knowledge gained from his BA in Psychology, BA in Philosophy (Hons) and Masters of Legal Studies. After discovering the joy of teaching in 2008, he completed his teaching diploma and taught in both China and Thailand for 12 years, focusing on the subjects of Psychology, ToK and English.

 

 

Angeline J. Angeles (Kru Angie)

Learning Support and Life Skills

Kru Angie is a certified MARIO Educator from the Philippines. She is passionate about guiding students toward becoming self-directed learners. With over a decade of experience as a Learning Support teacher, Kru Angie has honed her skills and expertise in the field. Prior to joining Panyaden, she spent three years at
International School Manila (ISM). She holds a BA in Communication Arts from the University of the Philippines, Los Baños. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of the Philippines, Diliman.

 

Bipin Kattuparambil Karunakaran (Kru Bipin)

Physical Education and Life Skills

Kru Bipin has been a Physical Education teacher for over 20 years. He completed his teaching credentials in India and holds Masters and M.Phil.degrees in Physical Education and Sports. He has taught PE in middle and high school at different international schools in India and has coached several sports, including table tennis, badminton, volleyball, and football. Kru Bipin is a passionate sports person who believes that the most essential part of his job as a teacher, other than teaching the game, is to motivate all
students and adults to take up any form of the sport of their choice for life.

Bongkot Theppiman (Kru Ying)

Thai Language Coordinator, Thai, IB Thai A

Kru Ying is from Kamphaeng Phet, where she describes the province as in the middle between Bangkok and Chiang Mai or next to Sukhothai. Since she graduated from Chiang Mai University, she has taught Thai language and culture at international schools in Chiang Mai for over 13 years. She has been at Panyaden since 2013 and continues to learn and grow in this warm and loving community. Kru Ying is passionate about teaching and believes that education should focus on teaching students a sense of responsibility towards themselves, their community and the environment.

Christopher O’Connor (Kru Chris)

Theatre, Film, Media and Communication 

Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, USA, Kru Chris holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from Southern New Hampshire University. He performed in New York City for over a decade with his performances in sketch, improv, stand-up, and theatre. Chris’s multifaceted nature encompasses a love for filmmaking, adept storytelling, and creative expression. Beyond his artistic pursuits, he finds fulfilment
in designing, building, writing, and filmmaking while cherishing precious moments with his wife, 12-year-old daughter, and pets. Now in his fourth year at Panyaden International School, he continues to inspire as a dedicated educator.

 

Clayton Dowty (Kru Clayton)

English Language and  Literature, Film, IB English A and IB Film

Like many of our students, Kru Clayton grew up outside of her home country. She spent most of her childhood in Malaysia, and moved to New York at the age of 18, where she experienced some of the same cultural diversity she enjoyed as an international student. She was an actress for six years before getting a Master’s Degree in English and Theater Education. She taught English and Drama in public schools in Harlem and Queens for seven years before moving to China, where she taught at Shekou International School in Shenzhen, China.

Kru Clayton loves acting, writing, and filmmaking, and is passionate about infusing physical play and movement into everyday learning. She is excited to start her second year at Panyaden!

David Quesada Aznar (Kru David)

 Mathematics

Kru David was born and raised in the Mediterranean city of Barcelona, Spain, where he also completed his BE in Industrial Engineering. After several years working in environmental conservation, he embarked on the unique adventure of education, teaching in his hometown and countries such as Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the British Virgin Islands. His passion for teaching goes beyond academics and extends into sports, particularly ultimate frisbee, which he has coached for teams of young and adult players for over a decade.

 

Denison Lane (Kru Denny)

Buddhist Education Coordinator, Social Studies, English and Theory of Knowledge (ToK)

Kru Denny is originally from Sonoma, California, where he taught high school English Language and Literature. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and a teaching degree from Sonoma State University, where he focused on literacy for English learners. This is Kru Denny’s seventh year teaching at Panyaden. Kru Denny values the Buddhist approach to teaching and learning – the development of not only intellectual faculties but also emotional intelligence and ethical values.

Gabriela Di Muro Arcia (Kru Gaby)

High School Counsellor and University Counsellor

Kru Gaby is originally from Maracay, Venezuela. This is her third year at Panyaden International School and her ninth year as an international school counsellor. This year, Kru Gaby is excited about her role as High School Counsellor. Kru Gaby’s role includes social-emotional counselling and university and career
counselling. Social-emotional counselling focuses on students’ well-being, both as individuals and as members of our community.

 

Joseph Barry (Kru Joe)

English Language, Literature and Social Studies

Kru Joe is originally from Wisconsin, USA, and has taught Social Studies, English and elementary grades for 15 years. He began his career teaching in Southern California, spent several years in Colorado, and most recently taught in Kansas City, Missouri. He holds a BA in English Literature from the Colorado College and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Missouri.

 

Jutharat  Songkham (Kru Goong)

Thai 

Kru Goong was born and raised in Chiang Mai. She has dedicated her life to teaching. She studied Special Education at Rajabhat Chiang Mai University before embarking on her teaching journey. Kru Goong spent her first three years teaching at a public school in Chiang Mai, where she shared her knowledge and expertise with her students. Seeking to expand her horizons, Kru Goong travelled to New York to improve her English skills and teach the wonders of the Thai language and culture. After returning to her hometown, she taught Thai language and culture at an international school for twelve years.

 

Keri Risien (Kru Keri)

Physical Education and Life Skills

Kru Keri was raised in Alberta, Canada, but being the product of teacher parents who loved to travel, she spent parts of her childhood living internationally. Growing up, volleyball was a huge part of her life which led her to where she spent her post-secondary education playing college volleyball and completing her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees alongside her sister.She has been living internationally between the UK and Qatar for the last five years. Next year will be her fourth year teaching and her first year in Thailand with Panyaden. Kru Keri is joining us to teach Middle School and High School PE and
Life Skills.

 

Lin, Hsin-Ju (Kru Amy)

Mandarin Acquisition, IB Mandarin ab initio

Kru Amy’s journey as an international Mandarin teacher can be summed up by the phrase “Do What You Love and Love What You Do.” Originally from Taiwan, Kru Amy became certified in teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language in 2007. Over the years, she has combined her passion for teaching Mandarin with her love for scuba diving and exploring different countries and cultures. Before joining Panyaden as a secondary Mandarin teacher in 2019, Kru Amy taught at the United Nations International School (UNIS) in Hanoi, Vietnam and Garden International School in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Max Werner (Kru Max)

English Language and Literature, Social Studies and Buddhist Education

Kru Max was born and raised in Denmark. His academic expertise lies in the fields of social science and the humanities, and he holds a BA in English from Copenhagen University, an MA in History from McGill University, as well as a Master’s degree in Education from McGill University. With over 12 years of teaching experience in and outside of classrooms in both Denmark and Canada, Kru Max has taught students of all ages in a variety of subjects.

Meriska Bock (Kru Meriska)

Science and Technology IB Biology

Kru Meriska is an enthusiastic, compassionate, and goal-driven Science teacher. She advocates for the environment and enjoys being outdoors, hiking, and exploring the ocean and its conservation through diving. In 2013 she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Life Sciences and Psychology; in 2014, she qualified as a teacher after completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Previously, Kru Meriska taught Science and Mathematics in South Africa at an underprivileged school for two years, followed by three years in an international school in Dubai teaching Mathematics. This is her fifth year at Panyaden, teaching Year 8 Science, Year 10 Pre-IB Science, and IB Biology for Years 12 and 13.

Nicole Thornton (Kru Nicole)

Librarian and IB Extended Essay Coordinator

Kru Nicole has a Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies as well as a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Physics, a Graduate Diploma in Horticulture and a Bachelor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. She brings to Panyaden ten years of experience in Australian libraries and a love of all things science and nature. Having lived with her family, including her two girls, in Chiang Mai for six years, Kru Nicole is excited to continue to share her passion for libraries at Panyaden.

 

Olexiy Koumpan (Kru Olexiy)

Music and Social Studies 

Kru Olexiy has twelve years of professional teaching experience. His career has taken him from school districts and vocational colleges in British Columbia, Canada, to international schools in China and Hong Kong. Kru Olexiy has taught a multitude of curricula, including IBMYP, IBDP, and AP, as well as its Ontario and BC counterparts. He holds a Bachelor of Music, a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Education and a Humanities Master of Arts from California State University. Covering a broad spectrum in the humanities, he has forged his focus on Music, Psychology, History and Literature.

Owen Haywood (Kru Owen)

Service Learning Coordinator and Mathematics

Kru Owen hails from Durham, England. He has a BSc in Mathematics from Leeds University and a Master’s in Education for Sustainability from London South Bank University. After gaining his university degree, he started teaching EAL in South Korea for one year, then travelled around Asia with his twin brother for a year. He settled in Bangkok for two years, teaching Mathematics, then went to Laos to build and set up a restaurant in Vang Vieng, where he stayed for five years. Keen to get back into the world of education, he moved back to England to gain his teaching certificate.

 

 

Paula Pasanen (Kru Paula)

Visual Arts, Media and Communication and IB Visual Arts

Kru Paula originally comes from Finland, the land of thousands of lakes and northern lights. She holds a BA in Fine Arts and an MA in Media Arts from the UK. In addition, she is also a certified Apple and Google teacher and IB Visual Arts examiner. Kru Paula is passionate about Visual Arts and has shared her expertise in the past with school communities in Khartoum as well as in Hong Kong and now at Panyaden International School.

 

 

Prawitra Chaimanee (Kru Fern)

Thai

Kru Fern graduated from Chiang Mai University, Faculty of Humanities with a major in English. Kru Fern has been living in Chiang Mai for 16 years. This year is her fifth year as a Thai teacher. Kru Fern believes that learning new languages opens doors to a new world. She enjoys seeing students use their newly acquired language skills in their daily life. She is also very passionate about baking alternative baked goods for those with food allergies or extraordinarily delicious cakes! Food photography is one of Kru Fern’s latest interests, as she always wants good pictures of her baked goods. She isa pet lover with an adopted dog and five kittens. Walking dogs, playing with kittens and reading books is her favourite pastime.

 

 

Shauna Le Conte (Kru Shauna)

Mathematics

Kru Shauna is joining us with 13 years of international school experience in Malaysia and Thailand. Originally from Ontario, Canada, the first overseas opportunity was via an Ontario overseas school in Subang Jaya, Malaysia, where Kru Shauna had the chance to teach the Ontario mathematics curriculum to students from a wide variety of nationalities and cultures. Since those first steps, Kru Shauna has
taught a bit of PE and a lot more Mathematics, including AP Statistics and AP Calculus AB/BC, as well as AP Computer Science, Coding and Robotics. Fun involves “lifting things and putting them down”, ala Planet Fitness.

 

Supharada Phasataroj (Kru Yuyii)

Thai and Buddhist Education

Kru Yuyii is originally from Buriram and loves Thai culture, especially Isaan culture. After graduating from the Faculty of Education at Chulalongkorn University, she went to the United States to be a volunteer teacher at Wat Thai of Los Angeles for a year. Since then, she found her passion in teaching the Thai language to half Thai students and non-Thai adults and appreciating the art of living by Buddhist wisdom. Therefore, after returning to Thailand, she decided to work as a Thai teacher at an international school in Krabi for four years. This is her first year at Panyaden as a Thai language and Buddhist Education teacher.

 

Susan Lee Scott (Kru Susan)

English Acquisition and EAL

Kru Susan has long dreamed of a school like Panyaden, a school that builds students’ intellectual, academic, and moral life rooted in Buddhist philosophy. As an English Acquisition and EAL teacher, she believes that forging relationships and understanding students’ cultures are crucial to her work as a teacher. She is committed to helping students achieve and celebrate success throughout the school year. Teaching for over 20 years in schools in the USA, China, Egypt and Vietnam, she is thrilled to be here, her second year at Panyaden.

 

Theodore Guggenheim (Kru Ted)

English Acquisition, EAL, IB English B

Kru Ted is from New Jersey, USA. He holds a BA in Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies, an MA in Political Theory, and an MEd in Teaching English as a Second Language. He has taught at secondary schools in Namibia, China, and now Thailand. He enjoys reading about history and politics, gardening, woodworking, playing rugby, backcountry hiking and camping, and fitness. He is very excited to begin another academic year as a teacher-learner at Panyaden!

 

Wang Xin (Kru Elena)

Mandarin 

Kru Elena has pursued her professional education career since 2010. She began at a Canadian offshore school in Nanjing, China, proceeded to work in public school districts in Canada, and now teaches Mandarin at Panyaden. Kru Elena has always admired the rigour and beauty of the language arts. She received academic excellency in Mandarin class at Chinese schools when she was young, was once a professional proofreader at a prestigious Chinese newspaper, and then continued to study English Composition and Literature courses at a Canadian university. This is Kru Elena’s second year teaching
Mandarin in Panyaden, and she is enthusiastic for her students to explore and learn the Chinese language and culture with her.

Yothawatit Chaibantad (Kru Yo)

Thai 

Kru Yo is from Chiang Mai and grew up in Bangkok. With a passion for the Thai language, he pursued his studies in the Faculty of Arts, majoring in Thai language at Mahidol University. This allowed Kru Yo to explore the world of language in various contexts, including linguistics, history, folklore, and mass communication, and his love for reading led him to choose courses in literature as the main focus. With over seven years of teaching experience both inside and outside of school, Kru Yo will guide everyone to explore the world of literature in an engaging and exciting manner.

 

 

Chomnaad Suteevasinnon (Kru Fai)

Science Laboratory Technician

Khun Fai joined Panyaden in 2019, holding a Bachelor of Science degree. She worked at an international school in Bangkok for four years as a senior laboratory technician and supported a science department at an IB school in Chiang Mai for three years. At Panyaden, Khun Fai is a science laboratory technician. She is based in the Science Preparation Room to prepare and deliver equipment and materials for science classes and set up laboratory apparatus. Also, her role includes maintaining science laboratories and preparation rooms and their equipment and services in good order and in line with health and safety expectations.

 

 

Nipada Punjai (Kru Maggie)

Student Support Teaching Assistant

Kru Maggie received her degree in Business Administration from Payap University. She worked in Queenstown, New Zealand, for almost three years before returning to her hometown, Chiang Mai. She holds a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate as well as the Level One SENIA educator certificate. As a former member of the Thailand national badminton youth team, she believes that a vital part of success is having a great coach. She, therefore, would like to support all students with the same dedication as her coach showed her team.

 

 

Phatnaree PhahonThammasan (Kru Tukta)

Secondary School Teaching Assistant

Kru Tukta graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna. She has 16 years of experience working in international schools. In her free time, she enjoys running (road and trail), cycling, travelling and reading books.