Meet our talented Specialist 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.

Kara Krystin Spore(Kru Kara)
Primary EAL Teacher
Kru Kara brings over sixteen years of experience teaching primary students from Year 2 to Year 6 in diverse classrooms across Seattle, Cambodia, China, and Jordan. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Whitworth University and is passionate about creating supportive, inclusive learning environments where every child can thrive.
Her experience with English language learners sparked a deep interest in how children acquire language—especially when navigating multiple languages at once. This led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from The College of New Jersey in 2018. She continues to enjoy learning and applying new strategies to support students' language and literacy development.
Outside of the classroom, Kara enjoys exploring nature, reading, and traveling with her family—embracing adventure and connection wherever life takes them.
Sebastian Stahl (Kru Sebastian)
Primary EAL Teacher
For over a decade, Kru Sebastian has worked in a range of teaching roles across private and international schools in Southeast Asia. His experience spans kindergarten to secondary levels, in both homeroom and EAL positions. He has been part of the Panyaden community for several years.
Kru Sebastian has a Master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. He is especially interested in how language learning connects to identity and self-expression, and how students can grow in confidence when given the right tools and support. He enjoys working in schools like Panyaden, where students from many backgrounds learn together through curiosity, values, and care.
Kru Sebastian values the opportunities that international schools offer to learn from a global community of colleagues and students. He believes that effective teaching is best supported by a constant process of learning, shaped by collaboration, reflection, and the shared experiences of a diverse school community. Outside of the classroom, Kru Sebastian enjoys making music, learning new languages, reading about philosophy, and spending time in nature. On weekends, he can often be found hiking in the mountains around Chiang Mai.
Illya Syahirah Razif (Kru Illya)
Primary Performing Arts Teacher
Kru Illya brings a wealth of experience to her role as a performing arts teacher, having taught drama in various countries including Vietnam, Nepal, Cambodia, Germany, Senegal, and China. She is an artist-in-residence with the International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA), specialising in Southeast Asian shadow puppetry. She is also an author of two graphic novels and a book on teaching empathy through poetry. Currently, Kru Illya is pursuing her PhD on female puppeteers in Wayang Kulit or Nang Talung, a traditional form of shadow puppetry in this region.
As a teacher, she encourages students to take agency in producing their own shows and to be proud of their creative journey. She is passionate about introducing traditional arts to young people, especially art forms that are endangered. Preserving them is important not only to keep cultural heritage alive, but also to expand children’s imagination and their respect for different cultures. These are values that help shape more compassionate and curious people.
Kru Illya loves insects, baking, and working out. Beyond her teaching commitments, she is the founder of Empathy for Youth Academy, a virtual school that teaches emotional literacy and empathy through the arts.
Teeraphan Naksin (Kru Tee)
Primary Music Teacher
Kru Tee studied Political Science at Ramkhamhaeng University but has always followed his true passion—music. An accomplished guitarist, his musical journey began in school orchestras and continued through university, eventually leading to a 15-year professional career in Bangkok. Alongside his performance experience, Kru Tee has trained in the Kodály and Orff-Schulwerk teaching methods, which focus on engaging children through movement, singing, and creativity.
With over 20 years of teaching experience, Kru Tee believes deeply in the power of music to support children’s physical, emotional, and spiritual growth. Inspired by Buddhist principles, he weaves mindfulness and compassion into his lessons, helping students connect with music on a deeper level. He also leads daily chanting and meditation sessions online, encouraging calmness and kindness both in and out of the classroom.
Kru Tee’s warm and thoughtful approach aims to nurture not only musical skills but also virtues like empathy and patience—qualities that help children grow into caring, confident adults.
Patthawan Assawaprapa (Kru Pat)
Primary TAL Teacher
Kru Pat holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts, majoring in Speech Communication, from the prestigious Chulalongkorn University. After gaining valuable experience studying and working in Bangkok, she joined the Panyaden family, where she has continued to grow both professionally and personally. Kru Pat also completed the Graduate Diploma Programme in the Teaching Profession at Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, further deepening her understanding of effective teaching practices.
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.
Ratchadaporn Tala (Kru Frame)
Primary TAL Teacher
Kru Frame holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with First Class Honours, majoring in Thai Language. A highlight of her academic journey was spending time as an exchange student in Japan, which broadened her horizons and deepened her love for teaching. This experience helped her appreciate different cultures and teaching styles, enriching how she connects with her students today.
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.
Tiwaporn Yeamyuttapoom (Kru Namphung)
Primary TAL Teacher
Kru Namphung graduated with honours from Chiang Mai University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology. After completing her studies, she gained valuable experience working at the Research Institute for Health Sciences at Chiang Mai University, where she developed strong skills in research and collaboration. 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.
Katherine Grindrod (Katie)
Primary Learning Support Teacher
Kru Katie’s passion for cultures and education was sparked during a study abroad experience on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, where she was immersed in a vibrant international community. Inspired to live and teach abroad, she earned dual degrees in Early Childhood and Special Education from Millersville University in Pennsylvania, USA, and began her career at an international school in Sweden. This experience deepened her commitment to celebrating diversity and building inclusive learning environments.
Back in Pennsylvania, she worked as a learning support teacher, gaining expertise in supporting students with diverse needs and helping struggling learners discover their strengths. She later completed a Master’s in Education with a focus on Social Emotional Learning, reinforcing her belief that children thrive when they feel safe, seen, and supported. Katie is passionate about creating calm, nurturing classrooms where all children can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, gardening, exploring nature, and discovering new foods. She lives in Chiang Mai with her husband, Bryan, an EdTech specialist. Together, they love traveling, restoring old homes, and spending time with family.
Parimol Chutimakorn (Kru Nora)
Primary Learning Support
Kru Nora’s educational journey is both inspiring and unique. She began by studying Industrial Design at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang in Bangkok. Eager to deepen her understanding of learners, she moved to the United States to study Psychology, where she gained valuable experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities. It was during this time that she learned American Sign Language and developed a heartfelt passion for inclusive education.
Driven by her dedication to support neurodivergent learners, Kru Nora pursued a Master’s degree in Special Education. She focuses on creating inclusive, play-based learning environments that celebrate the diverse strengths of every child. Her wide range of strategies helps her support students with varied learning profiles, making education accessible and engaging for all. Outside the classroom, Kru Nora enjoys pottery, music, and creative activities that bring her peace and inspiration. Her interdisciplinary background enriches her teaching, allowing her to combine creativity and empathy to nurture every student’s potential with warmth and understanding.
Sridevi Srinath (Kru Sridevi)
Primary School Counselor
With nearly a decade of experience as a counselling psychologist and seven years as a school counsellor, Kru Sridevi brings deep expertise and heartfelt dedication to her work with children and families. She holds an MSc in Counselling Psychology and an MPhil in Psychology from the University of Madras, India, and is a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) as well as an Associate Member of the American Psychological Association.
Kru Sridevi has worked across diverse school systems and communities, always adapting her approach to meet each child’s unique emotional and developmental needs. She is especially passionate about empowering young people to build resilience, empathy and a strong sense of self. Her support extends beyond students as she works closely with parents, caregivers and staff to foster a connected, compassionate school community. Having supported children from a wide range of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, she brings a thoughtful, inclusive perspective to her counselling work. A strong advocate for Social and Emotional Learning, she designs programmes rooted in values like respect, empathy, and belonging, helping children thrive emotionally and socially.
Sathaporn Sriphet (Kru Noy)
Primary Life Skills Teacher
Kru Noy is our dedicated Primary School Life Skills teacher, bringing over ten years of valuable experience from the International School Bangkok. With both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Physical Education, he combines strong academic knowledge with a passion for helping children develop essential life skills that support their growth beyond the classroom. Kru Noy believes that teaching life skills is about more than just instruction—it’s about nurturing independence, resilience, and confidence in every student. He creates a warm and supportive environment where children learn how to manage their emotions, communicate effectively, and make thoughtful decisions. His approach encourages curiosity, self-awareness, and kindness, helping students build a strong foundation for lifelong success. Outside of school, Kru Noy enjoys gardening, photography, and staying active through regular workouts. These interests inspire him to bring creativity, patience, and energy into his teaching, always encouraging students to explore the world with enthusiasm and care.
Pahuphot Phongyangprasert (Kru Por)
Life Skills Teaching Assistant
Kru Por brings a unique blend of physical education and environmental awareness to Panyaden. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from the National Sports University, Chiang Mai Campus. Before joining Panyaden, he taught physical education for two years in Chiang Mai, while also working as a football and futsal referee.
Beyond sports, Kru Por’s passion extends to sustainable agriculture. He has worked on agricultural land management projects in Thailand and Israel, applying local wisdom and the “Khok Nong Na” model, rooted in the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy—to promote balance between people and nature. This diverse background enriches his teaching, helping students appreciate the connection between healthy bodies, healthy communities, and a healthy environment.
In the classroom and on the field, Kru Por encourages students to develop strong teamwork, discipline, and respect for both themselves and the world around them. Outside of school, he enjoys running, football, gardening, playing guitar, and spending time outdoors, activities that inspire his energetic and thoughtful approach to education.
Chitsanupong Sukyossri (Kru Champ)
Primary Physical Education Teacher
Kru Champ holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from the National Sports University, Chiang Mai Campus, where he studied from 2015 to 2019. His dedication and passion for sport shine through his impressive achievements as a futsal player, representing Chiang Mai Province. This experience taught him valuable lessons in discipline, perseverance, and teamwork—qualities he now shares with his students. Beyond playing, Kru Champ has also coached the Chiang Mai provincial futsal team, guiding them to win a bronze medal at the National Games. This role strengthened his understanding of coaching, leadership, and athlete development, skills he brings into the classroom and sports field to inspire students of all abilities. Kru Champ believes that physical education is about more than just fitness—it builds character, confidence, and a lifelong love of movement. Outside school, he stays active by playing football regularly and keeps up with the latest in sports through reading and research. His commitment to continuous learning and personal wellness models the values he encourages in every student.
Supattra Pinnarat (Kru Whan)
Primary PE Teaching Assistant
Kru Whan graduated from the Institute of Physical Education in Lampang and began her teaching journey at a bilingual school before joining the Panyaden community. For the past six years, she has been a dedicated Physical Education Assistant Teacher in the primary school, bringing warmth, patience, and a big smile to every class.
Kru Whan has a special love for teaching swimming, seeing it not just as a sport but as a life skill that builds both confidence and safety. She takes great joy in guiding children from nervous beginnings to proud moments of floating, breathing, and swimming with ease. Her nurturing and encouraging approach helps students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn at their own pace.
At Panyaden, she believes swimming education is about more than strokes—it’s about empowering children with lifelong skills and helping them believe in themselves. Kru Whan’s genuine care and enthusiasm shine through in every lesson, inspiring students to enjoy the water while growing stronger, braver, and more confident—both in the pool and beyond.
Karuna Ruamthammarak (Kru Or)
Primary Visual Arts Teacher
Kru Or graduated with honours in Fine Arts from Chiang Mai University and further enhanced her expertise by earning a Graduate Teaching Diploma from Far Eastern University. For over ten years, she has been a beloved Art teacher at Panyaden, where her warm, vibrant personality and gentle humour create a welcoming space that encourages children to explore and express their creativity freely.
With extensive experience teaching primary school students, Kru Or understands how to nurture each child’s unique artistic voice. She also leads weekend art workshops, providing additional opportunities for children to dive deeper into their passion for art in a relaxed and inspiring environment.
Her genuine love for art is evident not only in her teaching but also in her everyday life, making her both a talented artist and a dedicated educator. Kru Or believes that art is a powerful tool for children to build confidence, develop fine motor skills, and connect with their emotions. Through her guidance, students discover joy and pride in their creative journey, making learning an exciting and meaningful experience.
Pattarasin Chuppava (Kru Pat)
Primary Visual Arts Teaching Assistant
Kru Pat holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master’s degree in Art and Culture Management from Chiang Mai University. Her teaching journey has been filled with rich experiences, guiding students of all ages through the vibrant and inspiring world of art. She believes that art education is more than just learning techniques — it’s about encouraging creativity, self-expression, and confidence in every child.
Kru Pat’s warm and patient approach helps students feel safe to explore their own ideas and develop their unique artistic voices. She finds great joy in watching children grow and discover new skills, supporting them every step of the way. Outside the classroom, Kru Pat’s love of art extends into her personal life through travel and music, which often inspire her teaching.
For Kru Pat, art is a powerful tool for nurturing creativity and emotional growth. She is deeply committed to creating a joyful and supportive environment where every student can thrive and experience the magic of learning through art.
Peter Lucarotti (Kru Peter)
Primary School Librarian
Originally from Fredericton, a small city on Canada’s east coast, Kru Peter began his teaching journey in South Korea, first as a middle school EAL teacher and later as a teacher trainer. After moving to Thailand, he spent three years as the Year 4 Jaguars homeroom teacher at Panyaden before stepping into his current role as Primary Librarian.
Peter is passionate about nurturing a love of reading and helping children find books that truly spark their interest. He also enjoys guiding students to use technology thoughtfully and critically—skills he believes are essential in today’s world. At Panyaden, he has played a key role in shaping library and technology policies, developing a makerspace, and supporting the Student Council.
His professional interests include ethical technology use, media literacy, and the impact of tools like social media and AI on education. He recently completed a Master’s in Educational Technology and School Library Media.
Outside of school, Peter enjoys reading, making pottery, and watching or playing hockey. He lives in Chiang Mai with his wife and their curious, joyful son, who is now part of Panyaden’s Early Years.
Teeraporn Arunkanjanaroj (Kru Tee)
Primary School Librarian
Kru Tee is a lifelong learner who loves books, storytelling, and working with children. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in General Management from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, a Professional Teaching Certificate from Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, and a Chinese Language Proficiency Certificate from Beijing Language and Culture University.
With over 17 years of experience in international schools in both Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Kru Tee has worked as a school secretary and a Chinese language teacher. She enjoys using stories, creativity, and joyful activities to support children’s learning.
In 2024–2025, she joined a Picture Book Creation Workshop and a writing workshop led by well-known Thai children’s book authors. In 2022 she also earned a cataloging certificate from the Australian Library and Information Association, deepening her love for books and libraries.
Today, Kru Tee brings her love of books and learning to Panyaden. She is excited to help children grow with creativity, kindness, and confidence in a space filled with stories and smiles.
Nattaya Holsakool (Khun Oh)
Athletics and Activities Coordinator
Khun Oh was born in Lopburi and raised in Phitsanulok, with a deep passion for art that led her to earn both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Fine Arts, specializing in painting, from Chiang Mai University. With 16 years of teaching experience in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, she has developed a warm, patient, and creative approach to nurturing students’ artistic talents.
Suriyamon Thongkam ( Khun CJ)
Activities and Athletics Assistant
Khun CJ, is from Chiang Mai, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with a major in English from Mae Fah Luang University. Before joining Panyaden in 2022, she gained valuable teaching experience in Nong Khai and Chonburi, where she nurtured her love for helping students grow in confidence and language skills.
From her university days, Khun CJ has been passionate about organizing events and creating fun, meaningful experiences for students. This passion led her to become Panyaden’s Athletics and Activities Assistant, where she combines her teaching background, creativity, and strong organizational skills to build a vibrant school community.
Since joining Panyaden, Khun CJ has discovered a love for outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and rafting, which she believes help students develop teamwork, resilience, and a connection to nature.
Outside school, she embraces life with optimism and intention, believing in the power of manifestation. With her warm spirit and dedication, Khun CJ inspires students to approach learning and life with curiosity and joy.