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.
She has shared this passion with students, parents and staff at international schools in India, Japan, China, and the Philippines. She is excited to start her fifth year at Panyaden International School.
At Panyaden, Kru Christine serves as the Secondary School Vice Principal and the Student Support Coordinator. She also teaches IBDP English B and supports students' academic English language development throughout Secondary School.
Outside of school, she keeps herself busy by reading books about education. She enjoys spending time in the kitchen baking bread, sweet treats and making jams. She also enjoys knitting and drinking cups of tea in her rocking chair. Most of all, she loves spending time with her family: her husband Daiju, their daughter Nina (Year 7) and their two cats Rollo and Dusty.
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.
He met his wife Ildiko in Hungary, and they have since lived and worked in eight countries around the world. Kru Paul loves to explore philosophy and cultures of any variety, play any sport, and discover great foods of the world with Ildiko.
Aaron Brice (Kru Aaron B.)
Science and Technology, IB Physics, IB Chemistry
Kru Aaron is fascinated by science and loves to learn about how things work. Kru Aaron grew up in Portland, Oregon, where he spent his summers camping and hiking in the Oregon backcountry. In high school, Kru Aaron spent a year as an exchange student in Portugal, an experience that inspired him to later become an international teacher. Kru Aaron earned a BS in Bioengineering from Rice University and worked as a research and development engineer before becoming a teacher. He 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. Kru Aaron loves learning about different cultures. He especially enjoys exploring different languages and cuisines. He speaks Portuguese and Mandarin and is working to build his fluency. Kru Aaron is looking forward to sharing his love of learning with science students at Panyaden International School.
Aaron Davis (Kru Aaron D.)
English and Social Studies
Kru Aaron has always had dreams and ambitions of traveling the world. From a young age, at his home in rural Illinois near Chicago, he would imagine encountering strange cultures and wonder at the lessons he might learn from them. Little did he know that one day his dreams would become a reality as he has had the opportunity to experience the customs, people and traditions of over 30 countries.
Using his knowledge and skill set as a passport, Kru Aaron has earned a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature as well as a Master's degree in International Teaching. He has obtained certification to teach English as a foreign language in conjunction with an IB certification in Teaching and Learning. This has allowed him to build an over 22-year career and hold teaching positions in 5 countries including the United States, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Vietnam and Turkey.
Kru Aaron cannot wait to bring his unique brand of teaching and interacting with students to the Panyaden community. Outside of school, Kru Aaron enjoys exercise, photography, and videography among other things.
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.
Throughout that time, Kru Alan realised his true passion was promoting and supporting the social/emotional well-being of the students he taught, so he completed a diploma of counselling and shifted careers again into school counselling. To develop his skills and complete his studies, in 2020, he moved back to Australia, where he was a school counsellor across three separate schools. As amazing as Australia is, with his training complete, Chiang Mai was calling!
Outside work, Kru Alan loves running long distances, reading and discussing philosophy, and spending time with his wonderful family.
Alana Riess (Kru Alana)
Middle School English Acquisition and EAL
Kru Alana is from North Carolina, USA, and holds a Master’s degree in Teaching English as an Additional Language. Her nearly 15-year teaching journey has taken her across the globe, with experience in the US, Germany, Peru, and currently, Thailand. Her passion for continuous language learning fosters a deep empathy, which she seamlessly weaves into her teaching practice, enriching her students’ learning experiences.
By doing so, she creates an inclusive and supportive learning environment where students feel valued and understood. Her empathetic approach not only enhances her teaching but also inspires her students to develop a love for languages and cultures, making their educational journey more engaging and meaningful.
Outside the classroom, Kru Alana enjoys cooking vegetarian cuisine, hiking, exploring new destinations, and challenging herself through board games.
Alejandra Jimenez Ossa (Kru Ali)
Spanish
Kru Ali is from Cúcuta, Colombia, bringing a wealth of experience and passion for education to our classrooms. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Education and Human Rights. Kru Ali’s previous work in Colombia focused on supporting emotional healing for victims of armed conflict and fostering peaceful coexistence within educational institutions
Five years ago, she discovered a passion for helping others improve their Spanish linguistic abilities and made the decision to become qualified in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. In the last three years of living in Thailand, she has dedicated herself to teaching Spanish as a second language here in Chiang Mai, building experience with the IB curriculum and helping students learn Spanish in fun and engaging ways. Her knowledge and passion for educational processes and Latin American culture have grown into a genuine interest in sharing the cultural richness, biodiversity, and gastronomic, linguistic, folkloric, and racial diversity of Latin America.
Beyond the classroom, Kru Ali enjoys travelling, dancing, exploring new hiking trails with her husband, gardening, making art, and learning to play new instruments. She likes to read about philosophy and psychology, hang out with her cats, and enjoys connecting with friends for laughter and relaxation.
Amy Hanson (Kru Amy)
Visual Arts
Kru Amy grew up around Seattle and received her BA in Art Education from Western Washington University. She went on to earn her Master’s Degree at The State University of New York, Buffalo State. With a teaching career spanning Washington state, Kuwait, China, Vietnam, Germany, Portugal, and Singapore, Kru Amy brings international experience to her role as a Secondary Visual Arts teacher. She is passionate about sharing the arts with students from diverse backgrounds, fostering an environment where they can inquire, create, and explore safely.
In her spare time, Kru Amy enjoys a variety of activities including yoga, drawing, travelling, scuba diving, rock climbing, swimming, and recently, wake surfing. Kru Amy is excited to join the Panyaden community and looks forward to exploring the vibrant city of Chiang Mai.
Blair Cameron (Kru Blair)
Middle School Science and Mathematics
Kru Blair is Canadian and started his teaching career in Toronto. He has taught all ages from primary years to the IB Diploma Programme and enjoys science, mathematics, physical education, and environmental science. He earned three degrees from Queen’s University: Life Science; Physical & Health Education; and a Bachelors of Education. He also holds a Masters from SUNY with a focus on the impact of technology in education.
Kru Blair has worked in excellent independent and international schools in Toronto, Canada, Zurich, Switzerland, Bali, Indonesia and Hong Kong, and he is excited to join the unique Panyaden community with his wife and two primary aged children.
Kru Blair loves outdoor sports, searching out cool cafes, finding mini adventures with his family, and coaching competitive school teams.
Bongkot Theppiman (Kru Ying)
Thai Language Coordinator, Thai, IB Thai A
Kru Ying is from Kamphaeng Phet, a province 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.
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.
In addition to sports, he loves travelling to remote places, immersing himself in new cultures, collecting music records, and attending live concerts.
Gabriela Di Muro Arcia (Kru Gaby)
High School Counsellor and University Counsellor
Kru Gaby is originally from Maracay, Venezuela. This is her fourth year at Panyaden International School and her ninth year as an international school counsellor. Since graduating as a clinical psychologist, Kru Gaby was interested in the relationship between psychology and education, which led her to pursue a career in school counselling. 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.
University and career counselling, an area Kru Gaby is especially passionate about, supports students in discovering their interests and skills and transforming these into a career.
Kru Gaby is grateful to work in international education because this has led her to have friends from all over the world. Outside of school, Kru Gaby enjoys reading, drawing, playing tennis and travelling around Thailand with her friends.
Jonathon Burch (Kru Jonathon)
English Acquisition, EAL, IB English B
Born in the USA, Kru Jonathon spent most of his childhood in London. He holds a BA in Middle Eastern Studies from SOAS, University of London, and is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Advanced Teaching. With a teaching qualification from the UK, Kru Jonathon has been instructing high school students in Turkey for several years, spanning from EAL beginners to IB students.
Prior to teaching, he travelled extensively as a correspondent, capturing stories and images of major events for top global newspapers, including the wars in Afghanistan and Syria, experiences he passionately shares with his students. Beyond the classroom, Kru Jonathon enjoys good food, long walks, and learning new languages. He is married with a young daughter.
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.
Kru Joe has experience leading outdoor education seminars, coaching sports (soccer, baseball, flag football), working with youth in outdoor settings, and leading many extracurricular clubs. He has worked as and advisor to the National Junior Honour Society in the United States, led student government and activism clubs, and coached robotics.
Outside of school, Kru Joe is married with three active and curious children. He enjoys reading, fly fishing, hiking, backpacking and skiing. Academically, his interests include world history and religions, naturalism and curriculum studies. He is very excited to join such a vibrant and diverse community at Panyaden and share his love of learning and exploration.
Junho Lee (Kru Wes)
Music
Originally from Seoul, South Korea, Kru Wes holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education – Instrumental Emphasis from the University of Utah. Like many other international students, Kru Wes grew up outside his home country. He spent most of his time in India and Bolivia, where he experienced the powerful connection experience of music across different cultures and grew his dream to become a music educator. His speciality is early Western classical music, and his repertoire contains music starting from the 15th century. He also actively performed in the University of Utah Early Music Ensemble as a treble and bass violist and participated in early music festivals/workshops.
Kru Wes also has a huge passion for rock climbing. Outside work, he spends time at local climbing gyms with his wife. This is Kru Wes' first year at Panyaden, and he is very excited to be part of the community and make music with all the students.
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.
This is her third year at Panyaden; Kru Goong teaches Thai Acquisition to Year 7-10 and Year 13 students. Outside the classroom, her heart is warmed by animals, and she finds joy in the simple pleasures of reading, movies, travel, and crafting. Additionally, she is fond of gardening and enjoys planting vegetables and flowers. Recently, she has developed a passion for cooking.
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.
Inside work, she values being part of a team and building connections with staff and students. Outside of work, she loves to travel, spend time in nature hiking/camping, cook new vegan recipes with her husband, and spend time with the people she loves most – her family and friends!
Linda Breard (Kru Linda)
Librarian, Media and Communication, and IB Extended Essay Coordinator
Kru Linda is originally from Montréal, Canada, and is fluent in English and French. She has a BS in Library and Information Technology (University of Maine at Augusta) and a Master of Library and Information Studies from McGill University. With over 20 years experience as a librarian in 6 countries and 4 IB World Schools, she has a strong background in research support. She is passionate about fostering a love of reading and creating a dynamic library environment that inspires exploration and discovery.
Outside of school, Kru Linda enjoys scuba diving, lively conversations over coffee, attending live concerts, and has a passion for travel, having explored all seven continents, including an expedition to Antarctica. Kru Linda is excited to join the Panyaden community and to explore Chiang Mai.
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.
This year marks Kru Amy's sixth year of teaching Mandarin at Panyaden, where she teaches students from Year 10 to Year 13. She strongly believes that creating a positive and supportive environment is crucial for student growth. Through a variety of activities that explore different aspects of Chinese culture from an international perspective, Kru Amy strives to make learning Mandarin both meaningful and enjoyable for all her students.
Kru Amy not only teaches but is also pursuing a Master's degree in Education to advance in teaching and serve as an inspiration for students who value lifelong learning. In her free time, she enjoys engaging in various activities such as practising yoga, hiking, rock climbing, playing badminton, and scuba diving.
Lindsey Long (Kru Lindsey)
Learning Support Teacher
Kru Lindsey is a nature-loving, holistic living enthusiast from the great state of Michigan. She has an MA in Transformational Healing and a BA in Cognitive Science. As a learning specialist with 14 years of experience in Oxford, MI, Amsterdam, and Dakar IB World Schools she advocates for access and inclusion for all learners. Kru Lindsey is a transformative educator who cultivates a compassionate and supportive learning environment. By infusing her teaching with loving kindness and equanimity, she empowers students and teachers alike to thrive.
Kru Lindsey’s approach is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about fostering a sense of community and belonging. She achieves this by actively listening to her students, providing personalized guidance, and encouraging open communication. Kru Lindsey’s students leave her classes feeling inspired, motivated, and equipped with the tools and insight needed to succeed in their academic and personal pursuits.
When not in the classroom, Kru Lindsey can often be found basking in the shade of a majestic tree, savouring the serenity of the moment. She’s also an avid cyclist, swimmer, aerial yogist, and meditator, seeking new ways to connect with nature and cultivate inner peace. Her infectious enthusiasm for life is palpable, as she thrives on sharing her passions with people who are committed to living ethically and perpetually learning.
Richard Ghent (Kru Richard)
PE and Life Skills
Kru Richard was born and raised on the south coast of England. He came to teaching quite late, having spent time playing and coaching football in Australia and New Zealand, before returning to the UK as a mature student studying PE at both undergraduate and master’s levels.
Kru Richard firmly believes in the value of physical education and health at school. He understands that these subjects are crucial not only for students' physical development but also for their mental and emotional well-being. Physical education helps students develop motor skills, maintain physical fitness, and understand the importance of teamwork and fair play. Kru Richard's diverse background in sports and coaching enriches his teaching approach, making him passionate about inspiring students to lead active and healthy lifestyles.
He likes to spend his time, perhaps punishingly, pursuing perfection in the form of golf, and getting into nature through cycling and camping.
Ruonan Li (Kru Leslie)
Mandarin Teacher and Student Support TA
Kru Leslie was born and raised on a small fishery island in northern China. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Language and Literature and a Master of Education degree. Additionally, she is a certified IB DP educator and a government-qualified teacher in China. As a lifelong learner, she is currently pursuing the PGCE programme. Kru Leslie has lived in Beijing for 6 years and Hong Kong for 3 years, gaining rich cultural and educational experiences.
She dedicated herself to education almost a decade ago, with experiences at notable institutions such as Fangcaodi International School (Beijing), Li Po Chun World United College (Hong Kong), and Shekou International School (Shenzhen).
Teaching runs in Kru Leslie's blood—her parents, sister, and aunt are all educators, which inspired her to follow in their footsteps. Their dedication to education has been a constant source of motivation for her. Kru Leslie is full of adventurous ideas and always eager to explore the world. Beyond work, she enjoys writing, guitar playing, reading, and watching movies. She was also a long-distance running athlete, which instilled a strong sense of discipline and perseverance.
Kru Leslie looks forward to bringing her passion for Mandarin teaching and adventurous spirit to Panyaden. She can’t wait to embark on this exciting journey!
Max Werner (Kru Max)
English Language and Literature, Social Studies and Buddhist Education Coordinator
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 many years 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.
This is Kru Max’s second year at Panyaden and he is delighted to take on the role and responsibility of Buddhist Education Coordinator and be part of developing this vital part of our beautiful school. Indeed, Kru Max highly values the Buddhist approach to teaching and learning – the development of not only intellectual faculties but also emotional intelligence and ethical values. He recognizes that nurturing students' inner qualities, such as empathy, kindness, and self-awareness, is just as, or perhaps even more, important as imparting academic knowledge.
Beyond meditating, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing music with friends, and he is a passionate basketball player who spends as much time as he can on basketball courts wherever he is in the world.
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.
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.
Since then, he has taught in Myanmar, China, Qatar and Cambodia and now at Panyaden International School. He enjoys learning languages and speaks some Thai and Laos. His hobbies include running marathons, cycling, swimming, yoga, sports, and gardening. He relishes learning about all things sustainable. He is married to Alexandra (Alex), has two young children called Isla and Isabella and is in his element when hiking in nature with his family. This year he will facilitate Year 7 Mathematics, Service Learning in Middle School, as well as Pre-CAS and CAS in High School. Also, he is thrilled to be an educator at Panyaden as the Service Learning Coordinator to help make Panyaden a beacon for service learning in Thailand and the rest of the world.
Piti-an Jamoosri (Kru Toey)
Thai Language Teacher
Kru Toey was born in Phijit province in northern Thailand and raised in Chiang Mai since she was 2 years old. Kru Toey loves learning Thai and wants to share her passion with others, so she holds a Bachelor of Arts focusing on Thai Language and a Master’s degree in Education with a specialisation in teaching Thai language, both from Chiang Mai University. This marks her sixth year at Panyaden. She is passionate about teaching and values the learning experiences she gains from her students. Before joining Panyaden, she taught Thai at an international school for a decade and served as a Thai lecturer at Chiang Mai University for four years.
During her leisure time, Kru Toey enjoys listening to music, reading books, savouring coffee moments with friends, and exploring new places through travel.
Shauna Le Conte (Kru Shauna)
Mathematics
Kru Shauna has 14 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 up and putting them down”, ala Planet Fitness. This year at Panyaden, Kru Shauna has Year 8 and 9 Mathematics, Year 12 MAA and Year 13 MAI. Don’t forget to sign up for the University of Waterloo mathematics contests this year!
Kru Shauna hopes to lift up our students’ math skills and put down their fears about success in secondary this year.
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 second year at Panyaden as a Thai language and Buddhist Education teacher.
In her free time, Kru Yuyii likes to explore coffee places and bookstores or libraries. Eating papaya salad makes her happy. She has loved Isaan traditional dance since a young age and would love to share this passion with students at Panyaden.
Tanawut Panyanant (Kru Benz)
Thai Language and Buddhist Education
Kru Benz is originally from Tak province, in western Thailand. He loves to read fiction and enjoys watching movies. When he found his passions, he decided to study history, cultural studies, and Thai language. Currently, Kru Benz is a Ph.D. student in comparative literature at Chulalongkorn University. He has published many academic articles which analysing short stories, literature, and films. Kru Benz’ prior experience include two years as an instructor at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi and four years as a researcher at Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Center.
Outside of work, Kru Benz prefers to read horror stories. Eating Lanna food makes him happy. He loves Thai culture, especially Lanna culture.
Vineet Singh (Kru Vineet)
Theatre and Film
Kru Vineet is thrilled to join the Panyaden community as a secondary school Theatre and Film teacher. With over 17 years of experience as a Theatre teacher and Head of Performing Arts, he has designed, scripted, and directed numerous school productions, shaped the drama curricula and established the theatre departments. Post the start of his professional career as a software engineer, he co-founded Edu Art Solutions LLP and United Arts Society, promoting arts in K-12 education through innovative programs and workshops from 2007 to 2015.
As the DP Film teacher, Kru Vineet guides students in exploring cinema, helping them develop a critical understanding and appreciation of film theory and production. His journey in education has been enriched by diverse experiences, including his role as the IB MYP Coordinator at an IB Continuum School, since 2015. His responsibilities included teacher training, curriculum development and implementation, and community outreach, fostering critical thinking and holistic education. With a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Bath, Kru Vineet is passionate about integrating the arts into education to promote holistic development.
Outside of work, Kru Vineet enjoys travelling, permaculture design, clay modelling, cooking, and critiquing films. These hobbies allow him to connect with others and build a sense of community, sharing his passion for sustainable living and the arts.
Vinita Nair (Kru Vinita)
English Language and Literature, IB TOK
Kru Vinita is from India and has been in the city of Bangalore for the last couple of years. She is currently in the last phase of completing her PhD which is in an integrative field called Interactive Fiction, combining literature and technology. Along with teaching English and Theory of Knowledge, she is also an IB examiner and an IB Workshop Leader. She is also a part of the IB TOK Curriculum Review Committee for the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO).
She is passionate about integrating technology into education and integrating student voice into assessments and curriculum design. Her interests include reading, music, travelling and fitness.
Napaporn Poovananuwat (Kru Pom)
Student Support Teaching Assistant
ru Pom was born and grown up in Bangkok. She graduated from Bangkok Technical college in Hotel Business. After having a family she changed direction to run her own small garment business. Life took Kru Pom to live in Bali, Indonesia, India and later in Sweden. In Sweden she had opportunities to work with students and decided to take further education in teaching. She studied a two years Art foundation program at Munka Ljungby Art School in Sweden and later studied and earned a certificate in Art Education for Teacher student from Dalarna University, Sweden.
For the past 7 years, she enjoyed living in Chiang Mai and working with students as a teaching assistant in an international school. She is excited to join Panyaden international school this year. In her free time, she likes reading, gardening, baking, painting, doing exercise and taking meditation course.
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. She also supports all teachers upon request (class, experiment, examination, student field trips, science activities, translation documents and other necessary requests) and constructs practical resources as directed.
Phatnaree PhahonThammasan (Khun 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.