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Foundation

Our Academic Staff members are at the very heart of our School. It is their enthusiasm and commitment in providing learning to our students that inspires our high standards and continued success.

HeadStart’s over 90 specialist teachers have British, Australian, US or similar internationally recognised qualifications which include Bachelor and Master Degrees and Doctorates. They bring with them a wealth of current experience from their home countries and from other international schools. Teachers in Foundation and Primary School are supported by a team of qualified teaching assistants.

The dedication and commitment of our Operational Staff in supporting the day-to-day running of HeadStart ensures that our students receive the very best in learning and extra-curricular activities.

‘Throughout the school, teachers’ subject knowledge and understanding of how students learn are strong. Relationships between students and teachers are positive. The ratio of qualified teachers to students, especially in the early years and lower primary classes, is high. ‘Deputy’ teachers, who are fully qualified teachers in their home countries, support class teachers. Due to their expertise, they make a significant difference to the rates of progress that students make. Teachers know students well and assess them accurately. This enables teachers to plan work that matches the ability of individual students and caters well for their varying needs.’ Education Development Trust (EDT) Accreditation Report, June 2017

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Anna Koczor

Preschool Homeroom Teacher
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Hello, sawatdee ka! My name is Anna Koczor and I was born in Hungary but grew up in England. I have been teaching learners of various ages and for multiple purposes for almost 10 years now, but my biggest passion is teaching in foundation and early years (although I do enjoy teaching primary, too!). I completed a PGCE from Sunderland University to better myself and learn more about this position. I first moved to Thailand in 2016, working at a school in Bangkok until 2019. I moved back to Phuket last year with my husband and young son as both my husband and I love all that this country has to offer, especially living here - in paradise! We love going out and about to find fun places for our son to explore – whether it’s a kid’s play area or a deserted beach! Having worked in a few different types of schools, I am excited to have become a member of the HeadStart teaching team and can’t wait to meet all the young faces of my Foundation class. It is important for me that parents feel comfortable and happy leaving their child in our care, and that the children go home feeling excited for their next day at school. Please feel free to come and talk to me should you have any questions or concerns, or just to say hello!

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Ghea Cataluna

Preschool Deputy Teacher
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Hello, I'm Ghea Cataluna, I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in Pre-school from the Philippines. During my educational journey, I had the privilege of completing internships in both private and public schools. These experiences provided me with hands-on exposure to the dynamics of teaching and learning, specifically in guiding and inspiring Kinder 2 students as they embarked on their educational journey. Previously, I also ventured into the world of online education. I am an ESL (English as a Second Language) online tutor, I've had the privilege of engaging with Korean students, assisting them in honing their English language skills. What sets me apart to continue my teaching journey is my ability to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment. I believe that every child deserves to feel valued and supported, and I strive to create a classroom atmosphere that promotes respect, empathy, and collaboration. My journey in the field of education began with a promising start as I joined HeadStart in the year 2023. Currently, I am honored to serve as a Preschool Deputy Teacher in HeadStart. This role allows me to contribute actively to the development and growth of young learners, fostering their curiosity and laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning.

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Bernadeth Solania

Preschool Deputy Teacher
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Hello! My name is Bernadeth Solania but you can call me Miss Berns. I grew up in Antipolo a city in the east of Manila known as the Pilgrimage Capital of the Philippines and went to ICCT Colleges in the year 2016 where I obtained Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education major in Early Childhood Education and in the year 2019 I passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers. Although I did not have the opportunity to pursue teaching career for some reason but I worked as an Executive Assistant at the Department of Education in the Philippines for more than 3 years. I firmly believe that this delay gave me time to reflect and embrace my passion for teaching. I joined HeadStart this April of 2023 as a Deputy Teacher in Bridging School with a combined class of Early Years and Reception. I had a wonderful experience during this term, it given me the opportunity to learn various styles and strategies to better understand and help each learner. This year I will be joining the Preschool and I am really looking forward to collect new learnings and exciting experiences with the young learners and the whole team of Foundation stage. I am very grateful to be part of the HeadStart teaching team as I will start a new phase full of knowledge and wisdom. I am very passionate to teach and help young learners to bring out their natural talent and creativeness. I also believe that learning should be fun! If the experience is fun learners will stay curious and keep coming back for more. As a Deputy Teacher it is my responsibility to help learners see the joy in learning and to keep them engaged and motivated as well. I can’t wait to see all adorable faces of preschoolers whom I will be with throughout this academic year and I’m extremely excited to meet them to do lots of fun and good memories. Looking forward to a brilliant year ahead!

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Nanny Emmie

Preschool Nanny
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Sawasdee kha. I'm Emmie. I was born in Trang and have been in Phuket for 18 years. I graduated from Prince of Songkhla University, Phuket, where I studied Hotel Management program. I have 13 years of experience in Kids Club at The Westin Family Kids Club, Phuket, Thailand. I am looking forward to be a Nanny this year to support Preschool children and help to create a positive learning environment with our teacher team.

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Nanny Om

Preschool Nanny
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Hello and Sawasdeeka! My name is Om from Thailand and I will be the nanny for Preschool class this year. I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Art, Advertising Major from Bangkok University in Bangkok, Thailand. I was born and lived in Bangkok before I moved to Phuket and have been living in Phuket for 3 years now. After I graduated, I worked as a Receptionist in hotels in Bangkok for around 6 years and started to work at a hotel Kids Club for around 6 years. In the Kids Club, I was in charge of the children in different age group such as 2-3, 4-7, 8-10 years old and sometimes teenagers as well. I love playing and spending time with children, which is why I chose to work with them. I'm looking forward to the school opening so I can welcome and take care of the children.

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Rachael Engel

Early Years Homeroom Teacher
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Greetings! My name is Miss Rachael, and I am from Dayton, Ohio, USA. I moved to Thailand in 2016 as a volunteer in the United States Peace Corps. During my service, I experienced my new role as a “Teacher Collaborator and Community Service Facilitator” (TCCS) at a lovely village in Angthong, Thailand. Integrating into the community played a major role in the quality of my service, and it was this wonderful, wholesome experience that fuelled my decision to stay in Thailand permanently. Following my service, I enjoyed 4 wonderful years teaching kindergarten in Bangkok before moving to Phuket and joining the HeadStart team. I am beyond thrilled to begin another school year at HeadStart on their new campus as the Early Years teacher, and cannot wait to develop strong, meaningful relationships with my new students! I have been teaching for 11 years in the United States and Thailand and have experience in multiple curricula and pedagogical strategies. In 2022, I completed my Master’s in Early Childhood Education with the University of Toledo. My pedagogy is driven by creativity, exciting exploration, meaningful discourse between teachers and peers, and purposeful play-based learning through the use of enriching environments. Culturally responsive teaching also drives my instructional approach, as it has been my primary focus throughout my master’s program and the subject of my thesis. Personally, I love art, music, reading, scuba diving, backpacking, and learning about other cultures and languages. I have 2 adorable dogs that go everywhere with me and amazing friends from all over the world. Most of all, I love Thailand and how it provides countless opportunities for meaningful experiences, relationships, and personal growth. I look forward to continuing my growth at this wonderful school, and most importantly, as a teacher to your lovely children.

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Corinthian Mary Peb C. Lanticse

Early Years Deputy Teacher
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Hello, I am Corinthian Mary Peb C. Lanticse from the Philippines and a Deputy Teacher in Early Years. I am looking forward to this academic year with enthusiasm since its my first year working here in HeadStart. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Mindanao Digos College under the degree of Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education major in Food Service Management and a licensed Professional Teacher. During my four years in college, I was a part time kinder English Language tutor in a nearby school and then worked as a teacher assistant after college. Working as a teacher gives me a wonderful experience with the children. I believe in creating a classroom environment, the students should feel appreciated, comfortable, and respected as individual because children learn best when they are safe and happy. This will be a great year with you all.

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Janpen Janklab

Early Years Nanny
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Hello, my name is Pang! I was born in Bangkok but grew up in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. I graduated with a Bachelors in Liberal Arts in English from Walailak University in 2022. I have almost two years experience of working with young children. While interning at KidAble, Nakhon Si Thammarat, I worked as an assistant teacher using the Montessori Method by engaging young children through various play-based learning activities. Following graduation, I worked as an English tutor for a year and then relocated to Phuket to start my employment as a nanny. I understand the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment for young children to learn and grow. I look forward to starting my work as a nanny at HeadStart and look forward to working with you and your children this academic year.

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Danielle Hughes

Reception Teacher
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Hello! My name is Danielle Hughes, but you can call me Miss Danielle. I am really looking forward to teaching in the Foundation stage and I can’t wait to meet you all. I am from a town called Harlow in England, in the United Kingdom, where I grew up. I moved to Kent to attend Canterbury Christ Church University to study for my degree in Primary Education. Over the past 11 years, I have been teaching in the Borough of Hackney, in London, and have been at the same school where I have taken on a range of different roles. I have taught in Reception for seven years as the EYFS (Early Years Foundation stage) phase leader, which I very much enjoyed, instilling a passion for early education, which still continues today. In 2016, I became an EYFS SLE (Specialist Leader of Education) for Hackney, where I would visit different Foundation stages around the borough, delivering various training, supporting teachers and phase leaders to promote an inspiring and high quality EYFS provision for their children. I moved to Years 3 and 4 where I taught for three years, still continuing my role as EYFS phase leader and EYFS SLE, whilst broadening my knowledge of lower key stage 2, taking on Safeguarding as a DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) and with Year 6 SATS. In 2020, I became the LEAP Geography subject lead across three schools, where I rewrote the curriculum from the Foundation Stage to Year 6, to provide a broad and challenging Geography curriculum for all. In 2022, I set up a 2 year old provision so that the school was able to support younger children. It was a fantastic learning experience and a great success. In 2023, I moved to Phuket for my first international teaching position. It was a wonderful year. I am really looking forward to the year ahead teaching Reception in our new campus and working with all the staff at Cherngtalay, developing and inspiring young inquisitive minds to help reach their full potential.

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Gerlie Lasat Pahil

Reception Deputy
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Sallam! I am Gerlie Lasat Pahil, but everyone prefers to call me Gerlie rather than my last name. It’s my first time to be in an international school and my first year at HeadStart as a Deputy Teacher in foundation specifically reception. I am excited to take on a new adventure this year and am confident that I will be able to be working successfully with the excellent HeadStart Team. I earned a Bachelor of Elementary Education - General Education at Cor Jesu College, Digos City, Davao Del Sur Philippines in 2016 and passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers in the same year. Currently, I am pursuing my Master of Arts in Education major in Educational Management at Davao Del Sur State College, Digos City, Davao Del Sur and I’m on my last year and doing my thesis at the moment. My five years of teaching experience in public and 1 year in private school in the Philippines and another one year as a volunteer teacher prior to working at HeadStart taught me to be more open to any ideas and discovery along with my learners believing that learning is a lifelong process. It has been a wonderful opportunity for me to collaborate with administrators, coworkers, kids, and parents from other cultures. I believe that every learner is unique and has its own learning style on how are they going to learn and discover new things. Based on Howard Gardner, in his theory of multiple intelligences there are nine ways how the children’s learns. I have always believed in each student's ability to learn in their own unique way, which differentiates them. I’m glad and willingly to impart my knowledge to them and cheerfully extend my help and aid their learning process. As a Deputy Teacher, I am now ready to extend assistance and ensure to support the learners in discovering and constructing learning their own way, communicating themselves and tolerating contrast, either in sees or understandings, weighing conclusions, learning to respect every idea they come up with, coming up to a distant, better, a much higher and stronger resolution. I guarantee my commitment to this part, with earnestness and commitment, to be a portion of a learning community that points to sharpen all encompassing development of the learners analytically and holistically. Shalom!

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Amornsri Chukaew

Reception Nanny
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Hello and sawadeekha. My name is Amornsri Chukaew but you can call me Nancy. I’m from Phang Nga province nearby Phuket. I just graduated from Dibuk Phangnga Wittayayon School and next year I plan to continue my studies. I am interested to be a teacher because I love to work with children and I love to teach them. I have been working at HeadStart for 2 months as a nanny. I started training with the Reception class at the Chaofah campus - the children are so lovely! I learned many things from training like how to communicate with children because communication is so important to enable us to get to know each other. I love to sing and dance - when I do this with children, it makes them happy and makes me happy too. Now I’m at the Cherngtalay Campus and I looking forward to working with the lovely children in Reception class.

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