Coaches

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 70 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.

Ar-tit Benawang

P.E. Teacher Assistant

My name is Ar-tit Benawang and I am a swimming coach here at HeadStart. I have my high school qualifications from the Padang Besar Tinsulanonda School.I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise and Sport Science from the Institute of Physical Education–Krabi Campus. I also have certification as a Swimming Coach which I obtained on 30 December from the Thai Swimming Coach Association of Thailand. I have worked at HeadStart International School since 2011. It has been a great opportunity for me to work here. I enjoy the exercise that I can fit into my schedule due to excellent facilities. There are even sports that I have participated in that I have never had the chance to play before making it an overall great experience.

Chaiwat Tanthatemee

Football Coach

My Name is Cahiwat and I am from Trang. I went to high school at the Nakhon Si Thammarat Sport School and to college at the Institute of Physical Education and studied Sport Science. I have an outgoing and energetic personality. I have many years experiences in football, both as a player and coach. I have a university degree in sports science and have completed a course in first aid. I feel very fortunate to be working at HeadStart. Working here has given me the opportunity to meet people. Football is more than just a sport to me, it's like an air for me to breathe; my lifeline. The lessons I learned in football and with the people around it will surely be treasured.

Somtavin Chuchuay

Assistant Swim Coach

Hi. My name is Khru Pui! I graduated from the Padang Besar Tinsulanonda Highschool School. I have a Bachelor’s Degree from the Institute of Physical Education–Krabi Campus, Arts Program. On December 30th, 2008 I received a Swimming Coach Level 1 Certificate from 'The Thai Swimming Coach Association of Thailand.' I have worked here at HeadStart International School since the 5th of January, 2016. It has been a good opportunity for me to work here as I can exercise and play several sports here due to the good facilities. There are several sports that I have never played before like table tennis and soft tennis that I enjoy learning. In this job I can be a coach and learn and play new sports at the same time. It has been good luck for me to work here.

Zak Brown

Head Swim Coach

My name is Zak Brown. I’m from Bakersfield, California and started swimming at the age of 10. During High School, I helped lead our team to becoming league champions 4 years in a row. After High School, I attended Bakersfield College and continued swimming for Bakersfield Swim Club. During this time, I competed all over California as well as traveling to other states for national level competitions. After 2 years of junior college; I moved to Niagara Falls, New York and competed at Niagara University as a Division One Swimmer. During my stay at Niagara University, I was able to set three school relay records and I received a degree in marketing and logistics. I've enjoyed coaching swimming for over 9 years and have worked with athletes on all levels from beginners to Olympians. I feel very fortunate that swimming has given me the opportunity to meet incredible people from all over the world. Swimming is more than just a sport to me, it's become a lifestyle. The lessons learned through swimming stay with you your entire life. This is my second year with the HeadStart and I am really excited to work with the students to further develop their swimming abilities. Last season our Aqua Panthers hit best times and won the league championships. We have a lot of momentum building into this year and I am excited to lead the team into new heights!

Fabienne Mester

Dance Programme Manager

Born in France, I commenced my training as a classical dancer at the age of 8 and later moved on to contemporary at 14. I have since then absorbed numerous contemporary techniques like Jose Limon, Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham and Contact dancing. I performed with various contemporary dance Companies in France, and in 2004, joined Lewisham College Performing Art in London to get my Advanced Degree in contemporary. During the last 12 years between London, France, Australia and Thailand, I have acted as a dancer, teacher, choreographer and dance consultant in different dance styles like Jazz, modern, ballet, contemporary, musical theatre and acrobatics. I intend to bring to HeadStart International school’s community the spirit, the technique and the love of dance based on 4 points: Time, Space, Awareness and Fun. In September 2015, I joined as HeadStart Dance Programme coordinator offering an extensive dance programme for youth ages 4 to 18 y/o with a variety of classes in Ballet, Hip Hop, Modern/jazz, ballroom, contemporary, acrobatics and gymnastic. My mission is not only to properly place all students in classes that will maximize their development and progress, but also to guide them towards realising their full potential and help them to become amazing, creative and generous human beings.

Stephan Klimsch

Judo Programme Manager

My three children are all HeadStart students. My daughter finished school this year and my two younger ones are still at HeadStart. I am from Germany and I have taught languages ( German and English ) in Japan, Tokyo, for 14 years before I came to Thailand 16 years ago. I have taught German ( First Language and Second Language) at Primary, Middle Years, IGCSE and IB levels on the island of Phuket for the last 16 years and taught teacher training courses for new teachers. Last year I taught German and Judo as part of the Activity program at HeadStart. All my kids attended these Activity programs and will attend this year again. German classes will be offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Judo/Jiu Jitsu will be offered on Wednesdays and Fridays. All students, parents, teachers and staff are welcome to join.