Rachel Buckley
Rachel Buckley
Our Early Years 2-3 Learning Designer Rachel Buckley, born in the United States and holding Canadian citizenship, brings extensive experience and a deep passion for early childhood education to her new role. She has worked in schools across Thailand, Canada, and Vietnam, enriching young minds at Lertlah School, British Early Years Centre, and Apple Tree International Kindergarten in Bangkok.
Rachel has also worked at Hamilton Hebrew Academy in Ontario and, most recently, at Sky International Preschool, a Reggio-inspired preschool in Hanoi.
Rachel holds a PGCE in International Education from the University of Nottingham, UK, and is also proficient in French. Her multicultural background and language skills enable her to connect effectively with children and families from diverse backgrounds.
Jonathan Campbell
Jonathan Campbell
Jonathan Campbell is our Middle Loop Cohort Leader.
Jonathan has a Bachelor of Education degree from Murdoch University, Australia along with an Advanced Diploma of Film & Television.
He has spent 15 years working in Middle Schools in both student leadership programming and experiential education. Jonathan believes in student leadership and empathy for the modern learner.
"In a complex and diverse world, I can't think of anything more important than putting that in the front and center of a progressive education that creatively supports our youth to develop their confidence and write their own future," he says.
Among many claims to fame, Master Jonathan purports to know all the world capital cities and also that in 2004 he was nearly a state Monopoly champion, coming 6th in Western Australia.
Suzanne Kitto
Suzanne Kitto
Suzanne Kitto, our Director of Curriculum & Learning, is a Kiwi who has spent two decades living and working at international schools in Asia - Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand, with her child, Jules, in tow.
Suzanne started her career as a Japanese Second Language, English and Social Studies teacher in New Zealand before being introduced to the International Baccalaureate, specifically the Exhibition year of the PYP. Wanting to share her experience, Suzanne became an IB workshop leader and school visit team member. She has led professional development workshops at conferences all around Asia.
Suzanne has long held beliefs that education systems are flawed, favoring satisfying bureaucratic and political agendas over the best interests of the learner. She became particularly interested in learner-driven pedagogy when given the opportunity to pilot a self-directed learning model at the International School Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam in 2017.
Suzanne’s hope is that VERSO will provide an environment where transferable skills are at the forefront of learning and the traditional university to track is merely one option among many when transitioning into life beyond school.
Chandler Audette
Chandler Audette
Chandler Audette (Cha Cha), our EY4-5 Learning Designer from the US, has been an Early Years educator for the past nine years, beginning her career shortly after graduating from the University of Hawaii. She has experience teaching children from 1-6 years old.
As an educator, she has a passion for child development and enriching the minds of little learners through play-based learning, student agency, and mindful experiences.
Cha Cha puts a strong emphasis on forming positive relationships with her learners , teaching team, and the parents of her learners, as she believes that it is essential in creating a learning environment and community, where learners feel valued and confident enough to take risks and be their authentic selves!
She was born and raised in the small town of Washougal, WA. She grew up on a cattle ranch in the Columbia Gorge, which cultivated her passion for community and the outdoors, both of which are present inside and outside of the classroom. She believes learning happens through experiences.
As a designer, she focuses on designing stimulating environments and provocations, both indoors and outdoors, giving learners the freedom to explore and discover their own passions and interests, and of course the power to connect with and contribute to their community.
Graham Baines
Graham Baines
Graham Baines, our Performing Arts and Music Project Learning Designer, is a passionate educator who has worked internationally for almost 20 years. Prior to VERSO, Graham taught at Vientiane International School in Laos.
Music has always been a big part of his life and he’s been playing the drums for many years, in many bands, as well as composing, mixing and mastering electronic music for most of his adult life. He has worked on solo tracks and collaborated with people from all over the world on a variety of projects, including a collaboration that topped the BBC Radio 1 online charts.
Graham has been on a mission to revolutionize the way we teach and learn performing arts through individual inquiries and the promotion of learner agency. This was inspired by his experience facilitating the ‘PYPx’. He has been sharing the joy through X (formerly known as Twitter), as well as presenting the vision at the East Asia Regional Council of Schools(EARCOS) conference held in Bangkok in 2019.
Graham has also spent time in Melbourne, Australia, to assist a PYP school in re-imagining their performing arts program.
Yupawan Baines
Yupawan Baines
Yupawan Baines (Coco), our Early Years 4-5 Learning Assistant, is passionate about teaching arts and crafts to learners.
She taught at Vientiane International School in Laos for 7 years and was also a substitute teacher throughout the school. Prior to that she worked in government administration in Thailand.
Coco has a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business from Ramkhamhaeng University, a Master’s Degree in English for Career, and a TESOL certificate from Thammasat University.
Sapphira Beaudin
Sapphira Beaudin
Our Social Emotional Counselor & Safeguarding and Student Success Lead Designer Sapphira Beaudin, was raised in Bangkok's international school community, embracing her Thai-Indonesian-Chinese heritage. With her French-Canadian partner, they nurture two active, adventurous daughters in a multicultural home.
Sapphira holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Family & Social Relations from the University of Windsor, Canada, and a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Assumption University, Thailand.
With 18 years of experience in school counseling, she prioritizes safeguarding in schools and oversees our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum for Grades 1- 8.
Outside of her professional life, Sapphira is an avid rock climber and enjoys other various outdoor pursuits such as hiking, diving, kayaking, and surfing.
Joshua Berin
Joshua Berin
With over seven years of experience in coaching and a passion for swimming, Joshua Berin, our Head of Aquatics, brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to our aquatics program.
Joshua previously worked as a Junior Swimming Coach at Harrow International School Bangkok, where he was honored as the Best Coach of the Year. His leadership helped the swim team achieve top rankings in SEASAC, FOBISIA, and BMAC competitions. Prior to this, he contributed significantly to the Bangkok Elite Swimming Team and De La Salle Green Hills School in Manila, Philippines.
Joshua holds a diploma in Nursing from Naga College Foundation, Philippines, and possesses a UKR LSS certification for lifeguarding.
He is certified by the American Coaches Swimming Association (Level 1-3) and is an active member of the Thailand Swimming Association, American Coaches Swimming Association, and World Coaches Association.
Matthew Bonnell
Matthew Bonnell
Matthew Bonnell is from the United Kingdom and is the C9-12 Learning Designer focusing on all STEM-related subjects. He has taught Science, Mathematics, Computing, Robotics & Design Technology at schools across the globe. He has experience in developing the curriculum and leading a team to deliver a project-based learning approach at a school in Bangkok. He has also created national events like the VEX robotics tournaments in Thailand and has a real passion for anything creative, making or tinkering.
Matthew has a Bachelor's degree in Control Systems Engineering from University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, and a PGCE teacher qualification from Cardiff Metropolitan University. He taught for over 12 years in schools.
With a passion for creativity, Matthew loves to spend time composing, and working in the studio as a producer to create music. He can play many instruments including the piano, guitar, clarinet, drums, and ukulele. He also has a strong sense of adventure, and loves going trekking, cycling, climbing, camping, and often spends his holidays on multi day adventures with friends and family. He also has a young daughter who keeps him pretty busy!
Joseph Brown
Joseph Brown
Our Upper Loop Cohort Leader Joseph Brown has been evolving his understanding of content delivery and classroom environment for 9 years with 14 years of coaching athletics in the United States. He spent 4-years in China building a STEM program and growing his academic leadership. During this time, his understanding has evolved towards patterns, parallels, and connections.
No matter the scenario, music, sports, or academic performance, there are skills used that transcend and can be used for future success. Risk-taking and perseverance can provide learning opportunities, and reflection can be an effective way to articulate the growth made and determine the next steps to continue one's personal journey.
Learners are capable of achieving more than they can imagine, says Joe, who is excited to be at VERSO because "together we can cultivate an environment that guides and supports personal voice and choice so all learners can reach their full potential."
Joan Cahilig
Joan Cahilig
Joan Cahilig is our Upper Loop Learning Designer Science Specialist with over 20 years of extensive international experience teaching biology and chemistry to middle and high school students at several local and international schools in The Philippines and Thailand including International Pioneers School and Thai Sikh International School.
Joan also managed all laboratory operations while teaching Integrated Science classes, showcasing her ability to blend theory with practical applications.
Joan holds a Master of Arts in Child Study and a Bachelor of Secondary Education, with a major in Biology, from the Philippine Normal University, providing her with a deep understanding of child development, effective teaching methodologies, and a strong foundation in the life sciences.
Shanna Comerford
Shanna Comerford
Our Lower and Middle Loop Well-being Learning Designer Shanna Comerford is from New Zealand and has been teaching for over 15 years in the UK, Qatar, China, Egypt, and Vietnam.
She understands living a healthy and balanced lifestyle is imperative and aims to inspire others to lead active lives and develop skills to support a healthy lifestyle. She understands that well-being is not just about physical health, but encompasses the personal, social, and emotional aspects of a person's life, and wants to guide learners on this journey.
She is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment that promotes well-being and sets VERSO learners up with healthy habits and coping mechanisms as they become young adults, and beyond their schooling
adventure.
Shanna is also an experienced curator of learner-led exhibitions and has a wide range of interests and passions including sports, music, and enjoys long walks with her dog.
Carlee Compton
Carlee Compton
Our Lower & Middle Loop Visual Arts Learning Designer Carlee Compton is originally a cheesehead from Wisconsin, US whose journey began in a dairy country before she traded dairy farms for South Carolina's sunny shores to start her teaching career.
Her passion for art ignited during her studies in visual arts at the University of Wisconsin, where she delved into the mesmerizing world of hot glass blowing.
For eight years, Carlee stoked her creative flames at Columbia's One Eared Cow Glass studio. Life took a colorful turn when she relocated to Thailand, expanding her artistic and educational horizons.
Beyond inspiring young minds in the art room, Carlee finds joy in embarking on adventures around Thailand with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.
Dedicated to art education, she champions creativity and self-expression among her students.
Garrett Cutler
Garrett Cutler
Garrett Cutler is our Director of Athletics and Extracurricular Activities. Originally, from New York, USA, this is his 12th year teaching abroad. He started his teaching career in East Hampton, NY, USA for 5 years. He then moved to Phuket where he taught for 5 years before teaching in Bali, Indonesia for the 3 years at Green School.
Garrett’s favorite part about being an educator is showing learners how to be passionate about having a healthy lifestyle. He feels that there is nothing better than being able to help someone discover a love of physical activity in their own way.
Michael Delfino
Michael Delfino
Amongst our faculty dwells a Kentucky Colonel, the same title held by Colonel Sanders of KFC fame. Before teaching, our Upper Loop Learning Designer, Colonel Michael Delfino, worked as a firmware engineer.
He has a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Computer Science from the University of Kentucky and Georgia Tech, and a Master’s in Secondary Math Education.
He has taught in Kentucky, Bangkok, and New Delhi. He earned his nomination as a Kentucky Colonel for working with his state representative on a computer science education bill.
Since becoming an educator, he’s sought to do things differently. His first school was centered around project-based and experiential learning. He loves collaborating with other educators to break down perceived walls between subjects and is a big proponent of having learners engage in authentic work, bringing guests into the classroom and getting kids out into the community as much as possible.
Col. Michael is originally from Louisville, Kentucky, has two children, and enjoys reading, writing, swimming, powerlifting, board games, and playing and developing his own video games.
When he was making the transition from an engineer to a teacher, he got into performing stand up comedy as a way to get comfortable performing for crowds.
Alan Dexter
Alan Dexter
Alan Dexter is our Cohort 7-8 Learning Designer with 12 years of experience teaching science and technology in Thailand. He has crafted learning experiences using STEM, gamification, and inquiry-based learning methods, and he has worked with Singaporean, Thai, American, and British curriculums, teaching students aged 10 to 18.
Alan has taught IB Physics and Design Technology, emphasizing project-based learning, particularly in robotics and coding. For the past five years, he has been involved in organizing Thailand's regional VEX IQ robotics competition.
Alan believes that a teacher's passion for their subject is what makes them truly effective. He finds that enthusiasm in the classroom is contagious and enjoys sharing his love for science and technology with both learners and colleagues at VERSO.
Alan graduated from Kingston University in Surrey, UK, in 2010, during which he participated in a placement abroad, conducting lab-based research that has been published in a scientific journal. After gaining experience in management and teaching, he completed his Qualified Teacher Status.
Outside of teaching, Alan enjoys a variety of activities such as long-distance cycle touring, powerlifting, marathon running, climbing, boxing, ice skating, diving, freediving, and mountain climbing. He also enjoys tinkering with household devices and launching water rockets. At home, he is frequently outmatched by his three rescue dogs.
Sarah Donaldson
Sarah Donaldson
Sarah Donaldson, our Lower Loop Learning Designer (Literacy Specialist), is from Canada and has been in education as a teacher, instructional coach, and associate principal for 23 years. She holds a Master's degree in Education in Literacy and a Bachelor of Education degree in Primary and Junior Education (K-6) from Nipissing University, Canada, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) degree in Educational Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada.
Sarah has taught in Brazil, Canada, South Korea, and now Thailand. She is a strong believer that young people have the ability to make our world a better place and that all learners deserve to belong in their learning spaces and feel valued and loved for who they are. When learners truly know they belong as their authentic selves, they can reach their social and academic potential and support others in doing so as well, she adds.
Gideon Doron
Gideon Doron
After graduating from the University of Southeastern Philippines with a Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, our Cohort -12 Creative Arts Specialist Gideon Doron began working as a web developer and graphic designer for a US-based business solution company. He worked his way up from there, progressively pursuing his passion for art education. He taught secondary art and coached learners for competitions before relocating to Thailand.
He also volunteered as a core member for the Davao Graphic Designers Community, where they organized events to nurture and showcase their local artists and designers' talents.
He has worked as an Art and Design teacher and department head at an international school in Bangkok. He is now pursuing a Master's Degree in Education, majoring in Arts Management. Learning and sharing diverse arts, cultures, and stories and promoting them through visual arts bring him great joy and he is excited to do the same thing with VERSO learners.
Nicholas Garvin
Nicholas Garvin
Nicholas Garvin (Nick) is our Cohort 1-4 Leader who has worked in six of the seven countries he has lived.
Nick has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Walsh University, Ohio, USA and an associate degree specializing in Early Childhood Education from Stark State College, USA. He is also a Google Certified Trainer and a Google Certified Educator : Level 1 & 2, a Common Sense Media Certified Educator and an Apple Certified Teacher w/ Swift Code Certification.
An adventure-seeker, Nick has gone shark diving in South Africa, bungee jumping in Cyprus, and skydiving in the US. He attributes his career in education to his grandfather.
Arthur Hall
Arthur Hall
Arthur Hall, our C5-6 Learning Designer is from United States and has taught in international schools in Thailand and Myanmar, and an elementary school in New Zealand.
In his previous school, he was responsible for creating English language arts, math, science, and social studies lessons following the AERO (American Education Reaches Out) standards and using units of inquiry to support an interdisciplinary, project-based learning approach.
Arthur holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Indiana University, USA and a Cross Cultural, Language and Academic Development Certificate from Stanford University.
Yi Lin Huang
Yi Lin Huang
Yi Lin Huang brings her Social Science background and her passion to work with adolescents and young adults to VERSO.
Her journey began in 2015, when she volunteered to teach refugee children and youth in Bangkok. Since then, she has led undergraduate student leaders at the University of British Columbia (UBC) to advocate for issues on human rights and discrimination. She has also facilitated language workshops for newly resettled immigrant families in Canada. From her experience working with various socioeconomic and cultural populations, she believes that empathic and resilient mindsets are crucial for adolescents to thrive as global citizens.
She is committed to nurturing learners by developing their empathy and resilience to thrive in our multicultural, rapidly changing world.
Yi Lin is Hong Kong-Taiwanese and has a MSc in Public Policy from the University of Edinburgh and a PGCE from the University of Bath. She grew up as a third culture individual in Bangkok and spent her undergraduate years in Canada.
Dan Hyman
Dan Hyman
Dan Hyman is our Cohort 7-8 Learning Designer passionate about science, engineering, design and technology, and math. He has been an Education Leader working in international schools for 7 years, and before that as a high school physics teacher in a large leading UK independent school.
Dan has a MSc in aerodynamics and BSc in physics and space science, and has worked extensively in this industry, supporting engineering and manufacturing companies in the UK and Europe.
He has owned and run a design consultancy in the UK, and been extensively involved the motorsport industry.
Dan lives with his wife, 2 daughters, and 2 lovely dogs in Bang Kaeo, and loves travelling extensively in Thailand and beyond. He enjoys technology, AI, reading, riding motorcycles, climbing, biking, playing football, having a round of golf, or eating in the huge variety of amazing places in Bangkok!
Veeravich Jiaravirth
Veeravich Jiaravirth
Veeravich Jiaravirth, popularly known as April among our learners, is our Well-Being Assistant across Lower and Middle Loop.
April holds a Bachelor's degree in Arts and Business English and a Master's degree in Education from Assumption University, Thailand.
He became a lifeguard in Virginia, USA, which led him to become a lifeguard at VERSO and eventually helped our swim coach teach our young swimmers how to swim.
As a Well-being Assistant, he helps our learners become physically and mentally strong.
Joshua Jones
Joshua Jones
Joshua Jones is from New Zealand and has worked as a teacher in international schools in Japan, China, and Thailand for over a decade.
He holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Graduate Diploma in teaching and learning from University of Canterbury.
He enjoys playing board games and video games, reading books and writing books, and drinking so much coffee!
His favorite thing to do at school is enjoy stories or work on writing with learners.
Cushla Jones
Cushla Jones
Cushla Jones is our Lower Loop Leader.
As well as being a Deputy Principal in her home country of New Zealand, Cushla has held leadership roles as a Curriculum Coordinator, Elementary Assistant Principal and Head of Lower School. In addition to working in New Zealand she has also worked in China and Japan.
She served the Marist Brothers International School in Kobe for 8 years and was the former Elementary Assistant Principal at St. Mary’s International School in Tokyo prior to joining VERSO.
Cushla holds a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) from the University of Waikato in New Zealand, and a Masters in Educational Leadership and Change from The Education University of Hong Kong.
She has a strong background in instructional leadership, curriculum development and helping teachers grow professionally.
Ji Yoon Kim
Ji Yoon Kim
Ji Yoon Kim, our Upper Loop Art and Design Specialist, is a certified art teacher licensed in the District of Columbia for PreK-G12.
With a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Rhode Island School of Design, USA, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom.
Previously, Ji Yoon taught at the Seoul Scholars International Art and Design School, where she implemented project-based learning and conceptual design thinking processes, incorporating instructional technologies. She also taught AP Studio Art and Integrated Studio Practices for art majors and hosted workshops on professional art career development.
Ji Yoon has also taught art at Balzaguk Academy in Seoul and served as a Portfolio Director at IZ Studio, guiding learners in developing their artistic portfolios. Additionally, she has worked as an English Teacher and a teaching assistant at Rhode Island School of Design.
Clover Lin
Clover Lin
Clover is a fully qualified teacher of Chinese and English, with experience as a Chinese immersion Homeroom teacher at an international school in China and a Chinese language teacher at a school in Bangkok.
With 6 years of teaching experience, she's worked across various age groups, including early years, elementary (grades 1-6), and high school.
Clover holds a Master's degree in Teaching Multilingual Learners from Moreland University, USA, and a Bachelor of Business English from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, China. This unique combination of qualifications equips her to effectively cater to the diverse needs of multilingual learners.
Beyond academics, Clover is an adventurous spirit who enjoys trekking, traveling, Pilates, yoga, and rock climbing. This love of exploration translates into her engaging and interactive teaching style, making learning Chinese fun and full of discovery!
Maheshika Mackenzie-Baker
Maheshika Mackenzie-Baker
Maheshika Mackenzie-Baker (Myshi), our C1-2 Learning Designer, is a passionate educator with 12 years of experience working with children.
She holds a degree and Masters in Psychology, specializing in Child Development, from the University of Dundee. Her dissertation research was published as the first study of its kind. Myshi's research also led her to explore the impact of adults on children's lives, inspiring her to become a teacher.
Originally from Sri Lanka and Scotland, Myshi and her husband moved to Thailand in 2012. She obtained her postgraduate degree in Education from the University of Nottingham in 2015 and spent 6 years as the Early Years coordinator at a prestigious IB school in Bangkok. While her passion started with early years children, she now enjoys working with older learners in lower primary.
Beyond teaching, Myshi is a devoted mother of two and embraces life to the fullest. She loves spending time with her family, taking on fitness challenges, and exploring the diverse offerings of Bangkok.
Myshi believes in trying new things and visiting new places. She is thrilled to be part of the VERSO team and fully supports its mission, vision, and values.
Dr. Rolly Maiquez
Dr. Rolly Maiquez
Dr. Rolly Maiquez is our Director of Educational Technology & Innovation and Data Protection Officer tasked with leading, planning and implementing the educational and operations technology at VERSO.
Dr. Rolly holds a Doctorate in Education, a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology, and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. He is also an Apple Distinguished Educator (class of 2010) and is involved with VEX Robotics.
Dr. Rolly believes in the affordances that technology can potentially provide in the educational setting. He is involved in several projects around the school to help improve and streamline educational general operations. He hopes AI could do more to help in tasks and add more fun in the process.
Hidden talent: He can play the keyboard and his original composition was selected for the South Pacific Games in Guam in 1998.
Joleen Manning
Joleen Manning
Joleen Manning, our Early Years 2-3 Learning Designer, is from the east coast of Canada but has been living in Asia and working in education for over 2 decades.
She believes that the magic formula for children's education are child-centered discovery activities that encourage collaborative work, with time for guided reflection to enable learners to connect with their own learning.
She began her journey in education teaching ESL in Indonesia before moving to China where she completed a postgraduate in TESOL and traveled around Asia delivering teacher training programs for various UK educational publishers.
Joleen has had experience teaching all ages of learners, from nursery to adults and, after completing her Master of Education in 2015, has been teaching primary years in international schools in China and Thailand.
Joleen loves to create with fabric, paint or reclaimed items and in her free time is frequently covered in bits of fabric and thread.
Greg Mason
Greg Mason
Greg Mason, our University and Career Counselor & Student Success Learning Designer, is from the United States and holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Counseling Psychology, a Master's degree in Social Work and a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development.
Prior to joining VERSO, he spent 7 years as a University and Career Counselor at an international School in China, where he created and maintained a comprehensive college counseling program for learners and families and served as a member of the secondary leadership team.
His professional journey began as a therapist and social worker before becoming a college counselor in China and Japan. He has created and taught a personal health curriculum to sophomores, and developed evening and after school events related to university admissions, parenting education, and 21st century skills.
He describes himself as a lifelong learner and that his top VIA (Values in Action) character traits are honesty, fairness, and judgment. He has a soft spot for ice cream, enjoys workout videos on YouTube, tiny house living, stressing over the stock market, and consumes a large amount of true crime media!
He believes that there is a right university fit for all learners, and his goal is to inspire our learners to be an advocate for their future selves.
Michael McOmie
Michael McOmie
Joining VERSO this school year all the way from Hong Kong is Michael McOmie, our C3-4 Learning Designer.
From coaching rugby and playing football to facilitating learner math projects to building lizard enclosures and taking part in playing drums for school musicals, Michael believes that two of the most important beliefs to have is to never stop trying new things and to engage learners according to where their passion lies.
Apart from 4 years of teaching experience, Michael currently also holds a Master of Education from The University of Hong Kong, a Masters of International Education from the University of Sunderland, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and HR Management from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Sunderland.
Prior to working in education, Michael worked in corporate sales for a global legal services firm. While away from the classroom, Michael loves to go boxing, play rugby, bake cakes, and sing along while playing the ukulele!
Elisha Menon
Elisha Menon
Born in Malaysia and recently having relocated to Thailand from Germany, our Early Years 4-5 Learning Designer Elisha Menon has 11 years of international teaching experience across multiple countries.
She started her journey at a Montessori school in Penang, Malaysia, before moving to Singapore where she served as a Middle School Classroom Teacher and Assistant Discipline Mistress at Victory Life Christian School.
In 2015, Elisha joined the International School of Hamburg in Germany as an Elementary and Early Years Classroom Teacher until 2021. Her extensive experience at ISH allowed her to refine her teaching skills and develop a deep understanding of early childhood and elementary education.
Elisha is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Primary Education (Learning and Leadership) from University College London (UCL), expected to complete in August 2024. She holds a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from University Putra Malaysia, a German Language B1 Certificate, and a Supervisor's Teacher Training Certificate.
Papimol (Pry) Munchawanont
Papimol (Pry) Munchawanont
Our Lower Loop Swim Coach Pry Coach Pry is most proud of being part of Thailand’s first national women water polo team to win a gold medal at the 28th SEA Games in 2015 .
She has over 6 years experience as a swim coach and swim instructor at several international schools in Bangkok.
She also received swimming coaches certificate from Department of Physical Education, Thailand and passed the National Rescue Award for swimming teacher and coaches from The Royal Life Saving Society UK.
Christina Nagle
Christina Nagle
Christina Nagle (Chrissy) is our Cohort 9-12 Learning Designer Humanities Specialist. She spent four years as the Head of Humanities at a British curriculum school in Bangkok. Chrissy is a huge advocate for project-based learning, having worked as a multi-disciplinary teacher on two continents (so far) after gaining her BA in History from the University of Liverpool and a PGCE in Citizenship from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom.
Chrissy has spent her life as an educator, agitating for changes to the way humanities skills are developed in young learners and how these skills are valued by schools and employers. Chrissy believes her role is to prepare learners to enter the world as rounded and passionate global citizens by helping them to develop the skills to ask the right questions about the world around them.
As we live in a huge, interconnected web of systems that all affect one another, it only makes sense to help students to learn in a way that embraces that. Traditional teaching and exam-based assessment does not adequately prepare learners for life outside of the classroom. A big part of helping young people to make a difference in the world will be changing the way they are taught to understand it.
Jose O'Donovan
Jose O'Donovan
Jose is half Irish and half Spanish and has lived in many different countries. When he was a child, he grew up in different countries in Africa and went to international schools before going to University in England.
He has worked in The Seychelles, Malaysia, and Thailand. He believes that learning should always be fun and enjoys learning alongside his learners. He loves integrating technology in education and inspiring students to be as creative as possible.
Jose is also a Seesaw Certified Educator and an Apple Distinguished Educator. His passion for educational technology has led him to lead technology in a number of schools as well as work as a technology coach.
Pattawan Panchai
Pattawan Panchai
Pattawan Panchai (Pat) is our Thai Language Project Learning Designer Pattawan Panchai with 9 years of teaching experience. She was a volunteer teacher at Wat Thai in Los Angeles, USA, before she began teaching in international schools. Pat grew up in Northeast Thailand and loves spicy food, Mor Lum (Northeastern-style music) and is fluent in the Isan language.
Pat has a Bachelor of Education in Thai language and Counseling Psychology and Guidance from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. She loves teaching, is interested in cultures, enjoys collaborating, and believes in lifelong learning. She enjoys traveling, reading books, practicing Muay Thai, and feeding stray animals.
Maria Pannakan
Maria Pannakan
Maria Pannakan is our Student Success Learning Designer (EAL-Middle Loop) who has lived and worked in Thailand for almost 30 years. She fell in love with the calm attitude of the Thai people as well as a warm life under the sun.
During this time, she worked in international schools supporting learners to develop language and content skills. She is passionate about multilingual language development and considers the learners’ languages and cultures as a valuable resource.
Maria has a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of East London, and a Graduate Diploma in Elementary Education from The College of New Jersey.
She loves to support learners taking action and ignite their curiosity to find their own passions. Maria speaks Thai and enjoys supporting animal welfare in Asia, especially street cats and dogs in the local community. She is a mother to two young adults and a few dogs and cats! She loves playing games, kayaking and snorkeling around Thailand's beautiful islands.
Ryan Persaud
Ryan Persaud
Ryan Persaud, our Head of School, has over twenty years of experience as a teacher, coach, and leader in international schools.
He began his professional career as an ESL/EAL teacher in South Korea in 2000 before returning to Canada to obtain his teaching credentials. Ryan was the Instructional Program Leader (K-12) at Halton District School Board, Canada, where he coached and facilitated the professional development for K-12 staff on creating inquiry-based lessons and units of study with a DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) lens.
In 2014, he returned to Korea International School in Seoul, as a classroom teacher before quickly being promoted to the role of Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning where he developed school wide systems, such as the Assessment Policy and the Climate and Culture Policy and created a Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Cycle to guide professional learning and standardize curriculum review. Ryan also worked with a variety of grade level and department teams around developing transdisciplinary units of study within a project-based learning framework.
In 2018, he joined the International School of Curitiba in Brazil as the Director of IT and Innovation where he planned, designed, and implemented a Design and Innovation Center, a new Student Information System, a new Learning Management System, and a new Admissions System. He also developed his team's expertise in Stanford's Design Thinking Framework. In 2020-2021, Ryan took on the role as interim Head of School and facilitated the development of the school's strategic plan for 2022-2027.
Ryan completed his education in Ontario, Canada. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University, a Bachelors of Education and a Master's degree in Education from the University of Toronto, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership degree from the University of Western Ontario.
Vorapitcha Petcharanont
Vorapitcha Petcharanont
Vorapitcha Petcharanont (Nungning), our Thai Language and Culture Learning Assistant, graduated from Silpakorn University's Faculty of Arts, with a major in Japanese and a minor in English. She started her career as a childcare coordinator at Club Med Phuket where she discovered her passion for working with kids.
She was a teacher assistant at “Khu Khanan Parallel Hybrid Homeschool”, where she learned about project-based learning and child development.
Nungning loves traveling, swimming, and yoga.
Wit Pilunthanakul
Wit Pilunthanakul
Wit Pilunthanakul is our Academic Learning Support & Safeguarding and Student Success Learning Designer and has worked as an international Learning Support Teacher in Australia and Thailand for more than 10 years. A true third culture kid who found a passion for supporting individuals with educational needs, Wit believes in the concept of education for the future, the idea that the walls of any classroom do not confine education. Instead, the purpose that students learn in interdisciplinary project-based learning inspires creativity, individuality, and confidence.
Wit has a Bachelor of Science in Neuropsychology from the University of Westminster in London, UK, and a Master’s degree in Teaching (Secondary) specializing in Gifted Education from the University of Melbourne, Australia. He is also a certified Management of Actual or Potential Aggression (MAPA) trainer from the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), UK.
Wit has created, designed and piloted an Alternative Day Class Program, which is a uniquely crafted program designed for children and young people with different abilities who are better served by learning within the framework of a mostly individualized program. Wit has a strong passion for 21st century tech or aka Mr. Gadget.
He loves to travel with his family and be exposed to historical architectural design. He enjoys water sports, motorsports, and obstacle sports.
Pancheewan Prakobvaitayakij
Pancheewan Prakobvaitayakij
Pancheewan (Dear) Prakobvaitayakij is our C3-4 Learning Assistant from Thailand with a wealth of skills and a passion for supporting student learning.
With a decade of experience as a Teacher Assistant at Berkeley International School, she is well-equipped for instructional support and effective communication.
Holding a Bachelor's in Information and Library Science with a minor in English from Silpakorn University, Dear complements her academic background with certifications in first aid and child protection.
Her positive attitude and dedication to student achievement make her a valuable member of the C3-4 cohort at VERSO.
Pancheewin Prakobvaitayakij
Pancheewin Prakobvaitayakij
Pancheewin (Dream) Prakobvaitayakij joins EY2-3 as a Learning Assistant and has over ten years of experience in the field of education, having previously served as a Teacher Assistant and Art Teacher at Australian International School and Berkeley International School, where she possesses a deep understanding of young learners' needs.
Dream holds a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts and Applied Arts from Srinakharinwirot University. She is passionate about fostering creativity and innovation. and also has a background as a music teacher and is proficient in playing the clarinet.
Warunee Premo
Warunee Premo
Warunee Premo (Amy), our C 7-8 Learning Assistant, is a multi-disciplined educator with experiences in design, communications, and education.
She started her career at British Council Thailand where she grew from teaching assistant to managing the company’s relationships with stakeholders in five partner schools across Thailand.
Her works spanned from supporting academic staff, managing teaching assistant team, and supporting the operation in five partner schools to expanding the students and partner schools numbers.
Amy later joined a creative industry at an American non-profit organization where she designed marketing materials and managed advertisement campaigns, branding, print publications, and communications. The role gave her opportunities to support Thailand’s education through raising funds for the underprivileged student scholarships program which brought her back into the education industry.
Amy is passionate about creative expressions and believes that art lives in every aspect of life beyond the art classroom.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, a Certificate of Traditional Arts and Crafts in Sculpture, a Diploma of Fine Arts, a Diploma of Craftsmanship in Clay Flowers Making, and a Certificate of Art and Inquiry Teaching by MoMA.
Amy is a mother of two beautiful teenagers who are raised with love and taught to respect other being as who they are. She enjoys spending her free time talking to her children, learning, making a mess trying to create something, gaming, or just embodying a cat mom.
Sirinthip Pukkarat
Sirinthip Pukkarat
Sirinthip Pukkarat, or Pure, is the EY4-5 Learning Assistant and Chinese Learning Assistant.
Maria Ruiz
Maria Ruiz
Maria is from Spain but has been living overseas for the last ten years. She believes learning should always be fun, engaging, and child centered. She is passionate about integrating technology in the classroom and STEAM-based projects.
Maria has a degree in Marine Biology and a postgraduate certificate in education. She has taught in Early Years and Primary classes in four different international schools in Seychelles, Malaysia, and Thailand. She has had the unique opportunity to lead the technology department in some of her previous schools as well as to create maker spaces for the kids to enjoy and get creative.
Maria loves diving and snorkeling as well as spending time at the beach with her family, making sand castles with her two sons, and paddle boarding!
Katekamon Sangsuphan
Katekamon Sangsuphan
Katekamon Sangsuphan, or Kate, is the Cohort 5-6 Learning Assistant. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Chinese from Assumption University and is trilingual in Thai, English, and Chinese. She also earned a Master of Arts in Integrated Tourism Management from Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok.
Kate’s commitment to education extends beyond her professional role, as she regularly volunteers to teach essential skills to underprivileged children on weekends. Through this volunteer work, she discovered her love for teaching and her joy in being with kids. She has developed a growth mindset and recognized her own worth through the various volunteer tasks she has undertaken. Motivated by this passion, she pursued and completed a Graduate Diploma in Teaching Profession from Dhurakij Pundit University, earning her teacher’s professional license.
In her free time, Kate enjoys engaging in volunteer work as a teacher and activist in the school community, donating supplies, cooking food for children, and participating in school painting projects.
Moreover, she has a love for the performing arts, including singing, playing the piano and ukulele with her two cats, and various forms of dancing such as Thai dance, TikTok dance challenges, and Chinese dance.
Emi Sekiguchi
Emi Sekiguchi
Emi Sekiguchi is our C1-2 Learning Assistant with over 10 years of experience teaching English and Japanese. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare from Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai, Japan and a TTCE (Teaching To Children English) program certificate from King George International College in Vancouver, Canada. She has also taught in an online English school for 2 years.
Emi grew up in Bangkok and appreciates the generous and caring nature of the Thai people. She is glad to be back to her second home with her family. She has two daughters studying at VERSO and loves to spend her time with them doing exercises, singing, and cooking.
Munira Tejpar
Munira Tejpar
Munira Tejpar is our C3-4 Learning Designer.
Born and raised in Kenya, Munira started her teaching career in 2013 at an IB world school in Mombasa, Kenya where she taught grade 1 through the school's bilingual language program. After Kenya, she taught in Vietnam, Laos, and Bangkok. Prior to her current position, Munira was the Student Success Learning Designer (EAL-Lower Loop) at VERSO.
Munira holds a Bachelor in Education from the University of South Africa. She believes in developing strong connections with her learners as when they feel seen, heard and valued regardless of their language background, learners thrive!
Munira is passionate about equipping her learners with the critical thinking and language skills necessary to flourish in our ever changing world, preparing them to be global citizens who appreciate and embrace diversity.
Ezra Thampraporn
Ezra Thampraporn
Ezra Thampraporn our Early Years 2-3 Learning Assistant has been working as a teacher assistant for over 14 years in several schools. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education, majoring in Early Childhood, from Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Bangkok. She is interested in innovative teaching techniques, enjoys traveling and jewelry designing.
Traci Toothman
Traci Toothman
Traci Toothman, our Middle Loop Learning Designer, is an experienced International Educator who believes in the power of service learning, community involvement, and sustainability.
She is passionate about education technology and innovation that ensures people and nature thrive.
She is a lifelong learner who has an MEd in International Education, a PGDE in Global Teachers Studies, an IB PYP Educator Certificate, a BA in International Studies-Japanese, and is a SENIA Certified Educator.
Traci is an avid traveler who loves culture, language, and healthy food. You are likely to see her around talking about her fabulous daughter, swimming, doing Pilates, or drinking matcha!
Ha Trinh
Ha Trinh
Performing Arts Learning Assistant Ha Trinh is a dedicated and innovative educator with over a decade of international teaching experience in Vietnam, Mozambique, Laos, and Thailand.
Ha brings a rich background in Early Years and Primary education, seamlessly blending academic rigor with creative expression to inspire a love of learning in every learner.
She is a pioneer in integrating mindfulness, social & emotional learning, and multiple intelligences into the curriculum, ensuring that education is not only about knowledge acquisition but also about holistic development.
As a passionate advocate for Project-Based Learning and the Arts, Ha has successfully led numerous initiatives that make learning interactive and impactful.
Whether guiding young learners through their first letters in phonics or orchestrating a school-wide musical, Ha's methods are always about encouraging students to explore, engage, and excel.
At VERSO, she continues to drive educational excellence, embodying the belief that teaching is not just a profession, but a journey of fostering curious, confident, and compassionate future global citizens.
Ha has a BA in International Finance and Banking from Foreign Trade University, Vietnam and a MA in Multidisciplinary Studies/ International Learning Styles, with a focus on Social Emotional Studies from the State University of New York, USA. She also holds a Mindfulness Teaching Certification from Mindful Schools, CA, USA.
Jarret Voytilla
Jarret Voytilla
Jarret Voytilla, or J, is our Upper Loop Leader who began his teaching career in the Sciences, and slowly over time transitioned into the realm of Humanities. In 2011, he made a life-changing decision, and joined Think Global School, a nonprofit globally traveling boarding school. He spent the next 9 years homeless and exploring the wonders of the world, as well as the possibilities of what a school could be when learning is unfettered from the constraints of physical walls and standardization. The Think Global odyssey helped shape him to become a versatile, flexible, and innovative educator and a compassionate and empathetic human.
After serving for over a decade in the IBDP world, he considers himself to be a transformed educator whose purpose is to advocate for the evolution of education into something personalized, relevant, and authentic. In an interconnected world of easily accessible artifacts of knowledge, he believes that one's academic success is no longer a reflection of what information one is able to consume, memorize and repeat. The skillsets of knowledge application, collaboration and evaluation are what our children truly need for tackling the new challenges and complexities that will arise in their future.
That is why he joined the team here at VERSO.
J holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Alberta, Canada, a Postgraduate Certificate Education (International) and a Masters of Arts in Education from Nottingham University.
Chad Walsh
Chad Walsh
Chad Walsh, our Middle Loop Leader, is an experienced international educator. After completing his degree and teaching in Australia, he has spent the last 20+ years working as a teacher and administrator across the globe with positions in Australia, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Up to now he has held teaching and leadership positions in 7 different countries. This is his second time in Bangkok. His educational philosophy has been influenced by strong pedagogical mentors that he still connects with from time to time.
Chad embraces new opportunities for learning, reflection and growth. His passion as an educator lies in developing connected and meaningful relationships.
Chad believes learning should be inclusive, flexible, challenging, and fun. He believes that our role as educators is to inspire and empower learners to explore and discover who they are by providing them with authentic experiences. He believes that promoting a culture where learners learn to struggle, fail, and make mistakes is essential.
Chad is excited to continuing building a school where there is a rich and rewarding culture of collaboration among colleagues and learners. That way, learning at VERSO can be vibrant, meaningful, and relevant for everyone.
Joe Watcharachotewisit
Joe Watcharachotewisit
Joe Watcharachotewisit is our Thai Language & Culture Learning Designer with over 20 years of teaching experience.
Kru Joe is passionate about making Thai language learning fun and immersive, while also teaching comprehensive Thai culture classes that cover Language, History, Geography, Manners, Art and Craft, Thai Music, Thai Dance, and Cooking.
His goal is for these classes to become a highlight of the Lower Loop, enriching the learners' life skills.
An avid golfer, Kru Joe uses his skills to develop a golf program at VERSO, combining his love for the sport with his educational endeavors. He strives to create engaging and meaningful learning experiences for his learners.
Emma Weston
Emma Weston
Our Early Years Cohort Leader Emma Weston has taught children ages 2-14 years in London, Taipei and Bangkok and has a strong understanding of child development, knowing where the children are going and where they have come from.
A passion for developing teachers to be the best they can be has followed Emma throughout her career. This began with her setting up an Early Years Network group in London where teachers were invited to join and host different workshops. Emma has also presented in a Foundation Stage JAWS workshop in Indonesia and hosted teacher CPD (Continuing Professional Development) in Bangkok alongside Early Excellence.
Originally from the UK, Emma attended the only university in the world to offer Citizenship alongside Primary Education as a BA degree, which allowed her to continue to place character education at the heart of her practice.
In her spare time, Emma loves spending time with her two children and husband in the jungle, trekking and camping under the stars.
Sunantha Wongchaiya
Sunantha Wongchaiya
Sunantha Wonchaiya (Muay), is the C1-2 Learning Assistant and describes herself as a lifelong learner, always learning together with the children especially in arts.
Muay graduated from Ramkhamhaeng University's Faculty for Arts, with a major in Mass Communication and a minor in Political Science.
She has been in the field of education for over 4 years now and is happy and excited for what happens each day. She was previously the EY4-5 Learning Assistant at VERSO.
She loves cooking, traveling, and watching Korean movies and spends her free time reorganizing her home from time to time.
Jack Zhao
Jack Zhao
Jack Zhao is our Chinese Language Project Learning Designer with 18 years of teaching experience not only in Chinese, but also in other subjects such as English, Math, Social Studies and Science from kindergarten - grade 6, and Special Education Gifted Program.
Jack has a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Western Ontario and a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Shanghai Jiaotong University.
He is passionate about language learning and loves to share his professional teaching pedagogies as well as his personal learning experience with learners.
As a global citizen who has travelled to or lived in more than 50 countries, Jack loves Thailand and the Thai people. Other than teaching, he loves playing soccer and tennis.