founders

Elli Biedermann

Founder

I grew up in a forest in the smallest village of East Germany, often building treehouses or collecting seeds and woods for crafting. My childhood in this enormous green forest formed my core beliefs that most of our capacities grew from the interaction with the environment.

My first experience working with children was when I lived in Sydney, Australia working as an AuPair. I found my passion in teaching so I followed my heart and pursued a degree in Early Childhood Development and Social Work in Germany. During my twenties, I was enriched through working with orphans at a Waldorf school in Kathmandu, Nepal and many visits to holistic schools in Delhi, India which helped me forming my core values of empathy, integrity and courage.

After studying, my wanderlust brought me to Tokyo to work as a homeroom teacher at a German School. After an incredibly instructive year in Japan, where I gained a lot of knowledge about diverse forms of teaching, I decided to move to Bangkok where I took over the management of a nursery for 6 years at an international school.

I now desire to live closer to nature after living in a busy city for so long and found my second home on this beautiful island Koh Phangan where I can make my dream come to true to open a holistic kindergarten under palm trees.

In my spare time I am always looking to grow and feed my curious mind with good books, laughs, travels and company! I'm also a big foodie and love to try out new cafes and restaurants; to balance this hobby, I enjoy running and Muay Thai.

Education: Degree in Social Work and Early Childhood Education

- 15 Years teaching experience in various countries

- 10 Years living in Thailand, managing a nursery at an International School in Bangkok.

Nikole Ferullo

Co-Founder

My passion for education began during my childhood with my siblings; my favorite activity was roleplaying school and I always made sure that I was the teacher! I love working with young learners for their curious, open minded nature and the joy of celebrating each small milestone.

I’m from Boston, USA and moved to Thailand in 2019 to continue my kindergarten teaching career at an international school in Bangkok. I studied Psychology and Early Childhood Education in university and am certified in teaching English as a foreign language.

Through adventurous backpacking trips around the world to higher education, I’ve developed an interest in sustainability, environment conservation and minimalism; our kindergarten reflects these values in our design and the use of natural and locally sourced materials. I also enjoy sharing the elements of different cultures in the classroom to enhance learners' worldly and open-minded perspectives.

In my spare time, I enjoy cooking nutritious food, exercising and spending time in nature. Koh Phangan is a place where all of these aspects of my lifestyle can be intertwined while I fulfill my passion of creating a space where young learners are holistically guided on their journey through life.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Certified in Early Childhood Education
- 7 years teaching experience
- 5 years living in Thailand, working at an International School in Bangkok