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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
meet our team
Ana Martinez
​Homeroom Teacher
I will never forget my first kindergarten teacher and I still remember with joy those days back in preschool. She inspired me to become the teacher I am today. I am an educator with 13 years of enriching teaching experience split between the vibrant cultures of Spain and Thailand.
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I have a Bachelor's degree in childhood education, and my passion lies in nurturing young minds to blossom into free-spirited and empathetic individuals. My teaching philosophy revolves around mindful education, fostering emotional intelligence, and creating inclusive learning environments where students thrive collectively.
Beyond the classroom, I find solace in yoga, exploring the depths of the underwater world through diving, uncovering hidden gems along secret beaches, and dancing to the rhythm of tribal beats.
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Nationality: Spain
Education: Bachelor of Childhood Education
Background:
- 13 years teaching experience in different countries
- 7 years at International School in Bangkok, Thailand
- EYFS Wellbeing/Mindfulness teacher​
Sara van der Brink
Homeroom Teacher
I feel most at ease when I'm surrounded by joyful faces and authentic personalities, which is exactly what children are.
In the Netherlands, I have been following the International Teacher Education for Primary Schools (ITEps) study course. This course has given me the opportunity to broaden my horizons by gaining internship experience in Nepal, Czechia and The Netherlands.
Over the past three years, I have been working as an early years teacher at the international school of Amsterdam and at a refugee school where the main focus was on language learning.
My love for Thailand developed during the many backpacking trips I made to Southeast Asia.
In my free time I like to draw, paint, write and listen to music and podcasts. Next to that, I would love to practice more yoga and snorkel as much as I can since I never get tired of the underwater world.
I believe in acknowledging each student as a unique individual with personal needs and abilities. Next to this, I enjoy creating creative activities that stimulate embodied learning and learning through play.
Nationality: The Netherlands
Education: Bachelor of Primary School Education
Background:
- several years teaching experience in various countries
Umpuchinee Salangam (Khun May)
Teaching Assistant
Nationality: Thailand
Education: MSc in Marketing
Background:
- Teaching Assistant at International Kindergartens since 5 years
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Khun May has been a teacher assistant at Seeds since 2022 and has several years of previous experience working in kindergartens. Her hometown is Surin, in northeastern Thailand and she has been living in Koh Phangan since 2021.
Khun May helps to create a fun and supportive learning environment and enjoys doing art activities with the children. In her free time, she likes cooking with friends, playing badminton and snorkeling.
Tanyapa Chanpho
(Khun Snow)
Teaching Assistant
Nationality: Thailand
Background:
- Several years of experience as a Teacher Assistant at International Schools
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I was born and raised in Bangkok, where I developed a passion for understanding different cultures and communities. With a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Anthropology, I have gained valuable insights into human interactions, which I bring into my work with children. My experience as a volunteer in the children’s department at a hospital further fueled my passion for supporting young kids, and it's a joy to be able to do that every day here.
In my free time, I love to unwind on the beautiful Phangan Island. Exploring the island, relaxing on the beaches, catching stunning sunsets and staying active with jogging and exercise are some of my favorite activities.
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Yuporn Akawong
(P'Mam)
Nanny
Nationality: Thailand
Background:
- Experience working at Kindergarten
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​Khun Nam is a proud mother as she raised her three children in Khong Khaen. As the Seeds nanny, she takes care of all of the children's hygiene matters in a gentle, caring way and she always has an eye on children's safety. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her friends and cook.
Walipron Kangsuwan (P'Saw)
Cook
Nationality: Thailand
Background:
- 10 years of experience working in restaurants and schools
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Khun Saw has been the cook of Seeds since 2021. Each day, she prepares freshly made snacks and lunches, prioritizing wholesome, refined sugar-free meals to support children's well-being. As a parent herself, she enjoys all of the daily interactions that come from being around children and has great joy in contributing to the health and happiness of all our Seedlings.