founder
Elli Biedermann
Founder
I grew up in a small village in East Germany, surrounded by forest, where nature shaped my belief that our capacities grow through interaction with the environment.
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My first step into childcare was as an AuPair in Sydney, where I discovered my passion for teaching. I followed this calling with a degree in Early Childhood Development and Social Work in Germany. In my twenties, I worked with orphans at a Waldorf school in Nepal and visited holistic schools in India, which grounded my core values of empathy, integrity, and courage.
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My journey then took me to Tokyo as a homeroom teacher at a German School, and later to Bangkok, where I managed a nursery at an international school for six years. After a decade in the city, I returned to nature and fulfilled my dream of opening a holistic kindergarten on Koh Phangan.
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In my free time, I love exploring new cultures, books, food, and nature. To balance my foodie heart, 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.
Manager
Ana Martinez
Manager​
I will never forget my first kindergarten teacher—her warmth and inspiration still guide me today. With 13 years of teaching experience across Spain and Thailand, I bring a passion for nurturing young minds and creating spaces where children can grow into free-spirited, empathetic individuals.
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Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education, my philosophy centers on mindful learning, emotional intelligence, and inclusive environments where children thrive together.
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Outside the classroom, I recharge through yoga, diving into the underwater world, discovering hidden beaches, and dancing to tribal rhythms.
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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​
meet our team
Veera Tihonen
​Homeroom Teacher
I grew up in Finland surrounded by nature, where outdoor play and creativity shaped my love for early childhood education. I hold a Bachelor’s in International Primary School Teaching and have taught in international schools in the Netherlands, Thailand, and Finland.
My teaching is rooted in creativity, inquiry, and social-emotional growth, often weaving in mindfulness, movement, and music to create a safe and inspiring classroom culture.
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Outside the classroom, I enjoy yoga, dancing, and island life, always bringing joy, presence, and connection into my work with children.
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Nationality: Finland
Education: Bachelor of Childhood Education
Background:
- 5 years teaching experience in different countries
Sara van der Brink
Homeroom Teacher
I feel most at ease surrounded by children’s joyful faces and authentic personalities.
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I studied International Teacher Education for Primary Schools (ITEps) in the Netherlands, which allowed me to gain internship experience in Nepal, Czechia, and the Netherlands. Over the past three years, I have worked as an early years teacher at the International School of Amsterdam and at a refugee school focused on language learning.
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My love for Thailand grew during my many backpacking trips to Southeast Asia, and I’m excited to continue my journey here. I believe in recognizing each child as a unique individual and enjoy creating activities that foster embodied learning and play.
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In my free time, I love to draw, paint, write, and listen to music and podcasts. I also enjoy yoga, snorkeling, and exploring the underwater world.
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Nationality: The Netherlands
Education: Bachelor of Primary School Education
Background:
- several years teaching experience in various countries
Miss Sirikwan Kaewmit
Teaching Assistant
​Khun Ying has been a teaching assistant at Seeds since 2025 and has several years of previous experience working in kindergartens. Her hometown is Udon Thani and she is a mom herself.
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Khun Ying 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.
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Nationality: Thailand
Jindaphat Dowlai
(P Goi)
Teaching Assistant
​My name is Jindapat, and my nickname is Koi. I graduated from Rattana Bundit University with a major in Business Administration. Originally from Bangkok, I relocated to Chiang Mai, where I have lived for 11 years.
Subsequently, I trained as a Thai language teacher, and for over eight years, I have been teaching Thai to foreign students of all ages, helping them develop the skills to speak, read, and write independently in Thailand. I enjoy working with young children as it reminds me of raising three children of my own.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, hiking, and camping.
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Nationality: Thailand
Background:
-Several years of experience as a Thai Teacher for foreigners
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Yuporn Akawong
(P'Mam)
Nanny
​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, beach walks and cooking.
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Nationality: Thailand
Background:
- Experience working at Kindergarten
Walipron Kangsuwan (P'Saw)
Cook
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.
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Nationality: Thailand
Background:
- 10 years of experience working in restaurants and schools
