OUR SECONDARY TEAM
As the Head of Secondary at Si Ri Panya International School, I am proud to lead a fantastic team of specialist subject teachers. You can read a short bio about all our staff below and learn more about my background and experience on our 'Meet the Head of Secondary School' page.
Kind regards,
Ms Jeanne Revest
Head of Secondary School
Ms Jeanne Revest
SECONDARY TEACHER KAT HEALY
How long have you been teaching and what subjects have you taught?
I didn't think I would become a teacher, despite 3 out of 4 grandparents being teachers or headteachers. However, it was whilst volunteering at a boarding school in Kathmandu when I was 19 that I realised the impact that education could have on young people and since then, I have worked as a teacher in South Korea, London and now Thailand. I think teaching is truly a vocation and once teachers feel that calling and connection with their students, it is something we find ourselves bound to. Having taught students from age 6-19 and gaining an insight into the long and sometimes complicated journey young people embark on during their school lives, it is a privilege to be a part of that and I see teachers as being important guides on this journey our students take.
What do you enjoy the most about teaching?
Being involved in young people's lives, finding out about their interests and quirks and not just how they are in the classroom is always a fascinating and enjoyable part of being a teacher. Building relationships with students and supporting them through all aspects of their school life brings diversity and enjoyment to the life of a teacher.
What three words would you use to describe yourself as a teacher?
I have always placed importance on being firm but fair whilst also being kind and supportive.
SECONDARY TEACHER HANNAH-MARY NAGLE
What was your journey to becoming a teacher?
My journey into teaching began unexpectedly at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, just as the final lockdown was lifting. I had recently left my position as a histologist because it no longer challenged me. I felt a strong desire to do something more meaningful with my time—something that would give me a sense of purpose and drive each morning. Teaching turned out to be the unexpected answer I was looking for. I initially applied to be a school chemistry technician at Maidstone Grammar School for Girls. During the interview, the head of chemistry interrupted, noting that I was overqualified for the position and might find it unfulfilling. I thought this was the end of the interview, but to my surprise, she suggested I would make a great teacher and offered me a teaching position instead. This prompted me to reflect on my own school days and the person who inspired my career in science—my science teacher. Her encouragement and belief in my abilities fuelled my passion for science and helped me realize my dreams. I wanted to instil that same sense of belief and
inspiration in young people, and teaching seemed the perfect way to do that. Accepting the teaching job gave me a renewed sense of purpose at a time when I felt lost. It provided not just a career but a calling. I taught my first lesson remotely, from my home, at the end of the lockdown. From that moment, I fell in love with teaching, a passion that continues to grow each day.
What do you enjoy the most about teaching?
There are many aspects of teaching that I enjoy, but what I cherish most is seeing the genuine joy and curiosity in my students' faces when they learn something new. The excitement and engagement when they understand and enjoy a topic is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, forming meaningful pastoral relationships and watching my students grow into caring, considerate individuals brings me immense satisfaction.
How would students describe you as a teacher?
I believe my students would describe me as kind, caring, creative, and fun yet firm. They know that their learning is always at the centre of my heart, and I strive to create an environment where they feel supported and motivated to achieve their best.
SECONDARY TEACHER BECKY SMITH
What was your journey to becoming a teacher?
I decided to become a teacher during my first degree in psychology. I did a project in a special needs school and really enjoyed supporting and working with the children. I then became a teaching assistant at a local school in Liverpool and decided to become a retrain to become a teacher. I have now been teaching for 11 years.
What do you enjoy the most about teaching?
I am really passionate about fostering growth and development in children holistically. I love helping children to focus on and work on their passions and believe that children learn best when lessons are enjoyable, investigation based and meaningful.
How would students describe you as a teacher?
Calm, patient and warm
SECONDARY TEACHER ELSA BUTLER-REES
What was your journey to becoming a teacher?
Despite pursuing a number of different career paths, teaching has, In many ways, been a constant. I began my teaching career first as a primary teaching assistant in Mathematics in an international school in Malawi then as a fulltime English language and reading teacher in a local school. I went on to complete my undergraduate degree in Business & Marketing in Ireland followed by a Higher Diploma in Psychoanalysis. During this time I worked in sales and business administration roles but always found myself teaching and mentoring others as part of these roles. After I completed a Masters in Social Research Methods I pursued a career in Market Research which led me to the technology industry where I worked as a Marketing Science Partner for a number of years with a core focus on training and education. After rediscovering my passion for teaching in industry, I went on to complete a
postgraduate diploma in Teaching and Learning which has led me back, full circle to International School teaching here in Thailand where I plan to remain for many years!
What do you enjoy the most about teaching?
Supporting students to learn and grow to achieve their full potential brings me a great deal of satisfaction. I believe learning can and should be fun, exciting and challenging. I love taking on the challenge to find fun and creative ways to engage learners and support them to develop their confidence in challenging subjects and to foster a growth mindset.
How would students describe you as a teacher?
Enthusiastic, supportive, curious
SECONDARY TEACHER ANNYE ROMERO-WYSS
What was your journey to becoming a teacher?
Initially trained as a fashion and textile print designer in London, I accidentally fell in love with teaching after unexpectedly being offered a position at a language school whilst travelling in Mexico. Little did I know then, that this experience would redirect my career path. Now fourteen years later I am still as passionate about teaching as I was when I first started.
I commenced by teaching English as a foreign language in various countries. In 2013 I returned to Switzerland where I officially retrained as a secondary school teacher and where I have been working in a Highschool in Zurich ever since. As a class teacher, I mainly taught English as a foreign language, arts & design, textiles and German. Besides, I coached and mentored trainee teachers for three years.
Teaching has broadened my sociological insight by learning from my learners’ experiences. Based on the fact that we humans learn best when our needs and
interests are aligned I strive to create fun and educational experiences, hopefully enabling my students to discover their individual interests and abilities.
What do you enjoy the most about teaching?
I love teaching because it exposes me to a world of different nations, cultures and the most incredible diversity of personalities. Getting to know my students inspires me, so the learning takes place on both sides, which is fascinating. Besides, it is impossible to get bored as every day is uniquely different. You walk into your classroom and never know what you will find.
How would students describe you as a teacher?
Creative, empathic and attentive
SECONDARY TEACHER DAVID PEREZ
How long have you been teaching?
It all started naturally, as soon as I ended my bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Sports, I started to share my skills and passion with children. I was a Triathlon coach, Swimming coach and Football coach, I enjoy teaching Music, English, Spanish... It felt like the right thing to do, like a spontaneous way of contributing to the world; trying to give a safe and a positive learning environment for the always curious younger generations.
What do you enjoy the most about teaching?
The feeling of observing how students succeed in finding happiness and motivation for, not only the subject, but being socially active and with high self-esteem. My favourite moment is when students learn something they find valuable to their lives.
What three words would you use to describe yourself as a teacher?
Children, especially younger children, always make me laugh! Some of them see me as the best football player ever and some of them as the best guitarist in the world, when I am none of them! It is my responsibility as a teacher to give them confidence and space to be who they really are during the process of learning.
SPORTS TEACHER KIMBERLEY FISH
What was your journey to becoming a teacher?
What was your journey to becoming a teacher? While I was in high school, my P.E. teachers took me under their wing and gave me the opportunity to start my first teaching role, leading after-school sports for the younger students. This experience filled me with pride and a passion for teaching and helping others, and since then, I’ve never looked back. Over the past 15 years, I've held various teaching roles, from sports coach to classroom teacher. I've worked with students from early years through to secondary school and coached high-performance athletes in the U.K. I moved to Thailand nine years ago and have been teaching children in schools and kindergartens since then.
What do you enjoy the most about teaching?
I love seeing children develop their skills and express their infinite potential.
Witnessing a light bulb moment in a child's mind is priceless. Working with children and young adults always comes with lessons—they teach you a lot! I also love how they think; kids have amazing ideas and perspectives that are wonderful to observe.
How would your students describe you as a teacher?
How would your students describe you as a teacher? Understanding, patient and fair.
WHOLE SCHOOL PASTORAL LEAD FAYE READING
My 20 year’s experience as a primary class teacher has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and insights into children's development across various key stages and a deep understanding of their academic, social, and emotional needs. For the past few years I have been training in the emotional regulation and development of children, working 1:1 and in small groups supporting children and families. I am dedicated to supporting the holistic growth and well-being of children by teaching children strategies for recognising and managing their emotions, fostering empathy and self-awareness, and building healthy coping mechanisms. As pastoral lead, my role involves providing support and guidance to students and families, to promote their emotional well-being, personal development, and overall welfare within the school community. It encompasses a range of responsibilities aimed at fostering a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
WHOLE SCHOOL SENCO MAYA HESSE
As the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator), I provide personalized support to students, collaborating closely with teachers and families to empower each student to achieve their utmost potential.
My expertise spans from assisting students with dyslexia, ADHD, autism and other learning challenges to offering social, emotional, and mental health support. With a rich background in education across Nepal, India, and various special schools in the UK, I have also managed the Special Needs Children's Service in North London. Through these experiences, I have developed strong advocacy skills and a deep commitment to supporting students with diverse learning needs. I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment where every student can thrive and realize their full potential.
THAI TEACHER MEW UAYSAWAT
How long have you been teaching?
I have been teaching in primary schools for 7 years. I have taught in schools on the mainland and in Koh Samui, where I specialised in teaching art and English.
What do you enjoy the most about teaching?
I enjoy seeing my students have fun learning. My challenge is to find the best technique to help everyone understand and so improve their knowledge. I believe if we have fun teaching, the students will have fun learning.
What three words would you use to describe yourself as a teacher?
Creative, understanding, flexible
THAI TEACHER FON THANYAPORN
What do you enjoy the most about teaching?
My journey to becoming a teacher began in my final year of university. During my internship, I discovered that I enjoyed helping kids learn, especially Thai, which is my first language. I found satisfaction in seeing their progress and understanding grow. This experience ignited my passion for teaching, and I realised that becoming a Thai language teacher was what I wanted to pursue. The excitement and enjoyment I felt while teaching have continued to motivate me in my career.
What do you enjoy the most about teaching?
As someone passionate about learning languages myself, my favourite part of being a teacher is watching my students grow more confident in their ability to speak Thai.
What three words would you use to describe yourself as a teacher?
Patient, kind and funny
THAI TEACHING ASSISTANT FON BUNRUNG
What do you enjoy the most about teaching?
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I love watching the children be curious or questionable about something that they do not perceive. It leads to the moment of A-ha, and that is when my enjoyment was built.
