Who are we?

Our team of educators and staff come from diverse corners of the globe, creating a truly international experience for our students. From the moment students arrive in the morning or step onto the school bus, they are fully immersed in an English-only environment. At Oakwood, we are dedicated to fostering a nurturing and caring atmosphere for every child.

Elementary and Kindergarten Team

  • Ms. Orawan - Elementary School Teacher

    With a B.A. in Sociology from Ritsumeikan University, and certification as an IB-PYP teacher, Ms. Orawan is the backbone of our elementary program. She is currently in the process of obtaining her USA teaching license.

  • Mr. Kenneth - Vice Principal

    Mr. Kenneth has a B.A. in Elementary and Preschool Education from the Catholic University of the Philippines. He is also a Licensed Elementary School Teacher, and a certified IB-PYP Coordinator.

  • Ms. Rachel - Music Teacher

    Ms. Rachel is a licensed teacher in Pennsylvania, USA, and comes to us with an incredible amount of experience raising children and playing the saxophone. She teaches music once a week while also co-leading in our nursery.

  • Mr. David - IB PYP Head of School

    Mr. David has an M.Ed. in TESOL and a B.A. in Chinese from UMASS, Amherst. As a licensed elementary school teacher, he leads planning for the Elementary program and also serves as Head of School for the IB-PYP programs at Oakwood.

  • Mrs. Liz - K2 Lead Teacher

    Ms. Liz has a B.A. in Linguistics from the University of California, and is an IB-PYP certified teacher with training in TEFL.. She sees our K2 students through graduation and helps prepare them for elementary school.

  • Ms. Kana - K1 Lead Teacher

    Ms. Kana did her post graduate work at Conestoga College in Canada in Strategic Marketing. She also has a B.S. in Entrepreneurship which she uses to innovate new lessons in our K1 classroom.

  • Mrs. Thilini - PreK Co-lead

    Ms. Thilini is Montessori-certified and ready to help our PreK children make the switch from nursery to kindergarten. She joins us from the nursery with years of experience.

  • Ms. Moni - PreK Co-lead

    Ms. Moni has a B.A. in Linguistics from the University of Samarkand and is trained in Montessori and lifesaving techniques. She brings a motherly love and a tireless work ethic to our PreK classroom.

  • Ms. Kristin - Assistant Teacher

    Ms. Kristin comes to us from the palm-riddled beaches of Florida, bringing her love of art and passion for teaching. Creative, caring, and dedicated, she fills the classroom with warmth and inspiration, making her a cherished member of our kindergarten team.

  • Mr. Jamie - Assistant Bridging Assistant

    Mr. Jamie is from the land down under. He brings a passion for education only matched by his love for vegemite, Tim Tams & lamingtons. His gentle nature, thoughtful observations, and vivid imagination add to the fun and flair that makes our school special.

  • Mr. Steeven - Assistant Teacher

    Mr. Steeven joins us from France, where creativity flows as freely as conversation in a café. He brings a spark of excitement to every classroom moment. His love for teaching and ability to connect with children make learning not just engaging — but truly magnifique!

  • Ms. Andressa - Karate Teacher

    Ms. Andressa is from Brazil. She serves as our spirited Karate teacher. Young, optimistic, and full of energy, she is ready to kick off every class with a smile! Her unshakable confidence and dedication to her craft embody the positive attitudes we aim to foster at Oakwood.

Nursery Team

  • Ms. Krystal - Seedlings Lead Teacher

    We welcome Ms. Krystal this year as our full-time Seedlings Co-Lead. Ms. Krystal studied at UC Berkley and uses her musical skills as a lead guitarist and vocalist to help bring rock and roll to our nursery.

  • Ms. Rachel - Seedlings Lead Teacher

    Ms. Rachel is a licensed teacher in Pennsylvania, USA, and comes to us with an incredible amount of experience raising children and playing the saxophone. She teaches music once a week while also co-leading in our nursery.

  • Ms Ato - Lead Acorns Teacher

    B.A. in Management and experienced Nursery Teacher

    Ms. Ato is from New Zealand. She brings warmth and fun to our children and our team. She also assists as a bus attendant in the mornings. And on occasion she even drives the bus!

  • Ms Tenko - Japanese Licenced Teacher

    Ms. Tenko is from Tokyo, Japan.
    She left Japan to experience life in Australia, but returned home in April to care for her family and our Oakwood children. Her hobby is making accessories and playing piano. Her life advice is 'Keep your fingers crossed and never give up!'

  • Ms Janeth - Acorns Assistant Teacher

    I am from the the Philippines. I moved to Tokyo in 2018.
    My hobbies are reading spiritual books.
    The advice that guides me is simple: 'Be nice.'

  • Ms. Carol - Nursery Assistant

    Ms. Carol brings the magic from her years of experience with children. She is the backbone of our nursery support staff always focused on the safety and well-being of our children.

  • Interested in Joining our Team? We are always happy to hear from people with big visions and inexhaustible work ethic.

    Feel free to reach out at admin@oakwoodtis.com

School Bus Team

  • Mr. Ersel - Head Bus Driver and Groundsman

    I am from Izmir, Turkey
    I moved to Japan in 2018.
    My hobbies are water sports and fishing.
    My favorite advice is: Family is everything.

  • Ms. Mineko - Bus Driver

  • Mr. Kazuki - Bus Driver

    Mr. Kazuki enjoys the gym on his days off.

  • Ms. Tenko - Bus Assistant

  • Ms. Janeth - Bus Assistant

  • Mr. Steeven - Bus Assistant

Administration Team:

School Nurse: Etsuko Tomlinson

Vice Principal and IB Coordinator: Kenneth Alimorong

Principal: Jacob Richardson

General Manger: David B. Foley, Jr.

Founder and Visionary: Shinjiro Yachi

David B. Foley, Jr
General Manager

Jacob Richardson
Principal