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
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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.
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Mr. Kenneth - IB Coordinator and P.E. Teacher
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.
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Ms. Emma - Music Teacher and Kindergarten Assistant
With an M.A in Child Study and Human Development from Tufts University and a B.A. in Music and Film Scoring, Ms. Emma brings a wealth of artistic expression through music to Oakwood.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Ms. Alisat - Pre-K Co-teacher
With a B.A. in Urban Planning from the University of Uganda and a teaching certificate in the Montessori method, Ms. Alisat brings her deep love for building healthy communities to our Pre=K classroom.
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Ms. Moni - Pre-K Co-teacher
Ms. Moni has a B.A. in Linguistics from the University of Samarkand and is trained in Montessori and lifesaving techniques. She has just welcomed her third child and we are awaiting her return to the classroom in April.
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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.
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Mr. Jamie - Assistant Teacher
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.
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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!
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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
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Mrs. Thilini - Seedlings Lead Teacher
B.A. Psychology and Child Development from the American College of Kuwait. Certified Montessori Teacher
I am from Sri Lanka.
I moved to Japan in July 2012
My hobbies are painting, dancing and traveling.
My favorite piece of advice is 'Believe in yourself and never give up.' -

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 with the bus route in the mornings.
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Ms Tenko - Japanese Licenced Teacher
I am from Tokyo, Japan.
I left Japan to experience life in Australia, but I returned home in April 2021. My hobby is making accessories.
My favorite piece of advice is 'Keep your fingers crossed and keep dreaming about your life!' -

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. Piumi - Assitant Nursery Teacher
Ms. Piumi is from Sri Lanka. She is in Japan earning her Master's Degree and studying for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. She is kind and patient, always bringing serenity and happiness to the Nursery.
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Ms. Carol - Nursery Assistant
Ms. Carol brings the magic from her years of experience with children. She is the backbone of our Seedlings support staff always focused on the safety and well-being of our children.
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Ms. Serena - Nursery Assistant
Ms. Serena is a fresh graduate from Irvine, California. She has found her home in our Nursery and cares for our littlest ones with a heart overflowing with love and a positive disposition that leaves all who interact with her in smiles.
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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
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Mr Ersel - Head Bus Driver
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. -

Mrs Mineko- Bus Driver
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Mr. Kazuki - Bus Driver
Mr. Kazuki enjoys the gym on his days off.
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Ms Tenko - Bus Assistant
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Ms Janeth - Bus Assistant
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Ms Piumi - Bus Assistant
Administration Team:
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