INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN & PRIMARY SCHOOL IN BANGKOK I 3 - 11 YEARS
OUR TEAM
Our Senior Leadership Team brings together highly qualified individuals with decades of global multidisciplinary experience. As a school committed to its vision of education as a joyful learning journey unique to each child, the senior administration team builds strong relationships with the children and their families to support excellence across both academics and social-emotional wellbeing. Bringing a wealth of pedagogical experiences that informs and enriches our unique inquiry based approach, the team is united in its passion for, and dedication to, building a community that empowers young minds now, and in the future.
HEAD OF SCHOOL
DR. LEA MAI
I am a life-long learner and researcher. Born in South Africa to Italian parents, I grew up in Italy before moving to Australia, aged 12. Living on four continents has given me a personal appreciation for being a global citizen and for learning in different languages. I obtained my PhD in Education from The University of Sydney before moving to Bangkok in 2014. I hold a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and a Bachelor of Laws from the Australian National University; as well as a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning. I have worked at The City School since 2018 and for me it is a daily joy and a privilege to be an educator as I can help children be competent, creative, compassionate and critical thinkers. I have two sons; Raffaele is at university in Sydney and Jonah is completing high school here in Bangkok.
HEAD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
HEATHER PEASE
I am from Canada and studied History, Biology and Education at Queen’s University. As an Ontario trained and licensed teacher, part of my role is to work with the teachers to ensure the Ontario curriculum is implemented to a high quality at ELC. After spending time working at Lakefield College School, I started my journey abroad, moving to Saudi Arabia. It was then that I made the switch from teaching secondary to teaching primary school, as I value the quality time and relationships that primary teachers build with their students and families. This is my 7th year at the City School and my passion is teaching Mathematics, as I believe it is a beautiful and creative language that we use to interpret the world around us. I have a specialist in Primary and Junior Mathematics from Queen’s University and passionately work with the children, teachers and parents to develop positive relationships with Math. I love to read, travel and explore, enjoy being outdoors and spending time at the beach. I am also currently completing my Masters in Education, specializing in International Education.
HEAD OF PROJECT
PAYAL KOGAR
I have been working as a Project Coordinator at The City School for over 22 years after completing my education in India and Singapore. In addition to working collaboratively with educational consultants like George Forman and Giovanni Piazza, I have visited Reggio Emilia on multiple occasions to study their pedagogical philosophies. Since 2001, I have been coordinating and developing interdisciplinary project work, bringing to life the key tenets of The City School philosophy. With a deep belief in a strong image of the child, I listen to the children, research with them and offer them multiple languages of expression, both traditional and digital. Documentation of the learning processes makes the children’s thinking and understandings visible to all. On weekends, I enjoy exploring different kinds of vegetarian food as well as travelling outside Bangkok. Leaving the city and immersing myself in nature makes me feel alive. My two children, 20 and 22, both graduates of The City School, hold fond and meaningful memories of their time spent here.
HEAD OF PASTORAL CARE AND COMMUNITY
JEM WRIGHT
I am originally from the UK but was raised and educated in Australia. I hold a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) as well as a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning from Australia. I am currently completing my Masters in Special and Inclusive Education. This year marks my 15th year at The City School, and I have stepped into the new role of Head of Pastoral Care and Community. My great passion is supporting children in their social and emotional growth, and further developing Responsive Classroom at The City School. Personally, I am a huge fan of public speaking, and in my down time my hobbies include martial arts, and cooking with my daughter Layla, who recently graduated from The City School.
HEAD OF OPERATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY
TREVOR CARDOZO
As the Head of Operations and Technology, I prioritize blending educational insight with operational excellence across our five campuses. My journey in education began in Canada with a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Management from Thompson Rivers University, combining my passion for education and strategic operational management. With over a decade of experience at ELC, I transitioned from a Year 3 teacher to leading our technology initiatives, focusing on integrating technology into our curriculum and operations. My work involves spearheading digital transformation to enhance learning experiences and improve operational efficiency. I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Education and also work with CIS and WASC as a school accreditor, underscoring my commitment to upholding high educational standards. My approach centers on project management and innovation, ensuring decisions support educational excellence and sustainability.
