Benjamin

USA

School Director

My journey as an educator began more than 20 years ago when I first experienced my initial spark of inspiration from Reggio Emilia. From this moment, I understood clearly the incredible potential of child-centered education. I sincerely believe that education does not just follow one path and that all learners should be able to explore and be inspired by the environment that best suits their needs.
My initial inspiration from Reggio Emilia led me to venture to change my own path from studying fine art, into that of studying child development and pedagogy. After many years of teaching in my native state of Michigan in the United States, I decided to pursue a lifelong dream of living and working in Japan. After the birth of my first daughter 15 years ago (I am now a parent of 3, with 2 already having graduated from RST and one currently attending), I decided to pursue another dream, and through the founding of RST, work to provide inspiring and incredible educational possibilities for students here in Japan.
Since then, RST has grown from one small class to a thriving community that has welcomed hundreds of families and a multitude of educators from a list of countries that is too long to name. I am consistently inspired by the unique, thriving, and diverse community of teachers and learners we have at The Reggio School Of Tokyo.
Every day provides new opportunities for life, learning, creativity, and discovery!

Tomo

Japan

Administrator

Hi everyone! I’m Tomo, and I’m thrilled to be part of the Reggio School Tokyo community!
I was born and raised in Japan, but I’ve always been passionate about exploring different cultures. Studying in Osaka and Canada, as well as working in Boston, showed me how cultural exchange can broaden perspectives and open up new ways of experiencing life. While in Boston, I had the chance to interact with children full of curiosity about Japanese culture, which inspired me to pursue a career in early childhood education.
At RST, my goal is to support both children and parents from an administration role, ensuring that every child grows with confidence, discovers many ways to express themselves through both language and art.
Outside of work, you’ll often find me relaxing on the grassy lawns of Shinjuku Gyoen with my favorite Ichigo-daifuku in hand. I also love winding down with a good Rakugo performance after work!
To me, every day is a blank canvas. Let’s fill it with vibrant colors together at RST! I look forward to creating a joyful school life with all of you.

Jenny

Japan

Administrator /
Nurse

Hello everyone! My name is Jenny!
I was born and raised in Japan, but I spent my adolescence in Hawaii.
I grew up surrounded by different forms of artistry and nature. This is why I decided to study and major in Art. This career gave me valuable knowledge about the healing power of creativity in all of its forms: Music, drawing, painting, pottery. After my studies, I moved and lived in England for a couple of years. There I had the chance to meet people from all over the world, and learn from their different cultures.
Coming back to Japan, and always eager to earn more valuable experiences, I went back to studying and became a certified nurse. I am now a mother, so as a nurse and a parent I am excited to spend my days caring for the children's health and their mental growth.
I look forward to helping them express their own personalities through art, overcome new challenges, and invite them to explore other cultures, to give them a taste of the world I have been lucky enough to explore. I believe that giving all of this support combined with the safe and warm environment that RST offers will lead them to grow healthy and with positive mindsets. I am very happy and excited to be a part of the RST team!

Kathleen

Philippines

Head Teacher

Hello everyone! I’m Kathleen from the Philippines!
Growing up in an ethnically and neuro -diverse setting, I have seen how our similarities and differences could inspire learning in beautiful ways. This awakened in me a passion for understanding different types of people and how we learn.
I have taken up Special Education and have been applying what I have learned to the Early Childhood setting for 6 years now.
Children are special and powerful, which is why I believe that fostering values of empathy, kindness, and respect makes them more open to learning about different forms of life, environment, and culture. I am happy to facilitate their learning experience as a Maples teacher, and I am very excited to learn and discover new things alongside them.
I look forward to working hand in hand with you all as we take this journey together! See you in RST!

Franck

France

Music Specialist / Teacher

"Bonjour les enfants!" or "Hello children!" in French. I am Franck, a teacher at RST. I was born and raised in France and came to Japan in 2001.
I am very happy and proud to be at RST in order to share with the children what i love most: Music. I have played bass and percussion since i was 14 in different bands and now I compose electronic music for various projects such as documentaries, theater, exhibitions.
It appears to me that music is a perfect activity for children: It's fun to listen to it (learning songs is an excellent exercise for memory and singing them is perfect for concentration) and, of course, fun to dance to!!!! It is also great fun to make and play music as well: Teaching how to play drums and percussion at school gives chances to the children to improve their motor skills and their hearing capacities. "Oh ! time for my drumming practice!!!! I'll see you soon at RST for some musical fun!!!"

Kim

Japan/Philippines

Head Teacher

Hey everyone my name is Kim and I was born in the Philippines but moved to Japan what I was 10 years old. Since I was a kid I have been very active and into things that require moving such as dancing, playing sports, and singing. I used to teach gymnastics, dancing, singing, and sports from toddlers to elementary kids for nearly 5 years.
Hopefully I get to inspire kids there at RST through these activities and find something that they would possibly want to pursue in the future. I believe being a teacher is one of the most rewarding jobs because teachers have the opportunity to guide and influence kids and they will remember and carry it with them for the rest of their lives. I feel very privileged to be a part of RST with such an amazing program and to be able to work with such hard working teachers and amazing kids.

Christoph

Germany

Teacher

My name is Christoph and I am a licensed early-childhood teacher from Germany.
I have experience working in various early-childhood schools including a bilingual Reggio-inspired parents' association.
I chose RST because I am very enthusiastic about their philosophy and idea accompanying children in this truly unique age. Seeing children as competent learners and creating an environment where they express their already existing inner richness, therefore enhancing the intrinsic motivation, suits my style of teaching the most. I feel privileged sharing many wonderful and inspiring moments with your children every day and look forward to the adventure lying ahead.
In my free time I like to travel around Tokyo and it's surrounding areas, finding hidden gems and cozy diners for some comfort food, but most of the time you can find me on one of the many observation decks Tokyo has to offer.

Bo

Thailand

Teacher

Sawasdee ka! I'm Bo from the land of smile, Thailand.
I'd been teaching at international schools in Bangkok for 8 years in total. I am a D.I.Y person, a bookworm, a baker, a gardener, art museum explorer, an origami lover and a mother of a male spotted dog. The smell of wet soil & herb are the best medicine to heal my body and soul so I turn the tiny space at my apartment's balcony to a little herb garden, my sacred space. Analogue photography is also what I passionate about. I take my buddy (a compact film camera) everywhere I go so if you walk along the street and then spot a suspicious lady shooting a rock, a manhole cover, a tree, a dog, an electronic pole or even a trash! That person could be me!! For me, the real joys of being a teacher is to see their sparkle eyes and shiny smile when they eager to share their story and let me be a part of it.

Agu

Argentina

Teacher’s Assistant

My name is Kazumi, you can also call me Agu, which is my short name in Spanish. I have Japanese ancestry but I was raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. For ten years, I have worked in the artistic field in my home country, always involved in film and advertising behind the scenes. Therefore, I carry art with me everywhere.
Just as I consider myself Argentine, I also consider myself Japanese; I carry my second country very present with me. I think I am a lovely combination of contradictions at times, but I am a big fan of football, good food, always defending my values, family, friendships, animals, and my concern for environmental care.
I had the opportunity to live abroad for three years, both in Germany (where I did a small specialization in childhood development) and in Japan, a country that opened the doors to this new world for me.  I am happy to be part of RST, this philosophy is very promising nowadays, and I truly want to contribute my creativity to the children. I believe that creativity is a key element in anyone’s life.

Gabby

USA

Teacher

Hello everyone, my name is Gabby!
I was born in the Philippines, but I grew up by the beaches of New Jersey, USA.
My hobbies include painting, reading, exploring new places, and eating delicious food.
As someone who has had about a year of experience teaching children between the ages of 2-12 years old, I find myself learning something new each day about how to work with students and encourage their education in the most fun, interactive way I can. One of my favorite moments as a teacher so far are the times when I see students so interested and engaged in a lesson that their eyes light up, and their curiosity awakens as they ask questions and eagerly discuss the topic. In these moments, I truly feel connected to my students, because as a class we're able to have meaningful conversations that can help foster the students' love and excitement for learning. I'm so excited to facilitate such moments and more along with the amazing staff of RST!

Happy

Tanzania

Teacher's Assistant

Hi Everyone! It’s a pleasure to join the RST team! My name is Happy, yes, Happy. I’m from Tanzania, the land of the beautiful Kilimanjaro mountain and Serengeti plains.
I love traveling, laughing and learning about different cultures and places. I’m always amazed by the children and how they think, play and communicate their needs. They are always teaching me the meaning of human connections. I’m happy to be here support, care and give love to the children.

Tui

New Zealand

Head Teacher

Kia Ora and Greetings! My name is Tui and I’m from the beautiful New Zealand!
I love dancing, singing and learning new languages! I can speak 5 languages already! I came to Japan in 2019 and have been teaching as an Assistant Language Teacher in Elementary and Junior High Schools here in Tokyo. I have been in education for 6 years!
Now it’s time for me to teach here at the Reggio School of Tokyo! The school’s vision reminds me of a New Zealand Maori phrase - Whiria te Tangata, Weaving the people together! I’m excited to start this new journey with you all and I’m looking forward to classes with you and your children! It’s going to be an amazing adventure, so let’s go!

Anke

Germany

Head Teacher

I’m Anke from Germany, and I couldn’t be more excited to join the RST team at the start of the new school year. Since 2019, I’ve had the privilege of living and working as a international school teacher in Tokyo and Yokohama, Before relocating to Japan, I worked as a head teacher in an integrative kindergarten in the heart of Aachen, Germany.
I have a passion for singing, dancing, and art, and I find peace in nature. When the weather is nice, I love exploring one of the many hiking trails around Tokyo.
I believe that children are active learners who discover the world in their own unique ways, which aligns perfectly with RST’s philosophy and pedagogical approach. I’m looking forward to all the wonderful adventures and experiences that lie ahead, alongside the RST kids, parents, and team.

Alyssa

USA

Teacher

Hello there!
I’m Alyssa.
Before coming to Japan, I never had the opportunity to travel very much. I worked as a preschool teacher for a few years and was interested in experiencing being able to teach in a different part of the world.
I came to Japan from the United States in 2017.
Since I was young, it was always my dream to write a picture book. I also really enjoy singing and making songs. When writing or drawing something, I often would share what I had made with students. Sometimes, I would make a song and sing it with them. The connection I was able to feel in this exchange, changed the way I viewed teaching. It made me understand just how important their creativity, their stories, and their ideas are.
I am excited to meet and work with everyone at RST!

Josh

USA

Teacher

Hi everyone, my name is Josh. I grew up near Detroit, MI, USA and moved to Japan in 2019 to study at Temple University Japan. I have been working in education with students of various age levels and language ability for over three years now.
My hobbies are writing and directing films. I love the collaboration and creative catharsis of working on these projects!
With my background in the film industry, I try to approach the classroom with compassion, empathy, and a great deal of creativity to help inspire students and cultivate an educational environment that encourages students to express themselves. 
Building trust among students, parents, and staff is very rewarding for me and also aids in better adaptation to varying learning styles and personal experiences. I am excited to support the team at RST and make a positive contribution to the students’ education.

Janelle

New Zealand

Head Teacher

Kia Ora! I’m Janelle from Auckland, New Zealand. I have been teaching in schools both in Japan and New Zealand for 10 years now. I have experience teaching a variety of age levels and truly believe that a strong early childhood education is the backbone for instilling a love of learning. I’m extremely passionate about helping our young learners build a strong foundation to explore the world and develop the skills to face any challenges life may present. It’s always exciting to explore and be creative while learning.My teaching motto is: `every child, every day, every possible way.' Each child brings their own unique perspective to the class and together we get to explore the world through different perspectives. As a teacher, I love the moment where a child feels confident expressing their ideas with others.
In my spare time I enjoy learning about history, reading, exploring traditional cultural activities and fashion. Any chance to try something new or creative often sparks my interest.I’m thrilled to be part of the RST family and to experience the saying ‘he waka eke noa- we’re all in this together.’ Teamwork between students, families and teachers is what makes learning so amazing.
I look forward to seeing you at RST soon!

Jayson

Philippines

Support Teacher

Hi Everyone!I’m Jayson from the Philippines.
My hobbies are singing, playing guitar, dancing, and playing my favorite sport BASKETBALL!
I’m grateful to be part of the RST team and give support, laughter, and love, all while having fun and learning how children are amazing with their different personalities.
I’m also the regular Bus monitor and often help lead the weekly sports classes with our sports coach Adam! Just a heads up if you hear kids saying JJ, it’s me!
See you all at RST!!!

Mariana

Portugal

Teacher's Assistant

Olá! My name is Mariana and I’m from Portugal, nice to meet you!
I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to study art in different cities around Europe, which have granted me a greater sense of community and acceptance. Through my studies in photography, filmmaking and culture studies I’ve learned the importance of artistic expression in personal development. It was a fundamental part of my life and has shaped the person I’ve become.
To be able to teach and help children access their own creativity and develop their own artistic sensibilities is so special to me. RST as a school allows students to find their own voice and create their own unique path. This kind of personal care and consideration is one of the reasons I was drawn to be an educator and I’ll work hard to nurture the students’ creativity and confidence.
Looking forward to welcoming you at RST! Obrigada!

Jimin

Korea/Japan

Administrator

Hello! I'm Jimin from Korea.
I was raised in Tokyo, Japan since I was two years old and attended both Korea and international schools.
Being exposed to different cultures and languages helped me develop an international perspective and the ability to adapt quickly to new environments.
I returned to Korea for college, where I majored in Culture and Media to pursue my passion for movies, music, and art. During my college years, I discovered a lifelong hobby: jazz and singing. I’ve enjoyed singing all my life, from participating in choir classes as a student to continuing to sing for fun at karaoke.
I’m thrilled to be part of the RST community, where I can support children in developing their own unique personalities and fostering a love and respect for their community and neighbors.

Jay

Canada

Head Teacher

Hello! My name is Jennifer but you can call me Jay!
I am so excited to be joining your Reggio Emilia school community. I have been working in early childhood education for over 10 years, in many different settings such as kindergartens, preschools, and even the Toronto Zoo, where I helped little ones discover the joy of learning through animals and nature. I believe every child is naturally curious, and I love guiding them as they explore, create, and find their own voice.
Outside of the classroom, I’m a big animal lover with two fantastic cats named Bug and Smudge who are my whole world.
I enjoy watching movies, reading scary stories that keep me on the edge of my seat, and wandering around Tokyo to find hidden gems.
I can’t wait to bring my love of learning, creativity, and adventure into the classroom and get to know all of you!

Iona

UK

Teacher

Hello! I am named after a tiny island in Scotland, Iona; a place that is known for being a historical artistic hub and its beaches!
Originally, I’m from the UK but I also have roots across Northern Europe that I feel deeply connected to.
The arts and being active have always been hugely important to me. My interest in Japan even stemmed from learning pottery at school and my subsequent examination projects on Japanese ceramics. Now living and teaching here, I feel incredibly lucky to call this inspiring country my home.
Having grown up in a small town with a big artistic community outside of London, I was able to draw a lot of my inspiration from my surrounding environment. Knowing how much RST also values this, it became just one of the many reasons why I am so excited to be on the teaching team. I strongly share and believe in the school’s vision and approach. With this is mind, I am committed to helping our students continue to find joy in learning and supporting them with their own unique development.
My teaching journey began on the tennis courts as an assistant tennis coach. Being able to introduce the sport to the children was really special. Whilst my degree in Media and Communication also really shaped me and gave me the opportunity to explore methods of communication at a deeper level.
Outside of work, I love being out in nature and practicing yoga and photography! I am also working towards learning more about environmental impacts and sustainable practices.
If you see me at school please come and say hi! I’m really looking forward to meeting you all.

Victoria

UK

Head Teacher

Hi there, I’m Victoria from the UK, with Singaporean, English, and Swedish heritage.
I’ve been teaching in Japan for nearly 10 years, primarily in early childhood settings, and have spent the past five+ years teaching in Reggio Emilia-inspired international schools.
I’m passionate about helping young children explore, express, and lead their own creative interests through meaningful play and discovery. Alongside my work as an educator, I’m also an artist, designer, picture book author, and new mum. With a background in graphic design, I love exploring all creative avenues - from designing comic books to printing my own stationery range and digital artwork, which I display at international markets and galleries. During my maternity leave, I even wrote and illustrated two picture books for my son.
Outside the classroom I also enjoy cooking, karaoke, manga, movies, video games, camping, and travelling around Japan. It’s my goal to visit every prefecture in the country - I’m always planning the next big family adventure!
I’m so excited to join the team at RST, where children have the creative freedom to express themselves in their 100 languages. Let’s play, create, think, get messy, laugh and learn together!

Mia

New Zealand

After-School Head Teacher

"Mālō e lelei, Kia ora and Hello!
Hey, Amelia here. I’m Tongan from Auckland, New Zealand.During University, I studied a bachelor of Fine arts and enjoyed participating in a lot of projects in the community with children. Thus, the inspiration to teach.
I have a deep love for the arts and dance. I can speak Tongan and English fluently and am part of the Nag Hau E Wha Maori performance group based in Tokyo.
Coming from a big family of six children, I'm always reminded when I'm away from home of the beautiful Maori word : Whanaunagtanga - it's the sense of family connection through shared experiences and working together that provides a sense of belonging.
I believe I have found my ‘Whanaungatanga` at RTS - Dual School. I’m looking forward to meeting you all. Tu’a ‘ofa atu (with much respect)."

Allison

USA

Teacher

Hello, everyone! I’m Allison.
I was born and raised in New York City, surrounded by a diverse, multicultural community. I love creating visual art in any and all forms, collecting plants, and baking the occasional sweet treat!
Throughout my life, I’ve been deeply committed to supporting those who are differently abled, both personally and professionally. Growing up with a brother who is nonverbal and a childhood friend with cerebral palsy, I developed a strong understanding of inclusivity and empathy, values I strive to bring into my teaching.
In 2021, I was extremely fortunate to have been given the opportunity to move to Kyoto as an Assistant Language Teacher, where I fell in love with Japan's traditional culture and natural beauty. But the highlight of my time there was definitely the fun I had with my students. My teaching philosophy is rooted in creating inclusive, engaging environments where children can freely express themselves and explore their interests.
I’m thrilled to be joining RST and can’t wait to contribute to this inspiring community!