At Phoenix House,
we are a family.

Before reading Psychology at the University of Glasgow, Ms Fletcher Beel enjoyed academic and boarding school life in the Lake District, from where she originally hails. Following a stint teaching in the UK, she has been involved in international school set up and development as a Founding Deputy Head Teacher, Head of House, Head of Year and Head of English across the Middle East and Asia, namely China, Dubai and Qatar. Currently in Tokyo, as the Founding Head of School at Phoenix House International School, Ms Fletcher Beel has successfully built and led a team through the initial set up of the school, now growing into what the Good Schools Guide describes as “the closest experience to a British prep school that you can get here in Tokyo, with all the usual advantages that you can expect from a prep school education.”

An effusive, engaging and passionate Headmistress, Ms Fletcher Beel builds excellent relationships across the school community. Generously sharing her boundless energy and love of Phoenix House, she ensures every child enjoys every single day of their prep school life.

Instagram: @headofphoenixhouse
Good Schools Guide

Mr Fletcher-Beel hails from Portsmouth, England. He holds a BA in Primary Education and a Postgraduate Certificate in Special Educational Needs from the University of Roehampton.

With more than a decade of experience in education, Mr Fletcher-Beel has taught and worked in schools across England, China, Italy and Japan, gaining experience across both Upper and Lower Prep in the State and Independent sectors. Now in his eighth year of senior leadership, Mr Fletcher-Beel has held a range of leadership roles, including Primary School Coordinator in Italy, Deputy Head Teacher and SENCo at an independent Prep school in London, and Deputy Head of School and SENCo at Phoenix House. He also brings five years of experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

Mr Fletcher-Beel is passionate about Special Educational Needs and inclusive education and, as a fully qualified SENCo, is committed to creating a nurturing school environment in which every child is both suitably challenged and given the support they need to thrive.

In his spare time, Mr Fletcher-Beel enjoys travelling, playing guitar, speaking Italian and playing football. It is with great pleasure that he brings his expertise and enthusiasm to his role as Deputy Head, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) to our Phoenixes.

Originally from the Cotswolds in the south of England, Mrs Aley moved to the Midlands to study — and ended up staying far longer than planned. She holds a BSc in Psychology from Coventry University and a PGCE from the University of Birmingham.

With seventeen years of teaching experience, she spent the majority of her career in Coventry, working in one of the city’s largest primary schools. During this time, she developed extensive leadership experience, serving as Year Leader and English Lead, and working as a Local Authority Moderator for end‑of‑key‑stage assessments. She later moved to The Hague to join The British School in the Netherlands, where she continued her leadership journey as both Year Lead and English Lead in Upper Prep.

Mrs Aley is passionate about designing curriculum that promotes challenge, aspiration, collaboration, and the development of lifelong learning skills. Her love of English runs through all aspects of her practice — from championing high‑quality texts across the curriculum to shaping English provision that inspires confident, capable readers and writers.

Central to her philosophy is the belief that strong relationships sit at the heart of great schools. She strives to know every learner as an individual and to create an environment where children feel supported, challenged, and able to thrive in all areas of school life.

Outside the classroom, Mrs Aley enjoys cooking and eating out with her husband, and is especially excited to explore the world of Japanese cuisine — both by tasting it and by learning to master new cooking techniques. She is always grateful for recommendations. She also loves reading, exploring new towns, and spending time doing arts and crafts with friends.

Mr. Dickenson is originally from Birmingham, England. He holds a BA (Hons) degree and a PGCE in Education, and is also a trained Forest School practitioner. Most recently, he completed the National Professional Qualification (NPQ) in Leadership, further strengthening his expertise in educational leadership and school development.

With over 12 years of experience in primary and early years education and leadership, Mr. Dickenson has worked internationally in The Hague, Washington, D.C., and Switzerland. He has held a variety of leadership roles, including Assistant Head and Head of Early Years, where he has led teams in developing high-quality, child-centred learning environments.

Mr. Dickenson is deeply committed to creating educational spaces where every child can thrive. He believes that wellbeing and happiness are fundamental to successful learning and places them at the heart of his practice. He is passionate about nurturing each child’s individuality, supporting their emotional development, and ensuring they feel safe, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.

In his spare time, Mr. Dickenson enjoys all things theatre, with a particular love for musical theatre. He also enjoys travelling and exploring new cultures, and has previously spent time in Japan. He is excited about the opportunity to return to Tokyo and contribute to the vibrant community at Phoenix House.

Mr Dobson studied Law at the University of Oxford and completed his PGCE with the University of Buckingham. Before training as a teacher, Mr Dobson qualified as a Project Manager, working for Rolls-Royce, but quickly decided that he missed working with children. He has experience working as a class teacher across Upper Prep, as well as in the EAL and SEN departments of a UK Senior School.

Mr Dobson has a real passion for learning outside of the classroom and the developmental benefits that this brings. In his previous role at Brentwood Preparatory School in Essex, he worked to build a diverse outdoor education provision as well as leading a range of clubs, sports teams, visits and international trips. He is particularly looking forward to working with all of the children as part of the Enrichment Programme.

As a keen traveller, Mr Dobson has previously worked in a number of countries, including South Korea, New Zealand and Vietnam. He is excited to spend time in Japan and learn more about the fascinating culture. In his spare time, he enjoys team sports, running, going to the gym, eating good food and spending time outdoors. He enjoys learning new outdoor skills and has undertaken qualifications in bushcraft, archery, axe-throwing and gardening!

Born in Tokyo, Mr Mori moved to Brisbane, Australia, at the age of ten, where he completed his education, including attending Anglican Church Grammar School. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Japanese, from The University of Queensland, followed by a postgraduate qualification in Japanese–English Translation.

After returning to Japan, Mr Mori built his career in educational operations and management. Most recently, he oversaw operations across 13 English language schools, leading multicultural teams of managers, staff, and international instructors while driving operational improvements and supporting high-quality educational services.

With a passion for creating efficient systems and fostering positive working environments, Mr Mori is committed to supporting the Phoenix House community and helping to provide an outstanding experience for pupils, families, and staff. Outside of work, he enjoys watching sports and spending quality time with his family.

Mr Platten graduated from Durham University with a degree in Primary Education. He has experience teaching within all Key Stages across schools, ranging from Pre-Prep all the way to Upper Prep. He has previously led various departments across schools in England and Japan, most recently leading the development of the Early Years curriculum as Assistant Head of Pre-Prep at sister-school Clarence International School.

With a keen interest in early childhood development and ensuring that every child performs to their very best, Mr Platten is excited to return to Phoenix House and build on the excellent foundations in place. With high aspirations and a passion for creating an inclusive learning environment, Mr Platten is committed to giving each child the best possible start to their education journey.

Ms Durand graduated from the University of Sussex in 2012 with a degree in English Language. After  this, she travelled to Australia where she worked as a Nanny for a HNW family. Upon returning home to  the Isle of Wight she undertook her training as a fully qualified teacher (QTS).

Ms Durand is a committed professional with excellent experience of working right across the school  curriculum. She has held leadership roles such as Head of English, Head of Art and EYFS lead.  Ms Durand has a passion for the arts, travel and wildlife – she even worked as a zoo keeper in a previous  job! She is keen to pass these passions onto the children she teaches and hopes they become confident,  compassionate and imaginative individuals.

In her spare time, Ms Durand loves to sew, crochet and paint. She also enjoys hiking, surfing and pilates.  Some of her favorite things in life include being by the ocean, sitting in the garden with her pet tortoise  Eugene and listening to Taylor Swift!

Ms Bouchier is originally from Sussex, England, and grew up in Switzerland, France, and the UK. She moved to London to pursue a degree in law at UCL. Ms Bouchier has been working in Tokyo and has developed a strong passion for teaching. She believes that the role of an educator is all-encompassing and understands the importance of instilling the values of honesty, respect, empathy, and responsibility during these formative years of each pupil’s life.

In her spare time, Ms Bouchier enjoys running in Tokyo’s beautiful parks, skiing in the winter, and exploring the diverse Japanese countryside.

Ms Hyett studied English Literature at St John’s College, University of Oxford and later completed a  PGCE at London Metropolitan University. Ms Hyett’s first teaching role was at a boarding school in  Surrey, where she taught Drama and English. She later moved to London and has taught in a primary  school there for the past five years. With a passion for storytelling and the arts, Ms Hyett loves finding ways to make lessons creative and to bring learning to life for the children in her class.

Ms Hyett has always loved acting both as a performer and a spectator and she is an avid reader. She loves  running, swimming, listening to live music, spending time with family and friends and exploring cities.  After first visiting Tokyo as a student with a tour of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, she is  thrilled to be back in Japan as a teacher at Phoenix House.

Miss Budd holds a Bachelor of Arts from Royal Holloway, University of London and gained her PGCE in Primary Education from the University of Sussex.

Before teaching, she worked in the UK television industry with organisations including BBC, Apple TV+ and Channel 4. During this time, she spent a month in Tokyo working on coverage of the 2020 Paralympic Games. She later moved to Japan, where she taught English for two years, which inspired her to pursue a career in education.

Miss Budd has most recently worked as a class teacher in East Sussex, UK. She enjoys creating a structured and engaging classroom environment, with a strong focus on oracy, using purposeful talk and questioning to deepen pupils’ understanding and build confidence.

Outside the classroom, Miss Budd enjoys spending time outdoors, and exploring new cultures through food and travel. She is particularly looking forward to returning to Japan and continuing to experience life in Tokyo, embracing the culture and bringing those experiences into the classroom.

Ms Mason has a First Class degree in Classics from the University of Exeter, as well as a PGCE  from the University of Sussex. Over her career, she has worked in a number of roles teaching  both Lower and Upper Prep. Most recently, she acted as a Form Tutor and Head of Library at a  Brighton College Prep School, St Christopher’s Prep, Hove.

Ms Mason is passionate about the use of drama, talk and storytelling to build creative and  exciting learning environments. She is also interested in promoting child-led learning and  problem solving to extend children’s learning and to encourage them to develop their interests  and unique talents.

When she isn’t teaching, Ms Mason can usually be found with a sketchbook in hand, exploring  her love of art. She is also fascinated by myths and legends and is always excited to learn a new  story! Ms Mason also loves dance, reading, and writing.

Ms Scarlett is from Birmingham, England. She has two Bachelor’s degrees in Criminology and Sociology and Criminal Justice and a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing.

She has experience working in further education in England and in primary and secondary education in Japan. Ms Scarlett believes in creating a supportive, expressive and compassionate environment. As a Teaching Assistant she supports pupils in fostering learning, confidence and creativity. She enjoys playing sports, radio production and travelling.

Ms Keen has a degree in Primary Education with Drama from St. Martins College, Lancaster, UK. She taught in the East of England before transitioning to international

teaching. Her first international post was at a British school in Penang, Malaysia. Following this, Ms Keen relocated to Japan to teach. Her teaching experience has expanded across both Key Stages and involved the role of Mathematics Leader, EAL, Drama and Science coordinator.

She is passionate to deliver curriculum in an engaging, differentiated manner with a variety of diverse learners in an international setting. She strongly believes that through exploration, inquiry and play, children gain academic excellence.

Ms Keen is married and has a son. As a family they thoroughly enjoy travelling and exploring new places together. She enjoys being outdoors whether it is skiing, exploring mountain ranges on foot or horseback, playing with the waves on a skimboard and making sandcastles at the beach with her son.

Ms Sullivan began her teaching career at a long standing international primary school in the United Arab Emirates. After completing a bachelor’s degree at the University of Sussex in Economics and Marketing management, she went on to secure a PGCE in primary education with the University of Sunderland. Following this, Miss Sullivan moved to the UAE where she had previously lived and studied to peruse a rewarding and enlightening teaching experience at an international school.

Over the years studying and working in education, Ms Sullivan has gained experience in both foundation stage and key stage 1 environments where she brings her creative flair and positive spirit into the classroom. Miss Sullivan believes in the importance of building strong relationships with her pupils and that learning is about trust and cooperation as well as respect and understanding. She is passionate about the performing arts and sports enrichment for children and believes that the development of pupil’s individual character is as important as challenging them in their academic ability within the classroom.

In her spare time Ms Sullivan enjoys a wide range of activities; from the refinement of singing and dancing to the vigour and tenacity of rugby and jujitsu. Deep sea diving, to mountain range hiking. Wake board riding, to snow board sliding (usually headfirst)! She continues to try new things and hopes to expand her interests even more during her time here in Japan.

Mr Kitanosono spent his formative years in Colombia, Fiji, and Scotland, which gave him a unique and diverse perspective on the world. He earned a degree in Marine and Freshwater Biology from the University of Hull, following which he worked as an ecologist for the British Government. During this time, he had the opportunity to teach field studies to primary school students in Kent, allowing him to share his deep passion for the environment.

Outside of his professional life, Mr Kitanosono is an avid adventurer. Whether cycling, climbing, or skiing during the winter months, he embraces an active lifestyle and loves exploring the serene beauty of the Japanese countryside.

Ms Jarvis holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Cardiff University and a PGCE in Primary Education from the University of Winchester. She has taught in Bournemouth and Bristol, in the United Kingdom, as well as at a British International School in Seoul, South Korea.

Ms Jarvis is passionate about creating a classroom environment, built on mutual trust, in which children are willing to take risks. She aims to inspire a love of learning and the belief that learning is a lifelong process. Her favourite subject to teach is English as she enjoys seeing children embed a love of reading and creativity within their writing.

Outside of school, Ms Jarvis enjoys playing team sports, cooking, reading and exploring new places. She is excited to discover more about the unique and rich culture of Japan.

Ms Lees is from the north of England and has lived in Japan, previously in Niigata prefecture where she worked as an assistant language teacher. Her experience teaching in Japan spurred her on to become a fully qualified teacher and she returned to the UK to complete her PGCE. She has a love of Japan and is excited to return to this wonderful country, explore Tokyo and experience everything it has to offer.

Ms Lees has a bachelor’s degree in English from Lancaster University and a Master’s degree, also from Lancaster University. She gained her PGCE in Primary Education in 2017 from the University of Cumbria. Ms Lees is passionate about providing a nurturing environment for children to flourish, excel, and become confident individuals who are ready to take on the world.

Mr (Lawrence) Brody arrives from Oxford, England. He holds a BA in Music from Royal Holloway, University of London, alongside a PGCE and Masters degree in Education.

Mr Brody has taught across both the UK State and Independent sectors. He also brings experience in leading music, and as an assistant houseparent (boys boarding) in his previous school. Away from the core curriculum, he enjoys leading choirs, founding bands or collaborating on musical theatre projects.

Mr Brody is passionate about building effective pastoral relationships, something that his role in the boarding house at his last school allowed him to do so effectively. He is looking forward to developing rounded, multi-dimensional students who seek enjoyment in every area of the curriculum. He is a firm believer that children can and should be having fun whilst learning.

In his spare time, Mr Brody enjoys playing the trumpet and piano (having achieved ABRSM Grade 8 in both), as well as exploring the local music scene. He also looks forward to diving head-first into the Japanese running scene, as a fiercely competitive athlete; he’s always looking for his next marathon…

Miss Callan completed her PGCE at the University of Buckingham following a career in public policy, political and media research. Here, she gained a BA in International Relations from The University of Hull as well as an MA in International Peace and Security from King’s College London. Throughout this time she volunteered for organisations delivering equine therapy and academic tuition to vulnerable children. It was this voluntary work that made her decide to train to teach.

Miss Callan has taught across both Primary Key Stages throughout her native county of Kent in the South East of England. Roles that have seen her lead in science and enrichment (LoTC). She has a real passion for the teaching of early reading, creative writing and oracy skills. She also firmly believes in the power of learning beyond the classroom. Where children are given the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to problem solving, enquiry and exploration based tasks.

Outside of school Miss Callan is a keen equestrian, cyclist, swimmer and baker. She is excited to explore her partner’s native Japan and discover the country’s rich culture and heritage.

Mr Keeley completed his degree in Education and English, as well as his PGCE, at Homerton College, University of Cambridge. He also holds an MA from King’s College London. Prior to joining Phoenix House, he taught across Key Stage 2 at a junior school in Essex, England. During this time, he held subject leader responsibilities for Art, Design and Technology and Modern Foreign Languages.

He is passionate about creating a classroom environment where all children can shine as individuals, have the confidence to challenge themselves and most importantly, love their learning. He is enthusiastic about harnessing creativity in a cross-curricular manner and is particularly keen in challenging children to apply their learning to real world scenarios especially in the design subjects.

Outside of school, Mr Keeley is an avid geek who is passionate about many facets of Japanese culture, especially anime, manga and video gaming (particularly Pokémon). His other interests include art, photography, travel, the dramatic arts and comedy. He has recently completed a 6 month travelling stint around the countries of South East and East Asia as well as Australia. Following this, he is relishing the opportunity to develop his language skills and further explore during his time in Japan.

Mr McIntyre grew up in the British Virgin Islands before moving to the southwest of England in 2009. He holds a degree in Anthropology from Durham University and a TEFL qualification, which has fueled his passion for teaching and cross-cultural experiences.

Since graduating in 2023 Mr McIntyre worked as a teaching and boarding assistant in various educational settings, including UK summer camps and boarding schools. Having moved to Japan, he worked at an international primary boarding school in Hiroshima Prefecture.

Mr McIntyre is committed to creating a nurturing and supportive learning environment that enables pupils to excel academically and develop holistically. His goal is to help pupils thrive and find joy in all aspects of school life.

Outside of school, you can find him playing basketball, following the NBA, and exploring the diverse neighbourhoods and culture of Tokyo.

Mr Hicks is originally from London and has a First Class degree in Primary Education from the University of Roehampton. Since graduating in 2018, he has worked in all year-groups across upper primary, in various schools across London. He has also used his passion for sports in the classroom in his previous role as the Head of PE.

Mr Hicks emphasises fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills in his classroom; he believes by providing children with these key life skills, they can conquer any challenge they set their minds to. He also loves to integrate his enthusiasm for technology into his lessons by incorporating it wherever possible.

Outside of the classroom, Mr Hicks loves to travel and has recently returned from a 3-month long trip all around India, South-East Asia and Japan. He is also an avid musician, he loves enjoys all types of live music and playing the guitar.

Ms Hawkins has a degree in Psychology and has been teaching for 25 years both in the UK, at state schools and a prep school and at two very different schools in Dubai where she lived for ten years. She has taught in various year groups, is qualified as an Advanced Skills Teacher, Leading Maths Teacher and been head of Maths and Computing.

Mrs Hawkins has a 20 year old daughter who is studying at University in the UK. In her time away from teaching, she enjoys photography (often taking photographs of rescued animals to help them find homes), running and travel. A proud geek, technology is Mrs Hawkins’ passion. Learning is something that she has always enjoyed and she has been working hard to learn Japanese.

Mr Morris holds a first-class degree in History and a Masters Degree in Classical History from the University of Manchester, where he also trained as a teacher, passing with distinction. He moved to Japan in 2021 to help launch Phoenix House and was the founding head of house for Windsor house. Mr Morris has combined his love for history, storytelling and logical puzzles into a passion and enthusiasm for teaching the whole curriculum, working at all stages of primary education.

Outside of the classroom, Mr Morris enjoys travelling and has visited places all over the world; he is currently trying to visit every prefecture in Japan (and welcomes suggestions on where to go next!). He also loves writing, video games, chess, cooking and learning new languages.

Ms Semark has a degree in Primary Education from the University of Greenwich in London, UK. Since graduating, she has gained experience teaching across Upper and Lower Prep in Kent. Ms Semark has developed a passion for creating a positive and inclusive environment, nurturing children in order for them to reach their full potential.

Away from the classroom, Ms Semark loves reading and spending time with family. She enjoys watching live sport including football, cricket and motor sports. Ms Semark has enjoyed moving to Japan and immersing herself in Japanese culture.

Mr Symonds graduated from Lancaster University with a degree in Media and Cultural studies. He started his career in teaching at primary school after completing teacher training with an accredited graduate teaching programme in West Yorkshire. For the past seven years Mr Symonds has continued his teaching career in Japan. He has experience teaching at an international kindergarten and recently specialised in English language teaching at a private Japanese high school.

Mr Symonds is excited to contribute to building a supportive and inclusive environment for education at Phoenix House. His teaching philosophy is to cultivate a love of learning, essential from an early age. He believes that every child at Phoenix House can achieve mastery of something and is eager to help our children discover their talents.

Outside of his career, Japan has been a wonderful playground for adventure. Mr Symonds enjoys skiing with family and friends in Nagano and Hokkaido. In the summer he loves touring the country on his bicycle. And now with his first child who was born over the summer, his wife and him are looking forward to more adventures in Japan as a family!

Mr Lockey holds a BA in Primary Education from the University of Exeter and a Master’s Degree in Mathematics Education from the University of Chichester.  Mr Lockey has over 25 years of experience in teaching and leading across primary, middle and secondary phases in the UK and Japan.  He has taught Science and Mathematics and worked in both state and independent schools, with wide experience in curriculum, academic and pastoral leadership.

Mr Lockey is passionate about high-quality teaching and learning and believes that pupils thrive when they are challenged, supported and encouraged to take responsibility for their learning.  Mr Lockey also values the development of the whole child and has experience leading mentoring programmes, pupil forums, enrichment activities and curriculum focus days.  He is particularly interested in STEAM opportunities that allow pupils to apply their learning creatively and develop skills beyond the classroom.

Mr Lockey has had a strong connection with Japan for nearly 30 years and returned to live and work in Japan in 2024.  He is enjoying combining his experience of UK education with his knowledge and appreciation of Japanese culture and life.

Outside school, Mr Lockey enjoys his Saturday morning 5K Parkrun, swimming and photography.  He is also learning Japanese and enjoys meeting new people, exploring Japan and developing connections within and beyond the school community.

Mr O’Sullivan embarked upon his journey as an educator in 2010 as a Gap Student in Sydney. He then obtained his degree in Agricultural Science from University College Dublin in 2015 before continuing on his career working in boarding schools around Ireland. Keen to transition into the classroom full time he returned to UCD to study a Masters in Education and started teaching full time in 2021. Qualified to teach Science, Biology and Agricultural Science to secondary school level, Mr O’Sullivan enjoys nurturing an active classroom where engaged pupils learn science through hands-on activities.

As well as teaching, Mr O’Sullivan has always been very involved in extra-curricular activities. He firmly believes that all pupils will benefit from being involved in any extra-curricular activities in a myriad of ways. Outside of the classroom, Mr O’Sullivan is an enthusiast and finds enjoyment in almost anything. In particular, he enjoys sports, music and drama. He has played and coached rugby for as long as he can remember and performed all over Ireland.

Ms Kean is a Performing Arts specialist from the UK with a degree in Creative and Performing Arts and a PGCE in Primary Education. She has also undertaken the Royal Shakespeare Company Certificate in Teaching Shakespeare.

Ms Kean has a background in immersive theatre and drama-in-education. She has performed as a singer and performance artist in Liverpool while also curating exhibitions and performances by emerging artists.

Her international teaching career has taken her to Italy, South Korea, Hong Kong and Japan, where she has worked as a primary classroom teacher, Head of Early Years, and Performing Arts specialist. Passionate about the arts, it is her joy to create high-quality performance opportunities that inspire creativity and enrich children’s learning experiences.

Outside of school, Ms Kean enjoys spending time exploring in nature and playing games together with her family. She is also an enthusiastic writer and is currently working on a young adult fantasy science-fiction novel.

As Director of Performing Arts, Ms Kean is excited to inspire a love of performance throughout the school and help every child find their voice both on and off the stage.

Mr. Carlson is a passionate music educator and multi-instrumentalist from Alexandria, Minnesota, United States. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Olaf College, specializing in music theory and composition. Throughout his life, he has performed with a wide range of musical ensembles, including orchestras, choirs, wind ensembles, pit orchestras, percussion ensembles, marching bands, jazz bands, jazz combos, and rock bands. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Carlson enjoys reading books, watching movies, exercising, cooking, and playing video games with his friends.

Mr Hill brings over 15 years of experience in physical education, coaching, and sports leadership across UK and international school settings. Most recently at the British School of Brussels in Belgium, he served as Whole School PE Teacher, Head of Football, and leadership placement as Assistant Athletic Director, leading competitive sport and pupil development programmes across Key Stages.

After graduating from Anglia Ruskin University with a BSC (Hons) degree, Mr Hill completed both his iPGCE and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Alongside his teaching career, he has worked extensively with The Football Association and West Ham United Football Club, delivering primary sport programmes, international coaching projects, and coach education initiatives around the world.

A passionate advocate for inclusive sport, Mr Hill believes every child should have the opportunity to thrive through PE and physical activity. He has developed whole-school sports pathways, led fixtures, tournaments and sports tours, and created opportunities for pupils of all abilities and experience levels to participate, develop confidence, and excel.

Outside of school, Mr Hill enjoys attending live sporting and musical events, participating in a range of sports activities and spending time walking and cycling. He brings enthusiasm, warmth, and a strong commitment to pupil development to Phoenix House and is excited to contribute to the sporting life of the school community.

Mr White brings over a decade of experience in delivering high-quality physical education across a range of UK independent and state schools. With a strong background in coaching and curriculum development, Mr White has led sports programmes from Early Years to Sixth Form and has coached at elite youth levels, including with Arsenal and Portsmouth Football Clubs.

As a committed educator and mentor, Mr White has a particular passion for inclusive sport and lifelong fitness. He has introduced creative enrichment activities such as Ultimate Frisbee, Fives, and Skateboarding, and regularly runs staff and parent bootcamps to foster whole-community love of sport.

Most recently Head of PE at a large London primary school, Mr White has developed whole-school PE curriculums, organised regional tournaments, and spearheaded elite sport initiatives – with his teams earning titles in football, cricket, and netball.

Mr White holds coaching qualifications across multiple sports, is a CIMSPA member, and continues to pursue further professional development. He enjoys bringing his enthusiasm, warmth, and deep commitment to excellence to Phoenix House.

Mr Donaghey joins Phoenix House with a decade of Prep School teaching and a professional youth development background at QPR and Brentford FC, he brings a wealth of expertise to our sports department. He is passionate about making high-level coaching accessible to everyone, ensuring his lessons are inclusive, high-energy, and most importantly enjoyable.

Mr Donaghey favours a tactical, game-led teaching style over isolated drills. This keeps lessons fast-paced and stimulating for all ability levels, helping pupils develop resilience and a genuine love for being active. To stay authentic as a coach, he stays busy outdoors; playing Football, he’s also an avid runner and a recent convert to road cycling. He looks forward to inspiring our pupils to stay active for life.

Ms Dobson Dunn is a practising artist and experienced educator who studied Fine Art at the Ruskin  School of Art, University of Oxford. Her creative work spans painting, sculpture, ceramics, coding,  installations and screen printing. She began her career teaching Secondary Art and Design, leading  GCSE, A-Level, and IB courses, mentoring trainee teachers, working with an education charity and  moderating with exam boards, before moving into Prep aged education.

Ms Dobson Dunn believes everyone is creative and fosters a department that combines high expectations  with an emphasis on experimentation, innovation, and strong foundational skills. Pupils are encouraged to  learn through making and developing practical and expressive skills with a deep understanding of art  history, culture, and theory.

Ms Dobson Dunn joins us with her husband, Mr Dobson, from Brentwood School in Essex. She has  taught in top UK independent and grammar schools, and internationally in China, South Korea, and  Vietnam. She has also worked in creative roles in New York and New Zealand and outside of school  enjoys any activities involving snow or the sea, as well as travel.

Ms Burningham is from the South of England by the sea, she moved to London to complete her BA Hons  degree in Photography where she was able to grow as an artist and exhibit her work across London. She  later attended UCL to complete her PGCE in Art education where she fell in love with sharing her passion  for the arts with her pupils.

She is passionate about establishing a positive and inspiring environment in the classroom where pupils  feel free to express their creativity whilst learning new skills. She is a great believer in experimentation  and exploration of all art forms in addition to encouraging pupils to collaborate and create something as a  team.

When Ms Burningham isn’t teaching or has a camera in her hand, she enjoys yoga, tennis, trying new  cuisines, walking her dog, attending music concerts and art exhibitions.

Ms Byrne is a passionate Art educator and practising artist specialising in printmaking and drawing. She holds a BA in Fine Art Printmaking and an MA in Education in Art and Design from the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin, Ireland.

Her printmaking practice includes copper plate etching, woodblock, carborundum, screen printing, and lithography, alongside drawing-based work. She brings this expertise into an accessible, exploratory approach that encourages curiosity, experimentation, and enjoyment of making.

Growing up in Ireland, she developed a strong connection to art and the natural landscape through creating and hiking in Ireland’s mountains, experiences that continue to shape her belief in observation and creativity as a lifelong process.

She has spent the past five years teaching Art in London secondary schools, where she worked as Head of Art, teaching KS3, GCSE, and A Level. She led the subject with a focus on technical skill, creative confidence, and independent thinking, and is now excited to bring this experience into a primary setting.

Outside of school, she enjoys hiking and yoga, supporting a balanced and reflective approach to her teaching and practice.

Ms Nishijima was born and raised in Tokyo and is certified in Education. She has taught at an International school for 5 years and has experience teaching Japanese delivering the Japanese National Kokugo curriculum to Years 1-6.

She believes that in Japanese lessons, it is not a matter of just learning the language, but also the origins of the language and its culture. By interweaving culture and language, and historical background, children can learn about different cultural values and gain new perspectives.

Ms Nishijima is committed to collaborating with other teachers and subject areas to give children an opportunity for a more rounded worldview. Outside of school, she has a passion for music, she loves playing the bass and making music.

Ms Fukutani has been working as a Japanese teacher for over 10 years in Japanese language schools. Passionate about sharing the joy of language learning, she strives to help pupils make the most of their time in Japan. A lifelong language enthusiast, Ms Fukutani pursued studies in Chinese and English at a university in Beijing, where she also developed a deeper appreciation for her native language, Japanese. For her, learning languages is like mountain trekking, full of discoveries, growth, and the joy of experiencing the journey together with others.

Since learning English at a young age, Ms Kakuya has been fascinated by the joy of learning languages and cultures. After completing a Master’s degree in Japanese Applied Linguistics, she started teaching Japanese as a foreign language at junior high and high schools in Tokyo. She worked as a language assistant in Tasmania, Australia for two years before returning to Tokyo to teach Japanese.

She understands the value of language learning as a means for pupils to gain new perspectives and deepen their knowledge and understanding of the world.

Ms Kakuya enjoys playing the ukulele, going to theatres and museums, reading, learning Korean, watching sports, and hiking.

Ms Brock is from Tokyo and holds a degree in Japanese Language and Literature. She also qualified as a librarian at university. With a passion for books, she began her career as a book editor.

During the pandemic, Ms Brock decided to pursue a new path as a Japanese teacher. After completing the Japanese Language Teacher Course and passing the Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test, she gained about three years of experience teaching Japanese to young adults at language schools in Tokyo.

Ms Brock also spent a year in Surrey, England, participating in charity work, where she developed an interest in British culture, particularly its music and baking recipes. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, camping, handcrafting, and reading.

Ms Katsura was born in Hong Kong and lived there until high school due to her father’s work. Growing up as a foreigner, learning the local language allowed her to connect deeply with people and experience diverse cultures. This invaluable experience has enriched her life and remains a lifelong treasure. It inspired her passion for language education and guided her journey as a Japanese teacher supporting young learners.

Witnessing the growth of children brings her immense joy. She is dedicated to creating a warm and welcoming classroom where every pupil can build confidence and enjoy learning the Japanese language and culture.

In her free time, Ms Katsura enjoys traveling, discovering delicious food, and spending quality time with her family. She is excited to be a part of the Phoenix House community and share this wonderful journey with everyone!

Ms Yamamoto is from Tokyo and has a Master’s degree in Japanese Applied Linguistics. She has 4 years of experience teaching Japanese at an international school in Tokyo. She aims to provide pupils with skills that they can apply to their lives in Japan. In her spare time, she loves reading and exploring new places, as well as socialising with people. She is so excited about the opportunity to join Phoenix House and contribute to its community.

Ms Magness holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Plymouth and has been teaching since 2003. She began her career in London before moving to Malaysia, and for the past 12 years has taught in both Tokyo and Yokohama. Over the years, Ms Magness has had the privilege of working in a range of teaching and leadership roles, all of which have deepened her passion for education. She is now excited to begin a new chapter at Phoenix House as the Teacher Librarian.

A lifelong lover of books, Ms Magness is eager to share her enthusiasm for reading with the Phoenix House community. She believes books offer a magical window into the world – transporting readers to new places, sparking imagination, and helping us make sense of the world around us.

Outside of school, Ms Magness enjoys exploring new destinations, visiting museums and galleries, and relaxing with a coffee and a good book.

Ms Legros was born and raised in France, and has experienced living in a variety of areas, from the Alps to the French overseas islands. At university, she obtained a degree in Japanese and English languages, combining her love for communication and culture.
She has worked in high schools, boarding schools, and international language schools in Lyon and Paris, where she developed a passion for helping pupils grow and succeed.

Ms Legros is committed to creating a welcoming and encouraging environment where pupils feel confident to learn and express themselves. She values inclusivity and self-empowerment, and strives to inspire these qualities in her pupils.

Outside of school, she loves listening to music, getting lost in a good book, discovering new places through travels and skiing during winter months.

Ms Masuda is from Tokyo and has a degree in Child and Adolescent Development from the University of San Francisco. Upon graduation, she worked in a preschool in Hawaii. She has worked in teaching for over 15 years.

She loves outdoor activities, especially fishing, camping, and cooking the fish that she catches. She also enjoys walking and taking photos of landscapes with her camera.

Ms Jamora, originally from the Philippines, is an educator with international teaching experience in Thailand and Japan. She began her career as a kindergarten teaching assistant in Thailand, where she supported young learners in many areas of school life, a rewarding role that taught her the value of patience, flexibility, and building strong relationships with pupils.

She later moved to Japan, working as an ALT and English teacher in both secondary schools and kindergartens. Throughout her career, Ms Jamora has been dedicated to creating calm and supportive classrooms where pupils feel confident to grow and freely express themselves. She embraces learning as a lifelong journey and finds joy in being part of each pupil’s growth and development.

Outside the classroom, Ms Jamora enjoys exploring nature, taking long walks, and hiking, most memorably completing a 42 km trek from the sea to the summit of Mt. Fuji. She also finds inspiration and peace in Japan’s beautiful natural scenery. In her free time, she loves cooking, listening to music.

Ms Rutkowska is originally from Poland. She moved to London, England, to pursue her academic career, where she earned a Bachelor of Science from Westminster University. She decided to move to Japan last year after a long COVID lockdown; it had been her dream since she visited Japan in 2017.

Ms Rutkowska has taught English and Science, as well as Dance. She enjoys creating fun, positive, and productive environments to help children reach their goals and dreams. Outside of teaching, Ms. Rutkowska’s biggest lifelong passion is ballroom dancing. She is a former Danish champion as well as a finalist in major worldwide competitions, and she will always be happy to talk about or help with any performing arts.

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Dana has been a long-time enjoyer of bridging Japan with the world. After working as an Assistant Language Teacher on the JET Programme, she decided to continue her education journey in Tokyo. Her interests include reading, creative writing, and juggling…though usually not at the same time!

Ms Aghrout grew up in Aylesbury in England, and studied French and Arabic at University College London. She loves learning new languages and travelling, and lived in Berlin before moving to Tokyo.

With a background spanning education, NGOs, and human rights, Diana is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact. As a teaching assistant, she loves building pupils’ confidence and curiosity. She is thrilled to bring her creativity and strong communication skills to the classroom to help cultivate a fun, inspiring, and engaging learning environment.

In her free time, Ms Aghrout enjoys yoga, dance, painting, exploring nature, and connecting with new people.

Mr Williams is originally from Wales and has a First Class degree in Sport Science from Liverpool John Moores University. Since graduating in 2017, he has been working as an assistant language teacher in Tokyo. Mr Williams believes engagement, communication, and a positive atmosphere are key ingredients to help children reach their full potential. In his spare time, Mr Williams can be found playing futsal and badminton, exploring Japan, and finding nice restaurants around Tokyo.

Mr Sykes grew up in Yorkshire, England, and holds a First-Class degree in Geography from Durham University as well as a master’s degree in Conservation Studies from the University of St Andrews. After graduating, he worked as a Development Events Manager at the Science Museum in London before moving to Japan to teach English at a high school in Toyama Prefecture.

As someone who has always enjoyed learning, Mr Sykes aims to create a positive and supportive classroom environment where pupils can develop a lifelong love of learning and thrive in all aspects of their school life.

Outside of the classroom, he enjoys running, hiking, skiing and exploring Japan. He also loves doing anything creative, particularly drawing, photography, and visiting art galleries.

Ms Bavia is from the Philippines and holds a degree in Elementary Education. With over 10 years of experience teaching in international schools, she is committed to ensuring that every classroom is a fun and safe space that fosters growth, collaboration, and inclusion.

She has a son and her husband also works in education. Together, they enjoy exploring the outdoors and trying various sports. Ms Bavia also loves cooking and baking

Ms Sheldon grew up in Surrey, England, and studied English Literature and Japanese at Newcastle University, spending a year abroad at Hosei University in Tokyo. She has since lived in London, Sydney, and Tokyo, and brings a breadth of international experience to her work with children of various ages.

Ms Sheldon is passionate about fostering a love of reading in her pupils and believes in the power of stories to inspire curiosity, empathy, and lifelong learning. She is delighted to share her enthusiasm for literature with the Phoenix House community.

Outside the classroom, Ms Sheldon enjoys discovering new cafés around Tokyo, going for runs, and spending time with a good book.

Ms Chanut-Ferlin was born and raised in France and developed a passion for languages. She studied at an international high school and earned a degree in English and Japanese at university. She has worked in international companies and as a private English teacher in France and a kindergarten teacher in Japan. Her passion for teaching comes from her mother, who works as an English and French teacher for teenagers with special needs.

Ms Chanut-Ferlin values curiosity and self-empowerment and is committed to creating a supportive learning environment for the pupils to thrive.

She enjoys needlework, drawing, and getting lost in a good book.

Ms. Cowden, originally from Massachusetts, USA, came to Tokyo in 2021 to pursue a degree in art and art history. After working as a teacher’s assistant for dance studios and piano academies, she has found a passion in working with primary aged children, and has made the transition to supporting pupils in a classroom-based setting.

Outside the classroom, she loves to work on art projects, read novels and comics, and watch movies at the cinema.

Ms Rodgers graduated with a degree in TESOL and modern language from the Univeristy of Central Lancashire. Over her career she has taught pupils from Kindergarten through to high school and is passionate about developing communication skills and confidence. Alongside teaching, she has a strong background in the performing arts. She began her acting career in theatre and later worked as a stunt double on various British dramas.

Away from the classroom, she enjoys playing piano, traveling and learning new creative skills such as embroidery, painting and baking.

Ms Rodgers graduated with a degree in TESOL and modern language from the Univeristy of Central Lancashire. Over her career she has taught pupils from Kindergarten through to high school and is passionate about developing communication skills and confidence. Alongside teaching, she has a strong background in the performing arts. She began her acting career in theatre and later worked as a stunt double on various British dramas.

Away from the classroom, she enjoys playing piano, traveling and learning new creative skills such as embroidery, painting and baking.

Mr Yates brings a global perspective to Phoenix House, supported by a degree in Environmental Studies and significant experience in primary education, including his previous post as Head of PE and School Sport.

Before moving into teaching, his environmental background included working with marine mammals and cetaceans — experiences that took him to South Africa and Mexico, where he worked with great white sharks and guided with grey whales.

An experienced traveller to over 50 countries, as well as living in Australia & New Zealand, his highlights include swimming with humpback whales in Tonga and sleeping in an igloo in the Arctic.

Mr Yates enjoys searching out great coffee shops and holds a strong appreciation for the respectful culture of Japan. He has completed the Shonan International Marathon and recently completed an ultra‑marathon, and enjoys working alongside children to help them discover their confidence and sense of self through support and trust.

Mr Yates is delighted to be joining his partner — and fellow Phoenix House staff member — Ms Durand in Tokyo, and looks forward to contributing to an internationally minded school community.

Ms Kamei grew up in Japan and spent part of her early childhood in the Netherlands. She
studied Sociology at Keio University, including time abroad in Sweden. Following university,
she gained experience in the corporate sector while continuing to volunteer in educational
settings.

She has also worked as an assistant at an English academy, supporting returnee
students from diverse backgrounds. She believes that every pupil should feel supported and
included, and is committed to creating a warm and reassuring environment where pupils can
develop at their own pace, build confidence, and reach their full potential.

Ms Aoki is a creative educator with a background in art, design, and language learning. She holds an MA in Media Design and has assisted university design courses, led creative workshops, taught languages, and worked at an international school. With a multicultural background rooted in Taiwanese, American, and Japanese experiences, Ms Aoki is passionate about helping pupils explore their own identities and ideas through creative expression. She believes learning should be playful, thoughtful, and inclusive.

Ms Shirasawa has an international background, having completed her primary education in England and her secondary education in Western Australia, where she also went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree. She later completed a Level 5 Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Pass A) and an MA in TESOL (Distinction), reflecting her passion for language, communication, and lifelong learning.

She began her career as an English language teacher, teaching in Japan across a variety of settings before moving into educational administration. Over the past several years, she has worked in education and assessment, supporting schools, teachers, students, and families through the delivery of English language qualifications and teacher training programmes. She enjoys creating efficient systems, solving problems, and being part of the work that helps a school community thrive. She is delighted to be joining the Phoenix House community and looks forward to contributing to its warm and supportive environment.

Outside of school, Ms Shirasawa enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. As a family, they enjoy camping, cycling, and making the most of family adventures together.

Dr Florentin completed his PhD and Masters in Sustainability Science at the University of Tokyo, following earlier studies in Public Management. His academic and professional work has focused on community engagement and cross-cultural co-creation, with published research spanning urban planning, cultural heritage, and education for sustainable development. His work has also taken him to institutions including Harvard University in Boston and the University of the Free State in South Africa, among others. Having lived in the Philippines, South Korea, and Japan, and spent parts of his childhood in Canada and the United States, he brings a broad international perspective to the Phoenix House community.

As Admissions Manager, Dr Florentin enjoys supporting families from diverse backgrounds and helping children begin a happy and confident educational journey in Tokyo. Alongside this, Dr Florentin enjoys videography as a creative hobby and hosts the Video Podcasting Club where pupils explore storytelling, media production, and digital communication.

Mr van Berlo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Japanese and Communication from Zuyd University of Applied Sciences in Maastricht, the Netherlands. As part of his studies, he completed an internship in Nagano Prefecture, where he conducted marketing research for a ski hotel in Shiga Kogen, located within the Shiga Kogen Biosphere Reserve. Inspired by his experience in the Japanese Alps, Mr van Berlo returned to Japan after graduating and spent two years working in the hospitality industry in Nagano. During this time, he developed a deep appreciation for Japan’s culture, natural landscapes and local communities. He also obtained his motorcycle licence and enjoys exploring Japan’s mountainous regions and undertaking long-distance tours across the country. Following his time in Nagano, Mr van Berlo worked as a tour guide, leading visitors through a variety of destinations throughout Japan. These experiences strengthened his knowledge of the country and further developed his skills in communication, logistics and customer service. He now brings together his Japanese language skills, hospitality background, tour guiding experience and extensive knowledge of Japan in his role at Phoenix House International School, where he manages school trips and transportation services. Mr van Berlo is passionate about creating memorable experiences for pupils and takes great pride in helping them discover new places, cultures and opportunities beyond the classroom. He enjoys knowing that the trips he helps organise can become lasting memories that pupils will carry with them for years to come.

Mrs Yamamoto grew up in Japan and the United States. She has a degree in Comparative Culture from Sophia University. Teaching is her passion and she has 15 years of experience as a teacher. Nami is always looking for ways to improve herself to provide her students with the best care and education possible. She believes that each child is unique and brings different experiences and strengths to the classroom. She knows children are capable of reaching their full potential and that this can be achieved through creating a strong and effective partnership between educators and families.

Nami believes everyone needs a good sense of humour. She enjoys spending her spare time outdoors playing and exploring with her two young children, and loves working out and relaxing doing yoga.

Ms Netty Bathily is a marketing and communications professional with international experience in education and pupil support. Originally from France and now based in Japan, she brings a multicultural, people-focused approach to her work.

She has worked in marketing and communications for a Japanese language school, as well as with Parfums Christian Dior in France, the French Embassy in Ireland and the French Consulate in Hong Kong. Ms Bathily holds a Master’s degree in International Business and an MBA from the United States, and is passionate about cross-cultural communication and pupil support.

Outside of work, she enjoys reading, cinema, going to the gym, and travelling. Enthusiastic and empathetic, Ms Bathily is excited to contribute her creativity and global perspective to the Phoenix House community.

Ms Kawaguchi spent her high school years in New Zealand, an experience that nurtured a deep appreciation for multicultural communities and international education. Inspired by the positive impact of diverse learning environments, she has been committed to supporting the growth, development, and well-being of young people.

She is proud to be part of a school community that encourages pupils to learn with curiosity, build confidence, and reach their full potential. Outside of school, Ms Kawaguchi enjoys baking and taking long walks, which provide opportunities for creativity, reflection, and balance.