Members
Our Teachers & Staff
Eighteen educators and advisors from around the world, each committed to knowing your child as an individual.
Founder
Founder
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Yoshimi
Founder / School Director
Origin: Japan
After graduating from Keio University, Yoshimi worked at Walt Disney Japan. Introduced by a former colleague, she visited the Reggio-inspired preschool inside Disney's Los Angeles headquarters — an encounter that led her to found Kodomo Edu International School in 2019. Her educational philosophy centers on asking children "What do you want to do?" to deepen their thinking.
Teachers
Teachers & Staff
Educators across our Nakameguro and Toritsudai campuses, from Preschool through After School.
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Joslyn
English Teacher / Art Teacher
Origin: United States
Joslyn earned a Master's degree in Digital Video Effects and 3D Animation from the Royal College of Art in London, studying abroad at Kyoto City University of Arts along the way. Before coming to Japan she spent five years as a studio assistant for professional artists, and now draws on her passion for art and language to help children expand their individual expression.
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Junko
Preschool Teacher (Certified Nursery Teacher)
Origin: Japan
Junko studied early childhood education in Japan and gained teaching experience at preschools and kindergartens in both Japan and the United States, where she lived for seven years. She loves traveling and experiencing different cultures, and is a mother of two sons.
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Funa
Office
Origin: Japan
Funa spent her student years in Canada and the United States, majoring in business at university. She now applies that cross-cultural experience to her office role, helping create a safe and nurturing environment for children. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her dog and traveling abroad.
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David
Art Teacher (Afterschool)
Origin: Spain
David studied early childhood education at the University of Málaga in Spain and has over ten years of experience as both an English teacher and kindergarten teacher in Spanish preschools. Drawing on a background in animation, manga production, and graphic design, he leads art classes that inspire children's creativity.
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Mariko
Preschool Teacher (Certified Nursery Teacher)
Origin: Japan
As a nursery teacher, Mariko supports children across all age groups. She loves nature and often spends her days off at parks and beaches, and through the principles of the Reggio Emilia approach she nurtures children to grow with resilience, flexibility, and joy.
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Efren
English Teacher (Afterschool)
Origin: Philippines
Efren brings a background in Psychology and over seven years of experience in teaching and leadership. Since July 2021 he has worked in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) with the Akishima City Board of Education, teaching English to students from elementary through junior high school as well as adults.
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Mai
Preschool Teacher
Origin: Japan
Since her student days Mai has been drawn to early childhood education and cultures around the world, and went on to study early childhood education and childcare. After graduating she spent seven years working at an international kindergarten, where she has come to value staying close to each child's individual feelings and needs. She enjoys visiting cafés and watching soccer.
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Irene
Preschool Teacher
Origin: Italy
Irene is from Italy, where she studied History of Art before earning a Master's in Japanese Studies at the University of Bologna. She began her teaching career at an elementary school in Italy, and since moving to Japan has come to love early years education, focusing on helping every child feel safe, seen, and confident to explore.
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Maki
Preschool Teacher (Certified Nursery Teacher)
Origin: Japan
After working as a flight attendant for 17 years, Maki studied early childhood education in California, earning a local teaching credential and gaining experience at a Reggio Emilia–inspired preschool. She also holds a Japanese nursery teacher qualification. She loves music, art, and traveling, and is a mother raising a daughter of her own.
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Brigitta
Preschool Teacher / After School Lead Teacher
Origin: Italy
Brigitta is from Italy and has spent about two and a half years in Japan, teaching preschool and primary school children in Italian and international educational settings. She has supported children's social, emotional, and academic growth through child-centered learning, and brings a keen interest in the Reggio Emilia approach and classical ballet to her work with children and families.
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Marc
English Teacher (Afterschool)
Origin: Netherlands
Marc is an experienced educator with over ten years of teaching children aged 2 to 12 in international schools. He focuses on building confidence through hands-on, diverse learning experiences, with an emphasis on strong speaking skills and lessons that create a safe, energetic environment for growth.
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Denis
Art Teacher
Origin: Brazil
Denis is an atelierista with a background in art and early childhood education, including experience in international school settings. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, he creates calm, engaging spaces where children feel safe to explore, express themselves, and follow their curiosity, while valuing each child's individuality and creativity.
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Haruka
Office
Origin: Japan
Drawing on her background in office administration, Haruka supports children in having happy, safe, and delightful days at school. She has studied in the United States and accompanied her spouse during his studies in Switzerland. Outside of work she is a mother of two children and is skilled at reading stories aloud and giving haircuts.
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Kyle
Preschool Teacher / After School Lead Teacher
Origin: United States
With a background in art and creativity, Kyle majored in advertising at his university in the United States. After gaining experience as an English teacher in Japan, he worked at a private kindergarten in Yamanashi, where his practice of Montessori, Steiner, and other educational methods sparked his interest in the Reggio approach. He currently serves as a lead teacher at Kodomo Edu.
Advisors
Advisors
Their expertise in education and research, in Japan and abroad, helps shape the quality of what we do.
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Shinji Oshio
Adviser / Professor, Waseda University
Origin: Japan
A psychologist and one of Japan's leading researchers in non-cognitive skills. As an adviser, he brings scientific evidence to how Kodomo Edu nurtures children's curiosity, resilience, and other non-cognitive abilities.
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Becca
Adviser
Origin: United States
After graduating from the University of Colorado School of Law, Becca earned her teaching certification and worked as a head teacher at Reggio Inspire in Los Angeles. She helped launch Kodomo Edu International School, and now serves as an advisor while working as a head teacher at a major Reggio preschool in Los Angeles.
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Alessandra
Adviser
Origin: Italy
Alessandra studied early childhood and after-school education in Italy and earned her certification as an elementary school teacher. After graduate study in Spain and the United States, she moved to Japan, where she founded and led a school for the Italian community. She is now based in Italy, continuing to practice and research the Reggio Approach; her book "Reggio Approach" reached No. 1 in the education category on Amazon Japan.
Start With a Tour
You can feel what our teachers and staff are like in person at a tour or information session. Come visit one of our campuses and see for yourself.