Academic Staff
Ms Dawn C Marais
Principal – EtonHouse International Pre-School Yangon, Myanmar
I have been in the education sector for more than a decade with valuable international teaching and leadership experiences. Prior to joining EtonHouse, I was a teacher of various age groups, a teacher/trainer and a principal in a Montessori International school.
I am very excited to be part of the EtonHouse community and to share passion around the importance of education. I am a firm believer in the holistic development of the child and creating alliances with parents as the child’s first educators, and also believes that a teacher’s function is to be a co-player more than an authority with predetermined knowledge. A child’s character and desire to learn is shaped during the early years. More than intellectual stimulation, each child must learn to live and socialize with their fellow human beings as part of a considerate and mutually supportive community, having confidence to express their ideas in an inquiry-based and student –centered classroom. Pre-schools carry an important responsibility by complementing the support and care provided by parents and family.
Nathan John Frederick Young
Core Teacher – KG 1
I am from the United Kingdom and have graduated with a B.A(Hons) in English Literature from University of Birmingham (UK). I have significant and substantial experiences in the spheres of education, teaching, and pedagogy and executive search and selection campaigns in international markets. My Bachelors Degree is supplemented and supported by an accredited TEFL/TESL Certificate.
I believe that learning is a life-long process and early-childhood education is crucial in life.
Maria Glass
Core Teacher – Nursery 2
I was born is Slovakia where I studied Early Childhood Education for four years (level 4). I have had 18 years of experience with children under the age of six. Recently, I have updated my Early Childhood Diploma to a level 5 through the Australia College. I love working with young children and I feel that’s where I belong. I worked as a Pre-School Educator in Slovakia, UK, India, South Africa and Myanmar- where my home base now is since 2003.
I believe each and every child is special in his/her way and I like to provide a safe environment with a pleasant atmosphere, where children and families feel understood and at ease. I try to create an environment where the children will find child-initiated activities, where many opportunities are provided for every child to explore his/her environment and discover and learn different conceptualization through joyful and meaningful play.
Having lived in UK, South Africa, Namibia and India, Myanmar has been our new home for some time. I experienced various cultures and lifestyle on three continents and learned to respect people and children as they are. As the wife of an ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) Programs director of Myanmar, I am well aware of many life issues people around the globe are dealing with.
In my free time I love to spend time with my family – my two children, Timmy 11, Jessie 13 and my husband Derek. I like swimming, workouts, meeting different people and learning about their cultures. I am so excited to work with and to look after your precious children. I am honored to join Eton House International Pre-School Yangon.
Deborah Blanchard
Nursery 1 Core Teacher
Miss Deb is from New Zealand. She has many years teaching experience in different types of early childhood settings.
She was originally trained at the Dunedin College of Education, University of Otago. She did full time study specifically in Early Childhood Education. She also holds a post – graduate qualification in mental health.
Moreover, Ms Deb holds a certificate in Practical Management. For two years, she was the Community and Family Services Manager for a branch of Salvation Army. She also holds a music qualification having completed up to Grade 5 in pianoforte and theory at Trinity College of Music. She enjoys helping children reach their potential as confident and competent learners. Ms Deb is very excited to assist children as they all embark on their inquiry-learning journey.