Our Leadership Team
Lural joins UWC Thailand after having previously worked for 7 years at Centro Educativo Futuro Verde in Cobano, Costa Rica and 11 years at Lincoln Elementary School in Corvallis, Oregon. Professionally she holds a BA in Communications from Linfield College (now Linfield University) a BA in Spanish from Linfield College (now Linfield University) and a MAT in Teaching, with an emphasis in Bilingual Education from Oregon State University.
As an educator, she is passionate, committed and joyful. She loves to learn alongside a diverse group of fellow educators, students and families and strives to do everything she can to remove barriers, champion transformative learning and support all members of a school community to continue to evolve and grow together. School communities that she is fortunate enough to join benefit from her strong and lasting commitment. She loves to really become a part of the school and broader community and commits to a long enough tenure to really ensure that goals are achieved, progress is made and a lasting impact is felt throughout the school culture.
She joins the UWC community in Phuket with her husband, Alejandro, and their three children: Joaquin, Santiago and Quetzal as well as their dog, Luna, and their cat, Pinto. She loves to do all kinds of sports and outdoor activities, especially surfing, running, cycling, hiking, triathlons, volleyball, basketball and yoga!
Kanok has a Masters Degree in Educational Administration from Chulalongkorn University. She sees herself as a bridge of cultures, people and nations as she was an AFS International Exchange Student in Italy and, acting as a School Director, a Qualified Onesqua Accreditation Officer, as well as being a UWC team leader.
She started her teaching journey with Dulwich International College, Horizon Learning Centre, The Regent’s School and Shrewsbury International School in Bangkok.
Kanok’s passion, enthusiasm and humour empower the school community of students, staff and parents alike in order to help achieve UWCT vision and mission.
Kurtis, originally from Canada, is in his 3rd year at UWC Thailand after spending 12 years prior to UWCT as a principal in Vietnam, China, and Uganda. Prior to this, he taught Primary and Middle School in Uganda, Canada, and Colombia as well as working with street kids in Peru.
A passionate learner and leader, Kurtis enjoys the opportunity to collaborate with staff, students and parents to develop the learning pedagogy and community. In particular, he is a strong advocate for authentic and meaningful learning opportunities that enhance the holistic growth of our learners. He is a firm believer in the beliefs and values that underpin the PYP–and school as a whole–and strives to take action to continually make our school a fantastic, challenging place to learn.
When not at school, Kurtis spends most of his ‘free’ time with his family (wife, three young children and 2 dogs). When he gets the chance, he loves to participate in both team and individual sports, read, and stay connected with family and friends.
Jon has spent the last 22 years working in IB World Continuum Schools on four continents. He has held numerous positions in schools in Switzerland, Tanzania, Peru and Hong Kong. Jon considers himself a true life-long learner who strives to stay up-to-date with the very latest research on how we all learn best.
He passionately believes that when we are all comfortable taking risks and learning from our mistakes, we will feel empowered to pursue our interests and provide the very best learning environments for students. Jon enjoys scuba diving, traveling, reading, rock climbing and football. He has developed a deep reserve of resilience through a lifetime of supporting Aston Villa Football Club.
I approach education (and life) with enthusiasm and an abundance mindset, aiming to promote my students’ self-awareness, intellectual fulfillment and holistic growth. I enjoy building a welcoming and constructive atmosphere in the workplace, while reminding myself that serious work is not always accomplished by being serious.
“Three lines that describe who you are as an educator?
As cliché as it may sound, my motto is to allow kindness to lead my connection with prospective parents, parents, students, team members and colleagues. In complex or even simple situations, ‘kindness’ can provide great insights for decision-making and strategic planning. The challenge is then, to keep ‘kindness’ in mind!
Where you worked previously and who are you here with (partner, dog etc if applicable)?
I worked at Lanna International School Thailand as the Head of Admissions and Communications. I am here with my husband Andres (we met in middle school and he is also an AFSer), my son Leon who is 16 years old, Diego who is 14, and Vanilla a 11 months old maltese puppy (our joy).
What’s your ‘star’ quality or resume highlight?
I am an enthusiastic and proactive manager and team player with over 20 years of experience in sales & marketing, communications and education. I am a lifelong learner and charismatic leader (and friend) adept at training and motivating others for success. Also, I am passionate about creating strategies and planning.
What do you love to do?
I love to dance merengue, salsa and music from the 80’s. I love handmade textiles and traditional handicrafts. I also love my career because I am able to communicate with people from all over the world and offer them the key to an excellent education in a safe, friendly, engaging and happy environment. I see my job as a contribution to creating a better world for all which gives me much joy.
Where have you taught?
Kyoto University, Andres Bello Catholic University, Satit Rangsit International School and Lanna International School
What’s notable about you?
I was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, where my mother and some of my extended family still live. My International experience started when I was 7 years old when I lived in Houston, USA while my mother was completing her PhD course. Then, I was given the opportunity to be part of a French family for a year as an AFS exchange student. I am proud to say that I have both French and Japanese sisters and family!
I started my career in communications as an Environmental journalist for World Wildlife Fund in Latin America. This led me to move to Japan where I spent over 8 years conducting academic research and also teaching in schools and Universities.
After completing my studies and teaching contracts, I moved back to Venezuela to allow my children to connect with their heritage and extended family, alongside co-owning and managing an eco-friendly hospitality business.
In 2014 I moved to Thailand where I worked as the Marketing Manager of an online business, before pursuing roles in admissions and marketing management within International education.
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