Kindergarten Class Teacher
Kindergarten Coordinator

EdD American College of Education, USA
MEd American College of Education, USA
BA University of Texas, USA

Mrs. Meriwether started her teaching career in South Korea where she taught kindergarten and early elementary school English while finishing her master’s degree in teaching English language learners. She then moved to Hawaii and taught second grade for a year before returning to Asia. She is excited to be back in the classroom working with kindergarteners once again. Mrs. Meriwether enjoyed working with slightly older children but loves the curiosity, energy, and whimsey kindergartners bring to the classroom. She is looking forward to singing, dancing, and playing to help her students have fun learning. In her free time, Mrs. Meriwether enjoys spending time with her cat, listening to podcasts, playing board games, and going to see movies.

Kindergarten Class Teacher

BA, Nottingham Trent University, UK
PGCE, University of South Queensland, Australia

Mr Crowe came to Japan in 2006 and taught as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in various elementary schools in Tokyo and as a kindergarten and elementary teacher at an international school in Kichijoji, Tokyo. He joined Makuhari International School in 2011. He enjoys watching sports, having BBQ’s and playing computer games.

Kindergarten Class Teacher

BA (Hons), University of Bournemouth
PGCE, University of Brighton

Miss Dufty started her teaching career in Jersey, Channel Islands, where she taught for 6 years. She has taught in both kindergarten and elementary and enjoys the ever changing atmosphere of schools. She looks forward to bringing her explorative nature to the classroom and for her class to teach her all the incredible facts they have about their school and country. She has a passion for the outdoors and sports, taking on a lead role in PE and Netball Club while in Jersey. She has taught in many different settings, ranging from her local Pony Club to villages in Tanzania. In her spare time, she likes to travel, hike, read and play a variety of sports.

Kindergarten Class Teacher

B.Ed with QTS, University of Hertfordshire, UK

Being in the profession for 16 years, Ms Havard has been privileged to have been a part of children’s – and their families’ – lives when teaching in the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Qatar. She has taught all year groups from Foundation Stage to Year 6, and continues to enjoy the diverse cultures, abilities and characters that every academic year brings into her classroom. Upon travelling to Japan in 2019 during the Sakura Festival, Ms Havard told herself, “Wouldn’t it be amazing to work here”. As an international teacher, Ms Havard loves to explore the countries she lives in, and enjoy their food and their people. She loves a freshly brewed coffee, likes to run, roller-blade and learn how to cook different cuisines.

Kindergarten Class Assistant

Bachelor of Arts, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
National Diploma in Teaching (Primary Education), National Institute of Education Sri Lanka.
Advanced Course in Early Childhood Education (Reggio Emilia philosophy) , Stockholm Institute of Education, Sweden.

After completing her Diploma in Teaching in Sri Lanka, Ms. Hearth worked as a primary school teacher for four years. Her passion for teaching led her to participate in teacher training programs during her stay in Stockholm, providing her with valuable insights into teaching methods employed across different countries. Ms. Hearth joined MIS as a kindergarten teaching assistant in 2011. In her leisure time, she enjoys the art of flower arrangement (ikebana), cooking, and cherishing quality moments with family and friends.

Kindergarten Class Teacher

BA in English, University of Virginia, USA
Teaching Certification, University of West Florida, USA

After graduating from university, Rachel moved to Tokyo to teach English in Japanese kindergartens. She then worked as an early childhood teacher in Seattle, Washington. Most recently, Rachel has finished two years as a kindergarten class teacher at a bilingual school in Beijing, China. Rachel is thrilled to be joining MIS and to be back in Japan. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and travelling.

Kindergarten Class Teacher

BS, Ohio University, USA
Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Teaching, Notre Dame College, USA

Ms. Johnson began her teaching career in Ohio in 2015, where she taught preschool before relocating to South Korea to teach elementary students English as a second language. She continued her teaching journey as a kindergarten teacher in both Ohio and Texas before deciding to move back to Asia. Ms. Johnson arrived in Japan in 2021 and served as a kindergarten teacher at an international school. With a deep love for teaching young children, she is excited to join the MIS community. In her leisure time, Ms. Johnson enjoys travelling, hiking, and trying new foods.

Kindergarten Class Assistant

BA (English), University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Higher National Diploma in English, Advanced Technical Institution, Sri Lanka

Ms Mataraarachchi graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. She came to Japan in 2008 and has over nine years of teaching experience in different kindergartens in Japan. Ms Mataraarachchi has taught pre-school through to high school during that time. In her spare time she enjoys running, baking and reading.

Kindergarten Japanese Teacher

Associate Degree (Early Childhood), Kanto Gakuin Women’s Junior college, Japan
BA (Early Childhood Education), Walla Walla Community College, WA USA
Associate Degree (Early Childhood Development), Lewis Clark State College, ID USA

Ms Mochizuki has been working at MIS since the school opened. Before she started at MIS, she worked in Japanese schools as well as schools in the USA. Makiko likes to travel, read and visit museums. Also, she likes meeting new friends!

Kindergarten Class Assistant

MA in TESOL Sookmyung Women’s University, Korea
BA Daegu National University of Education, Korea (Primary Teaching Qualification)
Diploma in English Training for Elementary School Teachers, Chiba University, Japan

Ms. Park has extensive experience teaching in elementary schools in Seoul and Tokyo for more than a decade. She also worked as an assistant teacher at a preschool in Chiba for 3 years. Her interests include travelling, spending time with her family and friends, and learning new things.

Kindergarten Class Assistant

BEEd, Southwestern University, Philippines
Early Childhood Certification
Diploma in Special Education
TESOL

Ms. Saito previously taught in several kindergartens both in Japan and in the Philippines before joining MIS in 2012. She is a licensed teacher. Outside of school, she enjoys going to the beach and bird watching.

Kindergarten Japanese Teacher

BA Education, Japan
Kindergarten Teacher Qualification, Japan
Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education, Canada
Certificate in Early Childhood Educator, Canada

After completing her studies in Canada, Ms Sekiguchi worked in international schools in Aichi Prefecture and Tokyo. She has about 10 years of teaching experience with the ages 2 to 6 years old. She enjoys outdoor activities, such as travelling, camping, hiking and skiing.

Kindergarten Japanese Teacher

BS Human Service, University of Bridgeport, USA
BS Early Childhood Education and Care, Japan University of Social Welfare

Mr Shiono earned his degrees in both the US and Japan to be able to support student success.
After receiving his teaching license, he worked at an international school and nursery school for 13 years. Outside of school, Mr Shiono enjoys taking photos and creating design work、cooking, and going on picnics with his family.

Kindergarten Japanese Teacher

Kindergarten Teacher Qualification, Fukuoka Educational College

Ms Ueda worked for three years in a Kindergarten in Fukuoka before spend time abroad to develop her English proficiency. Following stays in both Canada and Australia she is now picking up her career as a teacher at MIS.

Kindergarten Japanese Teacher

California Teaching Credential, Pasadena City College, USA
Associate Degree in Science, Pasadena City College, USA

Ms. Yamazaki’s educational background from the US, combined with more than 10 years of experience working in international schools in Tokyo with the children from ages 1 to 6, gives her a unique perspective enabling her to understand, effectively communicate with, and individualize teaching for each child. Outside of school, Ms. Yamazaki enjoys cooking and making crafts as well as traveling and exploring.