Core Team

Afiah Bahtiar, Teacher

Afiah’s favourite tools of child psychology are firm boundaries, loving presence, and lots of laughter. In addition to her classroom teaching, she currently runs the Literacy programme at Anyaman, introducing formal phonics instruction in a fun, age-appropriate way that honours the early years of childhood. Afiah studied Law and Postmodern Fictions at Aberystwyth University, and holds an MA in Philosophy of Language & Linguistics from the University of Birmingham. She is also a certified children’s yoga instructor and Philosophy for Children (P4C) facilitator. At the weekend, you can find her playing flag football or sport climbing at Batu Caves.

 

Azilah Hassan, Operations Manager

Azilah holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University, USA. More recently, she participated in an academic research project under University Sains Malaysia involving early childhood education amongst refugee children in Malaysia. Hailing from Penang, she is enthusiastic about seeking out scrumptious, delectable cuisines and enjoys collecting recipe books—though she insists they are just for reading purposes.

 

Deborah Lee, Teacher 

After witnessing firsthand how enriched learning is when children have the agency to follow their curiosities and interests, Deborah found her passion in the Reggio Emilia approach. Prior to joining Anyaman, she worked in a range of preschools in Australia, where in addition to teaching, she also supported teachers in the implementation of the Reggio Emilia approach through mentoring and professional development. Deborah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from The University of Adelaide and a Masters degree in Early Childhood Teaching (Birth to 8) from the University of South Australia. In her spare time, you can find her travelling or playing Ultimate Frisbee.

 

Danielle Willatt, Casual Teacher

Dani brings her own love of learning to the classroom and is endlessly inspired by the imagination of the children she works with. She believes that wonder and delight are at the heart of a genuine love for learning, one that is unique to each young mind. Dani holds an Honours degree in Media and Communications from The University of Melbourne and has worked as a writer and editor in travel, technology, and environmentalism. She is fascinated by the power of language, storytelling, and deep listening to connect us to each other and the natural world. In her free time, you'll likely find her on her yoga mat or stuck in a good book.

 

Fiza Halim, Teacher

Fiza is a passionate activist for children’s rights and believes firmly that children are capable individuals who can participate in and facilitate their own learning and growth. Prior to joining Anyaman, she worked as a facilitator at a non-profit to raise awareness of child sexual abuse and its prevention through workshops, talks and personal safety programmes for children. Fiza graduated from Universiti Malaysia Sabah with a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Psychology. She adores cats and in an alternate universe, would probably be running a cat hotel.

 

Jasmine Khor, Teacher

Jasmine holds a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, bringing creativity and detail-oriented thinking to the classroom. Her previous career as a cabin crew member at Singapore Airlines has honed her communication skills, patience and ability to connect with diverse individuals. The transition from the world of aviation to education reflects her belief in lifelong learning. She encourages a growth mindset, instilling in children the belief that they can achieve anything they set their hearts on. Jasmine finds joy being around children as their genuine curiosity, boundless energy, and enthusiasm for the little things remind her to appreciate the magic in everyday moments. In her free time, she enjoys a game of tennis and yoga.

 

Joanna Lim, Founder and Principal

Joanna Lim holds a Master of Education in Learning and Teaching from Harvard University. She began her career as an A Levels lecturer, and also served as founding Director of Training at Teach For Malaysia, where she built the professional development for the pioneering cohort of teachers.  She believes that if we have the courage to reimagine the education system, a new Malaysia is within reach.

 

Jon Gregory, Learning Support Teacher

Following a career in technology led leadership positions, Jon has recently completed a BSc in Psychology with Counselling with the Open University in the UK. Further reflecting his own commitment to personal development, Jon has now pursued a career in early years education, inspired by the belief that early years education is the foundation for future success. Outside of work, Jon enjoys playing football, padel and spending time with his young family.

 

Kayley Ong, Teacher

Upon graduation during the pandemic, Kayley started a homebake business. Subsequently, she worked at Dignity for Children Foundation as a Lead Baker supplying to Eat-X Café, fulfilling festivity orders and provide baking lessons to the students. Kayley graduated from Taylor’s University with an Advanced Diploma in Patisserie and Gastronomic Cuisine with a high distinction. She is passionate about instilling curiosity and confidence in young children. In her free time, she enjoys doing oil painting using a paint by numbers kit, and also loves hiking and running.

 

Kavitha Siri Khandan, School Administrator

Kavitha's interest in early childhood began when her daughters started preschool, igniting her passion for teaching and nurturing young minds. This love led her to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education, majoring in Special Education. In her free time, Kavitha keeps herself busy by baking teatime loaf cakes for her home-based bakery business. A true foodie, she also cherishes quiet moments with a good book in hand.

 

Lucille Li, Teacher

In her work with children, Lucille encourages exploration using a diverse range of materials, from man-made to natural, expanding the possibilities for expression and connection with the world around them. She appreciates how children slow down her pace, enabling her to uncover the beauty and wonder in her surroundings. Lucille holds a Diploma in Fine Arts from The One Academy and graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Hons) majoring in special needs education and minoring in early childhood education from SEGi University and the University of Central Lancashire. She enjoys painting and gardening and hopes that one day, her fingers will be green enough to cultivate a thriving vegetable patch.

 

Melinder Kaur, Learning Support Teacher 

Melinder holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has over two years of experience in a Montessori environment. She believes in respecting each child’s individuality and autonomy by fostering a play based, sensory rich environment that values their voices and nurtures their natural curiosity of the world around them. Outside of teaching, Mel, a self-proclaimed foodie, enjoys exploring new recipes in the kitchen and embracing the quiet joys of family life.

 

Nur Munirah, Teacher

Munirah began her teaching career at a Montessori school. She is a passionate advocate for children engaging with their natural environment, believing that the opportunities this provides for risk taking and self-exploration play a crucial role in helping them to face real life challenges. Munirah is also interested in early education policy, and her dream is to one day play a part in redefining our early years education system. Munirah holds a Bachelor's degree of Early Childhood from HELP University. In her free time, she enjoys watching crime movies and is also currently learning Korean.

 

Nida Zaidi, Founder

Nida is a certified teacher from the Ontario College of Teachers in Canada and previously taught early years at international schools in Dubai and Kuala Lumpur. She holds a Master of Education from Harvard University. Nida is a mother of two young boys who continually remind her to slow down, wonder, and see the world in new ways. 

 

Quek Sue Yian, Founder

Sue is a passionate advocate for quality education and inclusive learning, believing that children need to be given time to unfurl and explore their curiosity. She is part of the management team at Hong Leong Group and the Founder and Director of Surin International School, which pioneers an inclusive education model in Malaysia. Sue is also a trained play therapist and conducts therapeutic play sessions through her center, Pop! (Power of Play). She holds a Diploma in Child Psychology and Learning Disorders and a Master of Science in Poverty Alleviation and Development from the University of Birmingham. Sue is a proud mother of two and an accomplished equestrian, having won the gold medal for Malaysia in the 2017 SEA Games.

 

Sandra Leong, Teacher

Sandra is an early childhood educator who believes in the importance of inspiring and empowering children to be and become the best versions of themselves, and finds much excitement and joy in being part of a child's journey. In addition to her teaching experience, Sandra has worked in customer relations, as well as in a children’s hospital, where she advocated healthy lifestyle changes for children with health challenges such as obesity and diabetes. Sandra is a Health and Wellness Promotion (Health Education) graduate from Texas State University with a minor in Psychology. In her free time, she spends time with her young daughter, is actively involved in church and enjoys baking.

 

Shueh-Yi Lian, Casual Teacher

Shueh-Yi has taught for nearly a decade, primarily in early years settings including a forest inspired preschool. She firmly believes in the profound impact children’s early experiences have on preparing them to tackle the world’s challenges. Prior to her early years experience, Shueh-Yi taught A-Level Psychology at MCKL. She studied Psychology at Deakin University and holds a Master of Education in Educational Psychology from University Malaya.