OUR PEOPLE
Rusli
Head of School
Mr. Juri brings a wealth of experience and insight to our community, having served as the Head of Mathematics at an international school in Jakarta, Indonesia. After returning to Singapore, he continued his dedication to education as a teacher at a private school, choosing to be closer to his family. His extensive professional background, coupled with a deep commitment to the inner development of his students, positions him as a valuable asset to our school.
Throughout his career, Mr. Juri has been recognized for his exemplary contributions to the educational field, receiving prestigious awards such as the “Best Teacher Testimonial Award” in 2021 and the “Teacher Ambassador Award” in 2018. These honors reflect not only his technical proficiency but also his heartfelt commitment to fostering a nurturing, supportive learning environment where each child’s unique potential can unfold.
Mr. Juri’s journey in education has naturally led him to embrace Waldorf pedagogy, a holistic approach that honors the developmental stages of the child, nurtures creativity, and cultivates a deep sense of moral and social responsibility. Through his engagement in educational development and modern learning methodologies, he has come to recognize the profound value of the Waldorf approach, which emphasizes the integration of head, heart, and hands in a child’s growth. His passion for this work, alongside his experience, makes him a fitting leader to guide our school’s ongoing evolution.
In addition to his professional achievements, Mr. Juri has shared his expertise in numerous Parenting Talks, including at Tao Nan Primary School and Henry Park Primary School, where he focused on enhancing the relationship between parents, teachers, and students, fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding. His reflective and inclusive approach to teaching is in perfect harmony with the values of Straits Waldorf School.
As part of his ongoing development, Mr. Juri will be undertaking a series of Anthroposophical and Waldorf pedagogical training, deepening his understanding of our school’s ethos and strengthening his ability to guide our community with insight and compassion.
Beyond his professional life, Mr. Juri is a devoted father of three, a passionate animal enthusiast, and a gifted musician who plays the French horn and mellophone—interests that reflect his wide-ranging creativity and deep engagement with the world around him.
Our Teachers
Pavithra Chandramohan
Class Teacher
However, upon becoming a mother, her focus shifted towards spending quality time with her children and engaging them in artistic activities. It was during this phase that she had the opportunity to attend the sessions about Anthroposophy by Ms. Julie Amanda Neale. This eye-opening experience transformed her perspective on child development and the vital roles of parents and teachers in nurturing children. Inspired by this newfound understanding, she decided to combine my artistic background with my passion for working with children. Consequently, she is pursuing the teacher training course at Sydney Rudolf Steiner College and she considers it a privilege to inspire young children.
LiShan
Class Teacher
Ms. LiShan was born and raised in the small island nation of Taiwan. Before moving to Singapore, she lived and worked in Canada and the United States. In the U.S., she began her career at Camphill, an anthroposophical community and school for children with special needs, where she spent five years working with these children in home, school, and occupational settings.
Ms. LiShan earned a five-year certificate in the Curative Education Program from Camphill Academy in Pennsylvania. She also received her grade school Waldorf teacher certificate from the Rudolf Steiner Center in Toronto, where she taught in British Columbia, Canada. In 2023, she completed her Master’s degree in the Transdisciplinary Healing Education program at Antioch University in New Hampshire.
In addition to her studies in Waldorf and Curative Education, Ms. LiShan has completed a three-year program in Anthroposophic Psychology and Level 3 of the Rhythmical Einreibungen course, a gentle therapeutic massage that follows the principles of Anthroposophy.
In her free time, she enjoys felting, painting, and crocheting. She always carries yarn and needles in her bag so she can craft whenever she has the opportunity.
Ms. LiShan is passionate about working with children and is excited to be part of the Straits Waldorf School. This year, she serves as the lead teacher for grades 5 and 6.
Koh Wee Hoon (Sita)
Waldorf Movement
Sita is deeply inspired by the belief that children are powerful souls in small bodies, possessing a natural radiance and inner wisdom. She views them as some of our greatest teachers, and resonates strongly with the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, which honor the creative, spiritual, and moral dimensions of children alongside their intellectual development.
As a multi-disciplinary therapist specializing in Inner Child Integration, Reiki, sound medicine, yoga, and meditation, Sita’s work is centered on fostering self-knowledge as a path to freedom. She is dedicated to supporting both adults and children in reconnecting with their innate sense of well-being through a compassionate, body-soul-spirit approach.
An internationally certified Steiner-Waldorf Early Childhood educator, Sita is also pursuing a Diploma in Psychosophy, which integrates Steiner’s anthroposophical perspective on psychology, focusing on the interaction of body, soul, and spirit.
Outside of her professional work, Sita enjoys exploring the world through poetry, photo art, and long walks in nature, as well as sharing musical moments with her two musically gifted sons.
Ruksheen Aga
Waldorf Handwork
Ruksheen’s journey in Early Childhood Education began in 2015. Her experience with the Waldorf Steiner Education Association, complemented by her roles at Eton House @223 Mountbatten, showcases her dedication to nurturing young children. Her diverse educational background, from a Degree in Commerce to certifications in childcare, demonstrates her commitment to holistic learning. Her passions for children and crafting make her a well-rounded educator, while her teamwork and dedication undoubtedly contribute to the children’s growth and development.
Over the years, she has attended various Waldorf workshops and courses led by distinguished Waldorf educators such as Warwick Sandler, Nancy Blanning, Thanh Cherry, Marleny Alfaro, Ourania Poon, Bella Tan and Jake Tan, continuously expanding and enriching her knowledge.
Mariya Mustan
Main Lesson Teacher
A mother, a certified homeopathic practitioner and an educator, Mariya strives to give her best in all her roles as she loves them all.
Mariya has spent 10 years across different areas in education and training development in Singapore and Australia. She has taught English to primary and secondary school students in Singapore, and has spent 7 years designing training and professional development programs for adult learners.
She came across Waldorf education when researching child-centred education for her own children, and was fascinated to come across this philosophy that was so aligned to supporting the mental, emotional and physical well-being of children. When life brought the opportunity to become a Waldorf educator, she embraced it wholeheartedly.
‘To bring balance in health and rhythm in learning’ are the words that guide Mariya along this journey.