Our H.A.P.I. Dream Team
Manager
Ninalyn “Nina” Sulit Cacananta
Manager
Ms. Nina graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Calamba, Philippines and is a Philippines Certified Public Accountant. She has a great passion for continuous learning and improvement to be the best she could be that is why she was inspired to build the school. She would like to make a positive difference to the society, empathize with them and put her heart and soul as if it is her own to be able to achieve and accomplish the best results. Through her positive mindset and her leadership, the HFSE community is able to progress and believe that every child can and will succeed, one happy family at a time.
Management Board
Ninalyn “Nina” Sulit Cacananta
Founder and CEO
Ms. Nina graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Calamba, Philippines and is a Philippines Certified Public Accountant. She has a great passion for continuous learning and improvement to be the best she could be that is why she was inspired to build the school. She would like to make a positive difference to the society, empathize with them and put her heart and soul as if it is her own to be able to achieve and accomplish the best results. Through her positive mindset and her leadership, the HFSE community is able to progress and believe that every child can and will succeed, one happy family at a time.
Gary Guiang Cacananta
Co-Founder and Operations Director
Christina “Tin’ Bacolod Labrador
Principal
Ms. Tin has earned a Masters of Arts Major in Psychology from University of Santo Tomas and graduated with honors (Cum Laude) of Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Palawan State University, Philippines. She is a dedicated and influential leader who is able to inspire the team through leading by example. Teaching has always been her passion because she believes that this is a great avenue for her to reach out and create a positive impact to people’s lives.
Christine ‘Christine” Sim
Chairman
Ms. Christine’s favourite symbol is the butterfly as it represents “the power of positive change”. Her motto in life is to ‘live life with few regrets’. Her strong social mission is to empower more individuals to unlock their potential so that they can create more good in today’s society, just like what her mentors did for her years ago. True to her mission, Ms. Christine has greatly assisted in empowering HFSEans to pursue greater heights.
Maria Edlyn “Eds” Dela Cruz
Board Member
Ms. Eds is currently a Deputy Director & Branch Manager of Synergy Financial Advisers Pte. Ltd. managing a team of highly dedicated financial advisors providing tailored solutions in the areas of wealth and risk management serving individuals, families and businesses. Aside from providing financial advisory, she is also dedicated and passionate to look after the overall well being of the HFSE community.
Academic & Examination Board
Norma Bardos-Villamor
Academic Chairman
Ms. Norma has fully equipped herself with pursuing her Masters of Arts in Education in Guidance and Counselling and Physical Education. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music and Elementary Education Specializing in Preschool Education. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Education from Laguna State Polytechnic University. Above and beyond her credentials, she is an Educator, a Mentor and Advocate for the children and youth. She is very driven with a generous heart to encourage, impact people and make a difference.
Ninalyn “Nina” Sulit Cacananta
Board Member
Ms. Nina graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Calamba, Philippines and is a Philippines Certified Public Accountant. She has a great passion for continuous learning and improvement to be the best she could be that is why she was inspired to build the school. She would like to make a positive difference to the society, empathize with them and put her heart and soul as if it is her own to be able to achieve and accomplish the best results. Through her positive mindset and her leadership, the HFSE community is able to progress and believe that every child can and will succeed, one happy family at a time.
Christina “Tin’ Bacolod Labrador
Board Member
Ms. Tin has earned a Masters of Arts Major in Psychology from University of Santo Tomas and graduated with honors (Cum Laude) of Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Palawan State University, Philippines. She is a dedicated and influential leader who is able to inspire the team through leading by example. Teaching has always been her passion because she believes that this is a great avenue for her to reach out and create a positive impact to people’s lives.
Jocelyn "Joy" Sulit - Tayer
Board Member
Ms. Joy is a graduate in Bachelor Of Science in Occupational Therapy from University of Perpetual Help – Dr. Jose G. Tamayo Medical University. She was an Occupational Therapist by profession. She has gained a lot of experience in dealing with different kinds of behavior, adults and children alike. Through this, she is able to reach out to the children with ease. Her creative mind and knowing the right approach to each and every student allows her to enter their world. She is able to strike a balance and establish a teacher-friend like relationship with the students. Through her skill in communication and good command of the language, she is able to get the students’ undivided attention and able to teach them effectively. At the same time, the students are able to feel her nurturing concern for them which can be attributed to her passion in caring for children and her love for teaching.
Organisational Structure
The Educational Rockstars
Christina “Tin’ Bacolod Labrador
Principal | Head of Academics
Ms. Tin has earned a Masters of Arts Major in Psychology from University of Santo Tomas and graduated with honors (Cum Laude) of Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Palawan State University, Philippines. She is a dedicated and influential leader who is able to inspire the team through leading by example. Teaching has always been her passion because she believes that this is a great avenue for her to reach out and create a positive impact to people’s lives.
Jocelyn "Joy" Sulit - Tayer
Assistant School Principal / Primary School - OIC
Ms. Joy is a graduate in Bachelor Of Science in Occupational Therapy from University of Perpetual Help – Dr. Jose G. Tamayo Medical University. She was an Occupational Therapist by profession. She has gained a lot of experience in dealing with different kinds of behavior, adults and children alike. Through this, she is able to reach out to the children with ease. Her creative mind and knowing the right approach to each and every student allows her to enter their world. She is able to strike a balance and establish a teacher-friend like relationship with the students. Through her skill in communication and good command of the language, she is able to get the students’ undivided attention and able to teach them effectively. At the same time, the students are able to feel her nurturing concern for them which can be attributed to her passion in caring for children and her love for teaching.
Alexandra "Alex" Kasilag
Teacher
Ms. Alex is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts degree with major in English under CAP College Philippines. She also has a Certification in Early Childhood Care and Education from Advent Links SAUC Pte Singpore. Her teaching experience in pre-school students has contributed to her warm reception and sensitivity to the children’s needs. Through this, our lower level students are able to gradually adjust to primary school life. Ms. Alex is very patient with all her students and is able to ensure that each one is attended to and that nobody is left behind. She has a good command of the English language which allows her to capture her student’s attention. Above all, Ms. Alex has earned her students love and respect to reciprocate the open arms that she extends to each and every student she has.
Swati “Swati”Jain
Teacher
Ms. Swati has 5 years teaching experience, in and out of Singapore. She was exposed to teaching various nationalities of different ages thus can easily reach out to anyone. To someone who is passionate with what she is doing, it does not come as a surprise to see her eagerness to come to class and be with her students. She is eager to share her love of the English language with her students with the hopes of opening their eyes to appreciate the language as well. At the end of the year, she aims to see her students grow in their love of the language in reading, vocabulary and have the ability to comfortably express themselves in the English language.
Ms. Swati graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Arts from Maharishi Dayanand, Saraswati Univiersity. She has also earned a diploma in TESOL from London Teacher Training College with a Certificate (Basic) from Early Childhood Care and Education from YMCA.
Kristel Ivy “Kristel” Conado
Teacher
Ms. Kristel has earned her Masters in Business Administration from San College, Philippines and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration Major in Marketing Degree from University of the Philippines, Visayas. Currently she is pursuing TESOL course to further develop her craft. Just as she is passionate with improving her craft and learning, so is she with teaching. Believing that everything should be done out of love, Ms. Kristel is a great teacher who not only assists the students achieve success, but encourages each student to become better persons as well through her example of love and concern for them.
Shree Nidhi "Nidhi" Rai
Teacher
Ms. Nidhi is the youngest member of the Happy Dream Team. She has completed her Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Temasek Polytechnic in 2019 but she knows that her learning does not end there. Currently, Ms. Nidhi is taking up her Diploma in Education to further improve her skills and knowledge in teaching as well as classroom management. Although still young, she is able to teach EMS (English, Math and Science) in both Primary and Secondary levels. Ms. Nidhi has a strong personality who believes that instilling discipline while rewarding good behaviour is a crucial part of learning.
Low “Wai Chung” Wai Chung
Teacher
Mr. Wai Chung is a graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Sciences from University of Southampton. He believes that the best way to learning something is by teaching. He takes his work seriously and a patient person and ensures that all the students specially under his care is attended to. He has a nurturing character and brings his smile with him everyday which explains why his students freely approach him and find refuge in him.
Hermilita "Lhen" Mendoza
Teacher
Ms. Lhen is a graduate in Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from University of Caloocan, Philippines. She has a rich experience in teaching students from primary level to university students. She is able to reach out to all ages and engage them to learn and appreciate the Philippines, its language, people and its culture alike. She is understanding and ready to extend a helping hand that is why her students are able to approach her for anything.
Medelyn "Medelyn" Ruth Azucena
Teacher
Ms. Meds has earned a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology from the University of the Philippines and a graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Economics from Polytechnic University of the Philippines. She also studied Early Childhood Care and Education from Asian International College. Armed with 16 years of experience teaching Social Studies, Economics, and Christian Living, she is able to develop creative lessons that focus on core subjects and age-appropriate activities that develop the children’s physical, intellectual, emotional and social growth. Ms. Meds is compassionate and is adept at understanding her student needs and behaviour.
Marrie Aines "Mae" Juni
Teacher
Ms. Mae completed as Associate in Computer Technology in STI. She homeschooled her son together with other students and did a lot of volunteer work. Through this, she was able to unravel the joy in teaching and interacting with people. True enough, her patience and happy disposition has made her one teacher that students listen to and approach.
Chandana "Chandana" Letha Dileep
Teacher
Ms. Chandana is an encouraging educator dedicated to help each and every child reach their full potential. She is flexible to ensure that every students’ learning style and abilities are addressed, regardless of their academic capabilities or challenges. She loves the English language and is committed to providing a well-balanced, supportive and engaging learning environment for all students to improve their English language. She believes that “Teachers encourage minds to think, hands to create and hearts to love”. For sure, our students will have a great time learning with her.
Ms. Chandana completed her Bachelor of Education and Masters of Science in Physics from Mahatma Gandhi University. She also earned a CELTA Certification.
Lim “Jing” Yu Jing
Teacher
Ms. Jing breathes and lives Art. She has taught students of different ages to know about art. She is able to teach different mediums such as painting, drawing, clay, cement planter and the like. In the process, she is able to let her students explore and express themselves through art. For Ms. Jing, her motto is: To embrace mistakes in Art. There is always room for growth. So one does not need to be afraid to explore and know oneself even more.
Ms. Jing earned her degree in Bachelor of Arts from Goldsmiths Colleges University of London/La Salle College of the Arts and Diploma in Fine Arts from La Salle College of the Arts.
Emily Ann “Ane” Lagumen Palaruan
Teacher
Ms. Ane is a seasoned and passionate dancer, artist, dance pedagogue, dance trainer, mentor and choreographer and fond of cultural, traditional and ethnic dances. She has worked and danced with different dance genres, dancers of all levels and people of different cultural backgrounds. Her cross-cultural exposure has contributed to her deep love and passion for different arts and cultures which she would like to share with her students and let them experience the joy of the arts as well. Aside from the arts, she would like to impart godly values to the kids and model a godly life to the HFSE community as well.
Ms. Ane has earned her Masters in Performing Stage Arts Eurythmy from Alanus Hachschule and Diploma in Eurythmy from Alanus Hachschule. She also has a diploma in Dance from University of the Philippines, Diliman.
Faizal "Faizal" Mohammed
Teacher
Mohammed Faizal is an experienced and innovative educator with a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from NIE/NTU and over 10 years of experience in a public school setting. He is committed to student success and has a proven track record of improving student outcomes through his experience in lesson strategies and the use of educational technology.
Helen "Helen" Walter Pereira
Teacher
Helen Pereira, a young 54-year-old who enjoys and thrives on being happy. Currently, she is working in a school whose name starts with the word happy, call it destiny or God’s will.
She took her Bachelor’s with history as her major. She also had a qualified Early Childhood Teacher with a diploma in ECCEd from the University of Mumbai in India. She taught as a primary and preschool teacher. She and her family had to move to China and whilst there for about 2 years, she freelanced as an English teacher in a local school and did some volunteering at an international school where she helped with an English reading program for Korean children. She had done a CELTA course which enables her to teach English to adults. She did dabble in a bit of poetry writing as well.
English is her strong point and wished to see Children and adults get back to reading BOOKS as reading helps in improving every aspect of the language that is sadly dying among all ages.
To end her short introduction about herself, she will sign off with her favorite quote and motto, “HAPPINESS IS AN INSIDE JOB.”
Wong Kwee Ling Jenny
Teacher
Jenny is a BA in Education graduate from the Nanyang Technological University of Singapore. She was a full-time teacher in local primary schools for 25 years. She was seconded to work as a Programmes Officer in the Specialised Pupil Programmes Branch, Ministry of Education for 3 years. Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s in the Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (MTESOL) on a part-time basis.
Wee May Ling "Elaine"
Teacher
Ms. Elaine graduated from the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore with a Diploma in Education. She taught at a Singapore-renowned primary school for close to a decade, during which, she was promoted to the Level Head for English and was a recipient of her school’s Caring Teacher Award for five consecutive years. She had written several articles for MOE publications and shared her insights on teaching with her colleagues at MOE Symposiums. In recognition of her contribution to the development of teachers, she was awarded MOE’s Associate of Teachers Network Award in 2008. Ms. Elaine previously founded JW Tuition Centre which was well known for its Creative Writing and English Enrichment programs which have inspired many students to achieve excellence in English in their schools’ assessments. She strongly believes that every student is special and precious. Her philosophy of learning is to develop the students in the areas of wisdom, knowledge, and values, affirmed with love, resulting in successful individuals who will be self-motivated to contribute to their family and society in positive ways. Whipping up her family’s favorite food is what she enjoys during her free time.
Vashnavi "Vash" Latha D/O Vesuvasam
Teacher | Discipline Officer
Ms. Vaishnavi holds a Bachelor’s in Business Marketing. She realized her passion for teaching when she volunteered as a private tutor whilst pursuing her tertiary education at Republic Polytechnic. She went on to start her teaching career in international schools in Singapore. She gained experience teaching both the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum and Cambridge Primary Curriculum in her 5 years as an educator. Ms. Vaishanvi strongly believes that children learn best through discovery and looks forward to providing a fun and engaging learning journey for her students. During her free time, she enjoys trying out new recipes, going on long walks, and spending time with her family and friends.
Li Qun
Mandarin Teacher
Teacher Li graduated from Harbin Normal University in China and studied second language teaching at the Confucius Institute in Singapore. She has been working in the field of language teaching and writing for over twenty years. Teaching children to learn Chinese is Teacher Li’s passion and interest. It is also her original intention to spread Chinese culture to future citizens of the world. She is willing to give children the wings of Chinese language and soar in the vast sky.
Zhou "Jasmine" Qi
Mandarin Teacher
Ms.Jasmine graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Shanghai University, China, and Diploma in Teaching Chinese Language at Confucius Institute NTU, Certificate for Teachers of Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (TCSOL). She is passionate about Chinese teaching and also could make good use of students’ interests because it is a powerful motivation process that energizes learning. Through her faith and dedication, the HFSE community could make a difference by creating global cultures.
Michelle Mae "Michelle" Almoro
Teacher
Michelle Almoro, known as ‘M.’, brings a wealth of educational achievements and experience to her new venture with HFSE. Holding a Diploma in Accounting and Finance from Temasek Poly, she pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Western Australia, attaining a BSc in Mathematics with an Academic Scholarship. During her academic journey, Michelle actively engaged as a Guild Member and UniMentor, demonstrating her commitment to fostering a collaborative learning environment.
With an impressive career spanning over a decade, Michelle has excelled as a Private Tutor and Coding Instructor. Her dedication to nurturing students’ problem-solving abilities and driving excellence across various subjects has made her a sought-after mentor.
Michelle’s diverse background and extensive experiences have aptly equipped her for her role at HFSE. Her enthusiasm to positively impact the lives of students is matched only by her gratitude for the supportive environment the organization provides. As she embarks on this new chapter, Michelle is fuelled by dedication and gratitude, poised to contribute meaningfully to the HFSE community.
Tosca Clarice "Tosca" Bernardino - Sulit
Teacher | Guidance Counsellor
Tosca Clarice F. Bernardino earned her Master’s Degree in Psychology from Assumption College San Lorenzo, Philippines. Prior to her postgraduate studies, she pursued her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Centro Escolar University, Makati, Philippines. She is a registered psychometrician in the Philippines, and has substantial experience in the field of school counselling. Actively engaged in professional associations, Ms. Tosca is a member of the Philippine Psychological Association and its Special Interest Group in Positive Psychology. She is a passionate mental health advocate and a resource speaker for various webinars on Psychology and mental health. Her enthusiasm for positive psychology further highlights her commitment to human flourishing.
Dana Batacandolo "Dana" Valderrama
Special Education Teacher (Learning Support)
The Enthusiastic Non-Teaching Staff
Joanalyn "Jill" Sulit
Compliance Officer | Head of Admin and Operations
Ms. Jill is a graduate of Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from University of Perpetual Help System Laguna. She is very organized and well versed with process making. She has an eye for detail and works closely with Admin & Operations. She is a silent worker who is committed and dedicated and ensures that the school operates smoothly and able to cater to all its HFSE Community and its Partners.
Maria Luz "Luz" Pizana
Accounts Officer
Ms. Luz is a graduate with Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy from University of Bohol, Philippines. She is dedicated and committed and always ready to help. Aside from her fascination in numbers, she also has a big heart for the students and would pause whatever she is doing to assist any child in need.
Mark John-John “John” Arciaga Sulit
Facilities and Inventory Officer
Mr. John Sulit has just earned a Bachelor’s Degree on Business Management, with second class honors, from the University of Northampton. Youngest he may be, he is a familiar face to the HFSE Community already since he has been assisting HFSE from time to time alongside his studies. He is a great media creator. Moreso, he is an ever dependable and sought after Admin team member who will welcome you with a smile.
Wynne Lynn "Wynne" Faustino
Business Development Executive | Asst Supervisor, Admin and Operations
Ms. Wynne is a graduate of Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Perpetual Help System Laguna. She has 15 years of experience in sales and retail. Through those years, she developed good communication and active listening skills that allow her to easily build rapport to anyone.
Patricia "Patty" Villanueva
Student Affairs Officer