The Doers
THE DREAMER
Jayanthi Siva-Lecolley
Founder & Educator
Inspired by her love for the Arts, Jayanthi has spent over 25 years as a Dance Theatre practitioner, and has explored multiple disciplines from the performing arts, to literary and visual arts. Her rich creative experience and incredible intuitive spirit, underpins her role as an educator. With a vision of using her artistic talents as a medium to create awareness and evoke compassion in her students, she is passionate in her belief that the world our children are being raised in needs creators -- creators who care. It is this care that will cause this expression to imprint upon others and cultivate a considerate community. At the very heart of The Playhouse Workshop, is the dream that every child who attends the programmes, will leave with a smile on their face, a perspective in their mind and warmth in their hearts.
THE OPTIMIST
Zarina Ann Muhd
As a marketing communications specialist for over 20+ years, Zarina is also an educator and has been an adjunct lecturer for the last ten years. Nurturing her creative spirit through art and gardening, she is a chalk paint enthusiast and has a passion for breathing new life to vintage furniture. Inspired by her father’s love for nature, she also volunteers with her neighbourhood Residents’ Network and is a core member of the Gardening Club as part of the Communities in Bloom national initiative. Her growing interest working with young children, encouraging their natural curiosity and inspiring an inclusive yet personal learning experience, has led her to The Playhouse Workshop.
Consultant Editor
Art & Gardening Facilitator
THE BELIEVER
Anjali Bose
Early Childhood & Art Educator
As a mother to two sons, aged 20 and 12, Anjali is passionate in her belief that there is something new to learn every day and that giving children the freedom to explore and create helps them stay calm and focused. Her gentle and nurturing approach where she is able to intuitively connect with young children, has seen her working in child care for over 15 years in both Singapore and Australia. Through her love for mixed media artwork using various forms of art and nature, as well as recyclable material, she encourages self-directed exploration and helps children express themselves by igniting their creative instincts.
THE COMMUNICATOR
Melanie Bunn
User Experience, Content
& Design Consultant
An award-winning producer of some of Australia’s most memorable TV, radio, outdoor, digital, and content campaigns, Melanie’s creative flair was honed having worked across Australia for global creative agencies. A practicing voice artist, Melanie received her BA/BCI Drama from Queensland University of Technology. She has been a passionate supporter and contributor to Jayanthi's works for 20 years since their undergraduate days. Adding to her repertoire; Melanie is part of a rich family history of traditional intergenerational beekeepers and is a professional Apiculturist and director of Wangalee Apiary. Producing ethical and sustainable pure small batch honey, she has a shared vision with The Playhouse Workshop in helping children become both self-aware and environmentally conscientious.
Science Specialist & Educator
THE MAD SCIENTIST
Elaine Yap
A passion for Science led Elaine to become a Microbiologist and later, a published Health Educator. Her Math and Science enrichment programmes are highly sort after by primary and secondary schools in Singapore. Elaine’s Science Learning Journeys and Excursions include Singapore Zoo, Sungei Buloh, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Jurong Lake Gardens and The Domes at Gardens by the Bay. Each have gained accolades for their interactive and engaging design. She is an ardent environmentalist, spending time on anything from up-cycling to growing vegetables using hydroponics.
Drama Educator
THE DRAMA QUEEN
Deborah Hoon
Deborah Hoon is a theatre practitioner, producer and educator based in Singapore.
Specialising in Physical Theatre, she was trained in techniques mainly developed by Phillipe Gaulier, Jacques Lecoq, and Tadashi Suzuki. Other techniques were developed by companies such as Complicite and Frantic Assembly. All of which are highly influenced in the theatre industry in the United Kingdom and Europe. She often uses these techniques as a Theatre practitioner and educator.
In discovering her passion for Theatre Education, she founded Allegra Productions - A Theatre and Drama Education company that runs Drama CCAs and Theatre Workshops in local schools. She believes that Theatre Education is essential in the growth of any individual regardless of age or background.
On stage, Deborah has acted in several productions with local Theatre companies such as Wild Rice, Toy Factory Productions and Checkpoint Theatre.
THE MASTER
Josh
Kung Fu
Master Josh is an accomplished athlete, dancer and kung fu exponent. Trained personally by Master Robin Leong, Josh is very popular with young children in Ch’i Life Studio’s Kung Fu Kids program. Also a trained hip hop dancer extraordinaire, Josh is multi talented and brings a great sense of energy and rhythm into his classes.
THE YOGI
Balakrishnan Matchap
Story-Telling Yoga
Balakrishnan Matchap is a fitness professional and founder of "YEAH!" - Yogis for the Environment, Animals and Humanity! With over 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, he has worked with the Singapore Sports Council, Ministries, Schools, Clubs, NGOs and has been featured in local media. He has special interest in community work, animal advocacy and nature preservation.
"It takes a village to raise a child." - African Proverb