Meet the Canopy Team

Desmond

(Co-founder)

Hi, I'm Desmond, co-founder of Canopy, which I run alongside my wife, Michele. I began my career in education as a PSC-MOE scholar, and over the past 25 years, I’ve worked with children and youth as a Science and Math educator.

Today, I lead our team at Canopy with a focus on three things:

1) Building a strong and thoughtful curriculum

2) Hiring the teachers with the right combination of heart and skill

3) Giving them the tools and support to succeed

I’ve always believed that a good education program should feel right for the child. Too often student care centres fall into the “nanny plus tuition” model, but I’ve never been comfortable with that. As we journey with the child from P1 to PSLE, the process by which supporting the child is as important as the outcome itself.

And even if the education experience is not 100% idealised for every child's individual differences, the children can feel that it is a rewarding experience. I hope that we can kind of push towards a path where that rarity becomes the norm.

Teacher Michele

(Co-Founder, Principal)

Hi everyone, I’m Michele, co-founder of Canopy.

In the classroom, I lead children to see the best version of themselves and work alongside them to reach shared goals.

I stretch them academically, help them grow in awareness of how they impact and support those around them, and guide them to become confident, thoughtful communicators. I see mistakes as valuable learning moments, and I make sure every child knows that their voice, curiosity, and effort truly matter.

Teacher Yeo

Asst. Center Manager
Head of Academic Program

I hold a degree in Statistics and have been teaching for over eight years. Over the years, I’ve had the joy of managing a student care centre that was recognised as one of the ‘Top 5 Model Centres’ in 2019, and before that, I served as a Centre Manager at an abacus centre while teaching Mathematics to primary school students.

I was inspired to become a teacher after seeing many children struggle with their homework and lose confidence. I never want my students to feel that way. Instead of rushing them to get the right answers, I focus on helping them truly understand the concepts. I enjoy breaking down difficult mathematical ideas into simple, clear steps that children can grasp — and even enjoy.

My teaching style is structured but warm and flexible. I adjust the pace to suit each child and make sure every lesson includes activities that spark curiosity and build confidence. More than anything, I want my students to develop strong habits, understand what they’re learning, and genuinely enjoy the process.

I’m especially passionate about designing meaningful learning experiences — from creative lesson plans to hands-on activities that help students connect classroom learning to real life. Even outside of lessons, I’m constantly thinking of new ways to inspire, challenge and support the children I teach.

Teacher Ting En

Lower Primary Teacher

As an experienced Student Care Teacher, I believe that my role is to educate, not just teach. To me, education goes beyond filling children’s minds with information — it is about nurturing lifelong learning habits, encouraging curiosity, and helping children build strong problem-solving skills that will guide them well into the future.

In the classroom, I strive to create an inclusive and inspiring environment where every child feels seen, understood, and supported. I want students to feel safe to ask questions, explore new ideas, and express themselves confidently.

More than simply helping with schoolwork, I hope to guide children as they grow into independent learners who think critically, approach challenges with confidence, and stay curious about the world around them. My goal is for every child to develop not only academically but also as resilient, passionate individuals ready for the future.

Teacher Brenda

Assistant Teacher

I am an experienced student care teacher, and I specialise in supporting children through their daily routines, learning needs, and social development. Whether it is guiding them through homework, facilitating enrichment activities, or simply helping them navigate friendships, I aim to create an environment where every child feels confident, supported, and safe.

I believe strongly in continuous growth, and I am currently pursuing related courses to strengthen my skills and better understand the students I work with. This ongoing learning allows me to bring new ideas, strategies, and perspectives into the classroom every day.
Every child learns differently, and I hope to support them with patience and care as I grow in this role. My goal is to help each child discover their strengths, build positive habits, and enjoy coming to a place where they feel understood and encouraged.