About
Christy
Christy Carrillo joined ASIJ as the Director of the Early Learning Center in 2017. Christy moved to Japan from China where she served as the Director of the Early Childhood Center at Shekou International School and Director of the International School of Beihai in China. Prior to entering the field of education, Christy was an entrepreneur in the health care industry and lived and worked in SE Asia for many years. Christy attended Princeton University as an undergraduate and earned an MEd from UC Berkeley and an MBA from the National University of Singapore. She is joined in Tokyo by her husband Tim Littlefield and their two daughters, Espi and Xochi, who attend ASIJ.
We asked
her
a few questions...
What attracted you to the field of early childhood education?
I've taught all ages, and love early years because of the joy young children take in every moment. These moments in their early years establish their foundations for life. They see the world through a lens of wonder and excitement. It is contagious and makes every day happy. It also reminds me of the incredible responsibility we have as educators to nurture that joy and wonder throughout their experiences in school.
What kind of learning environment do you hope to cultivate at the ELC?
At the ELC, we're a family! Together we strive to cultivate an environment that is welcoming, warm, and full of love. For students, teachers, and parents, I hope the ELC offers a strong sense of caring and belonging, and that magical feeling of unlimited possibilities as our children grow and learn together.
As a frequent explorer of the outdoors, what’s your favorite outdoor destination in Japan?
We've enjoyed visiting family in Shikoku and exploring the beautiful beaches and white water rafting in the mountains there. Another favorite is Shirahama. The beaches, caves and rock formations are stunning.