Phonthip graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood and Family Studies and a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Applied Behavioral Science from Seattle Central Community College.
Adopted at the age of five-and-half from Thailand, Phonthip is both a U.S. and a Thai citizen. She began working with children in 2013. She believes in exposing children to the many forms of diversity including culture, religion, gender, physical and intellectual ability, choice of self-expression, and language. She also believes children learn from one another and benefit from an environment that is inclusive in all forms.