Leader Educator

Dennis Ondek, affectionately known as "Grandpa" by students, is a seasoned English teacher from the U.S. He began volunteering with CEDO in August 2019, developing programs for beginner to pre-intermediate students. He managed a team of international volunteers, providing quality language practice until COVID-19 led him to return to the U.S. in 2021. In February 2024, "Grandpa" returned to Cambodia to focus on the program again. With a background in business and counseling, Dennis retired from social work in 2011 and pursued his passion for Buddhist culture in Asia. He’s taught English in Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Thailand, and believes fluency in English opens doors for students. He’s proud to see many of his students succeed in their careers or continue their studies abroad. Dennis says, "I don’t teach English, I teach confidence," which empowers his students to change their lives