Ellen Jean Griffiths
Head of School
- Bachelor of Science, Humanistic and Behavioral Studies, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Master´s Degree in Integrated Arts in Education, Lesley College, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Education Specialist Degree, Curriculum and Instruction in Multicultural Teacher Education, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Administrative Educational Leadership, Highlands University, Albuquerque, New Mexico
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Berkeley International School!
I am excited to join this vibrant international community, united by a shared commitment to excellence in education and the nurturing of global citizens.My journey in education spans over four decades, and it has been one of passion, purpose, and growth. I have had the privilege of serving in diverse roles—beginning as a classroom teacher, where I discovered the joy of inspiring young minds, to roles in school leadership, where I have worked collaboratively to shape learning environments that empower students to reach their full potential. I have been fortunate to work both in the United States as well as internationally in Ecuador, Honduras, Egypt, Venezuela, and Brazil.
In addition to my work within schools, I have contributed to education through my involvement as an accreditation evaluator, a role that has allowed me to witness and support outstanding practices in schools around the world.
As I step into this role, my vision is clear: to build on the strong foundations of Berkeley International School while fostering an environment where students are inspired to think critically, embrace diversity, and lead with empathy.
Together, we will uphold the values of this institution, ensuring that every child is equipped with the skills, knowledge, and character to thrive in an ever-changing world. I welcome you to visit our beautiful campus and learn of the wonderful opportunities our school can afford your child.
Lynda Nocera
Secondary Principal
Bachelors of English, Masters in Curriculum- George Mason University, Virginia
Masters in Administration and Supervision- Concordia University, Chicago
Greetings! My name is Lynda Nocera and I have been a middle and high school educator for 25 years in multiple roles, including English Teacher, Instructional Coach, Educational Consultant, and Administrator. I am passionate about learning and believe that teachers, students, and administrators all learn together. So it will come as no surprise that one of my core beliefs is that collaboration allows all stakeholders to have an opportunity to succeed. I am originally from Chicago and spent my childhood living abroad in Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Italy. My husband and I came to Bangkok from the DC area and are eager to find joy in our connection to Berkeley and through our exploration of Thailand. (all suggestions are welcome!) I am thrilled to continue my educational journey in Thailand with the Berkeley community.
Carla Chavez
Primary Principal
Bachelor of Education - University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Masters in Education - Framingham State University, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
Hello! My name is Carla Chavez and I am delighted to be part of the Berkeley school community. I am passionate about student centered learning and look forward to being partners in your child´s education. I believe in nurturing a child´s natural curiosity and building on their sense of wonder as they begin to understand the world around them. It is important to foster independent learners who advocate for their own needs and the needs of others. Seeing children find joy in learning is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children.
I have been privileged to work in both public schools in Canada and in private international schools in Mexico and South Korea. I have over 28 years of experience in elementary and secondary schools in a variety of roles from classroom teacher, resource teacher, literacy & instructional coach and the last nine years as an administrator. My husband and I, along with our two sons are excited to live in Thailand and explore the wonderful culture and country. I look forward to getting to know your children and meeting the families that comprise the Berkeley school community.
Whitney Walker
Primary Curriculum Coordinator
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies- Seattle University, Seattle, WA, USA
Masters in Elementary Education- University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
As the Curriculum Coordinator at Berkeley, I look forward to supporting students´ and educators´ passion for learning. Together we will strive for an enriched educational experience. With a Master´s degree in education and 20 years of experience in the classroom, I will aim to create an inclusive equity-based environment where every person feels valued.
I have taught in private and public schools throughout America and an international school in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Having taught in grades 1-6 I understand the importance of empowering and engaging learners in relevant activities to cultivate the skills for successful participation in an international and global world.
I am excited to be moving into this new role and another country in Asia where I will again spend time outdoors with my family and dog.
Nick Skirrow
Secondary Curriculum Coordinator
Bachelor of Arts in Business Management - University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Masters in International Education - Framingham State University, Boston
Greetings, I am Nick Skirrow, from Yorkshire, England. I have a deep passion for the outdoors and exploring diverse cultures. Indeed, following the completion of my Business degree, I embarked on a journey around the globe, embracing various traditions and cultures. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in education, where I could impart knowledge and foster positive change for a better tomorrow.
Since 2005, I have dedicated myself to teaching, constantly evolving both personally and professionally. I furthered my education by earning a master´s degree in International Education and have assumed leadership roles in various educational settings. My commitment to enhancing schools and developing challenging yet captivating curricula has culminated in my current role as the Secondary Curriculum Coordinator at Berkeley, where I strive to drive academic excellence and innovation.
