Leading with Vision

Administrative Team

At the heart of Berkeley’s mission is a leadership team committed to academic excellence and holistic growth. From strategic planning to daily operations, our administrators shape a thriving environment where students and staff can excel.

Ellen Jean Griffiths - Head of School

Head of School

Ellen Griffiths

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Berkeley International School!

We are a vibrant international community, united by a shared commitment to excellence in education and the nurturing of global citizens. As Head of School 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.

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 a united community we will work to 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.

  • 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

Thai Director

Metavadee Duangkaew

A hearty welcome to Berkeley International School! My name is Metavadee Duangkaew (Kate) and I have been with the school since 2018, where I started in the role of Teaching Assistant, and subsequently became a Thai Teacher, before my current tenure as Thai Director. I have been privileged to watch the school grow in spirit and community, and to have personally educated many generations of Berkeley students.

As Berkeley International School’s Thai Director, my job involves coordinating cross-functional collaboration, ensuring that our education policies and curriculum are up-to-date, and that our educators are equipped with the latest skillsets. My personal journey with Berkeley has provided me with immense passion and belief in our institution’s capability to bring success, growth and happiness to our students via education. Our school is ready to cultivate each and every student into globally-ready citizens who will thrive in a rapidly changing world, to equip everyone not just with knowledge, but with emotional intelligence and integrity.

I look forward to working with our students and families to continue developing the Berkeley community.

  • Bachelors in Education (1st Class Hons.), Art Education, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Masters in Education, Education Management, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Curriculum Restructuring and Systemic Development Certificate, National Taiwan Normal University

Secondary Principal

Lynda Nocera

Greetings to the Berkeley community! My name is Lynda Nocera, and I bring 25 years of experience in middle and high school education across a variety of roles, including English teacher, instructional coach, educational consultant, and administrator. I am deeply passionate about learning and believe that teachers, students, and administrators grow best when learning together. One of my core values is the power of collaboration—when all stakeholders are included, everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Originally from Chicago, I had the unique opportunity to spend much of my childhood living abroad in Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Italy. My husband and I moved to Bangkok from the Washington, D.C. area and are excited to build meaningful connections within the Berkeley community and explore all that Thailand has to offer (suggestions welcome!).

I’m honored to continue my educational journey here at Berkeley and look forward to a year of growth, connection, and learning.

  • Bachelor of Arts, English Literature from George Mason University
  • Masters of Education. Curriculum and Development from George Mason University
  • Masters of Education, Administration and Leadership from Concordia University

Primary Principal

Susan Loafmann

Greetings to the Berkeley community! My name is Susan Loafmann, and I bring more than 25 years of experience in international education, serving as a teacher (nursery to Grade 5), Curriculum Coordinator, Administrative Director, and Assistant Principal. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about creating inclusive, collaborative learning environments where students, teachers, and leaders are empowered to grow together. I believe that strong relationships, open communication, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement are the foundation of successful school communities.

Originally from the United States, I have spent over 25 years working in international schools in Japan and Brazil, experiences that have strengthened my appreciation for diverse cultures and global perspectives. My husband, who is also an educator, and I are excited to call Berkeley International School home. We look forward to becoming part of this vibrant community, supporting student success, and experiencing the many opportunities that living in Thailand provides.

I am honored to continue my journey in international education at Berkeley International School and look forward to supporting our community through collaborative leadership, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence in learning.

  • Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education, University of Missouri–St. Louis
  • Master of Education in Educational Administration, Lamar University

Teaching and Learning Coordinator

Whitney Walker

With two decades of experience teaching grades 2–6 in both the United States and Bangladesh, I bring a strong foundation in instructional design, student-centered pedagogy, and curriculum development. My teaching has focused on building engaging, inclusive learning environments that support academic growth and foster critical thinking.

As Berkeley International School’s Teaching and Learning Coordinator, I apply this classroom expertise to support educators across divisions. I am committed to working collaboratively with faculty to design purposeful, equitable learning experiences where students see themselves reflected in the curriculum.

My leadership is grounded in an understanding of how to align teaching practices with clear learning goals, develop effective assessment strategies, and use data to drive improvement. I aim to build on the incredible work already here, respecting the deep commitment and innovation of the educators, parents, and students who build Berkeley.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Seattle University
  • Master’s in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix
  • Instructional Leadership Certificate- Harvard Graduate School of Education
  • Leadership Entry: Empowering Schools and Communities- Harvard Graduate School of Education
Data and Support Coordinator Nick Skirrow

Data and Support Coordinator

Nick Skirrow

As the Data and Support Coordinator, I am passionate about helping our students understand their unique learning journeys. I believe that tracking our academic and personal progress is one of the most powerful tools for self-discovery. Far from being just numbers on a page, data tells the story of our growth, showing us not only where we are but also how far we have come. This process allows us to understand ourselves as learners, build confidence, and take ownership of our education.

This self-awareness is the foundation of true collaboration. When we can clearly identify our own strengths, we understand what we can contribute to a team. Equally, when we recognize our areas for growth, we learn the importance of seeking support and valuing the diverse skills of our peers. By embracing this knowledge, we empower ourselves to become more effective communicators and problem-solvers. My goal is to support every student in this journey, helping them become not only successful individuals but also integral members of a compassionate and collaborative community. I look forward to working with our students and families this year.

  • Master of Arts in International Education from Framingham State University
  • Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Business Management from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne
  • US Teacher Preparation and Certification from Moreland University, with teaching licenses in the USA (DC), UK (QTS), and Thailand
  • Cambridge Certified: CELTA and Qualified Oral Examiner

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