Faculty and Staff Directory

Faculty & Staff Department Directory

Department

Last Name

Ted Barker-Hook

Humanities Teacher

617-278-2357

Hobart College - B.A.

Bio

Ted believes that the best learning comes from collaboration and conversation, and builds his classroom experience to fit that belief. He uses his education geopolitics and the development of modern capitalism to delve into questions of power and justice in a global arena. He says his most successful classes are those where he talks the least, because students are driving the discussion, challenging each other, and asking questions for further exploration. Having traveled to 46 states and 24 countries in the Americas, Europe, and Oceania, Ted often weaves his own cross-cultural experiences into his students’ learning experience. His biggest goal is to help students engage their curiosities while looking at the world through a critical lens and presenting clear arguments supported by convincing evidence.

Since starting at Brimmer in 1998, Ted has contributed outside the classroom by coaching varsity softball, golf, and cross country, serving on the Brimmer Global Studies team, and leading many student trips for service learning projects in Alabama, New Orleans, and the Dominican Republic. He enjoys the enthusiasm of Brimmer students, values the collegiality of its faculty and staff, and takes opportunities to form close relationships with students, advisees, and the runners on the cross country team.
Andrew Beal

MS Dean of Students, MS Math Teacher

Georgetown University - B.S.
Thunderbird School of Global Management - M.B.A.
Smith College - Ed.M.

Bio

Andrew has been teaching at Brimmer since 2008. Driven by the belief that all students bring strengths and challenges with them to the math classroom, he regularly explores the ideas of self-awareness and metacognition in his classes, which he feels play a vital role in student success.

Andrew’s entire professional career has been dedicated to global education. He served in the Ukraine as an educator in the Peace Corps from 1996 to 1998, conducted trainings for Intel Corporation in Costa Rica and Israel, and regularly facilitates conversations in his classroom about current events around the world. His favorite part about working at Brimmer is the unique opportunity to develop global citizens.
Brian Beale

Director of Enrollment Management

617-278-2323

Bates College - B.A.

Bio

Though Brian hails from the Philadelphia suburbs, he considers himself a New Englander at heart. After attending Bates College in Maine, Brian spent two years working in outdoor education at YMCA Camp Coniston before starting his career in Admissions at Dublin School in Dublin, NH. Brian then went on to work in admissions and financial aid at both Princeton Day School and Cardigan Mountain School before joining the Brimmer and May community in 2012. At Brimmer, Brian oversees Admissions and financial aid, is a member of the Advancement team, and serves as an Upper School advisor.

Brian is an active member of the Enrollment Management Association, the Clarity community, and local and regional collaboratives. When not at Brimmer, Brian enjoys spending time with his family in the outdoors, long-distance running, spinning, and skiing.
Karen Bernanke

MS/US Director of Academic Services, Co-Director of Tutoring Program

617-278-2337

Boston University - B.A.
Lesley University - M.Ed.

Bio

As a child-centered educator with extensive experience as both a classroom teacher and educational leader, Karen is dedicated to fostering intellectual and emotional growth in every student. She believes in providing individualized resources and setting personal goals that empower students to thrive. Through close collaboration with teachers and families, she cultivates a positive, student-centered approach that emphasizes engagement, self-awareness, independence, and long-term success.

Karen earned her degree in Psychology from Boston University, where she discovered her passion for teaching and inspiring a lifelong love of learning. She went on to teach grades Kindergarten through 8 at a variety of independent schools across New England while completing her degree in Education at Lesley University. Driven by her desire to make a broader impact, she later earned a degree in Educational Leadership, also from Lesley, which launched her work in coaching teachers and leading academic departments.

Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, Karen grew up with a deep love for theater and history. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys listening to live music, exploring the beauty of New England, practicing yoga at any time of day, and reading historical fiction. she is looking forward to more travel opportunities across the globe in the near future.
Dan Birdsall

Associate Director of College Counseling, Director of US Leadership Program

617-278-2322

Wesleyan University - B.A.
The Fletcher Graduate School of Global Affairs - M.A.

Bio

Raised in Pennsylvania but a New Englander for 25 years, Dan joined Brimmer in July 2023 as Associate Director of College Counseling and Director of Upper School Leadership Programs. Accustomed to travel from an early age, he has consistently combined international education and youth work in a variety of professional roles.

After graduating from Wesleyan University with a B.A. in government, Dan worked several years in a Boston-area residential children’s home, and later administering high school foreign exchange programs with CIEE. He spent 2+ years in Ecuador as a Peace Corps Volunteer working in adolescent public health education, and afterward was a Peace Corps recruiter in the New England region. He earned a Master of Arts in Law & Diplomacy from The Fletcher School at Tufts University, and subsequently spent 12 years in university admissions at Fletcher, recruiting domestically and internationally, administering scholarship aid, and managing experiential learning programs. He is excited to work with students at the beginning of their college journeys in a vibrant and supportive school community.

Outside of work, Dan enjoys playing tennis (or any racquet sport), abusing guitars in attempts to play them, traveling, reading, writing and answering trivia questions, and spending time with his wife, son, and dog.
Jay Bock

Director of Technology Infrastructure

La Salle University - B.S.
University of San Francisco - M.A.

Bio

A Cape Cod native, Jay grew up with two parents as educators but didn’t initially consider a teaching career. A summer job at a local high school changed that perspective. Before starting at Brimmer in 2008, Jay taught at the Forman School in Litchfield, Conn., and at the Katherine Delmar Burke School in San Francisco, Calif. He spent five years as a math teacher before transitioning to IT and computer science.

During his tenure at Brimmer, Jay has enjoyed many roles inside and outside of the classroom. In his current position as the Director of Technology Infrastructure, he manages all aspects of the school’s technology budget, infrastructure, and cybersecurity posture. Outside of work, Jay enjoys spending time with his family, especially when they are traveling, hiking, or playing board games. He also finds great fulfillment volunteering with town government affairs.
Jonny Bonner

Athletic Coordinator for Gr. 4/5, LS PE Teacher

Institute of Technology, Ireland - B.A.

Bio

Jonny Bonner joined us initially as the after-school PK soccer coach and is now the Grade 4/5 Athletics Program Coordinator and a Lower School physical education teacher. Mr. Bonner has a B.A. in Sports Coaching and Business Management from the Institute of Technology, Carlow, Ireland and works for New England Surf, a club soccer organization. Mr. Bonner was a Division I soccer player for the University of Vermont, he represented the Republic of Ireland at the U16, U17, U18 levels, and he was selected for the World University Games in South Korea.
Nancy Bradley

Mathematics Department Chair

617-278-2345

Emmanuel College - B.S.

Bio

Nancy brings over three decades of mathematical expertise to her role, having taught every level from 6th grade through advanced courses including Calculus and Statistics. Her passion for mathematics education is matched by her belief that every student can find joy and success in math, regardless of their initial confidence in the subject.

Before joining Brimmer in 1987, Nancy honed her teaching skills at a Catholic high school in Dorchester, where she also served as department chair, and at Hull High School in Hull, MA. Her commitment to education extends beyond the classroom through her role as Director of Community Service for grades 9-12, where she helps students find volunteer opportunities and records students' progress.

Nancy finds particular joy in Brimmer's distinctive green and white school colors—a refreshing change from the blue and gold she encountered at four of the six academic institutions in her career. This attention to detail reflects her appreciation for what makes Brimmer special: the supportive community of staff and students who encourage innovative teaching approaches and foster an environment where both educators and learners can thrive.

Nancy's professional dedication is evidenced by her long-standing membership in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics since 1987 and her Massachusetts Teaching License, which she held from 1987 to 2005. Her greatest satisfaction comes from witnessing students reach their full potential in mathematics while working alongside Brimmer's exceptionally kind and supportive community.

A dedicated Boston native, when she's not helping students unlock their mathematical potential, Nancy stays active through participation in charity 5Ks, enjoys immersing herself in books (whether reading or listening), and spends quality time with her family—often cheering on Boston's professional sports teams either from the stands or at home.
Tom Bray

Manager of Operations and Facilities

Fitchburg State College - B.S.
University of Massachusetts - B.A.

Bio

Since joining the Brimmer team in 1996, Tom has enjoyed his role ensuring that Brimmer’s facilities are operating efficiently and effectively for the Brimmer community. Prior to joining the team, he worked as a teaching assistant in the Wellesley High School Alternative Program.

Tom became Manager of Operations and Facilities in 2018. He holds a Building Operator’s Certificate, for which he learned ways to increase energy efficiencies in facilities.
Carlton Buckley

Sous Chef

Faculty and Staff

Faculty & Staff Department Directory

Our Greatest Asset

Brimmer and May School