MATTHEW BEATA

Director

Mr. Beata has been the Director of Uruguayan American School since 2015. Before coming to UAS, Mr. Beata was the Middle School Principal at Nido de Aguilas in Santiago, Chile, a position he held for ten years. He earned his B.A. summa cum laude in English Language and Literature from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, an M.A. in English Language and Literature from the University of Michigan, and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University.

Mr. Beata began his career in education as a Middle School Language Arts teacher at John Wilson Intermediate School 211 in Brooklyn, New  York. In 1997, Mr. Beata joined Nido where he taught Middle School Language Arts, High School English, and directed the summer school before becoming Middle School Principal.

DOUGLAS MURPHY

Secondary Principal

Before becoming the middle and high school principal at Cayman International School, Doug was a middle school principal in California. He holds an EdD in Educational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University; a Masters in Sport Management from the University of San Francisco; a Masters in Secondary Education from the University of Alabama; and a BA in English from the California State University, Long Beach.

He has worked in Peru, the Cayman Islands, and California. His educational philosophy is embedded in a quote from Shepherd Leadership by Blaine McCormick and David Davenport. They state, “…shepherd leaders must learn to conceptualize a great deal of their activity to make sure people’s needs are met. Engaging not just people’s time but also their minds and hearts…” Successful leaders exhibit high emotional intelligence, prioritizing building strong relationships. Fundamental to successful education and leadership are service, compassion, and relationships. These key components begin with integrity and trust.

Keitsa Brisson

Elementary Principal

Ms. Brisson was the Elementary School Principal at Danube International School, in Vienna, Austria. She also served as the Primary Years Program (PYP) Coordinator, Learning Support Coordinator, and Elementary Counselor, a testament to her versatility and broad Elementary School knowledge.

Prior to her experience in Vienna, Ms. Brisson was the Early Childhood and Elementary Principal for six years at Country Day School in San José, Costa Rica. Before moving into administration, she was a teacher trainer for the Abu Dhabi Education Council in the United Arab Emirates and taught education courses at colleges in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Savannah, Georgia. Ms. Brisson began her career teaching Early Childhood and Elementary School for 13 years in her home state of Georgia in the United States. With nearly three decades in education, including having taught at every grade level from Pre-Kinder to Grade 5, Ms. Brisson brings to UAS a wealth of experience in elementary school. In addition, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Masters degree in Instructional and Curriculum Leadership, and is completing a certificate in Pedagogy and Montessori Education.

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