Service-oriented and eager to help, our leadership, administration, and staff are champions of the school community. While their key focus is supporting the teachers in the classroom, they work hard to ensure every student and family has a positive experience. Whether they are the front-and-center, visible faces of our school or the unsung, behind-the-scenes heroes, leadership, administration, and staff are invaluable in upholding our culture and values.
Our upper management works to foster an unparalleled learning environment, keep the campus running smoothly, set the tone of our culture, and ensure that students and teachers alike receive the support and encouragement they need to excel.
Ms. Sandhu
Operations Director
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Ms. Sandhu
Operations Director
Ms. Sandhu has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems and graduated Cum Laude from the University of Houston.
As Operations Director, Ms. Sandhu is thrilled to be joining the BASIS Independent Bellevue team. She is excited to work with the school administration to help ensure the smooth running of all operations at the school level to support teachers and students both inside and outside the classroom. Prior to joining BASIS Independent Bellevue, Ms. Sandhu worked in the technology field as an analyst in benefits administration.
Ms. Sandhu chose BASIS Independent Schools because of the welcoming and inclusive environment created by leadership, and the academic focus for students as well as the importance of providing extra-curricular offerings to foster their individual passions and interests.
Beyond work hours you will most likely find Ms. Sandhu with her camera, with a great passion for photography. When she’s not photographing, she enjoys going hiking and exploring the beautiful pacific northwest.
Dr. Thies
Head of School
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Dr. Thies
Head of School
Dr. Elizabeth Thies joins us from BASIS International School Bangkok, where she was the founding Head of School. While there, she worked closely with her teachers and administrative staff to support her second language learning community and enhance the co-teaching model in a way that best served the students in Thailand. Dr. Thies thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to open a new school and learn more about international education. She looks forward to returning to the United States and using these skills to create a robust and well-rounded learning environment for her future students.
Prior to moving to Thailand, Dr. Thies was the Head of School of BASIS Oro Valley for two years, which is currently ranked as one of the top 25 Best Public High Schools in America, according to U.S. News & World Report (2021).
While at BASIS Oro Valley, Dr. Thies created programs to support and empower teachers and build connections with students and families. As the Head of School, Dr. Thies was responsible for driving the academic vision that earned BASIS Oro Valley its national recognition as having ranked as the number three Best Public High School in America in 2018 according to U.S. News & World Report. Her focus combined the BASIS Curriculum with a strong academic community that was both supportive and conducive to student success. During this time, her students achieved an average AP score of 3.9, well above the national average. Additionally, her students outscored nations such as Shanghai-China, Singapore, and Hong Kong on the OECD/PISA test in all three categories (Math, Reading, and Science).
Dr. Thies began her academic career in 2007 at BASIS Tucson, which is BASIS Curriculum Schools flagship campus. She served as Athletic Director and as a Physical Education teacher. She initiated and developed a highly successful athletics program for students in Grades 5 – 12. The program included soccer, flag football, basketball, cross country, and volleyball. She coached the high school soccer team to three consecutive championships.
Dr. Thies received her Doctorate in Education at Arizona State University with a focus on literacy and teacher development. She received a Master’s in Educational Psychology and a Bachelor’s of Science in Liberal Studies from Northern Arizona University. Before joining the BASIS Curriculum Schools network, she was a patrol officer in the Tucson Police Department, and served as a non-commissioned officer in the United States Army.
