Project Leaders
Volunteer with Children in Thailand

Jill Walker - Country Director - Thailand

Jill is the Country Director for GVI Thailand and is responsible for all GVI’s activities and personnel within the country. Jill has been living in Thailand for 4 years prior to joining GVI where she has been teaching English as a foreign language at a government high school and has completely fallen in love with the culture of Thailand and the vibrant colors and culture of Southeast Asia. Jill is fluent in Thai and enjoys connecting with the community. Jill has organized and led English camps, workshops for teachers and free English classes for rural students as well as salespeople, tour guides, and others who work in the tourist industry.

Jill received her Bachelors degree in Environmental Education from the University of North Carolina and has just finished a Masters degree in Environmental Education with Nova Southeastern University. Jill is a qualified Emergency First Response Instructor and has more than 10 years experience teaching English language and ecology to people of all ages and walks of life in a number of formal and non formal settings. Jill is particularly interested in the possibility of integrating environmental education into English language learning and into everyday life.

Watchara “Jack” Sriprasert - Jack of all trades

Jack has spent the last 10 years working for Thailand’s Civil Protection Association, a national volunteer service focused on protecting the safety of people in Thailand. Jack is committed to the health and safety of the community and makes an effort to help others whenever possible. Over the years he has had experience as a Buddhist monk, soldier, musician, builder, and security guard. He comes to GVI as our “Jack of all trades”, assisting in driving, base maintenance and repair, as well as a community liaison. His ability to connect with people from all ages and background and his familiarity with the southern region and the language have helped create a smooth transition for the GVI expedition in Thailand.

Kerry Todd - Field Staff

Kerry Todd joined the Thailand expedition in April 2008 as the youngest volunteer. Just finishing high school in Australia, Kerry decided to get out and explore the world before settling down with studying and working. She came out just in time for the Thai New Year which is celebrated by soaking everyone with water to keep cool at the hottest time of the year. This introduction to Thai culture made her fall in love with the surrounding environment and community.

After completing her 10 week expedition as a qualified TEFL teacher, Kerry decided to stay on as an intern to gain more teaching experience. In September, she became Teacher on Staff. Kerry loves expedition life, teaching English, and living in the local community. She plans to stay in Thailand forever.

Emily Gigot - Base Manager

Emily joined GVI as a volunteer, earning her TEFL certification in May 2008. After spending time as a teacher in the community and as an intern, she assumed the role of Base Manager in January 2009. Prior to coming to Thailand, Emily studied International Relations at Occidental College in Los Angeles and spent six years working in sales and PR in the fashion industry. Needing a change of scenery, Emily decided to take six months to travel in early 2008 in order to explore another part of the world. She has since become enamored with Thailand, in particular with the community of Ao Luk. She looks forward to continuing teaching at the Non-Formal Education Centre and assisting the further development of GVI projects in the community.

Linda Tinson - TEFL Trainer

Linda is originally from Springfield, Missouri in the USA. She started at GVI Thailand base in June as a TEFL Trainer after completing her internship. Linda was an ESL teacher back home for 3 years and decided she would like to utilise her skills and travel abroad, which is what lead her to the GVI program. Linda says she is having an amazing time working with GVI, and in her spare time Linda enjoys hiking, kayaking and reading.