• Bachelor of Arts Degree, Triple Major – History, International Studies, and Japanese from California State University, Long Beach (Long Beach, CA, USA)
  • Focus on social conflict in East Asia & the Middle East as well as international culture & identity
• Associate of Arts Degree, Double Major – Pacific Rim Culture and Liberal Arts from Long Beach City College (Long Beach, CA, USA)
  • Focus on the Japanese language
• Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certificate (USA)
• Social Studies Grade 7-12 Standard Teaching License from the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (Washington DC, USA)
• Qualified Teacher Status from the United Kingdom Department for Education (UK)
• Instructional Leadership Certificate, Harvard Graduate School of Education (Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA)

While growing up in the “International City” of Long Beach, CA in the USA, I enjoyed learning about different countries and cultures. Going to school with peers from a variety of different backgrounds gave me an appreciation for diversity and taught me how to get along with all kinds of people.

When I went on to university, my interest in society and culture led me to pursue degrees in History, International Studies, and Japanese. Outside of school, I gained a lot of professional experience by working in different positions ranging from retail management and private security to freelance writing and assisting with research in higher education.

Before moving to Vietnam in 2019, I taught English in Japanese public schools for five years. In this role, I taught a wide range of students from kindergarten to junior high school. I also volunteered my time teaching English to students from South America and putting on events at orphanages. My experience in Vietnam includes teaching English, tutoring international school students, and working with a team to help prepare students to apply to universities overseas.

For educational professionals, I think our highest priority is to prepare our students to succeed in the next stage of their life. For most students, that means learning the skills necessary to get into and do well in university. Giving students as many opportunities as possible to ask questions, think about problems critically, and express their opinion is essential in achieving this goal.

As a third-generation teacher, I look forward to working with our students and other teachers at the American School to build a positive learning environment that helps each student reach their full potential.