Academics
Senior Leadership Team
Mr. Garth O'Donnell
Elementary School and Early Childhood Principal
Garth O’Donnell serves as Elementary and Early Childhood Principal at the American School in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. He is currently in his eleventh year as an administrator with TAS. Prior to joining The American School, Mr. O’Donnell served for seven years as K-12 Vice Principal for Curriculum and Instruction at another WASC-accredited school in Ho Chi Minh City. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science as well as a Master of Arts in Education and a Certificate in School Management and Leadership. Garth was born and raised in New York. He is a self-proclaimed foodie who enjoys time in the gym and beach holidays during his free time.
Executive Principal
Ms. Jessica O'Kelly
MSHS Vice Principal
Ms. O’Kelly has been an educator for over 20 years. She began as an apprentice teacher in ESL Middle School classrooms in her home state of California, USA in 2000. By 2004, her career in International Education began where she continued to learn and grow alongside her students and colleagues from S. Korea, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, China, and Vietnam. Over the years she has helped create positive learning opportunities for students and fellow educators through her work in the classroom, as a mentor, teacher trainer and principal.
Ms. O’Kelly holds the following degrees and Certificates:
- BA from University of California, San Diego with a major in Linguistics and a minor
- in Bilingual Education
- Master of Education from Framingham State University, Massachusetts
- State of Massachusetts teaching license in English and ESL
- Certificate of International School Leadership from Principals’ Training Center
Ms. O’Kelly prioritizes relationships, psychosocial well-being, and building a culture of trust as a foundation for a healthy community. She takes the whole-person approach to supporting learning, progress, and growth for all students, faculty, and staff. She is excited to become a part of the TAS community.
MSHS Vice Principal
Ms. Casandra Perry
ES/ECC Vice Principal
- B.A. – University of Nevada Las Vegas – Anthropology
- M.Ed. – University of Nevada Las Vegas – Elementary Instruction and Curriculum Design
- TESOL and Google certified
WHO AM I?
I was raised and educated in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. I have always been curious about and gained inspiration and insight from other cultures. Travel has always been a passion for this reason.
I have been in education for over 10 years, in various capacities. I have worked as an undergraduate teaching assistant, a tutor, a substitute, and a teacher. I have taught in Las Vegas, Bangkok, and now I am excited to work with you and your children in Ho Chi Minh City.
ES/ECC Vice Principal
Mr. Thong Nguyen (Peter)
College & Career Counselor
Mr. Thong holds the following degree and certifications.
International Student Advocate Certificate from NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling)
MA of Education from The College of New Jersey
BA Elementary Education from The College of New Jersey
CELTA certificate from Cambridge University Press and Assessment
BA from George Fox University, with a double major in Business and History
Aside from spending time with his family, Mr. Thong loves to play sports, chess (Chinese and American) and is passionate about helping others to discover and maximize their talents and gifts to achieve their purpose and goals.
College & Academic Counselor