Academics
Academic Leadership Team
Mr. Garth O'Donnell
Executive Principal
Garth O’Donnell serves as Executive 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. 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 & PYP Coordinator
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
Ms. Dana Hamilton
Student Support Services Coordinator & Middle-High School Counselor
Ms. Dana Hamilton was appointed Student Support Services Coordinator and Middle-High Counselor from August 2024
- Master of Education – School Counseling (Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA)
- Bachelor of Arts – Psychology (Central Washington University), Ellensburg, WA)
- Licensed Certified Professional Counselor, Nevada
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Washington
- National Board-Certified School Counselor, 2014
- National Board-Certified Counselor, 2014
I have been a school counselor since 2002. I’ve worked at the primary and secondary level focusing on cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused brief therapy. I believe if one changes the way they think they will change the way they feel.
Prior to becoming a school counselor, I worked as a mental health therapist dealing with children and adults in crisis as well as providing brief and intermediate therapy.
I believe that dealing with the “whole child” creates a path facilitating the best outcome for the student in their educational pursuit. I am a firm believer in Social-Emotional Learning and believe that the lives of children will be better the more empathic they are.
My husband I love to travel – we have been all around the world and plan to continue to do this. I am an avid runner – I just ran my 12th marathon. I am so excited to become a part of the TAS community. I am ready to make a difference.
Student Support Services Coordinator & Middle-High School Couselor