Meet our leadership team

Allen McInnis brings decades of educational leadership experience to his role as Executive Principal at Hanoi Toronto School. With a strong background in international schooling, he has led diverse school communities across multiple countries, always placing students at the centre of learning. Known for his collaborative leadership style and commitment to academic excellence, Allen champions inclusive, future-focused education. His approach blends high standards with deep care, ensuring students are empowered to grow in confidence, character, and capability. At HTS, he looks forward to fostering a vibrant, values-driven community where every student’s potential is recognised and nurtured.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Bien (Jessie Nguyen) graduated with expertise in four majors: History Pedagogy, Elementary Education Pedagogy, English Language and Educational Management. During her student years at Pedagogy University, she excelled academically, graduating as the top student in the History major and being one of the 40 outstanding students among 120 colleges and universities in Vietnam, receiving a full scholarship from the Hessen State in Germany. Additionally, she was awarded the Gold Medal in the National Pedagogy Professional Competition organized by the Ministry of Education in 2009. Currently, she is a doctoral candidate specializing in Educational Management at the Capital University.

Creativity, enthusiasm, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge are evident in Ms. Thu Bien’s career journey. She has accumulated diverse experiences in various roles, including being an elementary school teacher, a high school history teacher, a subject specialist, a school administrator, and a founding member of several private schools in Vietnam. In addition to her professional activities within educational institutions, Ms. Thu Bien actively engages in the broader education sector. For five consecutive years, she has been a key participant in the “National Entrepreneurship Day for Students” as a judge for the student category, an annual competition organized by the Ministry of Education and Training. She is also an author, contributor to educational materials, and a member of the review board for various documents related to experiential learning, career guidance, and entrepreneurship, led by the Ministry of Education and Training).

With a passion for her profession, regardless of her role, Ms. Thu Bien consistently demonstrates professionalism, dedication, leadership capabilities, and the ability to inspire in any environment. Ms. Thu Bien firmly believes that “to create a learning environment that brings safety and happiness to students, teachers must be happy and creatively elevated. Therefore, leaders serve as role models, inspiring teachers, students, and parents to trust, find happiness, and be creative. A happy school is one where each element experiences happiness.

John Slipachenko is a dedicated Canadian educational leader who places student learning, wellbeing, and safety at the heart of everything he does. With extensive experience in both domestic and international contexts, John brings a proven record of guiding schools to deliver high-quality teaching and learning while ensuring every child is safeguarded and supported to thrive.

As the Designated Safeguarding Leader at Hanoi Toronto School, John works closely with students, staff, and families to build a culture of care, vigilance, and responsibility. He believes that a safe and inclusive environment is the foundation for academic success and personal growth. His leadership ensures that safeguarding is not only a policy but a lived practice across the school community.

A passionate advocate for lifelong learning, John continually seeks to innovate in curriculum, assessment, and student support. His leadership is characterized by a commitment to safeguarding, a relentless focus on learning, and a belief that every student deserves to feel safe, challenged, and empowered to succeed.

With a solid foundation from a bachelor’s degree in English Language from the University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Ms. Hoang Thi Ngoc Tu continuously enhanced her professional qualifications with two Master's degrees in International Education and Educational Leadership and Management from Horizon University, France. Throughout her academic journey, she consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and received high commendations from her professors.

Having devoted over two decades to education at prestigious private and international schools in Hanoi, Ms. Tu has consistently delivered dynamic and highly effective lessons, inspiring a love of English learning in her students. From a student teaching assistant in her first year of university, she has steadily grown into various leadership roles, from teacher to team leader, department head, and currently, MOET Program Coordinator in Hanoi Toronto. In every role, Ms. Tu has exhibited creativity and passion, always providing enthusiastic support to her students and colleagues.

Beyond her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Tu has left a remarkable impact as a judge in national English speech contests, representing various schools. With over 60 published English books, she has tirelessly worked to bring English closer to children across the country, helping them access and enjoy the language in a natural and effective way.

With over two decades of dedication to education, Ms. Hoang Thi Ngoc Tu is not only a talented educator but also an inspiring figure. Her success is a testament to the fact that with passion, knowledge, and persistent effort, anyone can create true value. Her story will serve as a powerful motivation for those pursuing a career in education, especially those looking to enhance their English teaching skills.

Ms. Bich graduated from the University of Languages and International Studies, Hanoi National University, with a major in English Language and Chinese as a Second Language. She began her teaching career at one of the very first international schools in Hanoi in 2001. Over the past 23 years, she has held various positions including teacher, School Office Manager, School Operations Manager, and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) member at several international schools locally.

As one of the very first founding members of Hanoi - Toronto School, Ms. Bich, together with her dedicated colleagues, has set the foundation and developed the school into a place where child safeguarding is always the top priority, “Learning First” and “Curious Confident Minds” are continuously fostered. Her tireless efforts and contributions can be seen in the regularly maintained facilities, the daily improved school services, and the safe and comfortable learning environment, which makes Hanoi - Toronto School a “School of Choice” for hundreds of students and parents.

With extensive experience in school operations management and a passion for creating efficient and effective processes, Ms. Bich will strive to make positive and meaningful contributions to the lives of young learners.

Marketing Manager

Alex Tull is a mathematics teacher at Hanoi Toronto School with eight years of teaching experience in secondary schools across the UK and China. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Southampton and completed his teacher training at the University of Bristol. During his time in China, Alex developed IGCSE and A-Level mathematics curricula aligned with the Chinese national framework. Passionate about global citizenship and sustainability, he has also led school-wide initiatives—including policy development, charitable events, and awareness campaigns—encouraging students to engage meaningfully with their communities and the world around them.

April Rose Encio is an English Teacher at Hanoi Toronto School with over 8 years of experience in private and international schools across the Philippines, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. She specializes in the Cambridge curriculum, delivering well-rounded instruction that balances academic achievement with personal growth. April has served as Primary Support for Cambridge Checkpoint Exams, helping students prepare confidently for external assessments. She holds a Bachelor of Elementary Education (Major in General Education), is a Licensed Professional Teacher (LPT), and has completed the IELTS exam. Passionate about fostering curiosity and collaboration, April creates inclusive, student-centred classrooms that inspire lifelong learning.

Charles Bester is a Primary Teacher at Hanoi Toronto School with international teaching experience in both Vietnam and South Africa. He is a dedicated and dynamic educator known for creating inclusive, engaging learning environments that support both academic achievement and student well-being. Charles is actively involved in the wider school community, leading the badminton and debate clubs and serving on the student council. Passionate about holistic education, he strives to support each child’s growth inside and outside the classroom. In his free time, he enjoys reading, playing guitar, and staying active through badminton.

Daniel Stephanus Rossouw is the Music Teacher at Hanoi Toronto School, bringing over 20 years of international teaching experience and a lifelong passion for music. Originally from South Africa, he began studying music at age 9 and honed his talents in piano and choral singing, including performing with the world-renowned Drakensberg Boys Choir. Daniel believes deeply in the transformative power of music, recognising its role in developing cognitive skills, emotional intelligence, perseverance, and self-confidence. Beyond the classroom, he enjoys painting, the performing arts, and travelling. At HTS, he is committed to inspiring students through meaningful musical experiences.

Eduardo Jordão is an experienced Humanities teacher who brings a strong international background in education to Hanoi Toronto School. He holds a Bachelor of Geography and a Teaching Degree in Geography from the University of Brasília, and has taught Geography, History, Social Studies, and PSHE across a variety of curricula.

Eduardo is trained in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, including IB Geography and CAS Coordination, and has also delivered IGCSE Humanities. His experience as a CAS Coordinator has allowed him to guide students in developing creativity, activity, and service projects that connect learning with real-world impact.

At the heart of Eduardo’s teaching is a student-centered philosophy. He encourages inquiry, critical thinking, and reflection, creating opportunities for students to make meaningful connections between past and present, local and global. His lessons emphasize collaboration, curiosity, and the value of multiple perspectives.

Eduardo has also contributed to school life beyond the classroom, supporting student mentoring, extracurricular projects, and sports coaching. He is passionate about fieldwork and experiential learning, believing that the best education balances academic knowledge with lived experience.

At Hanoi Toronto School, Eduardo is committed to building an inclusive and engaging environment where every student is challenged and supported to succeed as confident learners and responsible global citizens.

Grace Mary Horan is a Primary Teacher at Hanoi Toronto School, originally from Dublin, Ireland. With five years of teaching experience in Ireland, she brings a passion for holistic, student-centred learning to the classroom. Grace holds a Professional Masters in Education from Trinity College Dublin and integrates high academic standards with creativity, games, and experiential learning. She is deeply committed to cultural education and leads a Celtic Culture module through extracurricular activities, exploring Irish literature, dance, folklore, and language. New to Vietnam, Grace is excited to build strong connections with her students while fostering confidence, communication, and curiosity in every learner.

James Timothy Forrest is the Design and Technology Teacher at Hanoi Toronto School, originally from Cork, Ireland. With five years of teaching experience in Ireland, James brings a strong foundation in education alongside a passion for technology, engineering, and creative problem-solving. His approach to teaching combines structure, inclusivity, and high expectations, ensuring that all students feel supported and challenged. James is committed to nurturing critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication, while fostering a respectful and engaging classroom environment. New to Vietnam, he is excited to inspire students and share his enthusiasm for design, innovation, and lifelong learning.

Jordan Christopher Holbrook is a passionate and dedicated math teacher at Hanoi Toronto School, with 4 years of teaching experience in both England and Vietnam. He has delivered curriculum-aligned instruction using both the English National and Ontario curricula, and is known for fostering a positive, resilient classroom culture. Jordan’s teaching philosophy centres on helping students become intuitive, reflective learners with a strong foundation in problem-solving and a lasting passion for mathematics. Outside the classroom, he enjoys travelling, sports, and exploring global cuisines—interests that bring a rich, relatable perspective to his teaching.

Joshua Henry Webb is a passionate Health and Physical Education teacher with over 7 years of experience teaching students of all ages across the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, and the United Arab Emirates. Now at Hanoi Toronto School, Joshua is excited to contribute to a vibrant learning community. His teaching philosophy centres on holistic development and inclusive education, designing lessons that are engaging, accessible, and tailored to support all learners. He is committed to helping students grow into confident, well-rounded individuals who are prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Josie Louise Llewellyn is the Art Teacher at Hanoi Toronto School, bringing a rich blend of international and community-based experience to her role. Originally from Wales, Josie has spent the past four years teaching in Vietnam, with a background in ESL and a particular focus on early years education. Before moving abroad, she led art and ceramics workshops in schools and community settings, using hands-on, learn-through-making approaches tailored to a wide range of learners. Passionate about creativity and student growth, Josie has experience teaching both primary and secondary students, and is committed to nurturing individual artistic expression. She actively contributes to school culture through exhibitions and community art initiatives.

Since 2017, Karen O’Hagan has been dedicated to teaching and leading in education, bringing experience across New Zealand’s intermediate, secondary, tertiary (Auckland University), and government sectors (Ministry of Education). Trained in New Zealand, she has worked as both a teacher and middle leader, shaping learning experiences that empower young people on their educational journey.

She holds a Master’s in Linguistics and a Master’s in Business Administration, blending a deep understanding of language and communication with leadership and strategic insight. Passionate about supporting students to grow, explore, and succeed, she brings both professionalism and enthusiasm to every classroom and project.

Maria Fe Salunatin Ramos is a dedicated Primary Teacher at Hanoi Toronto School with over 14 years of teaching experience, including roles as Head Teacher and Lead Teacher in international and bilingual schools in Hanoi. A passionate child advocate, Maria holds multiple degrees along with an International Teaching Diploma in Early Childhood and Primary Education. She is also a Board-certified Cognitive Specialist, with a completed Master’s in Early Childhood Education and ongoing studies in English and Primary/Secondary Education. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in compassion, individualised learning, and respectful relationships. She is committed to creating a safe, nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and emotionally.

Martyn Kenneth Sessford is the EAL Coordinator at Hanoi Toronto School, bringing over 20 years of educational experience across the UK, South Korea, and Vietnam. The first in his family to attend university, Martyn holds a degree in Business and teaches an accredited business course to Grade 9 students. His journey began with volunteer work teaching English to refugees in Manchester before spending 12 years in South Korea, where he founded and ran his own language schools. Since 2016, he has worked in international schools in Hanoi, earning a PGCEi with Distinction. Passionate about innovation in language learning, Martyn specializes in phonics, letter formation, and academic writing, and has developed tools—including an educational app—to enhance students' listening, memory, and recall.

Matthew is the Food & Nutrition teacher at Hanoi Toronto School and is originally from Yorkshire, United Kingdom. With a background as a nutritionist and over five years of teaching experience in the United Arab Emirates, Matthew brings both expertise and enthusiasm to the classroom. He is passionate about food, healthy living, and fostering creativity and curiosity in nutrition.

At Hanoi Toronto School, Matthew emphasizes exploring global food cultures and flavors, reflecting the diversity of the student community. Outside the classroom, he enjoys football, golf, and training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Mireyll Anne Casili Tarape is a dedicated EAL teacher at Hanoi Toronto School with over 12 years of teaching experience. Originally from the Philippines, she taught English to secondary students for 8 years before relocating to Vietnam in 2019. Her expertise spans lesson planning, differentiated instruction, and classroom management, with a strong focus on making learning engaging through interactive activities and games. Mireyll holds a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education (Major in English), a professional teaching license, and a 120-hour TEFL certification. She has also pursued postgraduate studies in English and Educational Leadership. Passionate about lifelong learning, she brings warmth, creativity, and a commitment to student success in every lesson.

Robert Emms is a Primary Teacher at Hanoi Toronto School with 10 years of experience in bilingual education. He is recognized as an energetic and committed educator who fosters inclusive, engaging classrooms where students thrive both academically and personally. With a strong belief in holistic education, he is dedicated to nurturing each child’s growth in and beyond the classroom. Outside of teaching, Robert plays the drums with bands in Hanoi and keeps active through regular yoga practice.

Stephanie Gayle Wright is the SENCO at Hanoi Toronto School, bringing seven years of teaching experience across the UK and Brazil. She has worked in both mainstream and special education settings, with a strong focus on integrating special educational needs into inclusive classroom environments. Stephanie holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a master’s in the Psychology of Education, reflecting her deep commitment to child development. While in Brazil, she led initiatives to enhance pastoral care and student mentoring across primary and secondary levels. Dedicated to ongoing professional growth, Stephanie continues to refine her practice to support every child’s individual learning journey.

Thomas David Ward is a Science Teacher who has spent almost two years teaching secondary science at a private school in Hanoi, Vietnam. This has been a truly rewarding experience in which he has met many fantastic students. Working with students for whom English is an additional language has presented its challenges, but it has also offered countless opportunities to learn about their cultures and share his own.

With over seven years of experience in education, Thomas continues to learn from his students every day. Teaching in Vietnam has been a joy, and he believes his students have taught him just as much as he has taught them.

Zinhle Phiwumusa Masondo is an English Teacher at Hanoi Toronto School with a specialisation in Early Childhood Development and the Foundation Phase. She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and brings four years of experience nurturing young learners. Passionate about holistic child development, Zinhle is committed to fostering environments that support emotional, social, and cognitive growth. In South Africa, she was part of her school’s Equity and Belonging team, advocating for inclusivity and ensuring every child felt respected and valued. Her creative interests—ranging from art and photography to writing—enrich her teaching and inspire students to express themselves with confidence.

Nguyen Phuong Anh is a passionate Primary Teacher at Hanoi Toronto School with extensive experience in integrated school systems such as Vinschool and Wellspring. Known for her love of children and dedication to education, she consistently applies innovative, student-centred teaching methods to foster joy and engagement in learning. Phuong Anh is committed to supporting each child’s unique potential through a nurturing and stimulating classroom environment. She actively participates in volunteer work, educational events, and extracurricular programming. Her creative spirit shines through her love of singing, dancing, and cooking—bringing energy and connection to her teaching and her students' growth.

Phan Thi Chinh is a Health and Physical Education Teacher at Hanoi Toronto School, with a strong background in early childhood education and a passion for promoting physical activity and well-being. Her teaching journey began during her university years, where she led swimming and football programs for young children. Since graduating in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree, she has taught a wide range of subjects to preschoolers, including content from Australian curricula. With seven years of experience and a deep love for sports and music, Chinh is dedicated to fostering active, healthy lifestyles and joyful learning experiences for her students.

Mr. Dang Minh Hai graduated with distinction in Teaching Physics in English from Hanoi National University of Education. During his university years, Mr. Hai achieved a high GPA and an impressive IELTS score of 7.5, demonstrating excellence in both his field of study and language proficiency.

Mr. Hai's passion, creativity, and continuous pursuit of knowledge are evident throughout his career journey. He has gained diverse experience in various roles, including STEM teacher, Robotics program coordinator, and researcher at prestigious educational institutions such as Phenikaa School and Wellspring School. In addition to his teaching activities, Mr. Hai actively participates in research and development projects in the field of STEM education.

With a deep love for his profession, Mr. Hai consistently demonstrates professionalism, dedication, and the ability to inspire students in every position he holds. He constantly strives to develop innovative teaching methods, integrating technology and science to create an engaging and effective learning environment. Mr. Hai believes that "To build a positive educational environment, a teacher must be a source of inspiration, igniting a passion for science and creativity in each student.

Do Thu Hang is an Art Teacher at Hanoi Toronto School with over nine years of experience teaching at Nguyễn Siêu Secondary and High School and various art centres. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Art Theory, History, and Criticism from the Vietnam University of Fine Arts. In addition to her teaching role, she leads Halaart, a student-focused art club dedicated to nurturing creativity. Hang is passionate about helping students express themselves through art and has guided many to success in national and international competitions. Actively involved in exhibitions, research projects, and community initiatives, she brings depth and real-world relevance to her classroom, inspiring students to explore their artistic voice with confidence.

Bui Hong Hanh is a primary school teacher at Hanoi Toronto School. With 8 years of teaching experience at private schools, she has always been loved by her students and trusted by parents. In her teaching, Hanh values responsibility, dedication, always listening to, understanding, and accompanying her students in their learning journey. She is especially passionate about adopting innovative teaching methods, encouraging creativity, and nurturing each student’s individual strengths to help them become confident, proactive, and well-rounded learners.

Nguyen Thao Linh is a Primary Teacher at Hanoi Toronto School with over three years of experience teaching students from Grades 1 to 5. Passionate about nurturing curiosity and growth, she brings a versatile skill set to the classroom, teaching subjects such as Math, Vietnamese, Science, and English. Linh is dedicated to fostering independence and self-care in her students alongside academic success. Outside of teaching, she enjoys travelling—having explored nearly 30 cities across Vietnam—and reading, both of which enrich her classroom with real-world insights and new perspectives.

Nguyen Hong Ngoc is a Mathematics Teacher at Hanoi Toronto School with over 7 years of teaching experience. Known for her commitment to academic excellence and innovative instruction, she continually researches and applies modern teaching methods to enhance student learning. Her strength lies in building strong connections with students and understanding their individual learning needs. Passionate about making mathematics both accessible and enjoyable, she fosters a creative, supportive environment where students are encouraged to explore, think critically, and grow in confidence. Through her work, she aims to inspire a new generation of learners who approach mathematics with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Nguyen Cam Nhung is a Primary Teacher at Hanoi Toronto School with over 7 years of teaching experience. She is known for setting high standards in teaching quality and consistently applying modern, creative methods to enhance student learning. With a strong ability to connect with and understand each student’s unique needs, she creates an inspiring and supportive classroom environment. Passionate about mathematics, Nhung aims to make learning both joyful and meaningful. She encourages creativity, resilience, and confidence, striving to nurture a generation of students who are not only skilled but also enthusiastic about learning and personal growth.

Nguyen Vu Nguyet Tam is a Primary Music Teacher at Hanoi Toronto School, with a degree from the National University of Art Education and a deep, lifelong passion for both children and music. With over 5 years of experience teaching at top international schools, she brings an inspiring and motivational teaching style that nurtures students’ creativity and confidence. Tam is dedicated to creating a vibrant, engaging learning environment where students can explore and develop their musical talents. Beyond the classroom, she actively participates in community and cultural initiatives, further enriching her teaching with real-world connections and a love for the arts.

Nguyen Thanh Tam is a Literature Teacher at Hanoi Toronto School with nearly a decade of teaching experience. Her name, meaning "heart," reflects her deeply caring approach to education. Tam is committed not only to teaching literary knowledge but also to nurturing students with compassion, warmth, and humanity. She believes that love and empathy are essential to a meaningful education and strives to create a classroom where students feel supported and inspired. Guided by the belief that education shapes character as much as intellect, Tam continues to grow alongside her students, contributing to a generation of thoughtful, kind, and capable young people.

Nguyen Thi Tam is a Literature Teacher at Hanoi Toronto School with over 7 years of experience in teaching Vietnamese language and literature. Passionate about continuous growth, she actively researches and experiments with diverse teaching methods to inspire a love of literature in her students. Tam believes that every child has a unique story, and by listening deeply, she is able to tailor her teaching to support each student’s personal and academic development. For her, teaching literature is not only about imparting knowledge—it’s a journey of self-discovery for both teacher and student.

Nguyen Phuong Thao is a VAL (Vietnamese as a Language) Teacher at Hanoi Toronto School, with over six years of experience teaching Vietnamese as a foreign language to both children and adults abroad. A graduate of the Department of Literature and currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Linguistics at Hanoi University of Education, she is passionate about language teaching and cultural exchange. Thao is committed to creating a warm, engaging classroom where students can develop their Vietnamese language skills while gaining a deep appreciation for the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Nguyen Thu Thuong is a History and Geography Teacher at Hanoi Toronto School, with 15 years of teaching experience in both public and private schools across Hanoi. A graduate of Hanoi University of Education, she is passionate about uncovering the stories of the past, from ancient civilizations to key historical events. Thu Thuong brings this enthusiasm into the classroom, aiming to spark curiosity and a love for history in her students. Outside of teaching, she enjoys reading historical literature and novels, as well as travelling to explore cultural and historical landmarks—experiences she often weaves into her lessons to make learning engaging and meaningful.

Mai Thi Thu Thuy is a Primary Teacher at Hanoi Toronto School, with a degree in Primary Education from Hanoi University of Education 1. She brings extensive experience from high-quality private schools in Hanoi, combined with a deep passion for teaching and care for her students. Thuy is dedicated to creating a positive, student-centred environment that nurtures creativity and encourages comprehensive development in both academics and life skills. Guided by the belief that every child has unique potential, she listens closely, supports each learner individually, and strives to help them grow in confidence and thrive in all aspects of life.

Vu Thi Thu Thuy is a Life Competency Teacher at Hanoi Toronto School with over 8 years of experience teaching in both international and Vietnamese high schools and colleges in Hanoi. She is known for her student-centred, active teaching methods, which support the development of essential life skills and competencies. Thuy designs experiential learning opportunities that help students navigate real-world challenges with confidence and resilience. With a nurturing yet professional approach, she is committed to shaping a generation of capable, compassionate, and well-rounded learners who are prepared to thrive in all aspects of life.

Pham Thu Trang is a VAL (Vietnamese as a Language) Teacher at Hanoi Toronto School, known for her warm, enthusiastic approach and deep commitment to nurturing a love for the Vietnamese language and culture. With extensive experience teaching students from diverse backgrounds, including overseas Vietnamese and adult learners, she supports learners in developing strong skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Her holistic teaching style integrates cultural immersion through hands-on activities and field trips. Outside the classroom, Trang enjoys reading and traveling—interests that further enrich her teaching and help students connect deeply with Vietnamese heritage.