New Faculty

Dr Elizabeth M. Gale - Head of School

Dr Gale brings a wealth of experience from her time at Taipei American School, coupled with a track record of exceptional leadership across several highly regarded international schools, including the Shanghai Community International School and the American International School of Guangzhou. Her impressive career is marked by her leadership in forward-thinking educational initiatives, fostering diversity and inclusion, and aligning school missions with strategic objectives. She has been instrumental in optimising resources and reinforcing a culture of sustainable innovation, collaboration, and cohesion.

Among her many accomplishments, Dr Gale has a passion for creating nurturing environments that prioritise intellectual curiosity and personal growth, aligning strongly with the values and mission of UNIS Hanoi. Her commitment to furthering the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering the United Nations (UN) values into the school’s curriculum further underscores her dedication to global citizenship and sustainable education.

Margot Girerd-Barclay - Lower Elementary Teacher (Kindergarten)

Margot Girerd-Zimmer is an experienced and passionate international educator with a Master’s in Elementary Education from The College of New Jersey and dual bachelor’s degrees in Theatre and Communication Studies (with a focus on Speech Education) from Colorado State University. Her connection to Hanoi began over 20 years ago when she attended UNIS while her father taught in the Elementary School. She has since taught in Lesotho, China, and Uganda, with experience ranging from Grade 2 to Middle School English and Social Studies, as well as leading Drama programs. Most recently, Margot provided Maternity Cover in Grade 1 at UNIS Hanoi. She is excited to return to the school in a full-time role and contribute to its dynamic learning environment.

Katherine (Katie) Sonnefeld - Lower Elementary Homeroom Teacher

Katie has been a dedicated early childhood teacher for the past 21 years and is coming from Hong Kong International School, where she was a Reception 2 (Kindergarten) teacher for eight years. She has a BA in Corporate Communications with a Business Minor and an M.A.T. in Early Childhood Education. Katie has previously taught at the Anglo-American School of Sofia, Bulgaria, and in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A., where she is from

Mitch Prentice - Upper Elementary Homeroom Teacher

Mitch Prentice has been a dedicated and passionate Elementary School Educator for 7 years. Born in Australia to two New Zealand parents, Mitch is a dual citizen and considers both countries home. Since graduating from James Cook University with a BA in Primary Education, Mitch taught at Canberra Grammar School in Australia, where he was also a Head of Student House, co-leading the Social Emotional Learning and Pastoral Care program. Mitch joins UNIS Hanoi from Berlin Brandenburg International School in Germany, where he has been teaching Grade 2 for the past two years.

Yang Ch’ng - MSHS Individuals & Societies Teacher

Yang is an IB alumnus and lifelong learner. Malaysian by birth, Chinese by ethnicity, and Australian by nationality, he embraces diversity as a strength. Yang holds a BA in Economics and Psychology, an MTeach in Secondary Education and TESOL, and is completing his Master in International Development. Yang has taught at Haileybury (Australia) and Newton College (Peru). Outside teaching, he enjoys hiking, photography, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. He also meditates and frequently takes sunset walks.

Celine Hong - MYP/DP Music and Orchestra Teacher

Dr. Celine Hong is a dedicated music educator and accomplished violinist with a Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) from the University of North Texas. A Juilliard graduate with a B.A. and M.A., she has performed globally as a concertmaster and soloist and served as a faculty member at leading institutions in Korea. Dr. Hong was the Orchestra Director at Asia Pacific

International School Seoul and currently the Middle School Music Director at St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju, inspiring young musicians worldwide.

Miguel Hernandez - 50% Learning Support & 50% MYP/DP Teacher

Miguel has been dedicated to supporting diverse learners for several years. Initially inspired to work in special education, he holds a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Virginia. Currently, he serves as a High School Learning Support Teacher at the International School of Panama (ISP). Previously, he worked as a special education and gifted coordinator in Morocco and taught K-4 special education in Virginia. He can't wait to be a part of the UNIS-Hanoi community!

Ashley Abrahams - Middle School Mathematics Teacher

Ashley is an American educator with 11 years of experience teaching Middle School Mathematics. She currently teaches at Modern English School Cairo and has previously worked at Presidio Middle School (San Francisco, USA) and Delta Global School (Hanoi, Vietnam). Ashley holds a BA in Liberal Studies with a focus on middle school math education. She is passionate about sports, outdoor activities, and enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.