Our Team

After graduating from HEC (Hautes Etudes Commerciales) in 2002, I started my career in Paris as a financial auditor at Ernst & Young, before holding various positions in several large international groups (Louis Dreyfus, Société Générale, Standard Chartered Bank) in Paris, then in Singapore since 2006.

In 2012, I left the wonderful world of large groups with no regrets and embarked on an entrepreneurial project with La Petite Ecole, alongside my wife Viviane Salin.

What was initially a family project (a bilingual school for our two children, now aged 12 and 10) has turned into an entrepreneurial adventure. We have grown and learnt to surround ourselves with experts to carry out our projects.

After three years of success, we opened La Petite Crèche in order to offer a more comprehensive service to families in Singapore. Two years later, we took up the double challenge of launching La Petite Ecole in Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City concurrently.

Since 2019, I have assumed the management of the group La Petite Ecole, in close collaboration with our School Principals, and more particularly with Maria Lamrani Alaoui, Pedagogical Director of the group.

“We stare at the sea for so long that one day we end up sailing it.'' A proverb from Brittany

I chose to explore the world, San Francisco, Shanghai, Toulouse, and now Ho Chi Minh City. I live a multicultural and multilingual life, together with my wife and our two children (4 and 6 years old), as we evolve in a Chinese-French environment.

It all started in 2007, when I left France as a young Professeur des Ecoles (school teacher), to go and teach in the Lycée Français of San Francisco. I had the opportunity to work with American teachers, who taught me how to use positive communication to help boost children’s confidence. I became aware of the necessity of adapting my pedagogy by adopting selected educational methods and tools from each culture in order to give my pupils the best education possible.

In 2010, my adventures lead me to China, to the Lycée Français of Shanghai, where I adapted the French curriculum to English bilingual classes and international Chinese classes, together with native teachers. Thanks to my extensive knowledge of the digital world, I was granted the role of new technologies coordinator, as well as coordinator of preschool classes; this allowed me to develop the use of digital tools for both the teachers and their pupils.

Back in France, I spent two years as a school principal in Claude Nougaro preschool in Toulouse, where I established a strong bond between the school and families of different social and cultural backgrounds. Together we organised cultural and school events.

I have been teaching and management coordinator for 6 years now and I do my best implementing team work (teachers and families), being open to new proposals and innovative ideas for the well-being and of children's learning.

In 3 years, La Petite Ecole has become big with more than 110 students. You can count on my commitment to putting all my personal and professional experiences at the service of students, teachers and families to continue to develop the benevolent, innovative and bilingual project of La Petite Ecole of Ho Chi Minh City.

I was born in France in 1980 from Vietnamese parents, so I grew up with both cultures and languages. My origins naturally attracted me to Vietnam and in 2006 my husband (a teacher) and I decided to pack our suitcases and embark on a new experience.

What was supposed to be a short experienced turned into over a decade of expatriation in the country of my origins, and it is here that my children were born, and that I settled in both my professional and private life.

I studied to be a specialised educator and I worked in a number of establishments in France (inc. places for children in difficulty, or coming from socially-challenged backgrounds). In my first job in Ho Chi Minh Ville, I was responsible for a group of children at Bambou-Bulles nursery.

I later had the opportunity to become the director of the nursery, and after its fusion with Antonia, I took the role of general administration director part-time, on top of my role as a teacher in nursery.

Having followed the evolution of Antonia over the years, I was delighted to embark on this new chapter with La Petite Ecole, in September 2017. This year again, I will be heading the nursery while continuing to take care of the 2-3 years-old and manage the school’s administration team.

I wish to preserve the drive that has guided me throughout my career: to listen to parents’ needs and opinions, and advise them to the best of my abilities. My role is first and foremost human-centred; hence the necessity of putting empathy, warmth and benevolence at the heart of our relationship to family and children.

CONSTANCE ROGER

French-speaking Teacher (PS)

I spent my childhood in Martinique, and later lived in Brittany for a few years. Having always traveled with my family, I wanted to experience the world for myself before passing the school teacher examination. I left for a year and went to the United States, India, Thailand and Vietnam. It was during this trip that I realized that I wanted to teach abroad. I taught for three years in several schools in France and in classes from Petite Section to CM2. Working with different teams has been very enriching, and my travels have been the thread of my teaching. I have also always wanted to give children the desire to learn with smiles, kindness, and gentleness. Having a taste for cultural and professional exchanges, and having fallen under the spell of Vietnam, I was delighted to join the team of La Petite Ecole in Ho Chi Minh.

CYRIL GAUTHIER

French-speaking Teacher (MS/GS)

After spending fifteen years studying and protecting nature, I changed my career path to an area that was appealing to me for a long time: education. I blossom fully in this profession which constantly helps me to share, to challenge myself, to improve my practice, to measure my progress while realizing that we could do even better. It’s the same philosophy as karate that I’ve been practicing for over 30 years. Aware of the importance of language proficiency and teamwork, I am glad to have joined La Petite École, which is fully committed to this goal. My experience as director of a small rural school always pushes me to have frank and pleasant relations with the parents whom I like to associate with the school projects.

ANNE-LAURE LETELLIER

French-speaking Teacher (CP)

I graduated in 2015 and taught in Normandy for 3 years. For several years, my personal trips have arisen the desire to discover new countries and new cultures, which led me to come and settle in Vietnam 2 years ago, to teach in a French school. Throughout my career, I have met children, families and teachers who have made me grow both personally and professionally. My goal is to give children the desire to discover, share and cultivate their open-mindedness, while accompanying them in a dynamic and caring environment. I am delighted to join the team of La Petite Ecole to continue to learn and share through bilingual education.

CORALIE GAUTHIER

French-speaking Teacher (CE1/CE2)

ALEXANDRE LE LAMER

French-speaking Teacher (CM1) & FLE Teacher

With a master’s degree in Labour Law, I started my career in Human Resources. A few years later, I found out that Education was my true calling. My career path took a new turn as I became a school teacher in France. For two years, I worked in different schools. Every day was full of discoveries about Education : to guide and encourage children, to share information with parents, to test different educational methods. I soon discovered I loved this job. Vietnam was another passion since childhood. Being able to conciliate my two passions by joining La Petite Ecole in Ho Chi Minh City was a stroke of luck. Seeing children grow up in a beautiful bilingual environment is an invaluable opportunity, and I am glad to be part of this project. This year I will be teaching one class of CM1 as well as French as a Second Language.

CLIO MERLIN

French-speaking Nursery Teacher and School Nurse (1-2 yrs group)

Moved by a familial passion for travels and Asian culture, my husband and I decided to come to Saigon with our 3 daughters 2 years ago. The whole family is happy here and we are planning to stay long term. As a nursery teacher, I will make sure kids can develop their social skills among the group with benevolent tutoring through a supportive and carrying environment. For more than 10 years, I have been taking care of kids and elderly which I enjoyed for the very special relationship I created with them. I am delighted to be part of La Petite Ecole team to bring my experience as a nurse to ensure the wellbeing of children. I am also planning to organize workshop about health and wellbeing for the whole community.

CAM DANG

French-speaking Nursery Teacher (1.5-2.5 yrs group)

Born in Vietnam in 1984, I spent my childhood in a small village before leaving for France at the age of 21 where I worked in an associative nursery (Emerainville, 93) and obtained my auxiliary childcare diploma. Once I graduated, I worked in Paris for 6 years before returning to Vietnam to do this job that fascinates me. My first position was at Bambou Bulles nursery, which has become La Petite Ecole. After having stopped working for two years to raise my son, I am happy to go back to class with the children of La Petite Ecole again.

NOELIE DEROUET

French-speaking Nursery Teacher & Coordinator (2-3 yrs group)

I graduated as a nurse in 2012, and after working in France for 3 years, I decided to fly away to Asia in 2015. I have always been passionate about other cultures, and this passion drives my attraction to elsewhere. After an enriching entrepreneurial experience in Cambodia, I needed to refocus on what really mattered to me in the first place, professionally: children development and the support I could bring parents in that area. As I already had 2.5 years of experience in nursery in Paris, France, it felt natural to apply at La Petite Ecole. My major goal is to create a strong connection between home and our nursery, in order to build the trusting environment such as the one found at home. I am delighted to coordinate the pedagogical projects for the youngest ones as Nursery Manager.

NEERU ACHALL

English-speaking Teacher (PS)

I’m from Edinburgh, Scotland, where I started my career in a preschool. Thereafter to build my skills I graduated in Childcare and Early Education and decided to move abroad to learn new skills. I have now been in Vietnam for four years teaching in an international, public and bilingual preschool as well as Montessori schools to improve my teaching methods and to grow as both a teacher and person. The joy of seeing children develop and build their confidence through school is what drives me in this career path. To teach and have children enjoy education is my goal! I look forward to working with a great pedagogical team and continuing to let children learn at their own pace at La Petite Ecole.

JEBREEN AHMED

English-speaking Teacher (MS/GS)

Originally from Wales, UK, I have taught at several international schools since moving to Vietnam in 2009. Graduated of an international teaching master’s degree with the University of Nottigham, I joined La Petite Ecole team in 2018. My pedagogy is based on building students’ confidence which facilitates learning through their involvement and motivation.

TIA MAE REDELINGHUYS

English-speaking Teacher (CP)

I’m from a small town called Paarl in South Africa. Having completed my undergraduate degree majoring is Psychology and Sociology at University of Cape Town, I realised my passion was always to work in the education field. Since then, I have completed my International TEFL as well US Teacher Certification. I have now been teaching in Ho Chi Minh City for three years and have fallen inlove with the city, the people and the country. My approach to teaching involves advocating for the growth mindset and developing a classroom environment that allows for learner-centered classes that are interactive and collaborative.

ANGELA SCHULZ

English-speaking Teacher (CE1/CE2)

I grew up in a small town in Canada. I have always been curious about the world, people and culture, and this has inspired me to travel and live overseas. I went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural studies, as well as a Masters of Arts in Intercultural and International Communication. This has equipped me to work and teach in multicultural and multilingual environments. I have worked in education for over 5 years, including 2 years teaching in Vietnamese public schools. I am passionate about education and encouraging students to become global citizens through their studies. I look forward to joining the team at La Petite Ecole, and making learning inspiring and enriching.

ANNABEL LALONDE

English-speaking Teacher (CM1) & ESL Teacher

I am originally from New York City where I worked in theatre, and have a degree in Drama and Dramatic Literature. In 2012 I moved to Granada, Spain, where I received my TEFL certificate and began my English teaching career. Since then, I have taught ESL to learners of all ages! I’ve been living in Ho Chi Minh City for the past four years, where I taught kindergarten and ESL at Poly Language Center, and have most recently completed the last couple of years at ISHCMC Secondary School, where I worked closely with students in Learning Support, as well as a substitute teacher. This coming school year, I am hoping to complete my postgraduate certification in Education. As someone that has gone through an international schooling background myself, I am so excited to join La Petite Ecole family!

VERA HUE

Vietnamese Language Teacher

I was born and I grew up in a small village, in northern Vietnam. As a teenager, I started helping children from the countryside, who did not have access to the school system. This sparked my pleasure and passion for teaching. In 2005, I came to Ho Chi Minh to study business, administration and accountancy. For 5 years, I gave private tuitions in English, mathematics and Vietnamese. I later worked in a school in the Philippines, a rich social and educational experience. When I studied social sciences in Europe, I opened to other cultures and discovered other ways to think and teach. I am happy to be a member of La Petite Ecole team, where I first worked as a teaching assistant in MS/GS before teaching Vietnamese language.

Thuy TRAN (Kimmy)

Music Teacher

Music has always been an important part of my life. It has open me many doors and brought me a sense of joy and peace. I graduated from the Conservatory of Music in HCMC with a major in piano which I have learnt for 8 years. I am currently a saxophonist and piano teacher but I can also play guitar, ukulele, cajon and recorder. After 9 years teaching music, my greatest joy is to witness my students become musicians in their own way. Then they can experience the joy of music made by and for themselves.

DARETH

Assistant PS

My name is Dareth, I worked for the Antonia school for several years, before it became La Petite Ecole. My experience and my love for children allow me to appreciate my job every day. Each child brings happiness to my life, and it is with great passion that I carry out my work.

MI

Assistant in MS/GS

My name is Tieu Hai Mi Mi, I was born in 1995 in Ho Chi Minh City. At the age of 18, I left my family to settle down in Switzerland. In March 2014, I started 5 years learning French to obtain the diploma DEFL B2. Then, I enrolled in a school of health in Vevey, Switzerland, to be graduated as Assistant care and community health in April 2019. Meanwhile, I was doing babysitting and volunteers works such as teaching kids in maths or english in several countries in Europe. In May 2019, I returned to Vietnam and discover with great passion the teaching to small children in collaboration with La Petite Ecole.

THUY

Assistant in MS/GS

My name is Thuy, I was born in 1994 in Lam Dong, Vietnam. I studied French at the University of Pedagogy in Ho Chi Minh City for 4 years. After graduating from university, I worked at a French international school for 3 years (in the Grande Section class). In 2020, I have the chance to become an assistant at La Petite Ecole. I love children and am passionate about my work: I want to continuously improve my skills in order to contribute to the development of the school.

NGUYET

Assistant in Nursery (1-2 yrs group)

Since 2006, I have worked with children, especially at the Nursery Bambou Bulles. With the love I always had for children, I wanted to learn how to take care of them. I was trained as a Nursery and Kindergarten Assistant at the Hanoi Education and Training Department. Currently working at La Petite Ecole, I am very happy and I’m doing my best to do my job.

LILY

Assistant in Nursery (1.5-2.5 yrs group)

My name is Lily. I studied French to become a translator but while waiting for my diploma, I discovered my passion for childcare while working in a Vietnamese nursery, which made me decide to change course in order to pursue this great career but in a French environment. Since 2017, I have been fully happy in life because I found my passion in the French education system. This year, I have the chance to work at La Petite École in a very professional, friendly and warm atmosphere.

HUONG

Assistant in Nursery (2-3 yrs old)

I started working with children as a babysitter for a foreign family back in 1997. They had 3 children: one boy and two girls. During that time, I learnt a lot about taking care of children, in a background different from the one I come from. In 2005, I got the chance to become an assistant in Bambou nursery, where I gained more experience with kids. I love both children and my job very much. I always try to improve and be a good nursery assistant in La Petite Ecole.

THU

Administration

Graduated from a Master 2 Audit and Management Control in Paris in 2011, I am delighted to join the team of La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh. I work in a very pleasant French cultural environment. In addition to having a green work environment, I have the smiling faces of children every day and can see them grow and develop.

Stéphanie

Communication & Parents Relation Executive

For the first 15 years of my career I have been teaching History and Geography in France, then in Thailand since 2013. In 2017, I started to undergo vocational retraining in Marketing and Communication obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree. Settling in Vietnam, I discovered La Petite Ecole’s pedagogical approach and decided to enrol my son. Passionate about pedagogy, learning process and communication, I am delighted to connect these skills to ease the links between families, teachers and school.

Fanny

Communication, Marketing & Human Resources Manager

After working as a Personal Assistant in the Financial Sector in London, I decided that a creative career would be more fulfilling. I enjoy adding strings to my bow, and all the challenges that come with it! I studied Graphic Design in Prague, then worked as a freelance designer in Singapore, the perfect occasion to get some insight into the local culture. I joined La Petite Ecole’s team 3 years ago, at a very exciting time of expansion. La Petite Ecole offered me the opportunity to work in an ever-changing environment, and give meaningful purpose to my multiple experiences, as working in Education is highly rewarding. Having two wonderful children myself, I enjoy working in a benevolent and passionate team driven by the wellbeing of the children. Today, I am in charge of Communication and Marketing across SEA, as well as part of HR.

The Founder and Director

Vincent Rosa

Managing Team

Antoine Le Mercier

Tâm Nguyen Mary

French-speaking Teachers