A Regis faculty member since 2021, Ms. Gina Nguyen serves as a Kindergarten lead teacher in Lower School. She holds a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and is ESL certified. Prior to joining the faculty at Regis, she taught at The Kipling School in Houston. She has held positions as a team lead, academic dean, and curriculum writer. Ms. Nguyen focuses on creating a nurturing classroom that is guided by kindness, joy, curiosity and consistent effort so her students can grow as independent thinkers.

In Ms. Nguyen’s free time, she loves trying new restaurants and spending quality time with her family, including her husband, Vu, their daughter, Adalinh, and their son, a Regis Kindergartner, Maddox.

Q: What is special about working at an all-boys school?

A: The boys have the freedom to just be themselves. They get so many opportunities to explore and play. 

Q: Which of the five Sacred Heart Goals inspires you the most?

A: Goal I – a personal and active faith in God. When I started working here, I was also looking for different ways to deepen my faith on a daily basis, and Regis provided that opportunity for me. I enjoy that we start our day here at Regis as a community and with prayer during morning assembly. It sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.

And while the boys enjoy the religion lessons with Ms. Kaitlin Holy or Mr. Rex Malixi, I learn things about Catholicism and even other faiths I didn’t know before. At Regis, I feel that everyone gets time during the day to connect with God.

Q: What is your favorite place on campus?

A: I would have to say the playground! Not only is it the prime spot for recess and play, but it’s also a great place to extend your classroom lesson and eat lunch while enjoying the outdoors.

Q: What is your favorite Regis school event or tradition? 

A: Congé definitely is my favorite! It’s more than just the fun aspect. While it is fun, I think it’s the best community-building event. You get to see the Eighth Grade boys playing with the boys in Pre-K, and the faculty get to mix and mingle with those they don’t always get the chance to connect with, especially from different divisions. We’re truly mixed all together and socializing with everybody on that day.

Q: What is your favorite class project?

A: So I’m artsy and love opportunities where I can incorporate art into the classroom. One of my favorite projects happens during the time of the Houston Rodeo. I get to align our lesson with math, especially with patterns and shapes, by having the boys design a longhorn using the pieces, and later, they get to paint their creations. The things they make are so impressive and unique. 

Q: How do you think students will remember you and your class?

A: I want them to remember and know that they’re always loved.

Q: What would students be surprised to find out about you? 

A: I actually grew up right down the street from Regis. It’s kind of always been a neighborhood presence in my life. Who knew that one day I would end up working here?!

Q: So, if you were not a teacher, what would you be?

A: So, I originally went to school for nursing. I’d probably be a nurse. However, I do like art and design. I always loved those classes throughout my schooling, so if not a nurse, maybe an artist.  

Q: What is your favorite Houston restaurant?

A: I love breakfast food. If there’s one type of food I would have to pick for the rest of my life, it would be anything and everything related to breakfast. And my favorite breakfast go-to is, hands down, The Breakfast Club downtown. It’s worth the wait and the line!