 We are fortunate to have a dedicated and excellently trained group of educators and support staff at Virgin Islands Montessori School and International Academy. All of our teachers from the Casa dei Bambini Toddler Program through Upper Elementary have Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) teaching diplomas. All of our highly qualified and dedicated Academy teachers have received additional training in the International Baccalaureate curriculum.
HEAD OF SCHOOL Michael Bornn Mr. Bornn is a native Virgin Islander with over 25 years in operational leadership, financial management and construction oversight. He attended All Saints Cathedral School and is a graduate of Culver Military Academy; Georgetown University, BA Econ; and Chase Manhattan's prestigious Credit and Financial Program. He served 5 years as President of VIMSIA's Board of Trustees and has been instrumental in the significant growth and success of the school over the past 5 years. As Head of School, Mr. Bornn is charged with oversight of the school's $7 million campus expansion, which will provide new classrooms for the International Academy, a 100KW solar array, a new school library, new administrative and multipurpose facilities, new sports facilities and replace and expand several existing buildings for the Montessori Program. His development efforts over the years have made this expansion a reality and we all look forward to continued success with Mr. Bornn at the helm. SPANISH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION FOR LOWER & UPPER ELEMENTARY  Coach Junior Jaquez - BEC Spanish Infusion Assistant, Volleyball Coach, PE CASA DEI BAMBINI - Toddler Program Linda Caiger - Director of Casa dei Bambini
Diana Woods - Toddler Directress Ms. Woods holds an AMI Primary Teaching Diploma, and a BS in Geography and Anthropology. Ms. Woods recently received her credentials for AMI's Infancy through Toddler program as well. Ms. Woods has worked at VIMSIA since 1996. She has recently received her BA in Inclusive Early Childhood Education at the University of the Virgin Islands. She was born in India and raised in Hong Kong, Kenya and England. Shirlin Browne - Toddler Directress
Born on the Island of Trinidad and relocated to St. Thomas, Shirlin holds a Montessori Primary Diploma and an A. A. degree in Early Childhood Education. She started working with the Virgin Islands Montessori School’s Parkside Center in 1994 and has been with us ever since. Now a toddler teacher with Casa, Ms. Browne plans to continue towards a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. She is also certified in ORFF Music which she contributes wonderfully to our toddler program.
Rosa Cavaganaro - Casa Spanish Infusion Assistant Melina Diaz - Casa Spanish Infusion Assistant L'yesha Cantois - Casa Assistant PRIMARY 3 to 5 year olds
 Ms. Boyle has both AMI Primary and Elementary Teaching Diplomas. Ms. Boyle has been a Primary Directress with us since 1993. She was born in Dublin, Ireland. After taking both trainings in Ireland, Ms. Boyle moved to St. Thomas and has made it her home.
 Ms. Ferracho is a native Virgin Islander has been a part of VIMSIA's family for over 35 years! All four of her children attended VIMSIA. Ms. Ferracho has a dedication and love for all of her VIMSIA children, and is typically a "first stop" for alumni returning to pay the school a visit.
   Norma Bolinger– Primary Directress
Ms.Bolinger, (formally Ms.Hale), has her AMI Primary Directress Certification from Vancouver, Canada, three years of undergraduate study in Community Recreation from Quebec, Canada, an AA in Early Childhood Education from Ohio, and Staff Credential and Director Credentials from the state of Florida. She first taught in Vancouver and then joined us in 1988 as a Primary Directress. Seven years later she relocated to St. Maarten and was a Primary Directress, and curriculum consultant for the St. Maarten Montessori School, travelled to Australia, and rejoined us as a Toddler Directress, Primary Directress, and the Director of Casa in 1998. She relocated to Ohio and worked in a special needs collaborative class with Head Start and Marion City, Ohio Schools. Following that, she worked in the Bahamas and Florida as a Primary Directress, and School Director. She is delighted to return to St. Thomas and VIMSIA.  I was born in Puerto Rico and have been a resident of St. Thomas for 18 years. Being fully bilingual, I have had the opportunity to teach English in Puerto Rico and for the past 12 years teach Spanish and Art in St. Thomas. I'm a mother of two VIMSIA students, one is in lower elementary and the other is in the IB MYP for 10th grade. I'm delighted to be here at VIMSIA where I not only assist Ms. Bolinger's 3-5 Primay Class but I am also able to offer a Spanish immersion program for the Primary Level.
LOWER ELEMENTARY 6 to 9 yr. olds or 1st-3rd grade
 Ms. Johnson, who grew up in Jamaica, is currently living in Harfford, CT. She is very excited about returning to her Caribbean roots and joining our VIMSIA team. This will be Ms. Johnson's second year as Head AMI teacher in an Elementary classroom, she was an Assistant Teacher in both AMI Primary and AMI Elementary classrooms over the past several years. Ms. Johnson did her student teaching in AMI Elementary and Special Education at Annie Fisher Montessori School.  Ms. Fary hales from Silver Springs, MD. She has recently received her AMI Elementary Teaching Certificate from Loyola University and is currently completing her Masters in Education. Ms. Fary joined VIMSIA in 2010 and this will be her second year as Head AMI teacher in an Elementary classroom.
  Ms. Ottley is a long time resident of St. Thomas and has over 20 years experience teaching elementary school in a traditional setting. The Ottley family returns to our school after an absence of a few years while they resided in Washington, D.C. Ms. Ottley is bilingual and has experience teaching Spanish and ESOL, in addition to her elementary background. Her husband, Basil, is an alumnus of VIMSIA.
 Ms. Leader joined our Elementary staff in January 2010. She was born in St. Thomas and attended High School at CAHS. She is currently pursuing her B.A. in Early Childhood Education at Kaplan University and at UVI. UPPER ELEMENTARY 9 to 12 yr. olds or 4th-6th grade
   Kelly Butler holds a BS in Special Education from Eastern Illinois University and a MA in Special Education from the University of California- Dominquez Hills. She is credentialed to work with students with mild to moderate disabilities aged 3-22. She is originally from Chicago, Illinois where she taught 7th-10th grade for 3 years. In 2004, she moved to Los Angeles, California where she taught students grades K-5 for Torrance Unified School District. In 2010, she moved to St. Thomas and substitute taught at Wesleyan Academy, Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School and Julius E. Sprauve School on St. John. She is extremely excited to be at VIMSIA this school year and eager to learn about the Montessori method while assisting Mrs. Rajaratnam and Ms. Murphy in the Upper Elementary classroom. INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY - IB MYP 7th-10th Grades and IB DP 11th and 12th Grades
 Camille McKayle-Co-Director of International AcademyCamille McKayle has served in this role before, as VIMSIA began the journey toward both MYP and DP authorization by the International Baccalaureate Organization. She was instrumental in researching the IB program and, along with the full board, determining that this was the direction in which to take the school as we further expanded into the upper grades. She liaised with the IB Organization during parts of the application process, and designed the curriculum for the VIMSIA IB Mathematics HL and SL. As co-Director, she will work closely with David Jenkins and Gloria Zakers to chart the overall direction of the IA program. Camille’s main role will be overall coordination of the IA programs, while serving as a bridge with the Board of Trustees, and to the Montessori Program. She continues as Dean for the College of Science and Mathematics at the University of the Virgin Islands, and is currently the longest serving member on the VIMSIA Board of Trustees.
 Gloria Zakers, currently DP coordinator, has worked in the creation of the IA curriculum over the years, including what preceded the IB program at VIMSIA. In addition to teaching science & mathematics at VIMSIA for 4 years, Gloria has served in many administrative roles, including DP Coordinator, High School Coordinator, Dean of Students and Middle States Accreditation Supervisor. Prior to joining the team at VIMSIA, Gloria worked as a marine biologist and education specialist at Coral World Marine Park, as well as a coral reef researcher and science educator for the University of the Virgin Islands. She has participated in IB training for DP coordinators and the DP course Environmental Systems & Societies, as well as MYP Science and MYP Technology. Gloria has played a large role working to create a unique identity for VIMSIA as a ecologically responsible and globally focused educational institution. Gloria was an integral part of both teams that helped VIMSIA to gain both IB MYP and DP authorizations, in addition to coordinating the team that secured our Middle States Accreditation as a K-12 school. She was involved with the Montessori Model United Nations, and has created a course on endangered species which took students to Mexico & Costa Rica to study endangered whales and leatherback turtles. As co-Director, Gloria’s first priority will be the coordination of the Diploma Program (grades 11-12), in addition to helping with all other administrative and curriculum aspects of the high school. Originally from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Ms. Zakers followed her love for the ocean and moved to the Virgin Islands in 1994. In St. Thomas, she attended the University of the Virgin Islands and graduated with a B.S. in Marine Biology in 1997. Ms. Zakers has two beautiful children, Diego & Bella, who also attend VIMSIA. She has been a resident of St. Thomas for over 15 years. She loves being a part of the VIMSIA community and is excited and enthusiastic to be the new IB Diploma Coordinator.
 David Jenkins - Co-Director of International Academy and IB Middle Years Program Coordinator/History/Humanities
David Jenkins, currently MYP coordinator, comes to the IA with a wealth of administrative experience. David served as MYP, DP coordinator and Head of Secondary, overseeing the implementation of both programmes within three years (Westlake Academy is one of only five schools in the US to be authorized for all three IB programmes). David joined VIMSIA after serving as High School Principal at the American School of Bilbao. As co-director, his first priority will be the coordination of the MYP program (grades 7-10), among other administrative duties. After spending his childhood in Denmark, Iran and Portugal, David relocated to the UK, where he finished a degree in History and Politics. From there he went to Denmark to work at an international school in Copenhagen teaching History and English, and coordinated the IB Middle Years Programme for three years. In 1996 David served as MYP coordinator at Horsholm International School Copenhagen, Denmark. After teaching IB and AP European & World History at the American School of Bilbao, Spain, David worked in London with the British educational system. In 2000 David moved to the American School of Bilbao, Spain, teaching English, History and coordinated the Model United Nations programme. After three years he returned to the UK to finish his Masters in Education. From there he was appointed MYP Coordinator at Westlake Academy, Texas. After four years he was the wearer of multiple hats including the MYP and DP coordinator, Head of Secondary, and had classes in History. In those four years the school was authorized for the PYP, MYP and DP, making it one of only five schools in the US to offer all three IB programmes. More importantly, it was also where he met his beautiful wife, who is teaching Science and Math at the school. Two years ago they had a baby boy. In 2008 they relocated to Spain, and his former school, where he was the Upper School Principal and taught classes in Psychology and History. In his spare time, David likes to relax, spend time with his family, and play football, although his pace has slowed somewhat! This will be his second year at the VIMSA, and he is thoroughly looking forward to it!
 Courtney Jenkins is a native Texan, but came to us from Vizcaya, Spain. She is married to David Jenkins who will also be teaching at VIMSIA. They have a two-year old son, Pace Owen Jenkins who attends VIMSIA in the Primary level. Before entering the teaching field, Courtney was an Aquatic Therapist and leader of Aquatic Arthritis Foundation classes. After attaining her teaching credentials, she spent four years at The Winston School in Dallas, Texas before taking a position with Westlake Academy in Westlake, Texas for four more years. During this eight-year period Courtney has worked as a science teacher and a PE teacher. She also assisted in implementing the MYP and DP programmes at Westlake Academy. Courtney has spent time developing and implementing the Jane Goodall Roots and Shoots Community Service program at The Winston School and was the Creativity, Action, and Service/CAS Coordinator at Westlake Academy. Ms. Jenkins is also a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Courtney enjoys cycling, camping, hiking, diving, and exploring the world (travels include Peru, Ecuador, Cook Islands, New Zealand, Thailand, Denmark, Hawaii, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Dubai, Spain, Egypt and most recently Guatemala) with her favorite traveling companions, David and Pace!
 Elizabeth Steveson- Humanities and English-MYP Elizabeth Stevenson is happy to join VIMSIA as the 7th & 8th grade Humanities and English teacher. She earned her BA in History from Carleton College, Northfield, MN, in 2002, and an MA from the University of Maine, Orono in 2006. Although originally from Minnesota, she is coming to St. Thomas after 5 years teaching at an American curriculum & IBO school in Manama, Bahrain. While in Bahrain, she taught a variety of subjects, including Geography, US History, and English. In addition to teaching in Bahrain, Elizabeth also worked in high schools in Minnesota and Maine. From 1999-2004 she taught German during the summer at Concordia Language Villages, Bemidji, MN. Her interests include German, travel, writing, reading, swimming, and spending time with her husband, Steve, and 2-year-old son, Nicholas.
Steven Stevenson- MYP and DP English, TOK and Academic
Steven Stevenson holds a BA in English from Colorado College. He is originally from Conroe, Texas but moved to Manama, Bahrain in 2003. There he taught 9th & 10th grade English, DP English (A1, A2, & B) and TOK at
Modern Knowledge Schools. In 2006 he moved to Bangor, Maine after getting married to Elizabeth. They returned to Bahrain in 2007, where their son Nicholas was born. After another 3 years teaching A1, A2, and
TOKSteven is now eagerly anticipating teaching 9th-12th English at VIMSIA. He plans to continue reading, writing, puzzling, and enjoying life while in St. Thomas.
  An IB graduate trained as a musical theater actor in nationally-acclaimed high school performances and a world-ranked competitive Irish Step dancer, Diandra pursued her love for the dance at age eighteen with Trinity Irish Dance Company of Chicago and toured North America and Europe for five years, appearing on Broadway and in Hollywood film. She received her B.A. in English Education and her M.A. in Interdisciplinary Arts, performed her own interdisciplinary performance work at premier arts festivals throughout Chicago, including Around the Coyote and Stockyard, and worked with Chicago's finest performing and visual artists. In 2003, she founded the first Dance program at the Bill and Melinda Gates school, Chicago International Charter School, where she taught Dance, Physical Education, Drama, and English for five years. As a teacher of Irish and Percussive Dance at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, Diandra trained for seven years with other folk/ethnic dance legends from around the world, honing her skills as a connoisseur of world dance and culture. Most recently, Diandra joins us from Ghana, West Africa where she taught Dance and Physical Education at the IB American International School, performed and taught HIV/AIDS awareness with Sankofa Center for African Dance and Culture, and launched an arts-exchange, peace-building program as West African director for the non-profit Children's Empowerment Network organization The Giving Planet. Diandra is also an experienced Yoga instructor, trained and registered under the international professional organization Yoga Alliance.
   Hi, my name is Chaka Edwards and I am one of the Mathematics instructors at VIMSIA in the International Academy. My specialty is Higher Level Math in the Diploma Program. After graduating from high school in Hampton, VA I returned home to St. Thomas and attended UVI where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Mathematics in 1997. From there I went on to successfully complete a Master's of Science program in Mathematics at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2000. From 2001 I worked in education at the collegiate level as an adjunct professor teaching in various locations. I taught in Japan, Guam, Hawaii, Washington, Virginia, and San Diego for Central Texas College and Vincenness University. After my travels I settled in San Diego where I taught (still do, online classes) for the San Diego Unified Community College District. I am a native of St. Thomas and I am very fortunate to return home and be a part of the VIMSIA team!!
  Education: Masters in Education 2008, Bachelors in Education 1999, Associates in Arts 1995 My name is Yenidil Toribio. I have been teaching for eleven years. I’ve taught in the United States, Japan, and China. Teaching has been a rewarding experience through the years. I am a dedicated and resourceful teaching professional who is genuinely interested in the development of students’ cognitive and social growth. I believe that all students can learn and excel at their own time and pace. Therefore, my philosophy is to create independent learners who will be challenged to reach their fullest potential in order to increase their career opportunities and prospects for future personal success. I am positive that at VIMSIA I will continue to develop as a professional while embracing the family like atmosphere, which I’ve encountered here.
LIBRARY CENTER AND INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY LIBRARY
 Ms. Schlesinger (a.k.a. Alison and Axel's mom) will be joining our staff as librarian. Ms. Schlesinger has been a part of our community for many years and has been a manager at Dockside Bookstore since the 1980's. She is very excited to begin her librarian career at VIMSIA. She has a wealth of experience in the literary world and has been an active member of our library committee sinces its inception. AFTER SCHOOL BOUGAINVILLEA ENRICHMENT CENTER
  Ms. Lewis is originally from Dominica and has lived in St. Thomas for 10 years. Ms. Lewis joined our staff in September of 2002 as an assistant in our Toddler program. For this 2010-11 school year Ms. Lewis is transferring to our Bougainvillea Enrichment program where she will work with our 3 to 12 year olds.
Coach Junior Jaquez - BEC Spanish Infusion Assistant, Volleyball Coach, PE
ADMINISTRATION
  Katherine Huttel - Office Manager Prior to joining our staff in January 1997, Ms. Huttel was a very active PTA member and served on its Board for a number of years. Her two daughters, Margo and Lauren graduated from VIMS Upper Elementary. She is originally from Texas, and moved to St. Thomas in 1979.
  Ms. de Luna started with VIMSIA in 2008, and hails from Chicago, The Windy City. Ms. de Luna holds a B.A. in Public Policy Environmental Science and is Certified in Geographic Information Systems from DePaul University, Chicago, IL. She has also completed two years of her Masters Program in Sociology with an emphasis on Visual and Urban studies and hopes to one day to finally complete her thesis. Ms. de Luna has 10 years previous experience in statistical and qualitative research on student retention at the University and College level as well as worked as a research liaison for several Boards of Trustees. Her greatest accomplishment was implementing a retention program known as the Student Success Institute. Her methods are still being used today in tracking first year college Freshmens and providing them support to ensure their successes during their academic career. Her program also focused on increasing the number of minorities graduating in the Science, Math and Computer Technology fields. Although she had experienced much success in her career in higher level education, she did leave it for while to pursue her passion for marketing and graphic design. She had the privilege of working under the wings of some of the best creative minds in marketing from Atlanta to Chicago and New York. She has brought much of that experience to bear here at VI Montessori and International Academy and has also brought our graphics and Public Relations materials to great new heights and we so appreciate her dedication. This will be Ms. de Luna 4th year with VIMSIA and she is looking forward to enrolling more students.   Shane DeGannes, RN-School Nurse and Athletic Director
Mr. DeGannes was born in St. Thomas and was raised in New Jersey. Mr. DeGannes holds a B.S. in Biology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a R.N. diploma from the Helene Fuld School of Nursing. During his career as a registered nurse, Shane worked as a medical-surgical in a hospital in Camden, NJ and received various awards for clinical excellence and compassion. “Coach Nurse” (his VIMSIA nickname) is also an accomplished runner. While in high school, as an AAU runner, he placed 3rd in the country in the 1500 meters and was a 4:14 miler. In college, he ran 1:48 indoor 800 meters and was a NCAA qualifier. He continues to run for exercise and participates in various road races. He ran his first marathon in 2009 and finished in 3:24. Every summer (for the past 20 years), he serves as the camp nurse and coach for Cross Country Camp in upstate New York. He is married and has a four-year old daughter, Devin, who attends VIMSIA Mr. Jaquez comes to St. Thomas from several years in Japan, where he was a substitute teacher and coached basketball, volleyball and baseball. He is also a certified EMT and Firefighter. We are so pleased that he will be joining us for our Fall 2011 Volleyball season.
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