The Board of Trustees of the Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy provides strategic leadership, fiduciary oversight, and governance to ensure the long-term success of our school. Trustees are dedicated volunteers who bring professional expertise, community connections, and a passion for education.

  • Board Service at a Glance

    • 100% Volunteer

    • Board Dues: $300/year

    • Time Commitment:

      • Executive Officers: 10–20 hours/month

      • Trustees: 5–10 hours/month

    • Meetings: Third Tuesday of every month

    Each month, trustees review reports from school leadership and committees, including: Head of School, Montessori, PGIA, Admissions & College Counseling, and Finance. The board also addresses special matters such as campus rebuild, health and safety, policy, and other key issues.

    Committees

    The work of the board is organized into standing committees:

    • Academic – Supports curriculum oversight and student learning initiatives

    • Development – Supports fundraising and community engagement

    • Finance – Oversees budgeting, audits, and financial sustainability

    • Facilities – Guides maintenance, capital improvements, and campus rebuild

    • Endowment – Oversees investment management and stewardship

    • Executive – Provides leadership between full board meetings

    • Master Planning – Focuses on long-term strategic facilities planning

    • Governance – Ensures compliance with bylaws, policies, and best practices in nonprofit governance. Oversees board effectiveness, accountability, and long-term leadership development.

    • Trustees – Leads the recruitment, nomination, and orientation of new trustees. Supports ongoing board education and succession planning.

    Executive Board

    Steve Tulk, President
    B.S. Technology, University of Phoenix
    Business Owner, TULK llc (technology & consulting).
    Interests: Sailing, travel, culinary arts, technology.
    Parent of Max and Lily, both VIMSIA students.

    Darian Torrice-Hairston, Vice President
    M.S.W., University of South Carolina; B.A. Psychology, Coastal Carolina University
    Director, Nana Baby Children’s Home; Mental Health Therapist.
    Interests: Family, yoga, reading, community events, beach days, spicy food.

    Erik Heikkila, Secretary
    M.S. Athletic Administration, Michigan State, BS Sports Science, University of Iowa, HS Antilles, St. Thomas Montessori Alumni
    Academic Supervisor and Professor, School of Education at the University of the Virgin Islands.
    Interests: Sailing, wing boarding and board foiling.  Father of two VIMSIA children.

    Brandon Moreno, Treasurer
    B.S. Economics, University of Utah; J.D. Stanford Law School
    President, Connor Group.
    Interests: Family, outdoors, woodworking, reading. Two children attending VIMSIA.

    Trustees

    Thomas Brunt IV
    B.A. Design of the Environment, University of Pennsylvania; V.I. Montessori School alumnus
    Business Owner, MSI Building Supplies.
    Interests: Skiing, traveling, cooking, reading, technology.
    Parent of AnaPia, Thomas, Santiago, and Mariana, all VIMSIA students.

    RoseAnne Farrington
    B.A. Psychology; M.A. Education – Counseling
    Deputy Commissioner, USVI Department of Tourism.
    Interests: Adventure (hiking, zip lining, fishing, sailing, cultural travel), yoga, meditation. Proud mom to Tristan and Aidan.

    Jonathan Gula, CFA, Chairman, VIMSIA Endowment Board of Directors
    B.S Finance, University of Florida 
    Owner of Caribbean Properties VI
    Interests:  Family, traveling, new experiences, snowboarding, scuba diving, mountain biking. Married to Ashley Obbink with three children attending VIMSIA. 

    Michael Holt
    B.S. Marine Biology, University of the Virgin Islands
    Office Manager at 183 Media; Health Coach; Owner of A.M. Legacy Wellness.
    Interests: Family (parent of a VIMSIA student), healthy living, community, environment, travel, volleyball, dancing.

    Tai Hunte-Ceasar
    B.S. Biology & M.D., Howard University; M.S. Public Health Epidemiology, University of Miami
    Infectious Disease Physician; VI Dept. of Health Chief Medical Officer; Founding Dean, UVI School of Medicine.
    Interests: Public health, health equity, swimming, snorkeling, Legos.

    Dr. Brad Kappel
    Valley City State University; Northwestern Health Sciences University
    Doctor of Chiropractic; Owner, Caribbean Chiropractic Center, LLC. Board Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician.
    Interests: Outdoor recreation, running (Race Director, M2M Road Race), coaching cross country & track and field at VIMSIA.
    Parent of Teagan ’21 and Sofie ’25.

    Kevin Likens
    B.A. Political Science & World History, University of Florida
    Insurance Broker, Baker Magras & Associates.
    Interests: Traveling, family, volunteer work, cooking, animals.

    Jeff Pickett
    B.S. Accounting, Brigham Young University
    CEO & Founder, Connor Group.
    Interests: Skiing, kite boarding, family, community support.

    Enrique Rodriguez
    B.S. International Finance, Georgetown University
    Business Manager, Rodriguez Auto Parts.
    Interests: Family, history, traveling, skiing. Twins Aurora & Pedro attended VIMSIA.

    Anna Scott
    B.A., St. Olaf College; J.D., The John Marshall School of Law
    Air Force JAG Officer; Assistant Attorney General, Virgin Islands Dept. of Justice.
    Interests: Soccer, traveling, reading.
    Married to Sean Scott with two children, Eleanor and Claire, attending VIMSIA.

    Chelsea Wheatley, PTA Liaison
    B.A. Communication, College of Charleston (minor in Jewish Studies)
    Marketing Assistant; Landscaping; Bridal Makeup Artist, Sugar & Spice.
    Interests: Family, beach days, cooking, fitness, reading, gardening.
    Parent of Lincoln and Camille, both in Primary.

    Ex-Officio

    Gloria Arpasi, Head of School
    Gloria Arpasi considers it her good fortune to be the Head of School at VI Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy. Originally from Colorado and Montana, Mrs. Gloria Arpasi has made her home in St. Thomas for over 30 years, working in environmental studies and independent school education. Gloria holds a Bachelors of Science in Marine Biology and holds her Masters of Education in Advanced Teaching and Educational Leadership. She is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of the Virgin Islands in the Creative Leadership for Innovative Change program, having spent the last 21 years helping VIMSIA champion change-making education for our children. 

    Prior to working in PK-12 education, she worked as a field researcher for the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI Class of 1998). Gloria joined the team at Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) in 2005, and played an integral role in building their middle and high school from its infancy to its current level of excellence and success. She was also instrumental in attaining VIMSIA’s IB MYP and DP authorizations, helping to create a world class independent school built on inclusion and international-mindedness. 

    Gloria has two Montessori and IB educated children, Diego and Bella, who are proud VIMSIA graduates, having moved through Montessori and IB at VIMSIA. She considers this school to be a part of her DNA, having become integral to her family and her life’s work.

    Victor Ferro, Board Fellow
    (Bio pending)