Lower Elementary Lead Teacher mordosgoitia@vimsia.org

Mishelle Ordosgoitia was born in New York City and raised in Cartagena, Colombia. She attended an American bilingual school in Cartagena for 14 years, beginning at the age of 3 and continuing through high school. This immersive, dual-language education laid the foundation for her lifelong passion for language and cross-cultural understanding. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and a B.S. in International Studies from Old Dominion University in Virginia, an M.S. in Education with an emphasis on Second Language Acquisition from Nova Southeastern University in Florida, and a Master of Education with a focus on Montessori and Special Education from Loyola University Maryland. She is also a trained and credentialed AMI Elementary Guide.

During and after college, Mishelle was an Editorial Assistant, working alongside a former professor translating and editing Spanish-language courses and supporting United Nations Peacekeepers from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

With over 15 years of experience in Montessori education, Mishelle has successfully developed and led Spanish programs in three AMI Montessori schools—one in Illinois and two in California and also led lower and upper elementary classrooms. Most recently, she led a Lower Elementary classroom in Austin, Texas, where her two sons, Lucca (9, 3rd grade) and Josh (5, Primary), are also  Montessori students. Mishelle is excited to discover the magic of St. Thomas and looks forward to welcoming her children for an incredible summer of exploration.

Lower Elementary Lead Teacher
cmarsham@vimsia.org

Crystal Marsham is excited to be serving as a Lead Teacher. She is completing her AMI Elementary Diploma program through the Montessori Institute of North Texas and is working alongside a trained AMI Consultant and Mentor.

Prior to starting with VIMSIA, Crystal was teaching in Korea which gave her valuable experience working with children in diverse learning environments. Crystal graduated from Monroe University in NY a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health and an Associate degree in Medical Administration. She is a passionate educator that enjoys creating a positive and welcoming classroom for every child.

Crystal is thrilled to be contributing to her community as a St. Thomian herself. She looks forward to working together with families to make this a wonderful school year.

Lower Elementary Teacher’s Assistant
jashly@vimsia.org

Ms. J’nique has worked at VIMSIA for the past several years in various capacities and is much loved on our campus. She has served as a permanent substitute for the Toddler and Elementary classrooms, assistant in the naproom and as our Toddler after-care point person. Ms. J’nique is a St. Thomian who came to us after having worked at Newton Kids Academy and Creative Learning Center here on St. Thomas. She is also a trained nail esthetician. Ms. J’nique is thrilled to work with many age groups!

AMI Montessori Mentor and Consultant
sclark@vimsia.org

Susan Clark is an AMI-trained Elementary guide with 30 years of classroom experience, whose interest in Montessori was ignited by her early experience as a primary student at Sea Pines Montessori on Hilton Head Island SC.  At VIMSIA, she works alongside Lead Teacher Crystal Marsham as an AMI mentor and consultant.

Susan taught at Near North Montessori School in Chicago, and Seven Acres Montessori School in Wilton, CT before finishing her teaching career at Elm City Montessori School in New Haven.

Susan has also worked as a consultant at several area Montessori schools and as Course Assistant for the Montessori Training Center Northeast. Susan served on the Elm City Montessori board for 9 years.  She holds a Masters of Education with a Montessori Concentration from  the University of Hartford.

When she is not immersed in all things Montessori, Susan enjoys quilting, knitting, swimming in the ocean, reading, spending time with family, and playing pickleball.