Primary Lead Teacher
mburkett@vimsia.org

Maria Burkett was born in Argentina and raised on St. John. She has been part of the VI Montessori School community for over eight years, beginning as an assistant and now leading her own Primary classroom. She earned her AMI diploma from the Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies in Arizona in 2022. Maria has extensive experience with children both in and out of the classroom and runs a local summer camp during school breaks. Passionate about early childhood development, travel, and global cultures, she brings these experiences into her curriculum and loves sharing them with the children. She is committed to nurturing independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Primary Lead Teacher
mboyle@vimsia.org

Ms. Boyle has been an island girl since birth, born and raised in Ireland. Mandy did her AMI training (Primary and Elementary) in Dublin, Ireland. She worked there and in Massachusetts before making her journey to the Virgin Islands. When she first arrived at the Virgin Islands Montessori School she worked under the guidance of Ms. Shournagh McWeeney, who coincidentally attended the same high school as Mandy in Ireland! Mandy has over 25 years of Montessori experience. Through her years at our school she has seen it expand in students, staff, land, buildings and name! Her favorite part of our school campus is the dome at the top of the hill; it was her first classroom here! The culture, weather, diversity and close-knit community are why Mandy continues to choose St. Thomas as her home.

Primary Lead Teacher
ssummer@vimsia.org

Simone was born and raised in St Thomas. As a child, she attended VIMSIA and was a student of Ms. Keating, who is now retired.  Simone has been teaching Montessori for approximately 20 years: in the US here at VIMSIA, between 2001-2011, then for 5 years in New Zealand and then back to VIMSIA.  Her love of travel and learning about different cultures has grown from her upbringing in our largely diverse and multicultural island. Although Simone will continue to enjoy her adventures to foreign lands, her heart and home will always be here, surrounded by the crystal blue sea and love for diverse island life.

Primary Teacher's Assistant
ndonastorg@vimsia.org

Ms. Donastorg enjoys witnessing students’ growth and learning firsthand in the classroom.

She joined the VIMSIA team in 2012. Since 2021, she has also served as an After-School Cooking Class Instructor, combining her love of cooking with hands-on learning experiences for students. In 2026, she proudly led the VIMSIA Summer Adventures Program, creating engaging and memorable experiences for campers throughout the summer.

Ms. Donastorg is also a proud VIMSIA parent. Her two children attended VIMSIA and went on to attend universities in Florida; one has since graduated from university.

Primary Teacher’s Assistant
kleon@vimsia.org

Ms. Leon was born in New Jersey but raised in St. Thomas. She graduated from Ivanna Eudora Kean High School in 2017. After working as a VIMSIA Substitute teacher, she is excited to assist in Ms. Burkett’s classroom for the past few years.

Primary Teacher’s Assistant
ahope@vimsia.org

Photo and bio coming soon.