Khadijah Ahmad - Toddler Directress (kahmad@vimsia.org)
Ms. Ahmad was born and raised in the culturally rich land of Palestine, where her deep appreciation for language and education began. With a degree in English Language and Literature and a minor in Education from the prestigious Birzeit University, she has cultivated a strong foundation in her academic and professional pursuits.

After graduating, Ms. Ahmad embarked on her teaching career, where she quickly demonstrated her passion for nurturing young minds. Her dedication and talent in the classroom soon led to an opportunity to expand her impact as a program advisor, a role she fulfilled at the University of the People (UoPeople) for three years. During this time, she was instrumental in shaping educational strategies, providing guidance, and supporting both teachers and students in a dynamic online learning environment. Currently, Ms. Ahmad is pursuing her AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) training at the Montessori Institute in Denver, Colorado.

Outside of her professional life, she is an avid artist, channeling her creativity into painting and sculpting clay. These artistic endeavors not only serve as a personal outlet but also influence her approach to education, where she believes in the power of creativity to inspire learning and personal growth.


Asli Ulusoy - Toddler Directress (aulusoy@vimsia.org)
Asli Ulusoy, fondly known as Ash, is a dedicated and compassionate educator with a deep-rooted passion for early childhood education and Montessori philosophy. With a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, an MA in Secondary Education, an MS in Rehabilitation Counseling, and Infant/Toddler Montessori training from the American Montessori Society, Ash has a rich and varied background in teaching and counseling, having worked with children ranging from infants to teenagers. Her journey into Montessori education began after she became a mother 11 years ago, where she discovered her love for guiding toddlers —often considered the most misunderstood age group— through their formative years.

Ash comes to VIMSIA from a Montessori school in Seattle, WA, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a genuine love for nurturing young minds. She is particularly excited to be part of the VIMSIA community, where her son will also be a student. Her husband is a professor at UVI.

Outside the classroom, Ash is a passionate advocate for sustainable living and creative expression. Her hobbies include plant-based cooking, recycling, epoxy-resin crafts, jewelry design and pottery making in her bucket list—interests that beautifully complement her Montessori teaching philosophy. Ash is eager to share her love for learning and creativity with the children at VIMSIA, fostering an environment where kindness, curiosity and growth flourish.

Kelsilene Lima - Spanish Speaking Teacher’s Assistant
Señora Lima is from São Tomé.   Her native language is Portuguese, and she speaks Spanish and English as well.   Señora Lima has been volunteering at the school since her arrival in St. Thomas in 2013.  She came on staff full time in 2015.   Her husband, Señor Araujo, has been teaching Spanish, soccer, and PE at VIMSIA for over 25 years. Their daughter, Anisley, is a student here at VIMSIA.


J’Nique Ashly - Teacher’s Assistant
Ms. J’nique has worked at VIMSIA for the past three 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. While Ms. J’nique has worked with many age groups, she loves our Toddlers and is thrilled to make a permanent home in the Toddler classroom this year with Ms. Ash!