Maddy Wilson ~ Elementary Lead Guide
Ms. Maddy is thrilled to be expanding her teaching journey here at St. Croix Montessori. After graduating in 2018 with a degree in Secondary Education and French from Saint Louis University, Maddy traveled around the world for two years. Whether it was managing a hostel in Morocco, helping to start an urban farm in France, teaching surf lessons in Sri Lanka, or herding cattle in Ireland, Maddy’s philosophy is that connections with people and the world around her is the best part of being human. She hopes to bring this sentiment into her classroom, along with the importance of kindness, grace, and curiosity.
Ms. Maddy can be found singing in her folk band, The Songbirds, at various spots around the island, acting in plays at Caribbean Community Theatre, or catching waves wherever she can find them. She is especially grateful for the team at St. Croix Montessori for making her transition here smooth and supported. “Within the child lies the fate of the future.” -Maria Montessori
Radiance Irwin ~ Elementary Assistant
Ms. Radiance (aka “Ms. Rae”) is a native born Crucian and has been with our St. Croix Montessori community since 2013. Her gentle and consistently positive manner pervades the classroom and invites children to participate thoughtfully.
Ms. Rae came highly recommended to St. Croix Montessori and is well loved by all who know her. She has over 42 years of experience working with children, including our community’s children most at risk: she has for many years worked directly with troubled children and adolescents for Virgin Islands Behavioral Services, where she would often manage the overnight shift at the residential treatment center in Anna’s Hope.
Ms. Rae is excited to continue learning about Montessori and work in our Elementary environment.
Ana Asad ~ Primary Assistant
Ms. Ana was born in the small town of Sasaima outside Bogota, Colombia. She left school at an early age first to work on her family’s farm, and then as a nanny in Bogota, where she was determined to continue her education. In 1969 she met her husband, who was from Jordan. After having her first child, the young family moved to St. Croix, where she followed through on her promise to herself to continue her education. She earned her GED in 1984.
Ms. Ana began working in Montessori education as a assistant in 1988 at the Manor School. She has participated in seminars on topics as far ranging as Bilingual Education and Early Brain Development Research. In 2010 she enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program at the University of the Virgin Islands, receiving her Child Development Associate Credential in 2016. Congratulations, Ms. Ana!
Ms. Ana worked at Manor School for twenty years, and in the Head Start program before joining the St. Croix Montessori School in 2006. After a brief retirement from 2018 to 2020, she was convinced to return to the classroom, and we are so pleased that she agreed to do so! She is much loved by her students for her gentle kindness and attention to their learning.