USVISCA Executive Board

Tiana E. Wilson

Rashida Lester

President

Rashida K. Lester, a proud native of St. Croix, is the daughter of two educators - the late Bobby G. Lester (Brother Amin), a Caribbean Olympic Basketball player, and former Miss CVI Winona Seales Lester. At just 17 years old, she enrolled at Virginia State University, a prestigious Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Petersburg, Virginia, where she earned her undergraduate degree in English/Mass Communications.

After completing her studies, Ms. Lester returned home to St. Croix to teach Language Arts and Journalism at St. Croix Central High School. It was during this time that she was mentored by school counselors who recognized her potential and encouraged her to further her education in school counseling. Taking their advice to heart, she pursued and obtained a Master of Arts degree in Education and School Counseling from the only HBCU in the Caribbean and her parents’ alma mater, the University of the Virgin Islands. After graduating, Mrs. Lester spent 24 years as a school counselor on St. Croix, working with children in K-12th settings, touching the lives of countless students. In 2023, after dedicating 30 years to the Virgin Islands Department of Education, she retired from her role as a school counselor.

Beyond her work in education, Ms. Lester is a certified life, substance abuse, and career coach. She is the CEO of Soul Purpose 340 Life and Career Coaching Services and the founder of the youth and community organization My SISTAHS Keeper, Inc. Additionally, she is a Florida Supreme Court-certified family and county mediator, as well as a Virgin Islands Superior Court-certified mediator. She is also a devoted mother of 3.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing grants, and traveling to destinations in Africa, the Caribbean, and Central America. Her lifelong commitment to education, advocacy, and community empowerment continues to inspire those around her, making her a true pillar of the Virgin Islands community.

Contact Rashida at rlester@usvischoolcounselor.org

Jessamyn Souders

Co-Vice President

Dr. Tiana E. Wilson was born on the island of St. Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands and was raised in Yonkers, New York.

Tiana is a school counselor in St. Thomas.

Tiana possesses extensive experience in working with at-risk youth and underserved families. Her expertise encompasses crisis intervention, behavioral management, Alzheimer’s care, grief counseling, and trauma support. Additionally, she is knowledgeable in areas related to career and college readiness, child abuse and neglect, bullying, conflict resolution, and issues surrounding social media.

Tiana is also a member of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), the National Organization for Human Services (NOHS), and the National Art Education Association (NAEA).

Her methodology integrates Solution-Focused Therapy, Reality Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). She is also trained in both Art Therapy and Play Therapy.

Contact Tiana at twilson@usvischoolcounselor.org

Co-Vice President

Jessamyn Souders has worked in the field of education and counseling since 2017. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Towson University in Maryland, she spent time working seasonal jobs before coming to the realization that she was happiest professionally when working with children. As a lifelong advocate for mental health awareness, a Master’s degree in Education with a focus in counseling seemed natural. After completing her graduate studies at the University of the Virgin Islands on St. Thomas, Jessamyn began her career in school counseling in the immediate aftermath of category 5 hurricanes Irma and Maria. She has worked at independent schools on both St. John and St. Thomas. Most recently, she completed an online post-master’s graduate certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lamar University.

In addition to her work in school counseling, Jessamyn is the founder and operator of Coconut Counselor, a Social Emotional Learning and Character Education curriculum and resource business. Coconut Counselor provides educators and school counselors with lesson plans, session activities, parent education resources, classroom games, and more covering a wide range of topics such as identifying emotions, conflict resolution, growth mindset, antiracism, and more.

Jessamyn calls the beautiful island of St. Thomas home. In her spare time she enjoys reading, sewing, spending time outdoors, traveling, and beekeeping.

Contact Jessamyn at jsouders@usvischoolcounselor.org

Jahlilah Prentice

Secretary

Jahlilah Prentice is a 28-year-old graduate student at Walden University in the dual degree program Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling with a specialization in Crisis and Trauma. She was born and raised on the beautiful island of St.Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands, where she returned immediately after graduating with an undergraduate degree from Virginia State University in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Minor in Community Based Education. Upon her return back to her island home of St.Croix in 2017, she was met with two category 5 hurricanes that ravished the entire island along with the other sister islands of the Virgin Islands. In an attempt to be a part of the recovery and rebuilding of her island home and community, but most significantly being a part of ensuring the mental health needs of my community as survivors are met, she became a part of the territory’s first Crisis Counselors, attaining over 15 pieces of training and certification in crisis and trauma. From the year 2017 to the presently she has gained specific expertise and a fervent passion for emergency management, crisis and trauma, and disaster recovery.

Contact Jahlilah at jprentice@usvischoolcounselor.org

Jina Mamtani-Mahbubani

Treasurer

Jina Mamtani-Mahbubani has worked in the field of education and counseling for over 15 years. After earning a Bachelor's degree in computer science from Trent University in Canada, she spent time as a high school computer teacher. In this position, Jina found herself mentoring a vulnerable student and noticing several other students struggling to learn due to adverse life circumstances. Jina’s empathy for her students led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Education with a focus in Guidance and Counseling from St. Maarten online with the University of the Virgin Islands so she could follow her passion of making students feel heard and understood. Years later, the same student who inspired her to pursue a career in school counseling keeps in touch, affectionately referring to her as “mom.”

In addition to her work in school counseling, Jina is also a member of the Rotarian club of St.Martin Sunrise (Youth Chair Director & Wellness Chair Director), the owner of Scentsational Candles (scentsationalcandlessxm) candle maker, a Compassion Inquiry Practitioner and Intern, and an Imago Therapist & Art Counselor. She holds private sessions online in the evenings from home.

Jina calls the beautiful island of St. Maarten home. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, swimming, singing, painting, traveling and hosting events and decorating.

Contact Jina at jmahbubani@usvischoolcounselor.org

Arlene JnBaptiste

Board Member

Arlene JnBaptiste is a dedicated and accomplished professional currently pursuing a Master's degree in School Counseling at the University of the Virgin Islands. Alongside her graduate studies, she serves as a substitute teacher at Brighten Academy, where she contributes to the education and development of students from kindergarten through 8th grade.

Arlene graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in December 2023, demonstrating her commitment to understanding and supporting the mental health and well-being of individuals, particularly in educational settings. Her academic background provides a solid foundation for her current and future roles in school counseling.

Prior to her current endeavors, Arlene amassed a wealth of experience in the education sector. She dedicated ten years as an Attendance Counselor for the Department of Education in St. Croix, where she played a critical role in monitoring and improving student attendance. This role honed her skills in communication, student engagement, and problem-solving.

In addition to her experience in education, Arlene also served as a 911 Dispatch Operator for two years. This position required her to handle confidential high-pressure situations with composure and efficiency, further enhancing her ability to remain calm and effective in critical circumstances.

Arlene's diverse experiences and unwavering dedication to her professional and academic pursuits make her a valuable asset to any educational environment. Her background in psychology and her practical experience in both education and emergency response uniquely position her to support and advocate for students' needs comprehensively.

Contact Arlene at ajnbaptiste@usvischoolcounselor.org