Gifft Hill School has welcomed two additions to its Board of Trustees. Coreen Samuel and Melissa Mounce Mithal collectively bring experience in education and literacy, private equity, and board governance.
Samuel, an ancestral native of the Virgin Islands, retired on her home island of St. John in 2017 after a 30-year career in education in Houston. She re-entered the field from 2019-2023, when she worked at GHS as a second grade teacher. Samuel’s passion for literacy and conserving island culture led her to create VISCWP/Young Writers Camp in 2008. She also launched “The Mapping the Heart Writing Project” in 2018, which was conducted at local schools including Gifft Hill School.
“Joining the Gifft Hill School Board of Trustees represents a natural progression toward my desire to play a lasting role in our children’s educational future,” said Samuel. “In this capacity, I bring my many years of experience and passion, while providing an added perspective that informs the continued implementation of good practices at Gifft Hill School.”
Mounce Mithal brings a 35-year career spanning global corporations, private equity, and board leadership. Most recently, over the past 12 years, she served as a partner at a large private equity firm focused on operational excellence, human capital, and value creation across portfolio company investments. Her work has included a strong emphasis on board composition, governance, and leadership effectiveness. She also has a deep interest in education and is passionate about supporting students and families as they navigate the college admissions process. Mounce Mithal and her husband were married on St. John in 2009 and became homeowners on the island in 2017, returning as frequently as possible with their children and her parents for close to two decades.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been deeply focused on strong board governance and long-term organizational sustainability,” said Mounce Mithal. “Gifft Hill School plays a vital role in the St. John community, and I’m excited to support the long-term strength of the school so it can continue to thrive for generations of students. The board brings great energy, thoughtfulness, and commitment to this important work.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Melissa and Coreen to the Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Ruth Doan, president of the Gifft Hill School Board. “Each brings distinct strengths, perspectives, and lived experiences that reflect the diversity and talent of our broader community. Their combined expertise in global corporate strategy, education, literacy, and cultural preservation will enrich our work and strengthen our ability to serve the children and families of St. John.”
Gifft Hill School is a fully accredited independent school that offers an early childhood program serving children ages 2-5, a K-8 program rooted in experiential learning, and a college preparatory program for students in grades 9-12. GHS has served as St. John’s only high school since 2000. GHS provides high-quality educational programming to nearly 200 students — about 42% of the island’s school-aged children — 67% of whom are supported in their learning by scholarships, grants, and financial aid. The Board of Trustees is made up of business owners, parents, academics, and grandparents, all of whom actively support the island of St. John in many different ways. The time they volunteer and their personal generosity as donors are a testament to their commitment to GHS, to education on St. John, and their passion for this community. Please visit www.giffthillschool.org for more information.
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