Meet Our Team
The Positive Youth Development V.I. organization and team are governed by the Unique Xpression Ministries Inc. Board, it’s parent company.
Pastor Sharon Amey
Executive Director
Pastor Sharon Amey, MA, C.F.E., C.P.M., is a native U.S. Virgin Islander born on the beautiful island of St. Thomas. She is an ordained five-fold minister, Senior Pastor, and President of Unique Xpression Ministries, Inc., and Author of her first book, Pretty Girl. Pastor Sharon knows that God has called her to be a “bridge-builder.” Her mandate is to purposely reach beyond the church walls to share the love of Jesus Christ with those who are broken in spirit, hopeless, and feel defeated by the struggles of life, encouraging them to look beyond their circumstances and live a life of hope and joy.
Pastor Amey has her Bachelor of Science Degree in Office Administration from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, a Masters in Biblical Studies from Christian International Ministry School of Theology, a Certified Fraud Examiner from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and a Certified Public Manager. She is also a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors, the National Association of Realtors®, and the Virgin Islands Territorial Association of Realtors.
Pastor Sharon is excited to serve as the Program Director of Positive Youth Development VI. The program caters to the positive development of the youths in the local community. As a former youth pastor, she hosted the P.E.A.R. Conference annually for young adolescent girls and boys, empowering them to be positive, exceptional, amazing, and resilient.
Merida Gumbs
Summer Program Manager
Ms. Merida Gumbs is a born and raised Virgin Islands leader, Senior Educator and Teacher at the Bertha C. Boshulte Middle School on St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. She earned her Master of Education from Grand Canyon University in2010.. She has held several leadership positions in the Virgin Islands School District such as Spelling Bee Coordinator, Senior AFT Building Representative, AVID Team Leader, FCCLA Advisor, and English Department Chairperson.
Her professional expertise is in personalized learning, iReady, technology integration, and computer skills.
“Teamwork alongside infinite imaginable possibilities creates clear success, an enriching culture, and purposeful realities.”
— Positive Youth Development V.I.
Additional Team Members
Grant Writer
Dr. Gritell Berkeley Martinez
Dr. Gritell C.B. Berkeley Martinez, PhD (she/her/hers) serves as the Grant Writer and Consultant of Positive Youth Development V.I. She currently operates GBM International Consulting Services (GBMICS), LLC, which is retained as the Evaluator for Unique Xpression Ministries – Positive Youth Development V.I. Programs. She has 30 years grant management, program management, and program evaluation experience.
Additional Team Members
Chief Financial Officer
Zahra Baptiste
Zahra Baptiste is a business thought leader and coach who specializes in harmonizing, people, processes, and learning. She has 10+ years of career which extends across organizational development, efficient operation, learning strategies, and corporate sustainability and finance. Also, she focuses on establishing business transformation through strategic engagement.
Mrs. Baptiste has completed her Bachelor Degree in Accounting, MSA- forensic accounting and is currently completing a doctoral degree in business administration with a concentration in advance accounting. She uses her skill and talent to empower and transform all businesses- government, profit and nonprofit organization. Zahra is the Financial Controller for Unique Xpression Ministries 21st Century Afterschool Program.