Faculty & Staff Directory

Meet Sam Alloy!

Sam is the 3rd Grade General Studies Teacher at JCDSRI. He holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Bridgewater State University, along with licensure to teach grades 1–6 and SEI endorsement. He earned his undergraduate degree in English Literature from Wheaton College. Sam is excited to be part of a school that values the voices and personhood of its students and looks forward to exploring curiosity-driven learning and deep-diving into inquiry together as a class.

Outside of school, Sam is an avid reader who can finish a novel in a single day when the story is compelling enough. He also enjoys experimenting with new recipes and going for nature walks — always stopping to point out every snail and interesting leaf.

Meet Donna Baer!

Donna is the Administrative Assistant at JCDSRI. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Data Processing from Johnson & Wales University and is certified in First Aid and CPR. Her background includes administrative and teaching assistant roles in Montessori schools, fourteen years as Director of Outdoor Education at The Wheeler School, and co-owning a canoe and kayak business with her husband. She began her career as a Computer Programmer/Analyst.

Donna looks forward to getting to know — and love — each and every child at JCDSRI. In her spare time, she is an avid kayaker, hiker, and outdoor enthusiast who loves animals, plants, and children.

Meet Rosemary Boucher!

Rosemary is a Teaching Assistant and After School Care Provider at JCDSRI. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Film/Media with a minor in English. Her professional experience includes work in the food service industry, at the West Warwick Public Library, and with Snapology — a LEGO-based engineering program for children ages 5–13, where she continues to work during summers. Rosemary values the welcoming environment at JCDSRI and enjoys collaborating with students and teachers.

Outside of school, Rosemary enjoys video editing and building intricate models.

Meet Kareesh Bour!

Kareesh is the 1st Grade Teacher at JCDSRI. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from Rhode Island College and has taught in Lincoln Public Schools, the Learning Community Charter School, and Blackstone Valley Prep. Kareesh loves sparking a passion for learning in her students, whether it’s helping beginning readers find the perfect book or guiding them through hands-on science experiments.

Outside of school, Kareesh enjoys gardening, visiting the beach, and going on bike rides with her children.

Meet Anthony Bucci!

Anthony is the Director of Security and Facilities at JCDSRI. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he previously served as a Police Sergeant and member of the SWAT team. Anthony is dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment for the entire JCDSRI community while enjoying the opportunity to watch students learn and grow.

Outside of school, Anthony coaches youth boxing and serves as a football coach for the Edgewood Eagles youth football organization. His favorite pastime is spending time with his family.

Meet Johanna Bunse!

Johanna is the Ilanot General StudiesTeacher at JCDSRI. She holds a Master’s degree in Elementary School Education from the University of Leipzig, Germany, and studied German Literature for a year at the University of Cambridge, UK, through the Erasmus program. After returning to Germany, she completed a 1.5-year teacher training program to become a state-approved teacher and taught at a German elementary school in Hamburg. Johanna looks forward to inspiring her students, helping them grow and learn, and engaging them in nature-based activities, gardening, and baking projects.

Outside of school, Johanna enjoys practicing yoga, walking by the beach, playing the guitar, singing, and baking — especially cinnamon buns!

Meet Camila Guillama Capella!

Camila is the Executive Assistant to the Head of School at JCDSRI. She holds a B.A. in Comparative Literature from Brown University and previously served as Academic Coordinator in the Teaching + Learning in Art + Design Department at the Rhode Island School of Design. Camila looks forward to seeing JCDSRI from a new perspective and developing systems that help the school operate smoothly and serve its students to the fullest.

Outside of school, Camila enjoys cycling, doll collecting, crocheting, and printmaking.

Meet Heather Cline!

Heather is the Early Childhood Physical Education Teacher (Nitzanim-1st Grade) and our Art Teacher for Grades 1-5. She also serves as the school photographer. She holds a B.S. in Communications with a minor in Recreation from Ithaca College. Before joining JCDSRI, Heather focused on caring for her family and children and worked as a real estate agent. She loves being part of the JCDSRI community and takes joy in watching students experience the excitement of learning, the pride of accomplishment, and the kindness they show to one another.

Outside of school, Heather enjoys volunteering with the American Liver Foundation, where she has been active for 20 years. She also runs her own photography business and loves being outdoors — skiing, playing pickleball, tennis, golf, cycling, and going on adventures. Spending quality time with her son, daughter, and extended family brings her the greatest happiness.

Meet Jill Davis!

Jill is the Principal at JCDSRI and has held many important roles within the school community, including mentoring new teachers for over 15 years. She holds degrees in Psychology, Philosophy, and Social Work, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching and Education with a focus on Special Education. Jill also studied Educational Psychology at the University of Westminster in London. Before joining JCDSRI, she worked as a counselor for Newport Mental Health, Adeline Laplante Center, and Child and Family Services, and as a therapist for children with Autism and their families. Jill is passionate about inspiring teachers, fostering strong connections with students and families, developing progressive and integrated curriculum, and creating learning spaces where children can thrive.

Outside of school, Jill enjoys traveling with her husband and their five children — including two sets of twins — hiking, trail running, and coaching her kids in basketball. She also looks forward to the upcoming publication of her children’s book.

Meet Shayna Fel!

Shayna is the Director of Admissions and Community Engagement at JCDSRI and a proud graduate of the school, formerly known as the Alperin Schechter Day School. She holds a B.A. in Elementary and Special Education from Boston University and an M.S.W. from Hunter College, and is an independently licensed clinical social worker. Before joining JCDSRI, Shayna spent 15 years working with children, teens, and young adults with diverse learning needs in schools, camps, and community organizations, and most recently served on the admissions team at Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston. She loves welcoming new students and families into the JCDSRI community and watching them make the school their home for learning, exploration, and joy.

Outside of school, Shayna enjoys reading a great novel, going to the beach, and having dance parties in the rain with her children.

Meet Meredith Friedman!

Meet Tal Ginzburg!

Morah Tal teaches 1st Grade Yahadut (Jewish Studies) and Ivrit (Hebrew), as well as Ivrit to 3rd through 5th graders. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and a teaching certificate in Special Education from Beit Berl College in Israel. During her internship in Israel, she taught children with ADHD and learning disabilities before serving as a lead teacher for 2nd and 3rd grades. After moving to the U.S., Morah Tal worked as a lead teacher at the Early Childhood Center at the JCC, working with children from infancy to age three. She is excited to guide her students as they grow, develop, and master new skills and concepts.

Outside of school, Morah Tal enjoys baking and designing cakes.

Meet Hillary Guttin!

Hillary teaches 3rd Grade Jewish Studies at JCDSRI and also serves as the T’fillah (prayer) & Kinnusim (all-school assemblies) co-coordinator and music teacher. She holds a B.A. in Linguistics from Brandeis University and has taught at camps and Hebrew schools. Before joining JCDSRI, Hillary worked as a development associate at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. She enjoys guiding her students’ growth throughout the year and values the lessons she learns from each of them.

Outside of school, Hillary is a musician and skilled beatboxer — a talent she honed while participating in collegiate a cappella.

Meet Rina Holtzman!

Rina teaches Hebrew at JCDSRI and has been a part of the broader school community for many years. She holds a B.A. in Hebrew and Judaica from Bar-Ilan University and Hebrew University in Israel. Before joining JCDSRI, Rina taught Hebrew, Bible studies, Siddur (prayer skills), and weekly Torah stories at Providence Hebrew Day School, Striar Academy, and Temple Emanu-El in Providence. She enjoys getting to know her students, engaging in conversational Hebrew, and connecting with the neshama (soul) of each child.

Outside of school, Rina enjoys baking, singing t’filot (prayers) and Israeli songs, and doing needlepoint.

Meet Ruth Horton!

Ruth is the Director of Early Childhood & Special Education at JCDSRI. She works supporting teachers in developing their authentic teaching styles. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education, as well as a Graduate Degree in Early Childhood Special Education, and is certified in Basic Sign Language. Before joining JCDSRI, Ruth served as an Early Childhood Educator in the Smithfield, RI school district and as a Special Education Educator with the Northern RI Collaborative.

Outside of school, Ruth is passionate about being a student of the natural world.

Meet Andrea Katzman!

Andrea is the Head of School at JCDSRI. She earned both her B.A. and M.A. from the University of Kansas, and after graduate school spent a year in Jerusalem coordinating a Jewish feminist project and directing an English language program for Ethiopian immigrants. Since moving to Providence in 1999, Andrea has taught Pre-K at JCDSRI, worked as a private educational consultant, and taught in the Education Department at Rhode Island College and at the Shoolman Graduate School of Jewish Education at Hebrew College. She is also the co-author of Purple Leaves, Red Cherries: Short Stories on Motherhood, written during a year living in Rishon LeZion, Israel.

Andrea is grateful to lead the JCDSRI community, working with students and colleagues to practice kavod (respect), hesed (kindness), and shalom (peace). She enjoys collecting snow globes, engaging in “guerilla gardening,” and spending time with her husband, Steve Jacobson, and their two daughters — both proud JCDSRI graduates.

Meet Harshita Lakhiani!

Harshita is the Chief Financial Officer at JCDSRI. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Accounting from H.R. College of Commerce in India and began her career working with a stockbroker in India. Harshita values the opportunity to watch students grow and develop during their years at JCDSRI, culminating in their fifth-grade graduation.

Outside of school, Harshita enjoys gardening and cooking.

Meet Heidi Mace!

Heidi is the Nitzanim (3-year-old) teacher at JCDSRI. She holds a degree in Travel and Tourism Management from Johnson & Wales University and is a Certified Preschool Teacher, with CPR and First Aid certification. Before finding her passion in early childhood education over a decade ago, Heidi worked as a travel agent, corporate travel consultant, payroll account manager, and sales and design associate at The Container Store. She loves being part of JCDSRI’s positive and loving environment and enjoys welcoming new families into the community.

Outside of school, Heidi has a passion for travel and enjoys drawing and creative projects — a gift passed down from her grandmother. Most importantly, she cherishes spending time with her husband and four children.

Meet Rhonda Mills!

Rhonda is the 2nd Grade Yahadut (Jewish Studies)Teacher and Director of  Yahadut at JCDSRI. She holds a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education from Boston University and has completed the Tal Am training program. Before joining JCDSRI, Rhonda taught at the Solomon Schechter Day School in Worcester, MA. She enjoys getting to know her students and planning engaging lessons based on their interests, as well as collaborating with colleagues to create an enriching and exciting learning experience.

Outside of school, Rhonda enjoys reading and participating in book group discussions, swimming, taking long walks, and gardening.

Meet Laurie Noorparvar!

Laurie is the Lower School Ivrit (Hebrew) & Yahadut (Jewish Studies) Support Teacher at JCDSRI. She holds a B.S. in Zoology from the University of Rhode Island. She has been teaching since 1989 in a variety of school settings. Laurie especially looks forward to the first day of school each year, eager to welcome her students and watch them explore and grow in their classroom environment.

Outside of school, Laurie enjoys discovering new topics to share with her Ilanot students, reading, taking walks, cooking and baking, finding craft projects and recipes on Pinterest, and admiring her neighborhood’s landscaping.

Meet Amy Norton!

Amy is the Early Childhood Yahadut (Jewish Studies) Teacher at JCDSRI. She holds a B.S. in Child and Family Studies from Southeast Missouri State University and previously taught preschool at the Linda Rotskoff Early Childhood Center at B’nai Amoona Synagogue. Amy is passionate about impacting young lives in the Jewish community and loves watching children grow and thrive. She is excited to be part of the JCDSRI family.

Outside of school, Amy enjoys cooking, baking, and going for long walks. Since moving to Rhode Island, she especially loves visiting the beach with her family.

Meet Erika Rusley!

Erika is the 5th Grade General Studies Teacher and Tzedek Coordinator at JCDSRI. She holds a B.A. in English and Creative Writing from Colby College and an M.A.T. in English Education from Boston University. Her experience in education includes teaching English Language Arts in public, independent, charter, and online schools; serving as elementary school special education support staff; and working in the Teach for America Teacher Development Partnership. Erika was also the Co-Director of Breakthrough Providence and continues to serve as an instructor and coach for new teachers at Johns Hopkins University. She loves spending her days with JCDSRI’s amazing students and colleagues.

Outside of school, Erika enjoys jogging — especially when she spots friends from the JCDSRI community along her running route.

Meet Tiferet Rose!

Tiferet teaches at JCDSRI and holds a B.A. in Environmental Science from Barnard College, an M.P.S. in Environmental Interpretation from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and a Master’s in Science Education from Syracuse University. Before joining JCDSRI, she taught middle school science at a charter school in Syracuse, NY. Tiferet especially enjoys organizing and leading JCDSRI’s annual STEAM Splash, a week-long school-wide science festival.

Outside of school, Tiferet enjoys making soap and growing vegetables — especially garlic.

Meet Sarah Shay-Davidson!

Sarah teaches Kindergarten Yahadut (Jewish Studies) at JCDSRI and also serves as the Haggim (Jewish Holiday) Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design and a certificate in teaching students with special needs from Hebrew College. Before joining JCDSRI, Sarah taught Hebrew for seven years at Kehillah Schechter Academy in Norwood, Massachusetts. She especially looks forward to the first day of school, when the entire community comes together.

Outside of school, Sarah enjoys swimming and re-purposing furniture with her husband — a shared creative superpower.

Meet Robert “Mr. Bob” Sousa!

Mr. Bob works in the After School Program at JCDSRI. He studied Early Childhood Education at CCRI and taught preschool at the Jewish Alliance for 13 years in a variety of roles. Known for his positive and supportive interactions with students, he enjoys creating a welcoming and engaging environment for all children.

Outside of school, Mr. Bob sings in a church choir, goes fishing, and enjoys wood carving (whittling).

Meet Chris Southiere!

Chris teaches at JCDSRI and holds a Bachelor of Music from Berklee College of Music. Before joining the school, he worked as a professional musician — a career he continues outside of school as the drummer for the nationally touring band Soulsha. Chris enjoys watching each student’s growth over the school year and seeing their personalities shine during recess and lunch.

In his free time, when not playing music, Chris enjoys playing soccer.

Meet Sue Sugerman!

Sue has served in many roles at JCDSRI, including classroom teacher, AISNE coordinator, scheduler, yearbook coordinator, and physical education teacher. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Rhode Island and an M.A. in Counseling from Rhode Island College. In addition to her work at JCDSRI, Sue teaches Physical Education at Providence Hebrew Day School. She enjoys creating new games and activities for her students and takes pride in watching them work hard to develop new skills.

Outside of school, Sue enjoys playing Scrabble, solving word games and puzzles, and spending time with her family. In the summer, she loves listening to the waves on the shore in Narragansett.

Meet Alison Walter!

Alison is the Director of Development at JCDSRI and the proud parent of three JCDSRI graduates. She holds a B.A. in Sociology and an M.S.W. from the University of Maryland, as well as a Master’s in Jewish Studies and a Certificate in Jewish Communal Work from Hebrew University. Before joining JCDSRI, Alison served as Director of Development at MetroWest Jewish Day School and at Women’s Philanthropy for CJP Boston. She loves watching students grow into confident, capable leaders and enjoys the energy of morning assemblies right outside her office.

Outside of school, Alison is passionate about connecting people to Israel. For several summers, she helped facilitate a 10-day trip for a group of Rhode Island moms to visit Israel.

Meet Katherine Weiss!

Katherine joins JCDSRI as our new Kindergarten General Studies Teacher. She earned her BA in Child and Family Psychology from Hampshire College, pursued post-graduate psychoanalytic training, and recently completed an MSEd in Progressive Leadership from Bank Street Graduate School of Education. Katherine has taught in a variety of school settings in New York City, Connecticut, and the Hudson Valley, with a strong focus on constructivist practices.

She is excited to deepen her understanding of her Jewish heritage and explore meaningful connections between General and Judaic Studies. Outside the classroom, Katherine enjoys cooking and baking — often experimenting with new sourdough discard recipes.

Meet Patricia Wolf Goldman!

Patricia is the 2nd Grade General Studies Teacher at JCDSRI. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Rhode Island College and has studied Waldorf Education at Antioch University and Sunbridge College. Before joining JCDSRI, Patricia taught at a Waldorf school, where she followed her students from kindergarten through eighth grade. She values building strong connections with her students, their families, and her colleagues.

Outside of school, Patricia enjoys connecting with the community and engaging in creative pursuits inspired by her educational background.