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Meet Donna Baer!

Donna is excited to begin her second year at JCDSRI as the Administrative Assistant. She holds an Associates Degree in Data Processing from Johnson & Wales University, and is also First-Aid and CPR certified. For the past five years, Donna has been working at local Montessori schools in different administrative and teaching assistant roles. Prior to that, she worked at The Wheeler School for fourteen years as Director of Outdoor Education.  Donna co-founded and operated a canoe/kayak business with her husband from 1986-1998.  In the beginning of her career, she was a Computer Programmer/Analyst. Donna looks forward to getting to know and love each and every child here at JCDSRI.

In her spare time, Donna is an avid kayaker, hiker and outdoor enthusiast.  She loves all animals, plants and children!

Meet Rosemary Boucher!

Rosemary is excited to be back at JCDSRI for her third year as a teaching assistant and after school care provider. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Film/Media with a minor in English. Rosemary has worked in the food service industry, the West Warwick Public Library, and at Snapology, a Lego based engineering program for kids ages 5-13, where she continues to work during the summers. Rosemary loves the environment here at JCDSRI and looks forward to being around the kids and teachers everyday.

In her spare time, Rosemary enjoys video editing and building intricate models.

Meet Kareesh Bour!

Kareesh is excited to return to JCDSRI for her eighth year, first as a 3rd grade teacher and now as a 1st-grade teacher. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from Rhode Island College. Prior to working at JCDSRI, Kareesh taught in Lincoln Public Schools, at the Learning Community Charter and Blackstone Valley Prep. Every year, Kareesh looks forward to sparking the love of learning in her students! She especially enjoys finding the perfect book for beginning readers and watching their excitement when they complete science experiments together in class.

In her free time, Kareesh loves gardening, visiting the beach and going on bike rides with her children. 

Meet Anthony Bucci!

Anthony is excited to return to JCDSRI for his fourth year as the Director of Security and Facilities. He holds an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University. Prior to working at JCDSRI, Anthony served as a Police Sergeant and a member of the SWAT team; he is a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran. Every year, Anthony looks forward to watching our students learn and grow while keeping them and the entire JCDSRI community safe.

In his free time, Anthony is the President of the Edgewood Eagles Football and Cheer Organization in Cranston. He also coaches lacrosse and boxing. Anthony’s favorite pastime is spending time with his family.

Meet Meghan Cavanaugh!

Meghan is excited to return to JCDSRI for her fifth year as our School Social Worker. She holds a Masters of Social Work from Smith College School for Social Work and is an independently licensed clinical social worker. Prior to working at JCDSRI, Meghan worked at Jewish Family Service (now Jewish Collaborative Services) for 8 years. Meghan currently works in private practice when she is not at school. Every year, Meghan looks forward to building relationships with students and families. She particularly loves her time in the classrooms, teaching social-emotional lessons and having fun with the students.

In her free time, Meghan loves playing sports and wishes she could be out playing at recess time!

Meet Heather Cline!

Heather is excited to return to JCDSRI for her fourth year. She is an assistant teacher in Ilanot, and kindergarten as well as our Art teacher. She holds a B.S. in Communications from Ithaca College with a Minor in Recreation. Prior to working at JCDSRI, Heather focused on caring for her family and children and worked as a real estate agent.  Heather loves being a part of such a great community at JCDSRI. It brings her great joy to witness the excitement students feel when learning something new, the pride they feel when they succeed at accomplishing a task as well as the respect and kindness they show to one another.

In her free time, Heather enjoys giving back to the community and spreading kindness. She has been an active volunteer with the American Liver Foundation for 20 years. On the side, she has her own photography business and loves to be outdoors and active – skiing, playing pickleball, tennis, golf, cycling, and going on adventures.  Spending quality time with her son and daughter and extended family truly brings her happiness.

• inspiring teachers to grow to be the best teachers they can be by creating a space where teachers feel like their ideas are heard and feel comfortable and excited to work collaboratively on any given task and/or project
• connecting with children and their families on an intimate level for trust to be established
• developing curriculum as a whole staff that is progressive, integrated, and project-based
• facilitating a learning space where children can thrive which helps nurture and embrace their love for learning

Meet Shayna Fel!

Shayna is excited to return to JCDSRI for her fourth year as Director of Admissions and Community Engagement. Shayna is a graduate of JCDSRI (formerly the Alperin Schechter Day School) and has loved getting reacquainted with the school and community that gave her a strong and meaningful foundation. She is also the proud parent of a first grader and kindergartner and has a future JCDSRI student at home who cannot wait to join the fun. Shayna holds a B.A. in Elementary and Special Education from Boston University and an M.S.W. from Hunter College. She is an independently licensed clinical social worker. Prior to working at JCDSRI, Shayna spent 15 years working with children, teens, and young adults with diverse learning needs in schools, camps and community organizations. Most recently, she worked on the admission team at Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston. Every year, Shayna looks forward to watching as students and families make JCDSRI their home for learning, exploring and experiencing joy. 

In her free time, Shayna loves to read a great novel, go to the beach and have dance parties in the rain with her kids.

Meet Meredith Friedman!

Meet Tal Ginzburg!

Morah Tal is excited to join the JCDSRI family this year, serving as our kindergarten Judaic Studies and Hebrew teacher, as well as our fifth grade Hebrew teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, and a teaching certificate in Special Education from Beit Berl College in Israel. In Israel, during her internship, Morah Tal was a teacher for children with ADHD and learning disabilities. After that, she served as a lead teacher for second and third grades. Upon moving to the US, Morah Tal worked as a lead teacher at the Early Childhood Center at the JCC, working with children ages infants to 3-years-old. Morah Tal is very excited to meet all of the children and teachers here at JCDSRI and watch as her students grow, develop and learn new skills and concepts.

In her spare time, Morah Tal enjoys baking and cake designing!

Meet Patricia Goldman!

Mrs. Goldman is honored to be joining JCDSRI this year, serving as the second and third grade General Studies teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Rhode Island College. Mrs. Goldman also studied Waldorf Education at Antioch University and Sunbridge College. Before joining JCDSRI, she worked at a Waldorf school where she followed her students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Mrs. Goldman looks forward to getting to know the children and the community and to working in partnership with parents and colleagues.

Meet Hillary Guttin!

Hillary is excited to return to JCDSRI for her eighth year. She is the 4th and 5th grade Judaic Studies teacher as well as the T’fillah (prayer) coordinator. She holds a B.A. in Linguistics from Brandeis University. Prior to working at JCDSRI, Hillary taught at camps and Hebrew schools. Additionally, Hillary was a development associate at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island for three years. Every year Hillary looks forward to observing as her students grow and change throughout the year. She also looks forward to finding out what she will learn from each and every student.

In her free time, Hillary is a musician and she is a skilled beatbox-er! She participated in collegiate a capella and honed her beatboxing skills there.

Meet Rebecca (Becca) Hirschmann!

Becca is excited to join JCDSRI for her second year as the Head Ilanot (4-year-old) teacher! She holds a  Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and a Masters in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Literacy. Prior to teaching at JCDSRI, Becca taught in classrooms for children ages 6 weeks – 3 years old.

In her spare time, Becca enjoys singing! She is really looking forward to making strong, long-lasting connections with the JCDSRI community, the children, and their families.

Meet Rina Holtzman!

Rina is excited to return to JCDSRI for her fourth year as a Hebrew teacher though she has been part of the broader JCDSRI community for many years. She holds a B.A. in Hebrew and Judaica from Bar-Ilan University and Hebrew University in Israel. Prior to working at 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. Every year, Rina looks forward to getting to know her students and speaking conversational Hebrew with them. Rina really loves getting to connect with the neshama (soul) of each child as she teaches and learns from them.

In her free time, Rina loves baking, singing t’filot (prayers) and Israeli songs, and needlepoint.

Meet Ruth Horton!

Ruth began working as a consultant in our classrooms back in 2018. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education & Special Education, as well as a Graduate Degree in Early Childhood Special Education; she also has certification in Basic Sign Language. Ruth’s last position was as an Early Childhood Educator in the Smithfield, RI school district. Prior to that she worked as a Special Education Educator with the Northern RI Collaborative. Ruth  is really looking forward to working with teachers to assist them in developing their authentic teaching styles.

Outside of school, Ms. Horton’s main interest is to be a student of the Natural World. 

Meet Andrea Katzman!

Andrea is excited to return to JCDSRI for her sixteenth year, and her fifth as Head of School. Andrea earned both her BA and MA from the University of Kansas and immediately after finishing graduate school, lived in Jerusalem for a year where she coordinated a Jewish feminist project and directed an English Language learning program for Ethiopian immigrants.

In 1999, Andrea and her family moved to Providence and a few years later, she began teaching Pre-K at JCDSRI. Andrea has also served as a private educational consultant and taught in the Education Department of Rhode Island College and in the Shoolman Graduate School of Jewish Education at Hebrew College. In 2009-10, Andrea and her family lived in Rishon LeZion, Israel, during which time she co-wrote and published her first book, Purple Leaves, Red Cherries: Short Stories on Motherhood. 

Andrea is grateful to be Head of School at JCDSRI and – together with her students and colleagues at JCDSRI – spends her days building community and practicing kavod (respect), hesed (kindness), and shalom (peace). She has an extensive snow-globe collection and regularly perpetrates acts of “guerilla gardening”. Andrea and her husband, Steve Jacobson, have two college-age daughters, both of whom are proud graduates of JCDSRI!

Meet Harshita Lakhiani!

Harshita is excited to return to JCDSRI for her twenty-fourth year, first as the Business Manager and now as the Chief Financial Officer. She holds a Bachelors in Economics and Accounting from H.R. College of Commerce in India. Prior to working at JCDSRI, Harshita worked with a stockbroker in India.  Every year, she looks forward to the fifth-grade graduation as she sees students, whom she has known since pre – kindergarten, all grown up and ready for middle school!

In her free time, Harshita loves gardening and cooking.

Born and raised in Warwick, RI, Lauren (Coletta) Louth loves being a nurse. She graduated RIC in 2000 after receiving a Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree and then again in 2007 with a Master’s degree in Health Education. During this time, she also obtained her license as a Certified School Nurse Teacher. She began her career in the medical field in 1997 at Rhode Island Hospital as an X-Ray Tech Associate, working her way up to becoming a Registered Nurse. After graduating college she worked in a trauma/burn unit for 5 years. She then continued to follow her dream to become a Level 1 Trauma Nurse in the Emergency Department. She also practiced as a Certified School Nurse Teacher, beginning in 2002 for the Providence School Department, and has been enjoying every day since. When Lauren is not at work, she is busy caring for her 6-year-old daughter Julia and 3-year-old son James. Lauren, her husband Jim and their children reside in Warwick.

Meet Heidi Mace!

Heidi is in her second year as the Nitzanim (3-year-old) teacher here at JCDSRI! She has a degree in Travel and Tourism Management from Johnson and Wales University, and is also a Certified Preschool Teacher. Heidi is also certified in CPR and First Aid. In the past, Heidi has worked as a Travel Agent, Corporate Travel Consultant, Payroll Account Manager, and as a Sales and Design Associate at The Container Store, and she finally found her passion in teaching preschool 13 years ago. She has really enjoyed meeting all the wonderful families that come through our doors and can’t wait to be part of such a positive and loving environment here at JCDSRI!

Heidi has always had a passion for travel. She truly enjoys drawing and being creative, a gift passed down from her grandmother. Most importantly, Heidi enjoys spending quality time with her four children and husband.

Meet Lauren McCally Blackwell!

Mrs. Blackwell is thrilled to be entering her third year as a Kindergarten General Studies teacher here at JCDSRI! She holds a B.A. in English from Connecticut College, a TEFL Certification from ITTP Prague, and an M.A.T. from Brown University. She is also a certified PreK-6 teacher in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. In Prague, Mrs. Blackwell worked for 5 years as a business English teacher and for 5 years as the ESL teacher in preschools throughout the city. After moving back to Rhode Island and completing graduate school, she worked at the French American School of Rhode Island as an English teacher and in the Swansea Public Schools. Mrs. Blackwell really looks forward to forming relationships with children and their families. She also especially loves when children first understand a new concept and use tools and strategies she taught them to problem solve independently.

In her spare time, Mrs. Blackwell loves to garden! She and her husband have a huge flower and vegetable garden at their home in Taunton, Massachusetts. She also practices yoga daily and loves going for long walks with her two standard poodle, Leo and Hera.

Meet Laurie Noorparvar!

Laurie is excited to return to JCDSRI for her fifteenth year as an Ilanot teacher. She holds a B.S. in Zoology from the University of Rhode Island. Prior to working at JCDSRI, Laurie has taught since 1989 in different school settings. Every year, Laurie looks forward to the first day of school! She can’t wait to see the children in the classroom and watch them navigate their new and exciting environment. 

In her free time, Laurie loves exploring new areas of interest for her Ilanot students. She enjoys reading, taking walks, cooking/baking, finding new craft projects and recipes on Pinterest, and seeing her neighborhood’s landscaping.

Meet Erika Rusley!

Erika is excited to return to JCDSRI for her fourth year as the 4th-grade General Studies teacher and Tzedek Coordinator. She holds a B.A. in English and Creative Writing from Colby College and an M.A.T. from Boston University in English Education. Prior to working at JCDSRI, Erika has held several different positions in the field of education. She taught English-Language Arts in a variety of school settings (public, independent, charter, online), served as elementary school special education support staff and was part of the Teach for America Teacher Development Partnership. Erika was also the Co-Director of Breakthrough Providence. She continues to work as an Instructor and Coach for new teachers at Johns Hopkins University.  Every year, Erika looks forward to spending every day with amazing students and wonderful colleagues.

In her free time, Erika loves to jog, especially when she sees friends from the JCDSRI community enjoying the great outdoors on her running route!

Meet Marissa Salvas!

Marissa is excited to return to JCDSRI for her fourth year as the 5th grade General Studies teacher and school librarian. Marissa studied wildlife biology in the Blue Ridge Mountains and took care of injured wildlife including hawks, owls, squirrels, and songbirds. She then came home to study elementary education to combine her love of science and education. She holds a B.S. in Wildlife Biology from Lees McRae College in North Carolina and an M.A.T. in Elementary Education from Rhode Island College. Prior to working at JCDSRI, Marissa was a librarian, taught at an Audubon summer camp and worked at the Rhode Island STEAM Center helping science educators across Rhode Island and promoting women in STEM fields. Every year Marissa enjoys getting to know her students and learning about the Jewish traditions.

In her free time, Marissa is writing a book!

Meet Tiferet Rose!

Tiferet  is excited to return to JCDSRI for her fifth year as Director of TikkunXDesign – JCDSRI’s Design Lab. She 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 Masters in Science Education from Syracuse University. Prior to working at JCDSRI, Tiferet taught middle school science at a charter school in Syracuse, N.Y. Every year, Tiferet looks forward to putting together and executing JCDSRI’s STEAM Splash: our annual week-long school-wide science festival.

In her free time, Tiferet loves making soap and growing lots of vegetables (especially garlic)!

Meet Sage Savage!

This is Miss Sage’s third year in our Kindergarten classroom here at JCDSRI! She completed her undergraduate degree at SUNY Purchase College with a focus in Art History; she also  recently completed her MAT in elementary education from Concordia University in Portland, OR. Throughout her career, Sage has worked with children in a variety of learning environments, including as a paraprofessional, instructional assistant, and preschool teacher. This year, she is looking forward to being a part of the JCDSRI community and helping students learn and grow!

In her spare time, Miss Sage loves to try out new recipes to cook and enjoys practicing yoga.

Meet Sarah Shay-Davidson!

Sarah is excited to return to JCDSRI for her eighth year. She is the 1st grade Judaic Studies teacher as well as the art teacher for the lower grades. Additionally, Sarah serves as the Haggim (Jewish holiday) Coordinator. She holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design as well as a certificate for teaching students with special needs from Hebrew College. Prior to working at JCDSRI, Sarah taught Hebrew for 7 years at Kehillah Schechter Academy in Norwood, Massachusetts (formally known as South Area Solomon Schechter). Every year Sarah looks forward to the moment when the whole community comes together on the first day of school. She cannot wait to see everyone again!

In her free time, Sarah loves to swim and her superpower is re-purposing furniture with her husband.

Meet Chris Southiere!

Chris is excited to return to JCDSRI for his fifth year! He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music. Prior to working at JCDSRI, Chris worked as a professional musician, an occupation he continues when he is not at school. He is the drummer for a band called Soulsha that tours around the country. Every year, Chris looks forward observing each student’s growth throughout the school year and he loves getting to see each student’s personality come through in different ways during recess and lunch.

In his free time, when he is not playing music, Chris loves to play soccer.

Meet Sue Sugerman!

Sue is excited to return to JCDSRI for her eighteenth year at JCDSRI! She has played many important roles at school 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. Prior to working at JCDSRI, she taught, and continues to teach Physical Education at Providence Hebrew Day School. Every year, Sue looks forward to creating new games and activities for her classes. She also kvells when students work hard at a new skill and improve throughout the year.  

In her free time, she loves playing Scrabble, doing word games and puzzles and spending as much time as possible with her family. During the summer, she enjoys listening to the sound of the waves crashing onto the shore in Narragansett.

Meet Alison Walter!

Alison is excited to return to JCDSRI for her eighth year as Director of Development. She is also the proud parent of three JCDSRI graduates. Alison holds a B.A. in Sociology and an M.S.W. from the University of Maryland as well as a Masters of Jewish Studies and Certificate of Jewish Communal Work from Hebrew University. Prior to working at JCDSRI, Alison was the Director of Development at MetroWest Jewish Day School and Women’s Philanthropy at CJP Boston. Every year Alison looks forward to watching the students mature into amazing leaders. She also loved having morning assembly right outside of her office.

In her free time, Alison loves taking people to Israel. For the past few summers she has helped facilitate a trip of 10 moms from Rhode Island to visit Israel for 10 days! 

Meet Linda Williams!

Ms. Linda is in her second year as a teacher in Nitzanim, our 3-year-old classroom. She holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and a RIELDS certification. Prior to beginning her work here at JCDSRI, Linda served as a Lead Pre-K teacher in Massachusetts for 18 years. Before that, she owned and operated an in-home preschool for 15 years. As Linda is just starting out at JCDSRI, she is looking forward to getting to know everyone; she is also excited to learn and grow with the children.

In her spare time, Linda loves trail walking, especially in Rhode Island. She also enjoys doing yoga, reading, and spending time with family. Linda is also a big fan of cats! She has one kitty named Willabee Jolene