Kim grew up in Wakefield, RI and taught as both an elementary school teacher (grades 1-6) and a literacy specialist in the South Kingstown Schools. She retired after 30 years of teaching in South Kingstown and has been searching for an elementary school that encompasses progressive education, character development and a strong sense of community. Thankfully she has found it here at JCDSRI. Kim has a BA in Elementary Education/Psychology, an MA in Literacy Education and an MS in Special Education. Interests include reading, writing, spending time at the beach and history. Kim has five children, ages 12-21, and she loves spending time with her family.
Archives: Team Showcase
Post Type Description
Mike Murdock
Mike began his music career after graduating from Berklee College of Music in 2011. He then began performing, recording, and teaching private drum lessons throughout Rhode Island, while serving as the drum instructor at Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts in Providence. Later he started working with Providence CityArts for Youth as a teaching artist. There he created and taught classes such as bucket drumming, piano, world music, song writing and digital music. Mike became the music teacher at JCDSRI in January of 2015. He is looking forward to his first full school year, eager and excited to continue to share his passion with students.
Joseph Mirsky
Joe Mirsky has been working in the education field for 8 years. Joe has worked in a wide range of educational settings, from homeschooled children at a wilderness school to at-risk kids in the city; from administering assessments for Pre-k students to editing college essays for High School seniors. Previously, Joe worked as a special education Aide and Behavior Therapist at Franklin Elementary in Newton, MA. He is extremely excited to teach third grade and art this year at JCDSRI and join a vibrant, welcoming community of educators and families. Joe enjoys, biking, reading, making and listening to music, and sitting quietly on his off days, but his true passion is inspiring the flashes of insight that make teaching the most satisfying job in the world.
Melynda Silva
Melynda came to JCDSRI in 2016 from Kickemuit Middle School in Warren, RI. She worked as a special educator for a 6th and 7th grade looping team throughout her time there. This position required a delicate balance of educating students on four core subjects while providing support and specialized education to close learning gaps, often three or more levels below grade level. Melynda has also worked collaboratively within a 4th grade inclusion classroom at Wakefield Hills Elementary School in West Warwick, RI. She currently holds a Master in the Art of Teaching degree from Johnson & Wales University and is a “Highly Qualified” and “Highly Effective” educator as defined by the Rhode Island Department of Education’s certification requirements and evaluation system, respectively.
Peter Smith
Peter has worked at JCDSRI for the past eleven years, and he is much beloved by our entire school community. Prior to working at JCDSRI, he served as both a Sergeant and an Officer with the Cranston Police Department for 26 years, where he was the supervisor of community police, working with schools and youth centers. He is a former Military Policeman and criminal investigator with the U.S. Army. Peter resides in Cranston with his wife, Lois, and he is the father of four grown children, three boys and one girl, and the proud grandfather of one grandson, Owen.
Anthony Bucci
Meet Anthony Bucci!
Anthony is excited to return to JCDSRI for his fifth 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.
Meghan Cavanaugh
Meet Meghan Cavanaugh!
Meghan is excited to return to JCDSRI as Social Work Consultant. 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 consulting with school. Every year, Meghan looks forward to building relationships with students and families.
In her free time, Meghan loves playing sports and wishes she could be out playing at recess time!
Diane Cerep
Meet Diane Cerep!
Diane is excited to return to JCDSRI as an assistant teacher for her fourth year. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology and Sociology from Rhode Island College. Prior to working at JCDSRI, Diane worked as the Creativity Center Coordinator at the JCC in Providence. Every year, Diane looks forward to learning and celebrating the Jewish holidays with her students.
In her free time, Diane loves to walk in the woods and be in nature.