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Lauren Louth

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.

Heidi Mace

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.

Lauren McCally Blackwell

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.

Rhonda Mills

Rhonda is excited to return to JCDSRI for her sixteenth year as our 2nd grade Judaic Studies teacher and Director of Judaic Studies. She holds a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education from Boston University and completed the Tal Am training program as well. Prior to working at JCDSRI, Rhonda taught at the Solomon Schechter Day School in Worcester, MA. Every year, she looks forward to getting to know her students and planning the educational program with their interests in mind. She also looks forward to working in collaboration with her colleagues to provide an enriching and exciting year for her students.
In her free time, Rhonda loves to read and participate in book group discussions. Additionally, she loves to swim, take long walks and garden.

Laurie Noorparvar

Meet Laurie Noorparvar!

Laurie is excited to return to JCDSRI for her sixteenth 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.

 

Ben Rome

Meet Ben Rome!

Ben is excited to return to JCDSRI for his second year as the 3rd grade General Studies teacher and art teacher for the upper grades. Ben studied Elementary and Exceptional Students Education at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. Prior to working at JCDSRI, Ben worked as an experiential educator on a sailboat, served for Commonwealth Corps in New Bedford, Massachusetts and worked at a science research reserve with protected sea turtles. Every year, Ben loves seeing how much his students’ faces change from day to day as they mature (or lose teeth!).

In his free time, Ben likes to keep moving:  biking, sailing, cooking, hiking, drinking coffee–all the typical millennial stuff!

Erika Rusley

Meet Erika Rusley!

Erika is excited to return to JCDSRI for her fifth year, this year as the 5th -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!