Group: Faculty & Staff

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.