Group: Faculty & Staff

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!