DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING

Michelle began her career in education in 2009 as a high school special educator. Since that time, she has been committed to designing and managing school programs tailored to meet the social, emotional, and behavioral learning needs of all children. Prior to coming to The Learning Community, Michelle served as the principal of a K-12 therapeutic day school. Michelle holds a B.A. in English, M.A. in Forensic Psychology, and C.A.G.S. in Elementary & Secondary Educational Leadership. In her free time, Michelle enjoys spending time outside with her son, dog, and husband.

SOCIAL WORKER

Kelly has been providing social work services at The Learning Community for over 10 years, where she works collaboratively, alongside the SET (Social Emotional Team) members. A professional social worker for almost 25 years, Kelly attended Miami University (BA in French and Italian) and Case Western University (Master’s in Social Work) - both in her home state of Ohio; but her real training has been in the communities she’s served, in Toledo, Cleveland, Denver, and CF. Kelly is married to Arthur, a high school principal, and is a mom to two lively girls. Making art and music, as well as doing yoga and spending time outdoors, help her recharge. If you have concerns about your child’s social/emotional/behavioral health, please reach out to her at kelly@thelearningcommunity.com or 401-617-5283.

SOCIAL WORKER

Erica is a licensed independent clinical social worker with 15 years of experience providing community and school based mental health and wellness support to individuals, groups, families, and organizations. She is a proud alum of Rhode Island College and graduated with a bachelor's and master's degree in Social Work. She has always been drawn to school social work and is committed to cultivating safe spaces and fostering the resiliency of Black and Brown youth. As a Black woman in education and mental health, she recognizes just how important representation is for students to see someone like her in the role of a support professional championing educational equity and social justice. When she has free time, Erica enjoys creating playlists, spending time with her loved ones, writing, laughing, and leaning into her creativity. In her not-so-free time, she runs a small private practice that serves young women of color and is a Registered Yoga Teacher.

CASE MANAGER

Cheryl aka Charo is a founding team member at the LC, and loves that she has grown with the school and community. Her path at the LC has evolved over the years, she started as a teaching partner and transitioned to a literacy assistant and then a behavior specialist and is now currently a case manager supporting the whole school with over 20 years of experience. Charo was born in DR but raised in RI, her family was one of the founding Latino families in the 60’s in South Providence. Charo loves worshipping, dancing, cooking, and loves to laugh! Charo is the youngest of five siblings and is a mom and proud Mati to four beautiful grandbabies.

BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST

Lenny was previously a Kindergarten Teaching Partner and a Literacy Assistant. Lenny joined the school in 2004. In his free time, Lenny enjoys participating in community events and functions. Lenny says, “Growing up in Central Falls gave me a strong sense of diversity. It gave me a good foundation for the love of diverse ethnicities and also a curiosity and drive to learn more about different cultures.”

BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST

She is a Rhode Island native whose family came from the Islands of Cape Verde. She recently worked with children and their families in the Head Start program at Children's Friend. Rosy holds a degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Rhode Island. Rosy enjoys working with children and families from diverse areas. During Rosy’s spare time she enjoys spending time with her daughter Zoey and traveling. "The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people" – Unknown

HEAD NURSE

Amanda graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2008 with her B.S in Nursing and will earn her School Nurse Teacher Certification this Spring from Rhode Island College. In the years before working as a school nurse, Amanda has worked in hospital emergency departments in both Florida and Rhode Island, as well in an outpatient cardiology clinic in Rhode Island. Since becoming a School Nurse, she has experience working with students in preschool through grade 8, including working with students who have complex physical, cognitive and social-emotional needs. Amanda enjoys traveling, exploring nature, reading, and spending time with her husband, two daughters, and dog.

NURSE ASSISTANT

Johanna was raised in Central Falls and is bilingual. She is currently working towards her RN at Rhode Island college. She loves working with children, they are all different and unique in different ways for her. On her off time, she loves spending time with her family.

ACADEMIC PARAPROFESSIONAL

1:1 AIDE

With many years of experience. He enjoys inspiring and enabling kids, as a hip-hop dance choreographer and former supervisor for the Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket. He is a very good artist who loves football, track and traveling.

1:1 AIDE

1:1 AIDE

Javanne obtained his Associate’s degree from the Community College of Rhode Island in 2017. Before becoming a member of the Social Emotional Team at the Learning Community, Javanne worked as a behavior specialist at the Groden Network and AccesspointRI. There he assisted the population that had individual needs and behavior deficits. During his free time, Javanne enjoys playing softball, basketball, traveling with his wife and friends and b-boying (breakdancing). Javanne loves to take part in many breakin’ (breakdancing) competitions nationally and internationally and getting exposed to many different cultures. His experiences have allowed him to teach Breakin’ in many dance studios for over 8 years. In 2016, Javanne Joined the “Boston Celtics Green Team as a dancer for 3 NBA seasons. Javanne was Born in the Bronx New York but has lived in Rhode Island for most of his life.

1:1 AIDE

He’s a passionate individual who loves working alongside the youth to guide them with the skills and tools they need to ensure a successful future! In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, hiking in nature, & adventuring with his wife. He has joined The Learning Community as a 1:1 Aide.

1:1 AIDE

Tara comes to The Learning Community with over 20 years of experience working with children of all age groups. She has a second job doing security. She enjoys cooking and spending time with her family and friends in her free time. She is happy that The Learning Community has given her the opportunity to continue her work with children.

1:1 AIDE

Kathleen is an LC alumni and graduated with the class of 2014! She then graduated from Central Falls High school in 2018 and attended Paul Mitchell The School Rhode Island. One of her goals is to later go back to college and get her degree in early intervention. She previously worked as a 1:1 behavioral technician with children with autism and has passion, care and love for children. Kathleen is lash-certified and is also certified in non-injectable hyaluronic acid lip fillers. In her free time she enjoys doing all things beauty related, being with her loved ones and spending time at the beach.

1:1 AIDE

Kay is looking forward to meeting the students in the community and making valuable connections in Central Falls. Kay graduated from North Kingstown High School in 2020 and started her career in childhood education shortly after. She previously worked for the Cumberland School Department and Kingston Hill Academy, assisting students from kindergarten to high school with disabilities and loveable personalities. She excels at helping those who may need extra assistance and individuals who cannot advocate for themselves. Creating a safe environment for children to learn and express themselves is her top priority. She prides herself in being able to communicate effectively with children and non-verbal individuals. Working with children has been her dream since she was a child, and feels every day will be a gift working at The Learning Community. Kay sees the value in continuing to educate herself; she will be taking the Teacher Assistant Course at CCRI, as well as extending her knowledge in Spanish and American Sign Language. She loves to sing along to songs, do yoga, and color when she has free time.

1:1 AIDE

Ms. Naomi has worked for The Learning Community for many years, had different roles and is reentering as a 1:1 aide. Her dedication to students is to help them develop strong emotional and social skills. In rejoining The Learning Community, she hopes she can continue to make a difference with students. Ms. Naomi loves outdoor activities, dancing and being artistically creative. She also enjoys spending time with her family doing various activities whether it’s taking trips or doing something simple at home.

1:1 AIDE

Erica studied at CCRI. She has worked as a child outreach screener at the Central Falls Schools Department and at the Central Falls Registration Department. She has a child that is on the spectrum. Born in Chicago but was raised in Central Falls after the year of 1. She is Guatemalan/Chicana. Mrs. Erica is married with 2 kids. Graduated from Central Falls High School, and her kids are currently attending the CF school district. She is very involved in the community. She has a lot of family in Central Falls. A lot of her husband’s family and her family live in Central Falls. Some of her husband’s family currently are attending The Learning Community.

1:1 Academic Support Aide

Katira graduated from Gibbs College in Cranston with her Associate of Science Degree in Medical Office Administration in 2006 and then worked as a Teacher’s Assistant, Community Transition Assistant Liaison in 2022. She recently became a Licensed Certified Nurse Assistant in 2023. She has over a decade of experience in coordinating the divergent needs of medical clinics and clients. Katira has proven success within a broad scope of clinic needs. Her history of accuracy is an especially valued asset, as well as her bilingual capabilities in translations. She brings an energized and focused attitude to serve the school and its mission. She was born in New Jersey and raised by Puerto Rican parents. She moved to Puerto Rico when she was 5 years old and had to learn Spanish. She came to Rhode Island at the age of 16. Katira loves to dance, sing, do arts and crafts, bake, and swim. In her free time, she enjoys dancing Zumba and spending time with her family, friends, and pets.