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.

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

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.

SOCIAL WORKER

Bianca graduated from Providence College with her Bachelor of Social Work in 2023, and Rhode Island College with her Masters in Social Work in 2024. She enjoys working with youth and families from a variety of different backgrounds and has always been drawn to school social work. She previously worked as a school social work intern in Providence and Johnston schools. Bianca enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, fitness, reading, and going to the beach.

STUDENT & FAMILY EMPOWERMENT SPECIALIST

Isabel was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA and is the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants. Isabel graduated from California State University Long Beach with her Bachelor's Degree in Education and Brown University with her Masters in Urban Education Policy. Her passion for education stems from first and second-hand experiences that opened her eyes to the often-overlooked circumstances that many students from underserved backgrounds face. For the past 8 years, Isabel has served students as a Teacher and as a College and Career Counselor. When not at work, however, Isabel enjoys catching up with her friends over food and music. She loves dancing and going on long walks around the city. 

SCHOOL NURSE

Ms. Kat worked as a CNA for 19 years and went to school for RN. She worked in Med Surge and the ER for 2 years, then entered Addiction Medicine and Psych. From 2019-2022 she worked as a high school nurse. She was raised by her Italian grandmother, and currently has 3 children, 4 cats, and 3 dogs. Kat's wish is to start an animal sanctuary. 

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.

SET PARAPROFESSIONAL

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.

SET PARAPROFESSIONAL

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.

SET PARAPROFESSIONAL

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.

PARAPROFESSIONAL

Nathalee graduated Central Falls High school in 2019 and studied multiple subjects in college including Criminal Justice, General Education and Business Operations from 2020-2022. She previously worked as a Fun Friends Adventure Director at Camp Yawgoog, in Citizens Bank as a Direct Deposit Senior Specialist, interned at Citizens Bank as a Relationship Senior Specialist, she was also running her own self employed business translating Legal Documents for Spanish Speakers for Immigration Services for The Immigration Law Office of Ronald Thompson. She was born and raised in Central Falls and has a love for the community. She is very positive, bubbly, and creative, enjoys spending time with her friends and family, and is very supportive to those who need her.