Nuestro Liderazgo

Meet the dedicated individuals behind our vision: a passionate leadership team encompassing our board, staff, and faculty, all committed to driving our mission forward.

Christine Alves

President

Dr. Christine W. Alves is the President and Co-Founder of the Rhode Island School for Progressive Education (RISPE). With over 25 years of experience as an educator in Rhode Island, Christine has dedicated her career to improving educational outcomes by fostering diversity, equity, and excellence in teaching. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Management from Hampton University and is a proud alumna of Brown University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Elementary Education.

Under her leadership since 2015, RISPE has become Rhode Island’s first residency-style graduate school of education, approved by the Rhode Island Department of Education and the Council on Postsecondary Education. RISPE offers innovative programs such as the Accelerated Teacher Certification program and the PK-12 English as a Second Language (ESOL) Certification. These programs have prepared over 100 ESOL educators and trained 41% of the state’s ESOL-certified teachers since 2017. Importantly, 77% of RISPE-trained educators identify as people of color, contributing significantly to diversifying the state’s teaching workforce.

As a former coach, Christine deeply understands the experiences and challenges that candidates face to grow into highly-skilled, reflective, culturally competent practitioners. She is also wholly committed to RISPE’s mission to recruit and retain educators of color and believes that diversifying the teacher workforce is essential to improving outcomes for public school students.

Outside of work, Christine loves spending time with her husband and children and traveling to visit family in New York, Maryland, Florida, and Trinidad.

Melanie Griffith

Vice President of Strategy and Partnerships

Melanie Griffith is a Co-Founder of RISPE and the Vice President of Strategy and Partnerships. She began working on the RISPE team as Project Manager during the planning stages in January 2016. Melanie holds a BA in English from The College of Saint Rose and two master’s degrees, an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from Sarah Lawrence College and an MA in English from Louisiana State University. She taught writing–primarily first-year composition–at the college level at a number of institutions, including Blinn College, the College of Mount Saint Vincent, and SUNY Purchase. Melanie also spent a year in residence at NYC’s P.S. 132 Juan Pablo Duarte in Washington Heights as part of the Teaching Artist Training and Internship Program. 

Melanie brings her excellent writing and organizational skills to the team, along with a staunch belief in RISPE’s mission and in the right of all students to a high-quality, equitable public education. She is a firm believer in standing up for what is right, and uses her voice to do so whenever possible. A native New Yorker, Melanie likes to explore Rhode Island in her free time. She also enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband and their daughter Ingrid and dog Zuzu.

 

Tori Thomson

Vice President of Operations and Student Services

Tori Thomson is a Co-Founder of RISPE and the Vice President of Operations and Student Services. She holds a BA in English from the University of Rhode Island as well as an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rhode Island College. Prior to joining the team, Tori completed a year of service with the Americorps VISTA program, and this experience led her to RISPE. Tori brings a knack for practical organization and understanding of interpersonal dynamics into her work. 

She is a proud alum of Rhode Island public schools and believes in the transformative power of excellent public education for every student. Outside of RISPE, Tori spends her time hiking, reading, and trying to find places in Rhode Island she hasn’t visited yet. She is currently a doctoral candidate (EdD) with a concentration in Workplace Learning at Northeastern University.

RISPE Staff

Kim Almeida

Kim Almeida is a Rhode Island native and public school system graduate. She holds a BA in Business Administration from Wagner College in Staten Island, New York. As an experienced higher education administrator Kim is able to see the systemic failures, challenges, and gaps in our school systems and how RISPE's express mission of diversifying Rhode Island’s teacher workforce and promoting anti-racist education can directly create the necessary change we owe our students. As RISPE's Coordinator of Certification Programs, Kim will continue her efforts creating inclusive and sustainable systems designed to evolve and adapt to the needs of the communities they serve. Kim has worked in both the New York City and Rhode Island urban public school systems and is committed to elevating efforts towards a safe and supportive educational environment that is equitable for each and every student. Outside of work, Kim enjoys travel, sports, and the ocean or any time spent with family and friends.

Kim Almeida

Academics Operations Manager

Jerre' Snead

Jerre' Robinson is a New York Native and was raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She has been an elementary educator for 7 years, teaching in urban schools serving predominately students of color. She has a BS and M.Ed in Early Childhood Education from Valdosta State University and has recently obtained a K-5 Mathematics Endorsement at Georgia State University. Her philosophical stance believes there is a need for instruction that promotes engagement and empowerment for students of color. She also believes that teachers who engage in this instruction will benefit education and also build towards a future of a just society. During her free time, Jerre’ loves to travel, go bowling with her family and friends, and play fetch with her husky, Chase. Jerre’ is currently a candidate for her Ed.D in Curriculum and Instruction from Georgia State University, where her research interest includes teaching mathematics for social justice.

Jerre' Snead

Director of Academics 

Nancy Cao Levesque​

For over a decade, Nancy has dedicated herself to serving nonprofit communities in Greater Boston. A graduate of Suffolk University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Legal Studies, Nancy pursued a career focused on nonprofit administration, fundraising, technology management, and special events. Nancy has contributed meaningfully to organizations like Boston Arts Academy Foundation, the Museum of African American History, and YouthBuild Boston. As a first-generation college graduate, immigrant, and refugee, Nancy faced myriad challenges. Through Nancy’s own journey, she has come to understand the immense value of community engagement. Building strong connections, fostering a sense of belonging, and providing mentorship and guidance can make all the difference in the lives of underserved youth. She is committed to creating pathways for success, empowering young individuals to overcome challenges, and helping them realize their full potential. On a personal note, Nancy currently resides in the Elmhurst neighborhood of Providence with her husband, two lively feline companions, and a peppy little canine rescue. In her spare time, Nancy enjoys exploring innovative ways of cooking plant-based Vietnamese cuisines for her friends and family.

Nancy Cao Levesque

Director of Development

Stefanie Hessein

Stefanie Hessein is the Development Officer at RISPE. She grew up in New Jersey and moved to Rhode Island in 2023 to continue her nonprofit career. She has a BA in Sociology/Anthropology and a MS in Historic Preservation. Stefanie has been focused on cultural preservation throughout her education and carried it into her career by working with the community to understand their needs. She is dedicated to helping individuals thrive while respecting their cultural backgrounds. RISPE aligns with her passion and allows her to implement it through her role. She has strong organizational skills, is detail-oriented, friendly, and communicates well. In her free time, she likes to go on hikes, play with her cats, and do fun activities with friends. Stefanie is studying for her second Master's in Anthropology at CUNY Hunter College.

Stefanie Hessein

Development Officer

Brianna Johnson

Brianna Johnson is a dedicated education professional currently serving as the Coordinator of Academic and Clinical Support. Hailing from Florida and now residing in Georgia, Brianna earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida and furthered her education with a master's degree from Mercer University. Brianna's journey in education began as a substitute teacher, where she quickly identified gaps and disparities within the system. This realization fueled her commitment to making a positive impact, leading her to become a teacher for grades 5-8 over a span of six years. Throughout her teaching career, Brianna assumed various leadership roles, including grade band chair, science lead teacher, and culture team lead. Her experience extends across both urban and suburban school systems, where she passionately served diverse student populations, including students of color, those in single-gender schools, and multi-language learners. An advocate for educational equity, Brianna has tirelessly worked to bridge academic and behavioral disparities. Her efforts underscore a commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Brianna Johnson

Coordinator of Academic and Clinical Support

Elijah Martinez

Elijah Martinez serves as the Recruitment and Admissions Coordinator at RISPE. As a proud Chicano raised in California, he views himself as a product of the state's educational system. Elijah's academic journey began in California's public schools, continued through high school, and culminated with a degree in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley. His experiences across the state inspired him to become a change agent in education. His career includes roles as a political organizer, union organizer, and teacher. He moved to New England to join Teach For America, where he embraced the roles of educator, student, and researcher. Completing the program, Elijah realized that the challenges he faced on the West Coast were similarly experienced on the East Coast. While deeply committed to supporting the Chicanx community, Elijah recognizes that all communities of color face unique challenges. He is dedicated to promoting diversity in education and ensuring that school staffing reflects the student population it serves.

Elijah Martinez

Recruitment and Admissions Coordinator

RISPE Faculty

Zajerria Godfrey

Holding a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and nine years of experience, Zajerria Godfrey champions innovative education. With certifications from renowned institutes, she serves RISPE as an Elementary Science Instructor. Through mentorships and community engagement, Zajerria's dedication to uplift and empower is evident. She envisions a world where children are not limited by labels, dreaming of tech-based alternative educational setups for the marginalized, ensuring they reach their potential.

Zajerria Godfrey

Nicholas Santavicca, Ph.D.

Dr. Santavicca, Associate Professor of English & Communication, is the founding Director of the American Language & Cultures Institute at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. His expertise stems from his doctorate in ESL/Bilingual Curriculum & Instruction from Texas Tech University. With diverse roles across K-12 and higher education both domestically and internationally, his research focuses on reimagining assessment and curriculum for multilingual students. At RISPE, he also excels as an ESOL specialist.

Nicholas Santavicca, Ph.D.

Erika C. Tyson

Erika, a doctoral candidate at Georgia State University, delves into the literacies of Black and Brown students, advocating for asset-based curricula for over two decades. Serving in various capacities—from teaching at multiple grade levels to administrative roles—her passion for culturally responsive teaching shines brightly. With a social justice standpoint, Erika aims to craft educational spaces that recognize and celebrate the identities of students of color, all while cherishing life's moments with family.

Erika C. Tyson

Franjuan Valentine, Ph.D.

With over 20 years in multilingual education, Dr. Valentine serves as the CTE Special Education Representative in Texas. Her journey is deeply personal, driven by her neurodivergence and experiences with fostering and adopting children across the ability spectrum. She's mesmerized by the uniqueness of human cognition and learning. As an educator, she's fueled by those “got it” moments and ardently believes in embracing the multifaceted nature of learning, celebrating differences with immense zeal.

Franjuan Valentine, Ph.D.

Carol Pagan

Carol, a proud RISPE ESL Teacher Certification program graduate, has passionately served the Providence School Department for twenty-two years. Whether it's Bilingual Education, Dual Language, or Regular Education, her dedication remains unwavering. As a former ESL student and language learner herself, Carol fiercely advocates for culturally and linguistically diverse students, ensuring that educational environments honor and integrate students' rich life experiences and backgrounds.

Carol Pagan

Karen Adamec

For over two decades, Karen Adamec has transformed K-12 education. With degrees from prominent institutions, her roles span from teacher to reading specialist. Beyond public education, she consults nationwide, disseminating her expertise around literacy, assessment, and intervention systems. A staunch advocate for equity and culturally responsive instruction, Karen's drive is to bridge achievement gaps among diverse learners. Residing in Rhode Island, she cherishes moments with family and nature.

Karen Adamec

Arine Lowery

Arine, a doctoral candidate at North Carolina State University, focuses on Social Studies Education, particularly youth political activism and classroom political discourse. Her multifaceted roles as a teacher, district coordinator, and educator have enriched her insights into the educational domain. Passionate about her research, Arine continually seeks to contribute meaningfully to the realm of education. Outside academia, she finds joy in reading, shopping, and exploring new places.

Arine Lowery

Rebeca Filomeno-Nason

Rebeca currently serves as the Director of Multilingual Learners, Instruction and Services, for the Providence Public School District. Before joining the PPSD Office of Multilingual Learners, she served as an assistant principal at Gov. Christopher DelSesto Middle School in Providence. Previously, she served as a school guidance counselor and dean at Nowell Leadership Academy. Rebeca has also served as an early childhood educator teaching first and second grade at The Learning Community Charter School and preschool at For Pete’s Sake Preschool. Rebeca holds a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Rhode Island College, as well as a Master of Arts in School Counseling from Seton Hall University. She also obtained her administrator certification through the Principal Residency Network at the Center for Leadership and Educational Equity. Rebeca holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Development from Lesley University and an associate degree from the Community College of Rhode Island.

Rebeca Filomeno-Nason - ESOL Adjunct Faculty

Kiersten Prucha

Kiersten Prucha has a Master's Degree in Teaching and Curriculum with certifications in TESOL and Spanish. She has worked with multilingual learners ranging in age from birth to adults through Early Intervention programs, K-12 education, and Adult Education programs. She is passionate about literacy instruction that meets the diverse needs of Rhode Island's multilingual learners and mentoring educators on how to best support MLLs in their classrooms. She loves spending time with her family, traveling, and reading.

Kiersten Prucha - ESOL Adjunct Faculty

Rebeca Filomeno-Nason

Amanda Portes

Kiersten Prucha

Stephanie Morrison

Ruth Gil-Johnston

Cindy Washington

Board of Directors

Mary Harrison

Mary Sylvia Harrison, Vice President for Programs at the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, has championed educational initiatives throughout her career. Before joining the Foundation in 2008, she led The College Crusade Rhode Island to prominence, aiding low-income urban students. Previously, she spearheaded Times2, enhancing STEM learning for underserved learners. Holding a B.A. from Villanova and a J.D. from Antioch School of Law, Mary remains a beacon of progress in education.

Mary Harrison

Chair of the Board

Ron Contreras

Treasurer

CFO, Children’s Friend

 

Lynn Bowman

With over 20 years in education and non-profit sectors, Lynn Bowman has excelled as an administrator, consultant, coach, and teacher. Proficient in strategic planning, she fosters partnerships and educational initiatives. A graduate from Brown University and holding a Master’s from Sacramento State University, Lynn’s approach emphasizes compassion, curiosity, and inclusivity. A certified leadership coach, she's renowned for her workshops and transformative learning experiences.

Lynn Bowman

Board Secretary

Julian Dash​

With over 15 years in renewable energy, Julian Dash founded Copacity in 2012, achieving remarkable milestones in energy projects. Formerly, as Rhode Island’s Renewable Energy Fund Director, he catalyzed state’s green initiatives. An alumnus of Morgan State University and Babson College, Dash actively participates in community services, juggling his time between Providence and New York, and is deeply committed to sustainable solutions.

Julian Dash

Director

Nicholas Trott Long

Nicholas Trott Long, renowned for his legal expertise, currently serves as an arbitrator and mediator, aiding political asylees. Previously, he held notable positions in various educational and governmental bodies in Rhode Island. An author and contributor to several legal publications, Nicholas earned his B.A. from Cornell University and J.D. from Columbia University School of Law. His experience spans multiple facets of law, offering invaluable insights to the board.

Nicholas Trott Long

Director

Dr. Soljane Martinez

Educator for 20 years, Dr. Soljane Martinez has traversed roles from teacher to educational consultant. Currently at the Annenberg Institute at Brown University, she has affiliations with renowned institutions and boards. With degrees from the University of Rhode Island and Johnson & Wales University, Dr. Martinez has been recognized for her impactful teaching methods and has a keen interest in cultural children's literature, reflecting her dedication to holistic education.

Dr. Soljane Martinez

Director

Dr. Jeffery Williams

Dr. Jeffery A. Williams melds spiritual guidance with social change advocacy. A graduate of Brown University, The Harvard Kennedy School, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, he’s been a beacon in both spiritual and public sectors. As the founding pastor of The King’s Cathedral, he’s authored notable books, inspiring countless with his insights. Dr. Williams continually merges faith with action, seeking societal transformation.

Dr. Jeffery Williams

Director

Polly Ulichny

Director

Retired, Former Director of Elementary Education, Brown University

Jeannie Castillo-Lapierre

Director

Business Manager, New Urban Arts

Courtney Correia

Director

School Counselor, Roger Williams Middle School

Jeanette Epstein

Director

Director of the Hamilton Institute for Outreach and Advocacy, The Wheeler School

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