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Faculty Directory

Name Position Phone Number
Head of School
 401.849.4646 x201
Preschool
 401.849.4646 x113
Grade Four
 401.849.4646 x134
Coordinator of Student Life; Science, Primary and Grades 6-8; Theatre, Grades 6-8
 401.849.4646 x204
Communications Manager
 401.849.4646
Maintenance
 401.849.4646
Pre-kindergarten
 401.849.4646 x117
Director of Development
 401.849.4646 x148
Spanish Grades 4-8
 401.849.4646 x225
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB); History, Grade 7
 401.849.4646 x205
Senior Director of Enrollment and Advancement
 401.849.4646 x147
Preschool
 401.849.4646 x119
Operations and Advancement Associate
 401.849.4646 x106
Mathematics, Grades 6-8; History, Grade 6
 401.849.4646 x217
Grade Three
 401.849.4646 x132
Grade Three; Summer Programs Coordinator
 401.849.4646 X133
Assistant Teacher; Theatre, K-8
 401.849.4646
Director of the Center for Student Success
 401.849.4646 x122
English, 6-7
 401.849.4646 x214
Library Preschool - Grade 4; Spanish Preschool - Grade 3; Technology Grades 1-3
 401.849.4646 x209
Assistant Teacher
 401.849.4646
Athletic Director; Physical Education; Technology; Maker Space, Grades 3-8
 401.849.4646 x151
Yoga, K-5; Makerspace, 1-2
 401.849.4646
School Nurse
 401.849.4646 x104
Grade Five
 401.849.4646 x131
Assistant Head of School for Students and Faculty
 401.849.4646 x121
Assistant Head of School for Curriculum and Instruction; English, Grade 8
 401.849.4646 x206
Physical Education; Assistant Teacher
 401.849.4646
Maintenance
 401.849.4646
Resource Teacher
 401.849.4646 x122
Assistant Teacher
 401.849.4646
Assistant Teacher
 401.849.4646
Assistant Teacher
 401.849.4646
Art, Kindergarten - Grade 8
 401.849.4646 x144
Resource/Student Services; SSAT Coordinator
 401.849.4646 x215
Grade Two
 401.849.4646 x124
Grade One
 401.849.4646 x123
Kindergarten
 401.849.4646 x114
Front Desk; Office Manager; Administrative Assistant to Head of School
 401.849.4646 x103
School Social Worker
 401.849.4646
Science K-5; History, Grade 8; Sustainability, 6-8
 401.849.4646 x126
Senior Director of Operations and Finance
 401.849.4646 x106
Events Coordinator
 401.849.4646 x153
Music Teacher Preschool - Grade 8
 401.849.4646 x141
Director of Technology
 401.849.4646 x207

Paul Amadio

Head of School

  • Appointed in 2023
  • B.F.A. Roger Williams University
  • M.F.A. Wayne State University
  • 401.849.4646 X201
  • pamadio@pennfield.org

Diana Ackerman

Preschool

Diana is in her fourth year at Pennfield. She has over 13 years experience as a preschool teacher. After assisting in preschool and pre-k, she is thrilled to be lead teacher in one of the preschool classrooms. Upon her arrival at Pennfield she was excited to learn that yoga class was a part of the Pre-K curriculum as she is certified in children’s yoga and enjoys practicing yoga outside of school as well.

In her leisure time Diana enjoys the outdoors, whether it’s spending time with friends and family at the beach, dining Al fresco at a local restaurant, or walking with her husband and Goldendoodle, Wally. She also enjoys exploring both the Norman Bird Sanctuary and the Aquidneck Land Trust trails and is a member of both organizations. Travel is another interest, and Diana is especially fond of New England trips. As a result she can often be found reading Yankee Magazine and discussing or recommending towns to visit and restaurants to try.

Meredith Botelho

Grade Four

  • Appointed in 2015
  • B.A. University of Rhode Island
  • M.A.T. University of Rhode Island
  • 401.849.4646 x134
  • mbotelho@pennfield.org

Meredith joined The Pennfield School in 2015, becoming our fourth-grade teacher. Prior to her tenure here, she held the position of Education Director at the Newport Boys and Girls Club. Meredith has a passion for nurturing students to reach their fullest potential while addressing their social-emotional needs. She strives to challenge her students academically through engaging hands-on learning experiences, and she constantly seeks for ways to seamlessly integrate technology to enhance her lessons, particularly through the use of Google Classroom.

In 2022, Meredith accepted an additional role as the coordinator of our Buddy Program. In this capacity, she collaborates with fellow faculty and staff to craft engaging monthly experiences for students across all grades to enjoy together. Meredith is also the very proud mother of two children who attend Pennfield.

Outside the classroom, Meredith enjoys spending quality time with her family and loves relaxing on the beach.

Mathew Bottone

Coordinator of Student Life; Science, Primary and Grades 6-8; Theatre, Grades 6-8

Mathew has continuously taught Upper School science since beginning at Pennfield in 1997. In addition, he has served as Yearbook Editor (20 years), Upper School Play Director (10 years), Technology Coordinator (6 years), Upper School Head (2 years), and most recently as Student Life Coordinator since 2006. His 27 years of teaching Middle School science expanded when he also started instructing Primary Students – Pennfield’s “Bookend Science Experience.” He enjoys having 8th grade students he taught a decade earlier in preschool.

Before teaching, he worked as a professional actor in Colorado, San Francisco, Newport, Providence, and Boston. His broad experience includes children’s theatre, Astor’s Beechwood, Perishable Theatre, commercials, and film. However, inspired by a trio of stellar educators from his own junior high and high school experience, Mr. B. knew he was destined to teach science. So along with his MFA he minored in EPO Biology.

His daughter Sabine, and son Sebastian both attended Pennfield. With his wife, Sharon Rust, as Pennfield’s social worker, Mathew’s entire family has shared in the Panther experience.

Diane Campagna

Communications Manager

Diane’s journey with The Pennfield School began in 2004 when she first joined as a parent, bringing three children into the Pennfield family over the years. Like many parents, her involvement snowballed, from volunteer to Board member to  substitute teacher. With a wealth of experience in the realm of social media marketing dating back to 2009, Diane’s enthusiasm soared when the opportunity to become the school’s Communications Manager emerged. Even though she now calls Georgia home, Diane is grateful that she can still promote Pennfield through the magic of technology.

Diane is also a seasoned dance instructor, theatre director, and choreographer, amassing a remarkable 25+ years in these creative fields and providing her the opportunity to share her love for the arts in several Pennfield productions.

In her leisure time, Diane enjoys baking, traveling, and soaking up cherished family moments.

Eldgar Cordero

Maintenance

  • Appointed 2024
  • ecordero@pennfield.org

Shannon D’Eramo

Pre-kindergarten

Shannon’s journey at Pennfield began in 1996. She initially joined as the school’s first preschool assistant, working with Polly Bradley the head preschool teacher in Pennfield’s new preschool program. After an exhilarating year, she left for other teaching opportunities, but returned in 2021 and is now one of the school’s lead Pre-K teachers.

With over two decades of service at The Newport County YMCA, Shannon held diverse positions rising to the role of COO. However, the pandemic curtailed her YMCA career, leading her to return to working in the classroom with young children. Certified as a reading specialist in Rhode Island, she freely shares her love of reading with her students. She’s also a certified Kids Yoga instructor, former Girl Scout Leader, and volunteer at numerous organizations.

Shannon’s hobbies include spending quality time traveling with her family, pickleball, yoga, boating, concerts, beach time, dinner with friends, and just about anything that allows her to be healthy. 

Lizz de Villegas

Director of Development

Lizz has made a significant impact on education since 2014, when her sons joined Etna Elementary School in Northern California. She served as a teaching assistant with the Scott Valley Unified School District and was PTO President for five years, raising money for school initiatives and spearheading a campaign to replace carcinogenic shredded tires on playgrounds with eco-friendly wood chips—because, of course, safety and sustainability go hand in hand!

With a degree in Art History from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Lizz began her career in Lifestyle Public Relations and Event Management for major investment banks, including overseeing the grand opening of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. In 2004, she and her husband moved to India for five and a half years, where they welcomed their first son and gained valuable insights into the transformative power of education.

Since returning to Newport in 2022, Lizz has been actively engaged with the Star Kids Organization. Her eldest son is a junior at Portsmouth Abbey and she has a son in 8th grade at Pennfield. Outside of work, Lizz enjoys sunrise beach walks with her dogs, hitting the gym, playing MahJong with friends, and cheering on her sons at their games.

Peter Dorrien Traisci

Spanish Grades 4-8

Peter began teaching Upper School Spanish at Pennfield in the fall of 2010. His first child was born in 2011 and two more arrived soon after. All three of his children can be found happily walking the halls as Pennfield students. Peter now teaches Spanish to grades 4-8 and is proud to bring his extensive travel experience into the classroom. Having lived in countries such as Argentina and Spain, he places great emphasis on learning Spanish as a means to create new and meaningful connections with others.

Peter spent much of his younger years as a professional musician and still releases music and performs today. He is proud to have led Pennfield students on four international experiences to Spanish speaking countries and looks forward to more adventures in the future!

In his free time, he enjoys writing and recording music, travel and spending time with his children.

Mattie Edwards-Kemp

Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB); History, Grade 7

  • Appointed in 1995
  • B.S. University of Tennessee
  • B.S. Salve Regina University
  • M.Ed. Rhode Island College
  • 401.849.4646 x205
  • mkemp@pennfield.org

Mattie Edwards Kemp started her professional career at Pennfield during the 1994-1995 academic year. Mattie’s son, who is a graduate of Pennfield, entered Kindergarten the same year. She earned undergraduate degrees from the University of Tennessee and Salve Regina University and received a M.Ed. in educational leadership from Rhode Island College. After ten years teaching second grade, Ms. Edwards Kemp joined the Upper School, where she has held multiple positions. Mattie  has served as the Curriculum Coordinator, Head of Upper School, Assistant Head of School, Associate Head of School, and was the founding chair of the Technology Committee, while continuing to teach World Cultures. Mattie’s newest adventure is serving as Pennfield’s first Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), a subject about which she is passionate. This is a new and exciting position for her and allows many opportunities to interact with parents and the greater community.

Mattie has served as an adjunct professor at Salve Regina University and Roger Williams University. She served on the Board of Trustees for the Martin Luther King Community Center for ten years and is the current vice-chair of the Bristol Middle Passage Ceremonies and Port Marker Project. This provides an opportunity for Mattie to continue her work of seeking equity and justice by honoring the African captives and the Indigenous Nations who were instrumental in building colonial America and those who were often victims of human trafficking in early America. Mattie also enjoys container gardening, researching new topics, and watching documentaries or anything on PBS.

Kristin Emory

Senior Director of Enrollment and Advancement

  • Appointed in 2011
  • B.A. University of Colorado
  • M.A.T. University of San Francisco
  • 401.849.4646 x147
  • kemory@pennfield.org

Kristin started teaching in San Francisco at The Katherine Delmar Burke School.  She began as an assistant teacher and after finishing her graduate degree became a lead teacher and worked there for 8 years. In 2005 Kristin moved to Rhode Island to raise her family. She substitute taught at The Pennfield School, which led to the Director of Admission job. A few years later she also became the Head of External Affairs, heading up the admission, events, marketing, and advancement offices.  All three of Kristin’s boys attended Pennfield.

Kristin is an avid sailor.  Her first real summer job was teaching sailing to young children, which she did through most of her college summers. Post college, Kristin worked for an environmental newspaper written by underserved students from the Boston public schools. After one year she realized she wanted to head out west, so she moved to California and ran the membership department at the Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito for a short stint before finding her way into a traditional classroom.  

Sarah Evans

Preschool

  • Appointed 2022
  • B.A. Salve Regina University
  • RI Certification in Early Childhood Education
  • 401.849.4646 x119
  • sevans@pennfield.org

Sarah grew up in New Jersey. She attended Salve Regina University where she studied education. After graduation, she stayed in Rhode Island and began teaching preschool, a career that has lasted over 16 years. 

Sarah has two daughters, and they are all proud Pennfield Panthers. As the oldest began preschool at Pennfield, Sarah found herself here as well, first as a substitute teacher, then as teaching assistant, and as a lead teacher in Pre-k last year. Although she loves Pre-k, she is thrilled to be the lead teacher in one of the preschool classrooms. Sarah’s biggest joys are her family and teaching young children. She feels extremely fortunate to enjoy both of these things daily working at Pennfield.

On her days off, Sarah is often found spending quality time with her family and her Pennfield friends. She loves heading off to the beach, not just during summer vacations but in the winter as well. Sarah also enjoys traveling and finding new places to explore on the weekends with her husband and daughters.

Nicole Fagan

Operations and Advancement Associate

Alex Fernandez

Mathematics, Grades 6-8; History, Grade 6

As a Pennfield alumni, Alex was excited to begin working at Pennfield as a substitute teacher before becoming full time faculty in 2014. He is a dedicated educator with experience at a wide range of grade levels, having taught students as young as kindergarten to as old as middle school. While his passion, and primary focus, has been on mathematics education, Alex has had the privilege to teach in other content areas during his time at Pennfield. He has taught sections of English, World Cultures, Technology, and Ancient Civilizations.

A lifelong Aquidneck Islander, Alex enjoys spending time in, on or near the water, especially in the company of his two daughters. Other interests include reading, learning new things, and spending time with friends and family.

Kate Filloramo

Grade Three

Kate first came thru Pennfield’s door as a substitute teacher in 2018 marking her return to teaching after taking time to raise her four children. Throughout that year, Kate saw how special and unique the Pennfield community was and taught several weeks of cooking classes over that summer. Kate and family spent several years abroad and upon returning to Rhode Island, Kate co-taught second grade at an independent school in Providence and finally made her way back to Pennfield as a substitute and classroom support in the fifth grade before landing in third grade.

In the years that Kate was home raising her children, she spent many of them traveling about the world with her family and pursuing several creative passions. She is a Master Gardner and published food writer, marrying her love for cooking and collaborating with other creative individuals.

Outside of the classroom, you can find Kate enjoying quiet moments with a book and a good cup of coffee, spending time with her family or at the hockey rink, cheering on her kids as well as playing on a local women’s league.

Danielle Frawley

Grade Three; Summer Programs Coordinator

Danielle began her tenure at The Pennfield School in September of 2018. During her time here, she has mainly taught 3rd grade; although did enjoy the challenge of teaching a 2nd/3rd grade combination class for one year. As one who embraces the ever-changing world of education, Danielle has recently completed the first section of the Orton-Gillingham Classroom Educator Coursework. She is excited to be able to apply this new knowledge. Danielle enjoys finding new ways to introduce academic skills to her students, across all subject areas.

Danielle is a transplanted Rhode Islander, having been raised in New York. She lives in Bristol with her husband, three children, and their dog. Danielle feels lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the country and work at a school as special as Pennfield.

Alexis Gibbs

Assistant Teacher; Theatre, K-8

Alexis is absolutely thrilled to be joining Pennfield this school year! She recently moved from Tucson, Arizona where she taught drama to children ages 4-11 in a youth theatre program. Alexis’ love for theatre began as a child; she participated in programs such as, Summer on Stage, with the Arizona Theatre Company and a Summer Conservatory with The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. These experiences strengthened her love for being on stage, and she graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Theatre degree (emphasis in Performance). Alexis also minored in Women and Gender Studies. With this knowledge she is committed to making all spaces she enters a welcoming, inclusive, and kind place for everyone. She cannot wait to bring out the confidence of our Pennfield students and introduce them to the wonderful world of theatre.

Alexis loves watching scary movies in her free time and it is a dream of hers is to someday bring a haunted house experience to New England. to the East Coast.

Veronica Hardy

Director of the Center for Student Success

  • Appointed 2021
  • B.A. University of New Hampshire
  • M.A.T. Rhode Island College
  • 401.849.4646 x122
  • vhardy@pennfield.org

Veronica came to Pennfield with vast experience teaching and learning alongside children. She is passionate about supporting a variety of learners, especially those who are neurodivergent. Veronica recently completed her Associate-Level of training in Orton-Gillingham and is working towards certification. During the summer months, Veronica provides tutoring for students in grades K-5, through Pennfield and privately.

Veronica attended La Salle Academy in high school and then received a scholarship to play Division 1 Women’s Soccer at the University of New Hampshire. She was on the America East All-Rookie Team, America East Academic Honor Roll, and won the America East Championship with her team in 2014. Veronica is excited to coach the soccer team at Pennfield again this year! She loves to be active and enjoys going to the beach, reading, practicing yoga, and playing in various sports leagues with friends and family.

Dr. Elle Hawks

English, 6-7

  • Appointed 2017
  • B.A. Fairfield University
  • M.A. Northern Arizona University
  • Ph.D. Salve Regina University
  • 401.849.4646 x214
  • ehawks@pennfield.org

Elle Hawks joined the Pennfield faculty in 2017 as the 7th and 8th grade English teacher. Her twin boys are entering third grade but began as preschoolers at Pennfield! Elle previously taught high school English to grades 9-12 in Connecticut and taught for eight years as a writing instructor at the Naval Academy Preparatory School. Elle earned her B.A. in English with a journalism concentration from Fairfield University and continued her studies to complete her M.A. in English with a linguistics focus from Northern Arizona University. She stepped back from her teaching role at Pennfield in 2020 to focus on completing her doctorate at Salve Regina University and to increase wellness in her own life. She earned her Ph.D. in Humanities in 2022 and started her wellness company, Recharge Newport, in March of 2023. Her company was recently presented with a Best of Rhode Island Award for Best Couples Retreats and Best Personal Retreats!

Dr. Elle is also a certified yoga instructor for children and adults and a certified soul coach, which is based on her training with Sedona Soul Adventures. She has studied ecotherapy and the power of nature and the expressive arts as powerful healing modalities. She is a published author of several children’s books, as well as several creative nonfiction pieces. She believes that music, art, movement, and writing have the ability to inspire and heal.

Dr. Elle loves swimming, golfing with her husband and her two boys, yoga, reading, going to the theater, music, delicious coffee, and travel.

Michelle Hodes

Library Preschool - Grade 4; Spanish Preschool - Grade 3; Technology Grades 1-3

  • Appointed 2021
  • B.S. Franciscan University
  • RI Certification in Elementary Education
  • 401.849.4646 x209
  • mhodes@pennfield.org

Michelle holds a K-8 Education degree with additional coursework completed in Early Childhood Education. She began teaching in 1999 and completed multiple state certifications, leading her to teach in five states and in Nicaragua. She has been a full-time classroom teacher in Kindergarten, First Grade, and Fourth Grade. She has also taught Spanish at a boarding school in Connecticut and created an after school Spanish club for Middle School students. She and her family have moved around the country for her husband’s work, and she had the opportunity to be a librarian while they spent time in Nashville. Michelle is a Google Classroom Certified Educator and is trained in a variety of educational technology programs. She loves learning and is passionate about teaching students of all ages! She recently attended the World Language Teacher Summit where she studied movement within the World Language classroom, took Zumba classes, and created a fun, unique Spanish in Motion program for our Spanish curriculum!

In her spare time, she enjoys baking, gardening, exercising, taking her children on fun day trips, and reading all she can to make her classes even more exciting! She also loves to travel and has ventured to 13 countries around the world including Spain, Mexico, and Costa Rica!

Ryann Humes

Assistant Teacher

  • Appointed 2024
  • B.S. University of New Hampshire
  • RI Education Certification K-Grade 2
  • 401.849.4646
  • rhumes@pennfield.org

Eddie Jewel

Athletic Director; Physical Education; Technology; Maker Space, Grades 3-8

This is Eddie’s second year teaching at The Pennfield School, and fourth year in the classroom. Before Eddie began teaching he was an outstanding collegiate athlete, earning division three All American status and received full scholarship to play division one football. He went on to play professional sports in Europe, and coach both high school and collegiate football. Eddie has a strong passion for helping young people to believe in themselves while working hard to achieve their dreams. He has helped multiple student athletes pursue their goals of furthering their academic and athletic goals in high school and at the collegiate level.
In addition to his love of athletics, Eddie has a creative mind and passion for arts and enjoys helping students unlock their creativity in his technology classes. Eddie is certified in Project Lead the Way, Design & Model. Students will use STEM, imagination, and collaboration to solve real world problems. Eddie will also teaches our new Makerspace enrichment class, in which students will create a portfolio of arts including original literature, music, and architecture.

Emily Johnson

Yoga, K-5; Makerspace, 1-2

  • Appointed 2018
  • B.S. University of Rhode Island
  • RI Certification in Early Childhood Education
  • 401.849.4646
  • ejohnson@pennfield.org

Patricia Johnson

School Nurse

Jane Kirkpatrick

Grade Five

Jane has been a part of the Pennfield community since 2016, working as a long-term substitute in Pre-K, 1st and 2nd grades, as an assistant teacher in kindergarten, and now as the fifth-grade teacher. Her interest in teaching began after college when she became a member of Teach For America’s initial corps. She taught elementary school in Brooklyn, NY and Oakland, CA. She has also worked in investment research & client services with Dresdner RCM Global Investors LLC and Goldman Sachs. Before settling at Pennfield, Jane worked as a Development Associate at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Newport. She has held leadership positions in numerous non-profit organizations, including Aquidneck Land Trust and Portsmouth Youth Sailing.

She lives in Portsmouth with her husband, just down the hill from Pennfield. On most days she can be spotted walking her dog, Delilah, throughout the Glen. Her two grown children live in NYC. She loves working with kids and especially teaching 5th grade! When not in school, she enjoys learning, traveling, practicing yoga, sailing, biking, and all things outdoors!

Karen Lambert

Assistant Head of School for Students and Faculty

  • Appointed in 2000
  • B.A. Salve Regina University
  • R.I. Certification in Early Childhood Education
  • 401.849.4646 x121
  • klambert@pennfield.org

This is Karen’s 25th year at Pennfield. She began as the preschool teacher, and became the Head of Lower School in 2018. Beginning in 2024, she stepped out of the classroom to accept her current position as Assistant Head of School for Students and Faculty. Although she will miss being with our youngest Panthers everyday, she is excited to work with students at every level.

Karen graduated from Salve Regina University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a minor in Special Education. After graduating she began teaching in a child care center and realized this was the career she was meant for. She became certified in Early Childhood Education which led to a Director position, and then as a consultant in the opening of a brand new center. 

 Karen is also the Director of Religious Education at her church, a position she’s held for 26 years while teaching the second grade First Communion class. She lives in a log cabin with her husband, two sons, and three cats. She’s often found in the kitchen trying recipes, reading new books, or watching movies. Karen’s love of theatre began in high school, although you’ll likely find her in the audience, rather than on stage.

Dr. Marianne Lawless

Assistant Head of School for Curriculum and Instruction; English, Grade 8

  • Appointed 2014
  • B.S. Fairleigh Dickinson University
  • M.A.T. Fairleigh Dickinson University
  • Ed.D. Northeastern University
  • 401.849.4646 x206
  • mlawless@pennfield.org

Marianne joined Pennfield in 2014 as a 5th-grade teacher, bringing a decade of experience as a middle school English teacher in NJ public schools. She transitioned to Upper School, teaching  6th-8th grade English for a year before returning to 5th grade and serving as the Lower School Head. Marianne briefly stepped away from teaching to pursue a doctorate in education at Northeastern. During that time she worked at Houghton Mifflin training teachers in curriculum and engaged in corporate training at Electric Boat. She remained connected to Pennfield as a substitute and served on the school’s board for two years.

In 2020, Marianne rejoined Pennfield as an Upper School English teacher and assumed the role of Head of Upper School in 2021. She loves the sense of community and belonging at Pennfield, making her return to teaching here a joyful choice.

Beyond school, Marianne enjoys making homemade ice cream, reading the latest bestsellers, and sewing. She and her husband, John, share their home with two Boston-beagles, Emma and Ellie, and a cat named Veeta.

Allegra Lovoy

Physical Education; Assistant Teacher

Allegra started her journey at The Pennfield School coaching the boys basketball team and assisting in extended day. From there, she added other assistant jobs in first and second grade and started teaching PE classes.  She is now currently teaching PE for Preschool through 3rd grade in addition to assisting in Preschool. Allegra has a BA in psychology and years of experience working with kids in various day cares and camps, including the Boston Celtics Camp where she has worked at for over ten years.

Allegra loves the game of basketball and played as point guard at Salve Regina University. She now shares her passion for the game as the coach of the Pennfield girls basketball team.

In her free time, she enjoys making homemade ice cream, hanging with friends and family (especially with her nephews), and bike riding. In the summer, she can be found swimming or reading a good book at the beach, paddle boarding, and traveling.

Rich McMorrow

Maintenance

Kristina Michelson

Resource Teacher

After receiving a master’s degree in Elementary Instruction and Curriculum from the University of Colorado, Kristina began her career teaching kindergarten in Colorado before moving to 4th grade. When she met her husband, Drew, they moved to Connecticut where she continued teaching 4th grade. Her family grew, and Drew and Kristina had 3 boys. The family ultimately moved to Rhode Island where Kristina received her certification in Orton-Gillingham and taught using the approach as a 2nd grade teacher, Orton- Gillingham tutor, and 5th and 6th grade English teacher. In 2017 Kristina joined Pennfield as the Lower School Resource Teacher.

Kristina was an avid figure skater until switching to hockey; she played on the Brooks School’s first girls ice hockey team. In college Kristina spent a semester in London England studying play writing and wrote a play for school.

These days Kristina loves the mountains and enjoys skiing with her family. Kristina loves watching her boys play soccer as they all play for their schools. 

Emily Moulton

Assistant Teacher

After graduating with a degree in Early Childhood Studies from Plymouth State University, Emily has continuously worked to shape the lives of young children. First as a toddler teacher and childcare practitioner in the Boston area, and then as a teacher and parent after moving to Newport in 2007, Emily has worked with children from diverse backgrounds and specialized needs, in grades from Newborn to Kindergarten. She brings a unique sense of purpose and kindness to each interaction in the classroom or home. She spends emphasizing the joy of childhood with her students, while instilling structure and respect for each other.

Now that her two sons are a little older, she is excited to join them at Pennfield as a full time teacher. She lives in Newport with her family and enjoys the activities that living downtown affords as well as going to the beach and traveling to other sunny destinations.

Reagan Mulligan

Assistant Teacher

Kaitlynn Nolan

Assistant Teacher

Blayney Norton-Hayes

Art, Kindergarten - Grade 8

Blayney officially joined The Pennfield School in 2016 but had been previously teaching Art camps at the school for many summers. Blayney teaches Art in grades K-8 with a curriculum that focuses heavily on experimentation with creative process and studying artists from contemporary times to the masters from art history.

Blayney grew up in a family of artists and writers where exploring creativity was a way of life. She has been a working artist for decades and has a busy studio practice at home, and her work can often be seen in local galleries. Blayney has a wholesale line of painted signs and objects that can be found in boutiques all over New England and the Caribbean. Blayney has also worked in retail buying, selling, designing, and styling for individuals. Before coming to Pennfield, Blayney co-chaired a granted program at a local public school in Bristol which focused on art history-based Art lessons. Recently, she has been taking courses with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and infusing her curriculum with themes from these classes. 

In her free time Blayney can be found painting in her studio, spending time with her husband and her daughter who is a freshman at Salve Regina University. Blayney loves dogs, tennis, lacrosse, fashion, and Art.

Dawn Pigott

Resource/Student Services; SSAT Coordinator

  • Appointed in 1988
  • B.S. University of Maine
  • Graduate Study Harvard University
  • 401.849.4646 x215
  • dpigott@pennfield.org
Dawn’s tenure at The New School/The Pennfield School began as a parent. As a faculty member, Dawn has held many positions: 2nd grade, English and history in grades 6-8, and later as Head of Resource, emphasizing the incorporation of the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach for remedial instruction. 
Dawn’s professional training in OG was under the tutelage of Ms. Emi Flynn, founder of The Hamilton School. Dawn and Ms. Flynn worked summers instructing RI and MA teachers in the integration of this alternative reading approach into their elementary classrooms. They collaborated and completed workbooks and teacher manuals reflecting OG principles and were both Past Presidents of the RI Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. For over 10 years, Dawn served as adjunct faculty in the Education Department of Salve Regina University where she taught Professional Portfolio for Education students, Praxis Test Preparation for RI Teacher Certification, and an introduction of OG into the elementary classroom. 

Dawn is a skiing enthusiast and was a member of the Alitalia International Girls’ Professional Ski Team. 

Cynthia Plante

Grade Two

Cynthia’s journey with The Pennfield School began this summer of 2024 as she was seeking a new teaching position.  She immediately felt connection, joy, and acceptance. Cynthia brings twenty years of teaching experience from varied private institutions here in the U.S.A. and abroad at an international school in Ethiopia. Cynthia is excited to bring her joy of learning to the second grade class at Pennfield.

Cynthia has taught quite a range of different levels from preschool to fifth grade and always infuses her classes with a love for literature especially historical fiction!  She loves using reading time as a way to have more of a “literature theater” with reading expression (dramatic) and acting out scenes in a novel.  She weaves art projects and collaborative history projects to make learning more tangible and engaging. Cynthia is known for her love of the Colonial Period and has had her previous classes dress in period costumes to present their research on certain topics and celebrate with an authentic Colonial Tea! Dressing up is also featured when presenting biographies that have been read in class as well as creating a living wax museum for the entire school to come and visit! Cynthia also has a love for animals so be on the lookout for her class pet!

In her leisure time, Cynthia enjoys reading, baking, gardening, and spending time with her puppies and her cherished family.

Wendy Randle

Grade One

  • Appointed in 2024
  • B.A. Salve Regina University
  • M.S. Providence College
  • 401.849.4646 x123
  • wrandle@pennfield.org

Wendy Randle began teaching first grade at Coggeshall School in Newport, RI. This ignited her passion for education and laid the foundation for future endeavors. After several years in the classroom, she accepted a principal position at South Elementary School in Somerset, MA, where she spent five years honing her leadership skills and fostering a collaborative school environment. A relocation to South Carolina, due to her husband’s service in the U.S. Navy, expanded her experience further. In SC, she served as principal at a charter school and later at a DODEA school at Marine Corps Air Station Laurel Bay. These roles provided her with a deeper understanding of diverse educational settings and the importance of adaptable, student-centered approaches.

Returning to RI, Wendy joined Paul Cuffee School, initially as the Lower School Principal and then one year as the Head of School. For the past nine years, Wendy has had the privilege of serving as the Director of SouthSide Elementary Charter School in Providence, RI, overseeing significant academic and organizational growth. She cultivated loving, supportive, and student-centered culture and paved the path to the school’s imminent relocation.

Wendy’s extensive experience in both teaching and administration has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape and the skills necessary to thrive in a primary teaching role. She is excited to return to the classroom, restoring a sense of work/life balance and returning to her true passion and her calling which is teaching. Wendy enjoys spending quality time connecting with nature with her husband, her two dogs and her family.

Kimberly Ripa

Kindergarten

Kimberly joined the Pennfield community in 2023 as a new Kindergarten teacher. She found herself already invested in the community as she has been caring for many different Pennfield children outside of school as their babysitter for the past few years. Not only has she already been invested in the Pennfield community, she has lived in Portsmouth her whole life, truly leading her right to Pennfield. Prior to teaching kindergarten, Kimberly was a behavioral technician where she worked closely with students who have disabilities, working to improve their physical, social, emotional, academic and life skills.

Kimberly deeply cares for the children she works with. One of Kimberly’s most prized possessions is the children’s book she wrote and illustrated, “Flappy’s First Day”. She dedicated her children’s book to all her future students and is eager to continue this passion!

When Kimberly isn’t at school you can find her at home working on her watercolor paintings or baking her favorite treats.

Abby Rowe

Front Desk; Office Manager; Administrative Assistant to Head of School

Abby first became a part of The Pennfield School community as a Kindergarten parent in 2014. She is now the proud parent of a current Pennfield student and Pennfield alumna. Abby got to know the school as a Pennfield volunteer, serving hot lunch and chairing the PSA. In 2017, Abby began working in a more formal role, joining the Business Office as an Accounts Payable Associate. Since then, she has worn several hats, including a substitute at the Front Desk and a Kindergarten assistant teacher.  Currently, in addition to her work in the Business Office, Abby is employed as an Advancement Associate.  

Abby is an active volunteer at the Norman Bird Sanctuary, a wildlife center in Middletown, RI. She has served on the Board of Trustees and is a member of the Board’s Development Committee and the Capital Campaign Committee. Abby also remains an active events volunteer, chairing activities at the Children’s Tent during the annual Harvest Fair. She likes to hike, walk, and run and has spent several years as a Girls on the Run coach, a program that builds empowerment and confidence through running.

Abby loves to spend time at home with her family where she is often outside in her garden, reading, or needlepointing.  

Sharon Rust

School Social Worker

  • Appointed 2022
  • B.A. Salve Regina University
  • M.S.W. Rhode Island College
  • Adolescent Treatment Specialty, Harvard University
  • 401.849.4646
  • srust@pennfield.org

Sharon has been associated with Pennfield for 27 years, initially as the spouse of the beloved Mr. Bottone, then as the proud parent of Sabine and Sebastian who both attended Pennfield, and most recently as the part-time school social worker, a position that was introduced in February of 2022.

Sharon has over thirty years experience working as a Masters level clinical social worker and supervisor. She has directed clinical programs in Rhode Island in various capacities such as leading the mobile treatment team at Newport County Mental Health Center, Director of School Based Services for Child and Family Services of Newport County, and creating and directing The Ophelia Programs and most recently the ARTEMIS programs.

Sharon is incredibly excited to expand her role at Pennfield this year, as well as continuing with her therapeutic private practice and directing the innovative ARTEMIS programs, which includes operating a one of a kind antique/vintage store in the historic Tiverton Four Corners that offers area youth their first employment experience.

Sam Schreiber

Science K-5; History, Grade 8; Sustainability, 6-8

After receiving his Masters in Education (k-12) from Tufts University, Sam Schreiber worked around greater Boston schools for several years teaching both science and art. He has taught courses in biology, physics, chemistry and visual arts at both the high school and middle school level.

Aside from teaching, Sam’s passion lies in nature and he believes the preservation of our planet is tied to the classroom and our future generations. He teaches Science at Pennfield (k-5), History(8), and heads the school’s sustainable practices with the help of the highly dedicated, student based, Green Team. He combined his love of nature and education by working on boats during the summer months, taking students to the Boston Harbor Islands and organizing sustainable fishing trips and eco tourism adventures.

Fishing is one of Sam’s favorite hobbies. When he’s not in the classroom and the weather is good, you can find Sam South of the Vineyard pursuing tuna.

Allison Serina

Senior Director of Operations and Finance

Jessica Stadel

Events Coordinator

Jessica experienced Pennfield as a parent first. It was only after that she decided to take on the role of Events Coordinator. Jessica has experience planning events in all types of locations: the Supreme Court in Washington D.C., The Waldorf Astoria in New York City, Tigers Stadium in San Fransisco, Fountainbleu in Miami, The St. Regis in Naples, Stateroom in Boston, as well as smaller more intimate dinners and cocktail receptions in a variety of locations and private homes. Some of her high-end weddings have been published in magazines and featured in online publications. She brings a fresh and vibrant perspective to the Pennfield community with each event she plans.

Jessica and her husband own five shoe stores, so in her spare time she helps to run their business. She loves to spend time with her two sons, host parties, and travel.

She feels so fortunate to her use her creativity as she conceptualizes and executes events for her children’s school and the greater Pennfield community.

Loralee Swanson

Music Teacher Preschool - Grade 8

  • Appointed in 2024
  • B.A. University of Wyoming
  • M.A. University of Kentucky
  • 401.849.4646 x141
  • lswanson@pennfield.org

Loralee first joined The Pennfield School family in 2022 as a parent of a current student.  Loralee has a Bachelor in Music, Music Performance from the University of Wyoming and a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from the University of Kentucky. After spending 10 years as an active-duty Navy Musician, Loralee spent 5 years teaching music lessons and classes at her own studio to students from ages 4-18. In addition to teaching music at Pennfield, she teaches trombone as an adjunct faculty member at Salve Regina University and CCRI.  Loralee has big plans for our music program and she wants Pennfield to be recognized as a school that celebrates the arts!

In her free time, Loralee loves spending time with family, attending concerts, running, gardening, and enjoying the outdoors.

Frank Tito

Director of Technology

  • Appointed in 2013
  • A.S. Thames Valley State Technical College
  • 401.849.4646 x207
  • ftito@pennfield.org