DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

With over 20 years working in education, Rachel has served as a teacher, coach, principal, and district leader— always with a focus on equity and inclusion. She's passionate about creating school communities where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered. Originally from Vero Beach, Florida, Rachel loves collaborating with others to break down barriers in education and build systems that work for all learners. A Providence resident, she loves spending time outdoors when she’s not at work, whether it’s hiking, golfing, biking, or just enjoying nature.

SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Amy is from the UK and graduated from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne with both her BS and MS degrees. She has been working as a Speech Therapist with children for 14 years, across England and Southeastern Massachusetts. Amy has lived in Rhode Island for the last ten years and is excited to be working in her home state! She is passionate about providing inclusive, quality care to support and empower the children and families she serves. Amy lives with her husband and two children, who enjoy hiking, biking, playing, and hanging out together. She loves to read, run and craft in her spare time!

SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Judy holds an M.S. from Northeastern University and a B.A. in Communication Disorders and Elementary Education from University of Rhode Island. She is an active member of ASHA. Judy brings extensive experience working with students in both public and charter schools. She has supported diverse student populations in developing essential communication skills and accessing meaningful learning opportunities. Born and raised in Providence, Judy grew up in a large family where she learned the value of education, hard work, and community—principles she carries forward as a dedicated professional and proud mother of two sons. She believes that fostering strong communication skills helps build respectful, inclusive learning environments for all. Outside of work, Judy enjoys fitness, travel, gardening, and diving into home improvement projects with her husband!!!

K-1 SPECIAL EDUCATION

Gina has her B.S. in early childhood and special education for New York University. Additionally, she attended Cambridge College for her M.Ed. in special education. She previously worked at a residential school for students with severe and multiple disabilities, primarily with students ages 6-13. She has been with LC as a special educator since 2020. Gina grew up in Hopedale, MA, and is proud of her Hispanic heritage. Her hobbies include video games, Magic the Gathering, puzzles, crafting, and personal style.

2 SPECIAL EDUCATION

Ana Rodriguez-Mazariegos lives in Johnston, Rhode Island. She is a proud alumna of The Learning Community. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education with a minor in Spanish from Rhode Island College. Passionate about supporting bilingual families, Ana is dedicated to empowering her community through education. She aspires to pursue her Master's degree and launch her own tutoring business in the near future. Outside of her professional goals, Ana enjoys attending church, playing soccer, spending quality time with her close-knit family, and husband. 

3 SPECIAL EDUCATION

Melissa graduated from Providence College in 2013 with her Master in Elementary Special Education with post-graduate credits in Applied Behavior Analysis. She previously worked as an ABA therapist and Behavior Specialist in a variety of educational settings. Melissa grew up in Fall River, MA and now resides in Taunton, MA with her husband, daughter Harlow, and their dog, Zooey. When not cheering on Boston sports teams, Melissa also enjoys swimming and traveling.

4 SPECIAL EDUCATION

Catarina graduated from Rhode Island College with a B.A in elementary education. She has been a part of The Learning Community for 13 years. Prior to joining LC , she was a long-term substitute teacher for Pawtucket Public Schools. She also worked as a teacher's assistant at a local preschool. Catarina is Portuguese and a daughter of immigrant parents. She is a mother to two boys. She enjoys fitness, going to the beach, and spending time with her family. She believes that every student has their own unique way of learning and strives to support them on their journey to becoming independent learners.

5 SPECIAL EDUCATION

Christina graduated from Rhode Island College with her B.A in Elementary Education and Special Education in 2014. She has been teaching for the past 6 years and has previously taught in East Greenwich and Woonsocket at the middle school level. She was born and raised in Warwick by Italian parents and currently resides there with her dog Daisy Mae. Christina enjoys playing soccer, hanging out with her family and friends, taking her dog for long walks, and traveling. 

6 SPECIAL EDUCATION

Erin is the 6th-grade special education teacher. She is also a certified reading specialist and general educator. Erin has almost two decades of teaching experience, with over 10 years here at the Learning Community. She lives in Attleboro with her husband, two sons, and dogs.

7 SPECIAL EDUCATION

Emilie graduated from Providence College in 2012 with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education and again in 2016 with a Master's degree in Special Education. Emilie strongly believes that all students can learn and be successful in school, especially when they have the right supports! She lives in East Providence with her husband, Mark and her daughters, Averie and Maeve. Emilie is a huge fan of Disney World and enjoys spending time with her family by the water!

8 SPECIAL EDUCATION

Prior to teaching at The LC Lauren spent two years teaching in the Dominican Republic. It was there that she became fluent in Spanish, and she met her husband. She now lives in Warwick with her husband and two sons. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. Lauren works with children because “I know they all have the ability to learn and achieve as long as someone believes in them. I love being the one to believe in all of my students and watch them as they learn and grow.”

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Tara graduated from Quinnipiac University with her B.S. in health sciences in 2000. She previously worked with children at Meeting Street School in Providence and United Cerebral Palsy of Rhode Island. In her free time, you can find Tara cheering on her three boys at the hockey rink or baseball field.

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

Carla is a School Psychologist with over nineteen years of experience in urban education. She has worked as a Kindergarten Teacher, School Psychologist, Assistant Principal, and Director of Social Emotional Learning in Boston, Fall River, and Attleboro. Carla is very proud of her Italian heritage with roots in southern Italy. Certainly! She is deeply committed to working with immigrant families, especially women because her grandmother couldn’t read or write English and didn’t become a citizen. Carla truly understands bilingual families who experience language barriers and cultural challenges. Carla has lived in South Attleboro most of her life and raised two children there. She enjoys crocheting, sewing, painting, and keeping family traditions like making homemade bread and pasta, and growing a vegetable garden.

PARAPROFESSIONAL

Matthew Carvalho enters into his first full year with the Learning Community as a Guest Teacher after beginning his tenure in April. Carvalho attended Bryant University, graduating in 2022 with a Major in Politics and Law as well as a concentration and three minors. He has an Education background, previously teaching High School Social Studies for two academic years in Pawtucket. Carvalho is a Pawtucket native and continues to reside in his hometown. Outside of his work with the Learning Community, Carvalho stays busy by working in communications for Rhode Island FC, hosting a sports talk radio show, and volunteering and staying active in his community.

PARAPROFESSIONAL

Bio coming soon!

PARAPROFESSIONAL

Bio coming soon!