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Faculty Directory

Name Position Phone Number
Head of School
401.849.4646 x201
Assistant Teacher
401.849.4646
Assistant to Head of School; Front Desk
401.849.4646 x103
Grade Four
401.849.4646 x134
Coordinator of Student Life; Science, Primary and Grades 6-8; Theatre, Grades 6-8
401.849.4646 x221
Communications Manager
401.849.4646
Assistant Teacher
401.849.4646
Kindergarten
401.849.4646 x124
Pre-kindergarten
401.849.4646 x117
Spanish Grades 4-8
401.849.4646 x225
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Justice; History, Grade 7
401.849.4646 x205
Head of External Affairs; Director of Admission & Financial Aid
401.849.4646 x147
Pre-kindergarten
401.849.4646 x114
Mathematics, Grades 6-8; History, Grade 6
401.849.4646 x217
Grade Three; Summer Programs Coordinator
401.849.4646 X133
Assistant Teacher; Theatre, K-5
401.849.4646
Grade Two
401.849.4646 x132
Library Preschool - Grade 4; Spanish Preschool - Grade 3; Technology Grades 1-3
401.849.4646 x209
Athletic Director; Physical Education; Technology; Maker Space, Grades 3-8
401.849.4646 x151
School Nurse
401.849.4646 x104
Grade Five
401.849.4646 x131
Head of Lower School; Supervisor of Extended Day; Preschool Teacher
401.849.4646 x119
Head of Upper School; English, Grades 6-8
401.849.4646 x206
Physical Education; Assistant Teacher
401.849.4646
Maintenance
401.849.4646
Resource Teacher
401.849.4646 x121
Assistant Teacher; Maker Space, K-2
401.849.4646
Property Manager
401.849.4646 x152
Art, Kindergarten - Grade 8
401.849.4646 x144
Resource/Student Services; SSAT Coordinator
401.849.4646 x215
Music Teacher Preschool - Grade 8
401.849.4646 x141
Kindergarten
401.849.4646 x124
Accounts Payable; Advancement Associate
401.849.4646 x106
School Social Worker
401.849.4646
Science K-5; History, Grade 8; Sustainability, 6-8
401.849.4646 x126
Business Manager
401.849.4646 x106
Grade One
401.849.4646 x123
Events Coordinator
401.849.4646 x153
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

Assistant Teacher

Diana is in her third year at Pennfield. She has over 12 years experience as a preschool teacher. She worked for Shannon D’Eramo for several years at another area preschool where she taught children ages three to five. 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.

Iris Bohensky

Assistant to Head of School; Front Desk

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.

Pat Carbotti

Assistant Teacher

Pat joined Pennfield in October 2022 as a Pre-K assistant, bringing a wealth of experience from a decade of teaching Pre-K at other private schools in Newport. Her journey also included spearheading young children’s art classes at the Art Association of Newport and Newport Public Schools to support and enrich early childhood programs.

Focused on the benefits of creativity, Pat was a founding member of Newport Children’s Theatre, served on the inaugural board of Island Moving Company (now Newport Contemporary Ballet), and was a founding board member of the Newport Public Education Foundation. Pat enriched her focus by studying Expressive Arts both at Salve and privately with Susan Fox, a pioneer in the field.

Pat’s knowledge of specialized kinesiology and study with experts in the fields of stress management and brain/body studies is complemented by her proficiency in calming, mindful and somatic self-regulating techniques. Her mission is to support the unique brightness of every child. She can often be seen guiding students through invigorating breathing exercises as they walk through the halls!

As a bonus, Pat’s grandson is a student at Pennfield, so they get to see each other every day.

Emilie Cherau

Kindergarten

  • Appointed 2023
  • B.A. Catholic University of America
  • M.Ed. George Washington University
  • 401.849.4646 X124
  • echerau@pennfield.org

Emilie came to The Pennfield School in 2023. Previously, she had been teaching in Washington D.C. where she had the opportunity to work in both Title I elementary schools and larger private schools. It was in these environments where she developed a passion for research regarding child development and special education practices. Although she loved her time in D.C., Emilie considers Rhode Island home. When she decided to move back to Rhode Island, she was looking for a supportive school community that held similar educational philosophies to her own. She found just that and more at Pennfield, and is excited to continue learning and growing alongside her Kindergarten students.

Outside of school, Emilie enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and reading – she’s currently working her way through all of Agatha Christie’s novels. She is also a licensed mixologist and loves experimenting and creating innovative combinations.

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. 

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, and Justice; 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

Head of External Affairs; Director of Admission & Financial Aid

  • 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

Pre-kindergarten

  • Appointed 2022
  • B.A. Salve Regina University
  • RI Certification in Early Childhood Education
  • 401.849.4646 x114
  • 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. As the oldest began preschool at Pennfield, Sarah found herself here as well, first as a substitute teacher and teaching assistant. She was thrilled with the opportunity to be the lead teacher in one of the pre-k classrooms. Her younger daughter started school this year, so Sarah and both her girls are Pennfield Panthers. 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.

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.

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-5

  • Appointed 2023
  • B.S. Northern Arizona University
  • 401.849.4646

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

Grade Two

  • Appointed 2021
  • B.A. University of New Hampshire
  • M.A.T. Rhode Island College
  • 401.849.4646 x132
  • 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.

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!

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.

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

Head of Lower School; Supervisor of Extended Day; Preschool Teacher

  • Appointed in 2000
  • B.A. Salve Regina University
  • R.I. Certification in Early Childhood Education
  • 401.849.4646 x119
  • klambert@pennfield.org

This is Karen’s 24th year in her dream job at Pennfield. She began as the preschool teacher, and while she still holds that title, she became the Head of Lower School in 2018. She 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. 

Karen 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

Head of Upper School; English, Grades 6-8

  • 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; Maker Space, K-2

  • appointed 2023
  • B.S. Plymouth State University
  • 401.849.4646

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.

Paul Murphy

Property Manager

  • Appointed in 2017
  • B.S. Roger Williams University
  • B.S. Rhode Island College
  • 401.849.4646 x152
  • pmurphy@pennfield.org

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. 

Moriah Ramos

Music Teacher Preschool - Grade 8

  • Appointed 2019
  • B.A. Rhode Island College
  • M.A. Longy School of Music of Bard College
  • 401.849.4646 x141
  • mramos@pennfield.org

Moriah began her journey at Pennfield as a part-time band teacher where she then fell in love with the school as well as the community and knew she wanted to teach full-time. Luckily, Moriah absolutely loves teaching primary and lower school classes and took on the role as lower school music teacher. In the fall of 2021, Moriah accepted the role as Music Director and has taught preschool- 8th grade music classes, including band, Select Chorus, and multimedia music. 

In addition to teaching private instrumental lessons after school, Moriah is the Vice President and principle piccolo/flutist of the Rhode Island Wind Ensemble. She also loves to freelance and gig when she has the opportunity. Besides playing music, Moriah loves kayaking, white water rafting, hiking, going to concerts, and making jewelry.

Kimberly Ripa

Kindergarten

  • Appointed 2023
  • B.A. Roger Williams University
  • 401.849.4646 X124

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

Accounts Payable; Advancement Associate

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
  • 401.849.4646
  • B.A. Salve Regina University
  • M.S.W. Rhode Island College
  • Adolescent Treatment Specialty, Harvard University

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

Business Manager

Dana Staats

Grade One

  • Appointed 20o8
  • B.A. Roger Williams University
  • M.A. Roger Willams University
  • RI Certification in Early Childhood Education
  • 401.849.4646 x123
  • dstaats@pennfield.org

Dana graduated from Roger Williams University with her B.A. in Psychology and Elementary Education and a Masters degree in Literacy Education. She went on to finish  a R.I. Early Childhood Certification from Rhode Island College. Dana is a lifelong learner, always looking to further her own understanding. She is currently completing her Orton Gillingham Associate Level Certification.

Dana found her way to Penfield in the fall of 2007 as a substitute teacher as she began her graduate studies. Dana quickly took on a part time position as a teacher’s assistant in Lower School and Extended Day for the Primary Department. Dana found her home as the Grade 1 classroom teacher, where her passion for literacy is utilized daily.

Dana played lacrosse during her time at RWU and has enjoyed coaching as a side step from the classroom.

In her leisure time, Dana enjoys the outdoors, going to the beach, attending concerts, and being present with her family in the everyday moments.

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.

Frank Tito

Director of Technology

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