How long have you worked at RIFLI? 

Since August of 1998

How did you come to work here and what positions have you held?

I was the Lead ESOL teacher for Warren and East Providence. I started 2 of the 4 new statewide sites. After a year in Warren, I then transferred to Cranston, Auburn Library. I started the HALL program. In 2001 I became the Asst. Literacy Coordinator. And in Sept of 2003 I assumed my current position.

What are you most proud of about RIFLI?

There are so many things I could say, but mostly, how we have grown and evolved into a professional award-winning Family Literacy Program. The number of adults and children we have served in a meaningful way is tremendous.

Since we're talking about goals in this issue, what do you think is an important goal for RIFLI to work towards over the next few years?

My number one goal would be to raise the salaries of all staff and make positions full time/25 hours part time, benefits and permanent. I would cut down the number of classes and increase quality over quantity. If the statewide sites completely took on their programs, fiscally, and PPL handled its programs and supported the other sites educationally, it would be ideal. I would also have a grant writer and an assessment person to handle those details, so we could have more time to manage the program. My immediate goal is to write a strategic plan for the organization and support staff so they can support families.

Tell us a favorite classroom story.

I have so many stories and most people know I like to tell a good story. But, the best story comes from EPL when Kevin and I were the teachers. We decided to teach the group about baseball and so we took the class outside to demonstrate the game and then have a game. The adults and children were so excited. If you have ever seen that scene from the movie Good Morning Vietnam, you can then picture what our game was like. It was so funny; players on base were fighting for the ball and diving on each other. Kevin and I laughed so hard. From that point on, students kept requesting the baseball lesson.

Tell us one thing about you that we probably don't know:

One of my ideas of a good time is to hang out in museums. I am a sucker for Art and History. I love to cook and drink good wine.

Tell us about your family:

I have been married for 17 years and I have two teenage girls, two cats, a dog and two fish.

What is your favorite book?

Again, there are so many and it is probably cliché, but  To Kill a Mockingbird. I really believe in justice and equality prevailing. I think because I was raised by parents who come from the WWII generation and during some of 60's and all of the 70's, I am an idealist and I believe you can always "fight the good fight".