OSMS Leadership
Our Administration
Amy Andrews
Head Of School
Prior to her role as Head of School, Amy was a Montessori teacher in the Ocean State Montessori School's Primary Program for 15 years. She has also served as OSMS's Curriculum Coordinator for the Primary and Wee Three programs for seven years and was instrumental in shaping and aligning the teaching practice in these classrooms. Before coming to OSMS in September 2000, Amy taught at the Bedford Montessori School in Bedford, MA. Amy also served as the Sensorial instructor at the New England Montessori Teacher Education Center for 19 years, where she trained hundreds of individuals to become Montessori teachers, including some of our current faculty and staff as well as other Montessorians from around the world. Both of Amy's daughters attended and graduated from OSMS. Amy has a BA in Psychology from Ithaca College and earned her AMS Early Childhood Credential from the Center for Montessori Teacher Education in NY.
Leah Caldwell
Primary Coordinator & Primary Lead Teacher
Leah has been involved with the OSMS since 2000 when her daughter enrolled as a three-year old Primary student. Through her involvement as a parent, Leah became more interested in the Montessori philosophy and began her training at the New England Montessori Teacher Education Center in 2005. Leah received her AMS Early Childhood Credential in June 2006 and assumed the Lead Teacher position in her own classroom the following September. In 2015 Leah took over the role of Curriculum Coordinator for the Primary and Elementary programs. Leah is also a teacher trainer at the the New England Montessori Teacher Education Center, where she is the Sensorial instructor. Leah has a BA in French Literature from Boston University. Both of Leah's children graduated from our school.
Elizabeth Tingle
Elementary Coordinator & Lower Elementary Lead Teacher
Elizabeth joined the OSMS faculty in 2014, bringing over 15 years of classroom experience with her. In 2019 Elizabeth took on the new role of Education Coordinator for our school. As Education Coordinator, Elizabeth works closely with our Head of School to develop and implement innovative strategies to support students with learning differences and improve student outcomes overall. Elizabeth has a BA in Elementary Education and Psychology from the University of Rhode Island where she was also certified to teach grades 1-6. Elizabeth earned her Lower Elementary Montessori Credential from the Montessori Elementary Teacher Training Collaborative in Lexington, MA.
Erin Stephens
Director of Communications & Advancement
Erin joined OSMS in 2019 as a Communications Coordinator. In her current role as Director of Communications & Advancement, she oversees various constituent touchpoints in communications and marketing, admissions and development. After earning her BA from the University of Rhode Island, Erin first became involved in Montessori education in a childcare role while pursuing postgraduate coursework. She was captivated by the capabilities of her students and inspired by the Montessori ethos of promoting peace and social justice. She later developed a deeper appreciation for the method as she observed its positive impacts on her own children’s growth and development. Before teaming up with OSMS, Erin was a freelance photographer who frequently dedicated time at her children’s previous Montessori school in Louisiana and served as a volunteer for arts-based non-profit organizations. In her leisure time, Erin enjoys the arts, sports and activities with her children.
Tamayra Pearce
Remote Business Manager
Tamayra "Tammy" Pearce joined the Ocean State Montessori School in the Spring of 2020 as Office Manager. In this role, her responsibilities included working with vendors, maintaining student files, managing IT issues, and providing overall support to the administrative team and OSMS families. In 2022 she transitioned to Remote Business Manager and now oversees payroll, billing and tuition management and assists with school budget-related projects. Prior to joining OSMS, Tammy worked as a business manager at a privately owned multigrade class school. She has knowledge and experience in IT support, administrative duties, financials and admissions management. Outside of OSMS Tammy enjoys, reading, cooking, baking, playing her cello, and spending time with her husband and their two boys.
Jared Trimmer
Administrative Assistant
Bio coming soon...
Montessori Faculty
Cristina Estevez
Wee Threes Lead Teacher
Bio coming soon...
Betsy Facincani
Primary Lead Teacher
Betsy Facincani began her career at OSMS as a Teacher Assistant in a Primary classroom. Betsy fell in love with the Montessori philosophy and decided to pursue her AMS Early Childhood Credential at the New England Montessori Teacher Education Center. She earned her Montessori credential in 2004 and shortly thereafter became a lead teacher in her own classroom. Betsy has a BA in English from Tufts University and a Master of Library Science from SUNY-Albany.
Rebecca Malin
Primary Lead Teacher
A former Montessori child herself, Rebecca joined the OSMS community in 2020 assuming the role of Montessori Guide in Primary. Rebecca holds a BA from Hampshire College with a concentration in contemporary classical composition and musicology. Rebecca brings years of experience as a musical educator in private instruction. She completed an internship at the Institute for the Musical Arts in Goshen, MA where she served as a private instructor, group ensemble leader, and mentor for girls and nonbinary youth. Rebecca has also worked as a Direct Support Professional in Vocational Services supporting adults with disabilities. Rebecca earned her Montessori Credential in 2024 through the New England Montessori Teacher Education Center. In her free time, Rebecca enjoys singing and playing guitar/piano/banjo, writing music, rockhounding local beaches, patronizing local aquariums, and playing board games.
Tina Trimmer
Lower Elementary Lead Teacher
Bio coming soon...
Emily Prisco
Upper Elementary Lead Teacher
Emily Prisco joined our staff in 2012 assisting in the Extended Day Program while she was still in high school. With a strong passion for education early on, Emily pursued her career as an educator at Rhode Island College, where she graduated with an Elementary Education Degree with a concentration in Multidisciplinary Studies in 2018. While in college, Emily remained a member of the OSMS community, supporting the school through various assistant roles in both the Primary and Elementary classrooms. Emily was also OSMS’s Camp Director for three years. Emily now integrates her love and knowledge of the Montessori philosophy with her experience and background in Elementary Education as our Upper Elementary Lead Teacher.
Extended Day Faculty
Julia Raneda-Sitzler
Extended Day and Enrichment Coordinator & Extended Day Lead Teacher
Julia Raneda-Sitzler comes to OSMS with an enthusiasm and passion for using teaching as a tool for connecting with children. Before joining OSMS in 2015, Julia worked with teenagers in an intensive outpatient program at Bradley Hospital, as a Special Education Aide for middle schoolers in Brookline, MA, and as an Art Specialist at a summer camp for kids with Autism and Aspergers. In addition to feeling passionate about working with growing minds, Julia loves being creative, and is always inspired by exploring where those two worlds collide. Julia's daughter attends OSMS. Julia has a BA in Psychology with a Minor in Studio Art from Mount Holyoke College.
Special Studies Faculty
Jennifer Thaler
Health & Physical Education Lead TeacherReading Specialist
Jennifer has been a part of the Ocean State Montessori School since 1997 when she brought her Creative Movement/Gymnastics program to the school. In 1999, she became our Physical Education teacher when the elementary school opened. Jen is now an Upper Elementary Guide and teaches all our Physical Education and Health classes to the P3 and elementary students. She is proud to be a parent of two former OSMS students. Jennifer has a BA in Health & Society from Brown University, as well as several certifications from USA Gymnastics.
Cristina Estevez
Art & Spanish Lead Teacher
Bio coming soon...
Emma Westlund
Music Lead Teacher
Bio coming soon...
Additional Staff
Our administration and lead teachers are supported by a wonderful team:
Kailyn MedeirosPrimary Guide
Emma WestlundPrimary Guide
Anne DelmarquettePrimary Guide
Nicole JohnsonExtended Day Guide
Cathy LearyLower Elementary and Extended Day Guide
Ian ShippeeFacilities Manager
Becky SousaSchool Assistant
Board of Directors
The Ocean State Montessori Board of Directors is a combination of a working and advisory board. Our Directors are actively involved in managing the overall affairs of OSMS. Their primary duties involve maintaining accountability for OSMS property and funds, hiring and evaluating the Head of School, reviewing and approving the annual operating budget, setting institutional policies consistent with OSMS's mission, engaging in ongoing strategic planning, supporting school fundraising efforts and more.
Anthony Febo
President
Bio coming soon...
Nancy Rojas
President Elect
Bio coming soon...
Ezekiel Payne
Treasurer
Bio coming soon...
Julie Steele
Secretary
Julie has been a part of the Ocean State community since 2020 when her eldest enrolled, and is excited to have her youngest here now, as well. She works as a product designer for a technology services company, creating user interfaces for AI-driven software applications for healthcare and life sciences clients. Julie is also the author or coauthor of multiple books, reports, and articles on data visualization and data science. When she's not hunched over a laptop, you can find her cooking, gardening, or outdoors with her family. She lives in Pawtucket with one spouse, two kids, and three guinea pigs.
