Faculty & Staff Bios
Administration & Office Staff
Carolyn Sheehan
Executive Director
csheehan@blackstoneacademy.org
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Melissa Sanchez
Business Manager
msanchez@blackstoneacademy.org
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Mindy Fontaine
Executive Assistant
mfontaine@blackstoneacademy.org
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Tania Vasquez
Front Office Manager
tvasquez@blackstoneacademy.org
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Kyleen Carpenter
Head of School
kcarpenter@blackstoneacademy.org
Kyleen Carpenter, Head of School/Principal, is a Blackstone Academy co-founder who began leading the school in 2002. Prior to her BACS life, Kyleen taught Spanish at three different independent schools, and also held an administrative position at her last school. For nine summers, Kyleen taught in the SPIRIT Educational Program with the other Blackstone co-founders. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Amherst College (Spanish & Psychology), a Masters in Education from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, and a Principal Certificate from Antioch University, New England. In her spare time, Kyleen radiates pride for the accomplishments of the Blackstone students, alumni and staff, enjoys travel and connecting with nature, and sings in the Providence Singers.
Jean Lozada BACS '12
Accounting Assistant
jlozada@blackstoneacademy.org
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Debbie Reyes BACS '08
Admissions & Administrative Coordinator
dreyes@blackstoneacademy.org
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Miguelina Abreu
Parent Engagement Coordinator & Front Office Administrator
mabreu@blackstoneacademy.org
Miguelina Abreu, Administrative Office Assistant and Family Engagement Coordinator, joined Blackstone Academy 2024. In her current role, she supports the daily operations of the BACS’ administrative office while partnering with administrators, staff, students, families, and the community to strengthen family engagement. She is committed to building positive relationships, encouraging meaningful family involvement, and ensuring parents have an active voice in their children's education and the school's continued growth. She looks forward to making a positive impact and contributing to the success of the Blackstone Academy community. Outside of school, Miguelina loves to entertain and sing karaoke.
Student Support Team
Miguel Pacheco
Class of 2030 Grade Level Counselor
& Advisor
mpacheco@blackstoneacademy.org
Miguel joined Blackstone Academy in 2025 as a school counselor, bringing a diverse background in mental health services. He earned his Master’s degree in Social Work from Rhode Island College and has worked in several hospital settings as well as in an outpatient practice, supporting individuals with a wide range of mental health and behavioral health needs. Prior to his counseling career, Miguel proudly served in the U.S. Army, an experience that strengthened his leadership, resilience, and commitment to helping others. He is passionate about building meaningful connections with students and creating a supportive environment where they can thrive. Outside of work, Miguel enjoys staying active through strength training and running 5K races, and he likes to unwind by playing video games.
Erika Anglon, MSW
Class of 2028 Grade Level Counselor
& Advisor
eanglon@blackstoneacademy.org
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Dr. Heather Rheaume, PhD.
Clinical Supervisor Social Worker
hrheaume@blackstoneacademy.org
Heather Rheaume, Clinical Supervisor, has been at Blackstone Academy since 2002. Before coming to Blackstone, Heather worked at Tides Family Services and for the Spirit Educational Program. She also taught at the RI School of Social Work as an Adjunct Professor for over 20 years. Heather has a Bachelor's Degree from URI, a Master of Social Work Degree from RI College, a Master's in Theological Studies from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in Sociology and Social Work from Boston University. In addition to working at BACS, Heather currently teaches in the Social Work and Religion Departments at Salve Regina University and runs Ocean Mist Counseling in North Kingstown. In her free time, Heather enjoys yoga, the outdoors and spending time with her family.
Daniela Gonzalez BACS '12
MSW Dean of School Climate
dgonzalez@blackstoneacademy.org
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Paul Healy, Special Education, 11th Grade Dean & Advisor
phealy@blackstoneacademy.org
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LaRae Rhodes, Educational Support Coordinator
@blackstoneacademy.org
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Denzel Depina, Special Education Teacher, & Advisor
ddepina@blackstoneacademy.org
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Judy Purdy, College Counselor
jpurdy@blackstoneacademy.org
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Gail Robinson, Speech Language Pathologist
grobinson@blackstoneacademy.org
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Gilbert Rodriguez,
Class of 2029 Grade Level Counselor & Wellness Coordinator
gilbertr@blackstoneacademy.org
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Jackeline Cano, BACS '10, LMHCA,
Class of 2027 Grade Level Counselor
& Advisor
jcano@blackstoneacademy.org
​Jackeline Cano, Grade Level Counselor and Advisor, is a Blackstone Academy alumna who began her journey with BACS in 2025. Prior to joining the Blackstone team, Jackie worked as an ABA therapist and served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, where she was an airplane mechanic for the C-5 aircraft. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Clark University in Psychology and Sociology. Jackie further pursued her passion by earning a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from RIC, where she received her licensure as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor. In her role, Jackie is dedicated to supporting students' emotional well-being and helping them reach their full potential. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and spending time outdoors. She recently attended the World Cup!
Rhonda Hanaway
Career and External Learning Coordinator
rhanaway@blackstoneacademy.org
Rhonda Hanaway is a career development leader, educator, and business professional with more than 16 years of experience connecting students, schools, businesses, and communities.
As head of BACS Career and External Learning since 2014, she develops innovative career readiness programs, builds strategic partnerships, and creates opportunities that prepare students for college, careers, and life beyond high school. Rhonda has also served as an Executive Director, educator, entrepreneur, and community advocate, bringing expertise in leadership, workforce development, business growth, and community engagement. She is currently completing her Master of Education degree. Passionate about empowering others, Rhonda is dedicated to helping students discover their strengths, purpose, and future pathways.
Diego White, SPIRIT Director, After-School, Dean
dwhite@blackstoneacademy.org
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Dr. Matthew Bowen, Clinical Psychologist
mbowen@blackstoneacademy.org
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Teresa ONeill, Special Ed Director
toneill@blackstoneacademy.org
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Pedro Nunez, Student Support Team & Teaching Assistant
pnunez@blackstoneacademy.org
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Fran Landry, Social Worker
flandry@blackstoneacademy.org
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English Language Arts (ELA) Department
Crystal Diaz
English & Advisor
cdiaz@blackstoneacademy.org
Crystal is a 10th Grade English Teacher, Upper Level English Teacher, Assistant Dean and Advisor. She joined Blackstone in 2009 after graduating from the University of Rhode Island. In the past Crystal worked many summers at the YMCA as well as the Spirit Educational Program. In her free time, Crystal enjoys being by the ocean, reading and watching documentaries. A music lover, Crystal is always down for some karaoke and connecting with her family and friends.
Tasche Bryant
English
tbryant@blackstoneacademy.org
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Jess Medeiros
English & Advisor
jmedeiros@blackstoneacademy.org
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Erin (Mal) Malcom
English & Advisor
emalcom@blackstoneacademy.org
Erin "Mal" Malcolm, upper ELA teacher, advisor, and yearbook coach, joined the Blackstone family in 2016. Mal is a RI native, but left for college where she studied acting at Millikin University in Illinois. She came to teaching after working as a substitute and deciding to pursue an MA in education from Roosevelt University in Chicago. She taught in and around Chicago at the start of her career before moving home, and has been at BACS ever since! In addition to her work in the classroom, Mal is actively involved in The Players at Barker Playhouse where she designs costumes, acts and sings onstage, and currently serves as vice president. She is an animal lover, puzzle solver, amateur photographer, and avid concert-goer.
Violet (V) Ha
9th Grade Dean & English
vha@blackstoneacademy.org
9th Grade Dean Violet "V" Ha is a California native. She moved to Rhode Island to attend Brown University, where she earned magna cum laude, the Barbara Banks Brodsky Prize for Excellence in Real World Writing, and the Weston Fine Arts Award for Creative Writing. After earning her Masters in the Art of Teaching, also from Brown University, Violet immediately joined Blackstone as an ELA teacher. During her time at BACS, V has coached the Blackstone Dance Team, facilitated the Black Leadership Initiative, and hosted annual 9th grade competitions. V's favorite Habit of Mind is gratitude, and she is deeply grateful to be a part of our students' and families' lives.
Social Studies Department
Social Studies & Advisor
@blackstoneacademy.org
N/A
Greg Grossman
Social Studies & Advisor
ggrossman@blackstoneacademy.org
Greg Grossman earned his BA in Political Economy from UC Berkeley and his J.D. from the UCLA School of Law. Prior to coming to Blackstone in 2019, Greg taught Humanities and Civics at Gateway High School in San Francisco for 13 years where he also coached the boys’ basketball team. Previously, he worked for the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., and practiced law at Morrison and Foerster LLP in San Francisco. Greg is an advisor and teaches Civics, International Studies and Economics. When not teaching, he is often coaching youth sports, playing with his dog and children, traveling somewhere fun or cheering on his beloved Dodgers and Rams.
Math Department
Rebecca Dalum
Mathematics & Advisor
rdalum@blackstoneacademy.org
Rebecca Dalum, Math Teacher and Advisor, joined Blackstone Academy in 2024. She earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Science, Technology, and Society and Religious Studies from Brown University in 2022. She is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Mathematics at Providence College, further strengthening her expertise in math instruction. Before joining Blackstone Academy, Rebecca taught Geometry at 360 High School in the Providence Public School District, where she helped students build confidence and problem-solving skills. In the classroom, she is committed to creating an engaging learning environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of mathematics. Originally from Wisconsin, Rebecca enjoys spending her free time baking—especially homemade cinnamon rolls—and quilting, combining creativity and craftsmanship both in and out of the classroom.
Katie Somerville
Mathematics & Advisor
ksomerville@blackstoneacademy.org
Katie Sommerville joined our school community in 2024 as a mathematics teacher, bringing with her 10 years of teaching experience in Central Falls. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art from Wells College and a master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of New Haven. Originally from Colorado, Katie enjoys spending her free time outdoors and exploring new adventures. She is an avid dog lover and especially enjoys paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, and exploring local trails. Her diverse educational background and passion for learning bring a unique perspective to her work with students. She is excited to be part of our school community and looks forward to helping students develop confidence and a love of mathematics.
Angel Arrazola
Mathematics & Advisor
aarrazola@blackstoneacademy.org
Angel Arrazola, Math Teacher, joined Blackstone Academy in 2026. He graduated from Brown University with degrees in Computer Science and Education Studies in 2025. He continued his studies to get his MAT the following year. Before coming to Blackstone, Angel taught in various capacities - teaching a Python class at the Providence Public Library, working as a teaching assistant for an Operating Systems class, supporting middle schoolers through Generation Teach, and completing his MAT teaching practicum at Central Falls High School. At Blackstone, Angel teaches Calculus and a section of the Bridge CIP. When he's not teaching, Angel enjoys playing badminton, reading manga, and walking (ask him about the time he walked 100k steps in a day!).
Paul Pasaba
Mathematics
ppasaba@blackstoneacademy.org
Paul Pasaba, Math Teacher and Advisor, joined Blackstone Academy in 2015. He graduated from Brown University with a BA in Computer Science and received his MAT from Providence College. Prior to teaching, he worked for several years in the non-profit sector as Director of Education and Organizing for the Providence Youth Student Movement and as the technology specialist for Open Doors, a non-profit serving formerly incarcerated individuals and their families. At Blackstone, Paul teaches Geometry, is an advisor, and coordinates technology. He also facilitates the GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance), which is responsible for planning our schools LGBTQ+ Pride celebration in June. As a half-Filipino person, Paul believes it’s always a good time to eat halo-halo.
Katie Tameirao
Mathematics & Advisor
kdesrosiers@blackstoneacademy.org
Katie Tameiro, Math Teacher and Advisor, joined Blackstone Academy in 2019. She graduated from Rhode Island College with a Bachelors and Masters in Education and Mathematics. Katie has taught students at every level, from elementary through high school, including Central Falls High School, Shea High School, Mitchell Elementary School in Houston, Riverside Middle School, and Silver Spring Elementary School. Her diverse experience allows her to connect with students of all backgrounds and learning styles while fostering confidence and success in mathematics. In addition to her work in the classroom, Katie coached track and cross country at Shea High School for 12 seasons. Her adventurous spirit extends beyond education—one summer, she bicycled from Maine to California, stopping along the way to help build homes with Habitat for Humanity while raising awareness and funds to support affordable housing initiatives.
Science Department
Tracy Edwards
Science & Advisor
tedwards@blackstoneacademy.org
Tracy Edwards, Chemistry and Physics teacher, joined Blackstone Academy Charter School in 2024. She earned her bachelor's degree in Religious Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with minors in Chemistry and Education, and went on to receive her Master of Education from Harvard University. Before joining BACS, Tracy taught Chemistry and Physical Science for three years in Tennessee. After relocating to Rhode Island, she spent two years teaching Chemistry and Physics at the Providence Career and Technical Academy (PCTA), where she continued to inspire students through hands-on learning and scientific exploration. At Blackstone Academy, Tracy teaches Chemistry and Physics, encouraging students to think critically, ask questions, and discover the excitement of science. Outside the classroom, she enjoys exploring Providence on long walks with her dog, Suki.
Aaron Weinblatt
Science & Advisor
tedwards@blackstoneacademy.org
Aaron Weinblatt teaches Biology and Natural Resource Science and came to Blackstone in 2018. Previously, he taught at Mario Umana Academy in East Boston. Before he became a classroom teacher, Aaron spent years making indoor lightning and handling alligators at the Boston Museum of Science and training volunteers at Providence Children’s Museum. He majored in Anthropology at Washington University in St. Louis and earned a Master’s in Education through the Boston Teacher Residency. If Aaron isn’t at school you can find him in the kitchen, on his bicycle, or goofing around with his kids.
Alvaro Reina
Science & Advisor
areina@blackstoneacademy.org
Alvaro Reina, Chemistry and Engineering Design teacher, joined Blackstone Academy Charter School in 2019. Prior to BACS, he earned his Bachelor's degree in chemistry and spent more than 20 years working in the private sector as an organic chemist. This industry experience provided extensive knowledge of laboratory practices, research, problem-solving, and real-world applications of chemistry. In 2017, he decided to pursue his passion for education by earning his teaching certification. He loves helping students connect scientific concepts to everyday life while encouraging critical thinking, curiosity, and creativity through hands-on learning experiences. Alvaro believes science is best learned by asking questions and exploring solutions. Outside the classroom, he enjoys traveling to new places and spending time with his dog, two passions that continually inspire his curiosity and appreciation for the world.
World Languages
Cindy Pires
Portuguese, Spanish & Advisor
cpires@blackstoneacademy.org
Cindy Pires, Portuguese Teacher, has inspired students through her passion for language, culture, and personal growth since joining Blackstone Academy in 2015. She holds a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education with concentrations in Portuguese and Spanish, as well as a master's degree in School Counseling, bringing both academic expertise and a supportive approach to the classroom. A trilingual educator with a love of travel and photography, Cindy encourages students to embrace new perspectives and develop meaningful connections through language. She teaches Portuguese, Senior Seminar and serves as a dedicated advisor, helping students thrive both academically and personally.
Co-Curriculars
Meghan Healy
Arts Teacher & Advisor
mhealy@blackstoneacademy.org
Meghan Healy, Visual Arts Teacher, started her journey with Blackstone Academy in 2011. Meghan holds a Bachelor of Science from Temple University with a Minor in Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Science from Rhode Island College in Art Education. In college, she helped build a house in Taos, NM, with Habitat for Humanity. Before BACS, she previously worked in graphic design at a Boston advertising agency. Meghan inspires creativity through a diverse range of hands-on art classes, including painting, drawing, sculpture, sewing, Build Like a Girl, and mural design—empowering students to explore their talents, build confidence, and bring their artistic visions to life.
Elizabeth Hien
Wellness & Powerful Teens
ehien@blackstoneacademy.org
Elizabeth Hien is the Wellness and Powerful Teens teacher at Blackstone Academy Charter School. She teaches with a focus on wellness, substance use education, media literacy, and student advocacy. Elizabeth also founded and coaches Blackstone’s first Mock Trial program, guiding students in critical thinking, public speaking, and respectful debate. Her work centers on helping students build confidence, develop healthy decision‑making skills, and engage meaningfully with their school community.
Greg Payette
Physical Education & Advisor
gpayette@blackstoneacademy.org
Greg Payette brings a wealth of experience in education, student development, and adaptive learning to his role. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health Education, specializing in Adapted Physical Education, from Rhode Island College. Before joining our team, Greg served as Dean at Tides Family Services, where he oversaw daily operations and helped students facing behavioral and academic challenges develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed. At BACS, Greg leads a variety of dynamic and engaging Physical Education classes that promote fitness, teamwork, and personal growth. He also serves as a dedicated advisor, fostering meaningful connections with students and supporting them both in and out of the classroom.
