Red Brick School Faculty
Kathy Rywolt, Director, (Kindergarten Teacher)
I have been teaching kindergarten at Red Brick for 5 years. Before switching to kindergarten, I taught pre-k and three year olds at Red Brick and in Cincinnati. In addition to teaching, I am also the Director of the school, a position that I also held for 10 years in Cincinnati. I have my Masters in Education from Lesley University and have been teaching for 20 years! Assisting me in my daily activities are Miss Pat and Miss Lisa.
The kindergarten curriculum incorporates the eight domains of the Early Learning Standards as created by the Rhode Island department of Education and expands on them. We believe that children need and actually do better in an environment that fosters independence through organized hands-on activities. As we get to know each child and their interest levels, we plan a year of discovery that strongly emphasizes hands-on learning. We recognize that each child is an individual and has his or her own learning style. Therefore, our curriculum is designed to educate the whole child.
We employ various techniques to educate the whole child including teacher directed instruction, student –centered instruction and cooperative learning. Themes such as early Americans, famous authors, animal habitats, fairy tales, and outer space have been utilized in order to personalize the curriculum. Opportunities are given through these theme lesson and activities to integrate all subjects: math, science, literacy, social studies, art and music.
Holly Dwyer, Head Teacher, (Kindergarten Teacher)
I have been a Kindergarten teacher at Red Brick for 12 years. I love my job! The fabulous student teacher ratio makes teaching here a joy. My class room cannot exceed 13 students with a teacher and aide. Evelyn Capone my assistant is an experienced teacher as well, we are a strong team. Children are the center of everything we do. The Director, teachers, and families have created a warm supportive nurturing community where children thrive. My past work experiences have brought me to value this unique school.
I have taught in both private and public schools. The Red Brick environment allows me to focus on the development of each child. We have time to consider the whole child, their talents, interests and above all their needs. Our curriculum is based on the Rhode Island Early Learning Standards that emphasizes the eight domains of education.
We combine hands on experiences along with structured instruction. We are able to provide one on one support and individualized curriculum goals. We focus on each child’s individual strengths and moving them forward. The children feel successful and in turn they become self confident. They enter first grade with strong skills and a love of reading.
Ellen Gordon, Education Coordinator, (Pre-K Teacher)
I am the preschool teacher of the 4 day 4’s and the afternoon Pre-K classes. I have been teaching at Red Brick for 11 years. I have always loved working with small children since I began babysitting when I was 12. In middle school, I volunteered at Meeting Street School and in high school I did a senior placement in a preschool. I attended Lesley University and graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. I taught in East Providence for 12 years before taking time off to be with my two sons. Both of my children attended Red Brick and I loved the education they received there. Teaching at Red Brick is a wonderful experience. I have the ability to develop my own curriculum using the standards developed by the Department of Education and work with a group of talented teachers.
I believe that learning can happen anywhere at any time. I provide my students with a variety of opportunities to try new things so they can develop skills and express what they have learned each day. I believe in structure and routine, allowing the children to know what and when things will happen. I have developed a literacy based program for the four day 4’s, to encompass the basic readiness skills required for the preschool learner, involving art, music, literacy, mathematics, science and social studies. The Pre-K program I have developed uses the same standards to explore the seven continents of the world, making connections to various cultures and how children live all over the world.
Preschool learners are fascinating to work with and I feel lucky to be able to do my job at Red Brick School.
Wendy Iannarilli, (4's Teacher)
I am the pre-school teacher of the 4 day 4's. I have been teaching at Red Brick for 10 years. I have my Masters in Education from Lesley University.
Nina Wilcox, (3's Teacher)
I am the morning and afternoon 3 day 3's teacher. This is my first year teaching at Red Brick. I have my Masters in Early Childhood Education from Brenau University.Lynn Hoy, (3's Teacher)
I am the morning 3 day 3's teacher. I have been teaching at Red Brick for 12 years. I have a B.A. from the Univeristy of Massachusetts.
Pat Senville, (3's Teacher and Kindergarten Assistant)
I am the morning 2 day 3's teacher and the assistant Kindergarten teacher. I have been teaching at Red Brick for 10 years. I have a B.S. in Nursing from University of Rhode Island.
Red Brick Assistants:
Sue Caisse
Beth Caito
Evelyn Capone
Cheryl DeAngelis
Jane Cipolletti
Lisa Proto