The Association of Rhode Island Administrators for Special Education (ARIASE) is the lead association representing the special education administrators in Rhode Island. ARIASE provides its members with conferences, resources, information briefs, and representation of the membership at the state levels. In addition, ARIASE provides leadership in advocating for appropriate provision of services to all children and youth in Rhode Island. ARIASE offers professional development opportunities for special education administrators on important issues in special education, as well as mentoring for new administrators. ARIASE has joined forces with state leadership in order to better serve and represent the membership.
Check the ARIASE website for the latest information on professional development opportunities, legislative and regulatory developments, and other important information. We welcome your comments and inquiries.
Vision Statement
As educational leaders in Rhode Island, ARIASE represents the voice of Special Education on all state-wide initiatives that influence policy, instruction, best practice and dissemination of information for 21st Century Learning to improve the quality of education in Rhode Island.
Mission Statement
The mission of ARIASE is to support Administrators of Special Education in leadership roles to improve outcomes for students by:
- Influencing the exchange of information on state-wide initiatives and policy development
- Enhancing and fostering professional and community partnerships
- Providing Professional Development
Strategic Goals
- ARIASE will advocate for representation in RIDE regulations and decisions that are in the best interests of children.
- ARIASE will provide on-going professional development opportunities for special education administrators
- ARIASE will work collaboratively with the RI School Superintendents Association, RI Association of School Principals with the purpose of working jointly to plan conferences, lobby for shared concerns for the educational achievement of all students.
By Laws
The ARIASE ByLaws are available upon request and includes complete definitions and parameters for the associations purpose, membership, officers and committees.
Please email us at riariase1@gmail.com
Special Education Administrator of the Year
Congratulations to
Cynthia VanAvery 2024-2025
North Providence Public Schools
Past Recipients:
Melissa Denton 2023-2024
Narragansett School District
Leslie Brow 2022-2023
Sargent Center
Brad Wilson 2021-2022
Coventry Public Schools
North West Region
Eileen Crudele 2020-2021
Smithfield Public Schools
Trish Martins 2019-2020
Lifespan School Solutions, Inc/ Bradley Schools
Dr. Lisa Colwell 2018-2019
Portsmouth School Department
Teresa Eagan 2017-2018
South Kingstown School Department
Leslie Anderson 2016-2017
Bristol Warren School Department
John Magner 2015-2016
Northwest Region
ARIASE Past Presidents
Brad Wilson 2018-2026
Dr. Kim Carson 2015-2018
Craig Levis 2012-2015
Beth Pinto 2009-2012
John Magner 2007-2009
Carol Brown
Steve Parrina
Mary Carter
Mark Hawk
