ARIASE Executive Board
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President - Dr. Colwell
President Elect - Dr. Denton
President Elect - Dr. Denton
Dr. Lisa Colwell: Director of Pupil Personnel Services
Bristol-Warren Regional School District 235 High Street Bristol, RI 02809
Dr. Lisa Colwell is the Director of Pupil Personnel Services for the Bristol Warren Regional School District, located at 50 Asylum Road in Warren, Rhode Island. Prior to her appointment in B
Dr. Lisa Colwell: Director of Pupil Personnel Services
Bristol-Warren Regional School District 235 High Street Bristol, RI 02809
Dr. Lisa Colwell is the Director of Pupil Personnel Services for the Bristol Warren Regional School District, located at 50 Asylum Road in Warren, Rhode Island. Prior to her appointment in Bristol Warren, Dr. Colwell served as an Administrator of Special Education in both Portsmouth and Cumberland, Rhode Island.
She began her career in education as a secondary-level special educator and went on to hold a variety of teaching and teacher-leader roles before transitioning into district-level administration. In addition to her leadership work in K–12 education, Dr. Colwell currently serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Rhode Island, Roger Williams University, and Peru State College in Nebraska.
Dr. Colwell has been an active member of the Association of Rhode Island Administrators of Special Education (ARIASE) since 2005. Her involvement has included serving on the ARIASE Board, participating in multiple subcommittees, and holding leadership roles as Mentor Coordinator and President. She also serves on the Rhode Island Vision Education Services Advisory Board and several other state-level committees, reflecting her ongoing commitment to advancing special education leadership across Rhode Island.
President Elect - Dr. Denton
President Elect - Dr. Denton
President Elect - Dr. Denton
Dr. Melissa Denton
Director of Special Education
Narragansett Public Schools
25 5th Avenue, Narragansett, RI 02882
mdenton@nssk12.org
Dr. Melissa Denton is the Director of Special Education for Narragansett Public Schools and has dedicated more than 35 years to the field of special education and educational leadership. She began her career
Dr. Melissa Denton
Director of Special Education
Narragansett Public Schools
25 5th Avenue, Narragansett, RI 02882
mdenton@nssk12.org
Dr. Melissa Denton is the Director of Special Education for Narragansett Public Schools and has dedicated more than 35 years to the field of special education and educational leadership. She began her career in 1990 as a special educator at a residential school and joined Westerly Public Schools in 1991, where she served in a variety of instructional and leadership roles.
Throughout her career, Dr. Denton has held numerous leadership positions at the local and state levels. She has served as a fellow with the Rhode Island Department of Education, a state induction coach trainer, and a member of multiple state-level committees, contributing her expertise as a Rhode Island administrator. In 2015, she was appointed Director of Pupil Personnel for Westerly Public Schools. In January 2020, she assumed her current role as Director of Student Services in the Narragansett School System.
Dr.Denton has also contributed to higher education as an adjunct professor at Rhode Island College and the University of Connecticut and is currently an adjunct in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at Johnson & Wales University. She earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Johnson & Wales University in 2022.
In recognition of her leadership and impact, Dr. Denton was named the 2024 Rhode Island Special Education Administrator of the Year. She has served as a regional representative and secretary for ARIASE and is currently the President-Elect. In 2025, she earned her leadership credential as a graduate of the first CASE Special Education Leadership Institute cohort.
Melissa loves providing professional learning opportunities whether she is mentoring new special education administrators, coaching teachers in her district, or presenting at a national conference. She is passionate about co-teaching, adult learning, meaningful participation in the IEP process, and specially designed instruction.
Outside of her professional work, Dr. Denton enjoys spending time with her family, especially in her cherished role as “Gigi” to her granddaughter.
Past President - Brad Wilson
President Elect - Dr. Denton
Past President - Brad Wilson
Brad Wilson M.S.Ed: Director of Special Education, North West Special Education Region, 7 Rustic Hill Road, Glocester, RI 02857, bwilson@northwestri.org. Brad has been an active member of the ARIASE board members, serving for three years as Vice President before becoming President in 2018. Currently, he contributes to the Executive Board
Brad Wilson M.S.Ed: Director of Special Education, North West Special Education Region, 7 Rustic Hill Road, Glocester, RI 02857, bwilson@northwestri.org. Brad has been an active member of the ARIASE board members, serving for three years as Vice President before becoming President in 2018. Currently, he contributes to the Executive Board as the Past President following a four-year term. Brad began his career in special education leadership in 1996 in the beautiful state of Vermont. He resides in Barrington, RI with his wife Mary-Kate, a special education teacher for Ponaganset, along with their son Cole and daughter Grace. As the Special Education Director for the North West Special Education Region, he oversees the districts of Scituate, Ponaganset, Foster, and Glocester. In recognition of his outstanding work, Brad was honored as the Rhode Island Special Education Director of the Year in 2022.
Secretary - Eileen Crudele
President Elect - Dr. Denton
Past President - Brad Wilson
Eileen E. Crudele, M.Ed.: Director of Special Education Smithfield School Department 49 Farnum Pike Smithfield, RI 02917 ecrudele@smithfield-ps.org Eileen Crudele has served as the Director of Special Education for the Smithfield Public Schools since 2015. Prior to this role, she was the Director of Pupil Services in East Providence and t
Eileen E. Crudele, M.Ed.: Director of Special Education Smithfield School Department 49 Farnum Pike Smithfield, RI 02917 ecrudele@smithfield-ps.org Eileen Crudele has served as the Director of Special Education for the Smithfield Public Schools since 2015. Prior to this role, she was the Director of Pupil Services in East Providence and the Director of Special Education in Pawtucket, where she also held the position of assistant director. She earned her undergraduate degree in special and elementary education from Rhode Island College and a Master's Degree in Special Education from Providence College. Eileen has been actively involved with ARIASE since 2004, contributing as an area representative for both the East Bay Region and the Northern Region. As one of the dedicated Rhode Island administrators, she also participates in the mentor subcommittee, further enhancing her commitment to special education leadership.
Treasurer - Jessica Perry
Executive Director - Breta Combs
Executive Director - Breta Combs
Jessica Perry: Director of Special Education Services, West Warwick Public Schools, 10 Harris Ave, West Warwick, RI 02893, jperry@westwarwickpublicschools.com Jessica Perry began her career in West Warwick Public Schools in 2004 as a secondary special educator. She quickly advanced to become the department leader at the high school, later
Jessica Perry: Director of Special Education Services, West Warwick Public Schools, 10 Harris Ave, West Warwick, RI 02893, jperry@westwarwickpublicschools.com Jessica Perry began her career in West Warwick Public Schools in 2004 as a secondary special educator. She quickly advanced to become the department leader at the high school, later transitioning to the role of assistant special education director and administrator of Maisie E. Quinn School. Since 2014, she has served as the director, demonstrating her commitment to special education leadership. Jessica is passionate about supporting students, staff, and families in the area of social emotional learning, drawing on her 15 years of experience at Bradley Children's Psychiatric Hospital and her undergraduate degrees in psychology and sociology. As a dedicated member of the ARIASE board members, she previously served as the West Bay Regional Representative for over 5 years and is currently part of the RI CEEDAR State Leadership Team, which connects Rhode Island administrators. While striving for a healthy work-life balance, Jessica enjoys traveling the country and experiencing live music.
Executive Director - Breta Combs
Executive Director - Breta Combs
Executive Director - Breta Combs
Breta Combs is the Executive Director of the Association of Rhode Island Administrators of Special Education (ARIASE), where she leads and supports the ARIASE board members and special education directors across public, private, and charter schools statewide. With over 20 years of experience in education, she brings deep expertise in spec
Breta Combs is the Executive Director of the Association of Rhode Island Administrators of Special Education (ARIASE), where she leads and supports the ARIASE board members and special education directors across public, private, and charter schools statewide. With over 20 years of experience in education, she brings deep expertise in special education leadership, applied behavior analysis, and program development.
ARIASE Area Representatives
Providence - Julie Lombardi
Providence - Julie Lombardi
Providence - Julie Lombardi
Julie Lombardi, a dedicated member of the ARIASE board members, has committed 27 years to the Providence Public School District. Currently, she holds the position of Executive Director of Student Supports, where she plays a vital role in the leadership of special education leadership initiatives. Her extensive experience includes serving
Julie Lombardi, a dedicated member of the ARIASE board members, has committed 27 years to the Providence Public School District. Currently, she holds the position of Executive Director of Student Supports, where she plays a vital role in the leadership of special education leadership initiatives. Her extensive experience includes serving as the Secondary Manager for Special Education, Special Education Intervention Specialist, and Special Education Teacher, equipping her with invaluable insights into the needs of Rhode Island administrators. In addition to her primary responsibilities, Julie oversees the Social Emotional Learning and Mental Health Department and actively participates on the District Behavioral Support Committee.
East Bay - Mark Biancuzzo
Providence - Julie Lombardi
Providence - Julie Lombardi
Mark Biancuzzo serves as the Assistant Director of Student Services for the Barrington School Department, located at 283 County Road, Barrington, RI 02806. He can be contacted via email at biancuzzom@barringtonschools.org. As a second-generation educator, Mark has been dedicated to the field of education since 2000. He holds a Master's De
Mark Biancuzzo serves as the Assistant Director of Student Services for the Barrington School Department, located at 283 County Road, Barrington, RI 02806. He can be contacted via email at biancuzzom@barringtonschools.org. As a second-generation educator, Mark has been dedicated to the field of education since 2000. He holds a Master's Degree in Education from Providence College and has extensive experience as a special education teacher across various Rhode Island school departments, including The Bradley School in Portsmouth, Newport, Tiverton, and Barrington. Currently, he plays a vital role in special education leadership within the Barrington School Department and is recognized among the ARIASE board members and Rhode Island administrators for his contributions to the field.
Northern - Alicia DeStefani
Providence - Julie Lombardi
Northern - Alicia DeStefani
Alicia DeStefani, a valued member of the Cumberland School Department, serves as the Director of Special Education. Located at 2606 Mendon Road, Cumberland, RI 02864, Alicia can be contacted via email at alicia.destefani@cumberlandschools.org. With nearly two decades of experience in the field, Alicia began her career in August 2004. For
Alicia DeStefani, a valued member of the Cumberland School Department, serves as the Director of Special Education. Located at 2606 Mendon Road, Cumberland, RI 02864, Alicia can be contacted via email at alicia.destefani@cumberlandschools.org. With nearly two decades of experience in the field, Alicia began her career in August 2004. For 14 years, she excelled as a special education teacher, serving students across various grade levels and learning needs, which helped her develop a solid foundation in individualized, student-centered instruction. Following her time in the classroom, Alicia took on the role of Special Education Coordinator for five years, where she played an essential part in supporting staff, students, and families while enhancing special education programming throughout multiple buildings. In this capacity, she worked closely with Rhode Island administrators, educators, related service providers, and administrators to ensure compliance and positive outcomes for students. Her extensive education, experience, and passion for empowering students naturally guided her to her current position as Director of Special Services in Cumberland, where she is now in her third year. In her role, Alicia is dedicated to fostering inclusive practices, promoting special education leadership, supporting staff through collaborative problem-solving, and building strong partnerships with families to address the diverse needs of learners. Alicia holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, along with certifications in Grades 1–6 and Special Education Mild/Moderate (K–8). Additionally, she possesses Administrator Certification as both a District-Level Administrator in Special Education and a Building-Level Administrator (PK–12). Outside of her professional responsibilities, Alicia has been happily married for 18 years and is the proud parent of two children: CJ, age 13 and currently in Grade 8, and Julia, age 16, who is in Grade 11.
West Bay - Michele Simpson
Providence - Julie Lombardi
Northern - Alicia DeStefani
Michele Simpson: Executive Director of Special Education, Cranston Public Schools 845 Park Ave Cranston, RI 02910 msimpson@cpsed.net Michele Simpson serves as the Executive Director of Pupil Personnel Services for Cranston Public Schools, a role she has held since 2014. Her journey in special education leadership began in 1988 as a specia
Michele Simpson: Executive Director of Special Education, Cranston Public Schools 845 Park Ave Cranston, RI 02910 msimpson@cpsed.net Michele Simpson serves as the Executive Director of Pupil Personnel Services for Cranston Public Schools, a role she has held since 2014. Her journey in special education leadership began in 1988 as a special education teacher at Bradley Hospital and Trudeau Memorial Center in Warwick, where she was instrumental in developing the Crayons program, which emphasized inclusive early childhood care and education. In 1994, Michele joined Coventry Public Schools before transitioning to Cranston Public Schools. In 2003, she took on an administrative role as the Director of Early Childhood, which ultimately led to the establishment of Cranston’s Early Childhood Center. As the Executive Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Michele has focused on fostering a partnership between the national Project SEARCH program and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, implementing full-day kindergarten programming district-wide. Over the years, her responsibilities have grown; she now oversees the district’s Project AWARE program, established Cranston’s Crisis Mobile Unit, and oversees Signs of Suicide training for all employees. Michele earned her undergraduate degree in special and elementary education from Rhode Island College and a Master's Degree in Special Education from Providence College. Additionally, she has been an active member of ARIASE since 2003 and serves as an area representative for the West Bay Region, contributing to the discussions among Rhode Island administrators.
Southern - Erica Dickson
Chater Schools - Mary Pendergast
RIAPSES - Suzanne Rathbun
Erica B. Dickson serves as the Director of Student Services for the Jamestown School Department, where she is actively involved with ARIASE board members and supports Rhode Island administrators. A third generation educator, Erica has dedicated her career to education since 1995. She earned a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction f
Erica B. Dickson serves as the Director of Student Services for the Jamestown School Department, where she is actively involved with ARIASE board members and supports Rhode Island administrators. A third generation educator, Erica has dedicated her career to education since 1995. She earned a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from UCONN and a second Masters Degree in School Administration from URI. Her experience includes roles as a special education teacher, elementary assistant principal, and special education supervisor for the Providence Public School Department, showcasing her commitment to special education leadership.
RIAPSES - Suzanne Rathbun
Chater Schools - Mary Pendergast
RIAPSES - Suzanne Rathbun
Suzanne Rathbun is the Vice President of School Services at Strides Academy, located at 160 Orchard Street, East Providence, RI 02914. You can reach her at srathbun@stridesbehavioral.com. Suzanne earned her undergraduate degree in Special Education and Secondary Education, as well as her Masters of Education and Administration of Special
Suzanne Rathbun is the Vice President of School Services at Strides Academy, located at 160 Orchard Street, East Providence, RI 02914. You can reach her at srathbun@stridesbehavioral.com. Suzanne earned her undergraduate degree in Special Education and Secondary Education, as well as her Masters of Education and Administration of Special Education, from Providence College. With over 18 years of experience as a special education teacher in Pawtucket and 20 years in special education administration, she has become a key figure among Rhode Island administrators. Suzanne has also been an active participant on various committees, including the mentorship program at RIDE, and has taught at both CCRI and Salve Regina before stepping into her role as Vice President at Strides Academy. In her current position, Suzanne is dedicated to ensuring the school operates efficiently, which includes screening all new referrals and overseeing all special education records. She effectively manages the school staff and collaborates with them to make Strides Academy an exceptional outplacement school. Known affectionately as “Chief,” she loves spending time with the students. Outside of her professional life, Suzanne enjoys quality time with her husband and family, with her happy place being the beach—second only to her commitment to special education leadership at Strides.
Chater Schools - Mary Pendergast
Chater Schools - Mary Pendergast
Chater Schools - Mary Pendergast
Mary Pendergast: Director of Special Education, Rhode Island School for the Deaf, One Corliss Park, Providence, RI 02908, mpendergast@rideaf.net. Mary Pendergast has served as the Director of Special Education and Student Services at the RI School for the Deaf since 2009. In addition to her role, she has acted as the Director of Special E
Mary Pendergast: Director of Special Education, Rhode Island School for the Deaf, One Corliss Park, Providence, RI 02908, mpendergast@rideaf.net. Mary Pendergast has served as the Director of Special Education and Student Services at the RI School for the Deaf since 2009. In addition to her role, she has acted as the Director of Special Education at various charter schools, including the International Charter School, Kingston Hill Academy, and Segue Institute for Learning. Her career began at the Groden Center in various capacities starting in 1988. Mary earned her undergraduate degree in Latin American Studies and Spanish from Providence College, followed by a Master’s Degree in Special Education from RI College. As a committed professional in special education leadership, she has been an active member of ARIASE since 2009 and has intermittently represented charter and state schools since 2015. Throughout her tenure as a member of ARIASE, she has contributed to numerous subcommittees and work groups, collaborating with other Rhode Island administrators to enhance educational opportunities.
