Rose Mary Grant
Position: Superintendent, CEO
Email: rgrant@hc.school
Bio:  Rose Mary has over 30 years of experience in the education profession.  Before coming to Highlander in 2002, she worked at a range of public and independent schools both as a teacher and an administrator. She began her teaching in North Carolina at a school for students with multiple handicaps and continued using her special education degree at St. Andrew’s School in Barrington, RI, where she was a resource teacher and the Special Education Director. Rose Mary also worked at Barrington High School as a resource teacher before returning to St. Andrew’s as the academic director.  She started at Highlander teaching grades 7 and 8 before moving into the Principal and Special Education Director position in 2004 and finally the Head of School in 2007.

Originally from Riverside, RI, she has her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Rhode Island College. Her educational philosophy is clearly visible in the school’s mission, vision and values.  Equity and access for all students regardless of race or socioeconomic status. All students deserve high quality educational opportunities in a safe nurturing environment where educating the whole child is key.

 

Jane Roseberry
Position: Elementary School Principal
Email: jroseberry@hc.school
Bio: Jane has been working at Highlander Charter School since the year 2000, its first year in operation.  She started as a kindergarten and first grade teacher.  In the year, 2004, she moved to the administrative team.  While she misses the classroom, she loves working within the greater school community and the opportunity to work every child and family. Jane attended University of Rhode Island and received her Bachelors in Early Childhood Education in 2000.  In 2009, she received a M.Ed in Special Education from Lesley University. Jane’s goal is to provide a safe and stimulating environment to provide students with the skills they need to become productive global citizens.

 

 Wil Pabst
Position: Middle and High School Principal
Email: wpabst@hc.school
Bio: Wil has been in education since 2003, having experience as a high school Social Studies teacher and as a high school administrator. He has been at Highlander Charter School since 2019, when he began as a substitute for teachers, the building principals, and the behavioral specialist. In 2019, Wil became the full-time Middle School Social Studies teacher, maintaining that role until the end of the 2021 school year. In 2021, Wil took the position as Middle School Principal. In 2022, Wil signed on as Middle and High School Principal. Wil believes that all students can learn but need to feel safe, comfortable, and be provided with all the necessary resources to be successful. A student’s most valuable educational resource is a highly effective teacher. Wil is enthusiastic about working with all staff to ensure they are the best resource for students.  

Originally from Piscataway, New Jersey, Wil made the move to Rhode Island in 1998 to attend Roger Williams University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education and his Bachelor of Arts degree in History. In 2008, he earned a Masters in Educational Leadership from Rhode Island College.

 

Angela Goulart
Position: Assistant Principal, Middle and High School
Email: agoulart@hc.school
Bio:  Angela began her career in education as Science Teacher at Calcutt Middle School in Central Falls. She came to Highlander Charter School in 2015 to continue teaching middle school science. Mrs Goulart’s role shifted to the Dean of Culture and Students in 2021, and she accepted the role of Assistant Principal at the Warren Campus in the summer of 2022. 

Angela has lived most of her life in Rhode Island. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in education at the University of Rhode Island, and earned a Master Degree in Bilingual Education and Cross Cultural Studies from Brown University. Mrs Goulart completed the Principal Residency Network program in 2022 and is currently enrolled in the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program at Johson and Wales University.

 

Jessica Blanco-Busam, EdD
Position: Director of Teaching and Learning
Email: jblanco@hc.school
Bio: Dr. Blanco has been working with students and their families as an educator at Highlander Charter School since 2004. She taught 4th and 5th grade until 2015, when she became the principal at the Warren Campus. In 2021, she became the Director of Teaching and Learning for the district. As an administrator, she believes in empowering staff and students as learners to meet the mission, vision, and values of Highlander.  

Originally from Hartford, CT, Jessica moved to Rhode Island in 1999 to attend Brown University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education, her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, and her Masters of Arts degree in Teaching. In 2017, she received her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Johnson and Wales University.