Faculty & Staff

Dan has been a teacher at Highlander since the fall of 2002. He graduated for the University of Hartford with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education. He went on to get his Masters at Wheelock College with a focus in reading. In his free time he enjoys family time, reading and cooking.

Holleigh has been teaching at Highlander since spring of 2017. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Education, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Brown University. Holleigh is a proud Washingtonian who loves golden retrievers, playing soccer, and being with family.

Julissa Cruz has been a teacher assistant since 1990 and started at Highlander Charter School in 2013. She holds an associates degree in Human Development with a concentration in social development from CCRI. Julissa enjoys reading, cooking and spending time with friends and family.

Holly has been a PreKindergarten teacher at Highlander since 2015. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Rhode Island in 2013 a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies with an Early Childhood Education concentration. In her spare time, Holly enjoys spending time with her family, reading and cooking.

Lauren is settling in happily as the 2018 second grade teacher at Highlander. She recently received her Masters in Education from Rhode Island College but went to undergrad at URI. When Lauren is not consumed with her guilty pleasure of laminating school supplies, she enjoys spending time with her dog and running with her run club!

Angela has been a 7th and 8th grade science teacher at Highlander since 2016. Prior to that, she taught for 11 years at Calcutt Middle School in Central Falls. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from URI and Masters in EL Education from Brown. She also enjoys teaching yoga and running mud races in her spare time.

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.

Michela has been an English teacher since 2015, and started at Highlander in 2016. She holds a Bachelors of Arts & Science in English and Secondary Education, and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Rhode Island College. Michela is a Rhode Island native, and enjoys spending her free time reading, traveling, and spending time with family.

Amanda began teaching English in 2015, and started at Highlander in 2017. She holds a Bachelors of Arts & Science in English and Secondary Education, from Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island. In addition to being a teacher, Amanda is a published writer and certified Reiki Master. She is a Rhode Island native, and enjoys spending her free time reading, writing, and exploring the great outdoors.

Helena began at Highlander in 2007 beginning as an AmeriCorps member, then advanced through several jobs while she completed her education. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island and a Master's degree in School Counseling. She has two children who attend Highlander. During her spare time she enjoys reading, cooking, and dancing.

Patty has been a Resource Teacher for grades 5 and 6 since 2015. She has been teaching for 39 years and has a Bachelor's of Arts from Providence College and a Masters in Special Education from Worcester State College. She grew up in Framingham, Mass. but raised her six children here in the Ocean State. Patty enjoys traveling to visit her children, running with her dog, Titan and reading.

Lindsay has taught third grade at Highlander since 2014. She’s earned a BA in sociology from Grinnell College and an MAT in elementary education from Brown University. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Lindsay enjoys working on her house, creating ceramics, sewing, and weaving.

Administrator Bio

Annie began working at Highlander in 2018, but has enjoyed working as a teacher assistant for many years. In her free time, she enjoys baking, reading and digging in her garden. She also trains with East Bay Rowing Club as part of their Master's Team. Annie received a BA from Simmons College in Boston in 1983.

Ms Wnuk is the 5th grade Math and Science teacher. She has been working at Highlander in various roles since 2007. She has a Bachelor of Social Work degree and a Masters in the Art of Teaching degree from Rhode Island College. She’s a New England sports enthusiast and loves to travel.

Deborah has been a Resource teacher at Highlander since 2005. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary/Special Education and a Master's Degree in Secondary Special Education from Rhode Island College.