lower school
Throughout our Lower School, there is much to celebrate. Joyful learning requires a sense of comfort and confidence in ourselves and the people, places, and things around us. Academics, combined with social-emotional learning, are significant parts of the whole that distinguish an authentic learning moment that should not occur in isolation. So each day in our Lower School, our faculty and students, both dedicated and passionate educators and learners, pave the way for meaningful and enjoyable learning opportunities. Walk into our Lower School and let your senses guide you. We guarantee it will be a rewarding and joyous experience…ask any of our students!
OUR PROGRAMS
LEARNING SPACES
LEARNING SPACES
MEET OUR TEACHERS

CAITY MacDONALD
Lower School Division Head
BA, BS, University of
Rhode Island
M.Ed, Boston University
cmacdonald@rockyhill.org

Elaine Bernardino
World Languages
Department Chair
Lower/Middle School World Languages and Cultures
BA, University of Londrina
MBA, Getulio Vargas Foundation
M.Ed, Miguel de Cervantes European University
ebernardino@rockyhill.org

Stephanie Cruff
Second Grade
BFA, University of Rhode Island
M.Ed, University of New Haven
scruff@rockyhill.org

Trixie Dumas ’81
Lower School Art,
Preschool Physical Education
Cert. in Architecture, RISD
BFA, Wheaton College
tdumas@rockyhill.org

Wendy Gustavel
School Librarian
BA, College of the Holy Cross
M.Ed, University of New Hampshire
wgustavel@rockyhill.org
ext. 149

James Himmelmann
Music & Band Teacher
BM, University of Rhode Island,
MM, University of Rhode Island
jhimmelmann@rockyhill.org

Natalie Joseph
Third Grade
BA, University of Rhode Island
M.Ed, University of Rhode Island
njoseph@rockyhill.org

Amy Laurent
Academic Center for Enrichment
BA, Boston College
M.Ed, Boston College
alaurent@rockyhill.org

EMILY McMAHON
Kindergarten
BA, University of Rhode Island
MA Psychology, Adelphi University
M.A.T. Elementary Education,
Rhode Island College
emcmahon@rockyhill.org

Patty Mott
Head Preschool Teacher
AS, Community College
of Rhode Island
BS, Western Governors University
MS ECS, Walden University
pmott@rockyhill.org