135 Prairie Avenue
Providence, RI 02905
Tel: 401-270-9007
Fax: 401-270-6595
MEET OUR SOUTHSIDE STAFF
Wendy Randle
Director of Education
wrandle@southsideelementary.org
Wendy Randle attended Salve Regina University where she completed a triple major in Administration of Justice, Political Science and Spanish. Shortly thereafter, she worked as a correctional officer at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, CT. Upon returning to RI, Wendy attended Roger Williams University where she completed her degree in Elementary Education. After graduating in December of 1999 from RWU, Wendy taught fourth grade at Cranston Calvert School in Newport, RI and was then hired as a first grade teacher at Coggeshall School in Newport, RI. While teaching 1st grade for five years, Wendy completed her Masters Degree in School Administration at Providence College. After graduating with her Masters in May of 2005, Wendy was hired to serve as the Principal of South Elementary in Somerset, MA.
After marrying her husband Derrick Randle who is in the U. S. Navy, Wendy and her husband moved to Beaufort, SC where she served as a principal of Riverview Charter School and Bolden Elementary/Middle School. She missed her family and ended up returning to RI where she served as the Principal and Head of School at Paul Cuffee School. After three years of employment at Paul Cuffee School, Wendy found her dream job at SouthSide Elementary Charter School. Wendy loves the children, families and staff of SouthSide Elementary. When she is not at SouthSide, she enjoys spending time with her family and her two dogs, Ella and Bella. Wendy loves to swim, paddle board, rollerblade and spend time outdoors in nature.
Lourdes DeJesus
Business Manager/Food Service Director
ldejesus@southsideelementary.org
Lourdes de Jesus has been working for Southside since it first opened in 2014 and till today, she enjoys working for Southside. She was born and raised in Puerto Rico and decided to move to RI in 2003. She started working for a private school as the receptionist and as the assistant business manager. She then decided to attend Rhode Island College and received her bachelor’s degree in Accounting. She has been in the business field for 18 years. Lourdes enjoys spending quality time with her family. She loves to relax at the beach, biking, and traveling.
Tamara Diaz, LICSW
Social Worker
I am a visual artist and licensed independent clinical social worker who lives and works in the SouthSide of Providence. I was born in NYC but grew up in Barcelona, Spain. I have been working as a social worker for more than 20 years and began my career working in a shelter for teenage girls as well as other programs in Providence and Philadelphia. I opened my own private practice in 2010 and see children/families ages 3-18 for a variety of reasons including trauma, depression, anxiety or emotional/behavioral issues. I am passionate about art, music, traveling, helping others and my friends/family. I am happy to have worked at SouthSide since 2016.
Molly Tracy-Harris
Reading Teacher
mtracyharris@southsideelementary.org
Hi! My name is Molly Tracy-Harris, or Ms. Molly for short. I am so excited to begin my first year at SouthSide! I earned my MAT from Relay Graduate School of Education in 2020, and my BA in Political Science from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in 2013. Following college, I initially worked in non-profits, and served as an AmeriCorps VISTA member at Highlander Charter School in Providence. Following this experience, I knew teaching was what I wanted to do, so I went back to school for my certification and MAT.
This is my 5th year teaching in Providence, and I'm so excited to bring my knowledge and skills to the amazing SouthSide team. As a teacher, I've taught Science Investigations, ELA, and Guided Reading. Additionally, I LOVE curriculum design! I helped build Achievement First RI's first 8th grade ELA curriculum, and I was also part of the team that helped to develop some of the first distance learning units for students at AF at the start of the pandemic.
When I'm not at work, I love to roller skate at the skatepark, which is something that is new to me. I am also learning how to play viola for the first time! I am an avid reader and learner of all things. I live in Providence with my husband, and my dog Roast Beef.
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KINDERGARTEN
Laura Hanley
Kindergarten Teacher
lhanley@southsideelementary.org
Hi there! My name is Laura Hanley. I was born and raised in Warwick, Rhode Island. I am SO happy to be joining the SouthSide team this year. I graduated from Plymouth State University with my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. I love DIY projects, reading, and enjoying the outdoors. I am excited for a year of learning, exploring, and fun!
Sue Rodrigues
K Learning Partner
srodrigues@southsideelementary.org
Hi, this is Sue R. This is my 3rd year as a Learning Partner at Southside in the K classroom. I love my team, our class, and I love our family atmosphere here at Southside. I have worked in the Early Childhood field for over 30 years; pre-k-1st grade.
Corina Best
K Learning Partner
My name is Corina Best-Nicolau, I’ve been a French language teacher for a very long time, in my country and in the USA. Now, I’m happy to be a learning partner at SouthSide. I enjoy teaching the kids and see how they grow, learn and have a lot of fun. During my free time, I love to read and hang out with my lovely family
First Grade
Claudia Quintero
First Grade Teacher
cquintero@southsidelementary.org
Hello! My name is Claudia Ramos. I am so excited to be joining the SouthSide Team. I was born in Foster City, California. When my father remarried I relocated to Puerto Rico for a year. In August of 1999 I then moved to Orlando, Florida. In 2015, I moved again but to Miami where I meet my husband. I worked at a Charter school as a paraprofessional and then taught Kindergarten for three years when I graduated from FIU with my Bachelor's in Arts. I am the oldest of four children but the only child from both of her biological parents. I love traveling, hiking, and going to the beach. I also love being at home with my husband and cat, and going to the movies.
Fanny Taveras
First Grade Learning Partner
My name is Fanny Taveras, I am from the Dominican Republic.I started to be part of Southside's family 4 years ago as a parent of 2 students. I love Southside so much that I took the opportunity to become a Learning partner. I am grateful to be part of the 1st grade community and give all the love from my heart to the students.
Danna Gomez
First Grade Learning Partner
dgomez@southsideelementary.org
Hello South Side Community,
My name is Danna Gomez. I am so excited to start my second year at the South Side Elementary School. As a Providence native, I enjoy working to uplift our youth in my community. I worked with young children for seven years at my church. I graduated from the Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts. I am now attending my second year at CCRI to become a teacher assistant. I enjoy music and majored in it throughout high school which was an amazing experience. I’ve been playing Violin for almost 5 years. I am really looking forward to having an amazing year with the 1st grade students. Thank you!
Second Grade
Carmen Hogan
2nd Grade Teacher
chogan@southsideelementary.org
Carmen was born and raised in RI and is the happy dog owner of two aussiedoodles! She completed her Undergraduate degree at URI and received her Masters in Early Childhood Education from Merrimack in 2022. She has a passion for working with children and helping them to grow as lifelong learners. Top 3 favorite things to do: Beach walks with the dogs, cozy up with a great book and spend time with family.
Michael Figueroa
2nd grade learning partner
mfigueroa@southsideelementary.org
I grew up in Puerto Rico and Spanish is my first language. I graduated from Central High school and I studied at The University of Rhode Island. I am part of an amazing dance group called Project 401.
Third Grade
Marie Provenzano
3rd Grade Teacher
mprovenzano@southsideelementary.org
Hello! My name is Marie Provenzano. I’m excited to be joining the Southside Elementary Community! Before coming here, I was a third grade teacher at the Learning Community Charter school in Central Falls for 7 years. I have my masters in the Art of Teaching from Johnson and Wales University. I am certified in both general education and special education. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, finding new restaurants and traveling with my fiancé.
Diana Gomez
3rd Grade Learning Partner
dgomez@southsideelementary.org
Hello! I will be joining the team as a learning partner. I have been working in child care for 6 years. I was born in Providence but my cultural roots are from Guatemala and Cambodia. I am the oldest of 3, and I have always taken great care of my family and worked hard to fulfill their needs. I am also a vocalist at my church where I volunteer my time in providing child care as well.
Raphael Serrano
3rd Grade Learning Partner
rserrano@southsideelementary.org
My name is Raphael Serrano (Mr.R ) I am a third grade learning partner at Southside elementary charter school. My favorite aspect of the job is cultivating positive relationships with students. I have a BA in Environmental science and although that is not directly related to this position , I have worked with youth ages five through sixteen in the city of Providence.
FOURTH GRADE
Jessica Quenga
4th Grade Teacher
jquenga@southsideelementary.org
Hello! I am Mrs. Quenga. I live in Cranston with my husband, Bryan. I have three children: Melody (20), Oak(14), and Reed (6). We have two cats, Molly and Luca, a dog, Opie, and four guinea pigs, Benji, Luna, Freddy, and Cookie. I love spending time with my family and friends, listening to music, watching movies, and trying new things! Prior to Southside, I taught 4th grade at St. Teresa School. Prior to that I worked in Cranston and Woonsocket Public Schools. My goal is to have every student in my class be successful and make steady progress. It is important that parents and teachers work as a team so this can be accomplished.
Chris Love
4th Grade Learning Partner
clove@southsideelementary.org
Hello! My name is Christopher Love, this will be my first year working at Southside as a teaching partner for the 4th grade. I am a long time Providence native and have been working in child care for the past 17 years. My previous stops include Sackett Street Recreation Center, Cranston YMCA, Paul Cuffee School, and Times2 Stem Academy. I am currently a member of the Rhode Island Coaches Association and coach many different sports which includes basketball, volleyball, soccer, track and field and football. When I’m not in the classroom with our wonderful students, my free time consists of fishing, gardening, hiking through the woods and spending quality time with
my family.
Crystal Gonzalez
4th Grade Learning Partner
cgonzalez@southsideelementary.org
Hello, my name is Crystal Gonzalez and have joined the fourth grade team as a learning partner. I am a student at the School of Social Work at Rhode Island College. I have an Associates degree from CCRI in Social Services and a certification in Human Services. Prior to my job here at Southside, I worked with children on the spectrum as a behavioral therapist. I have also done work with the homeless community as a shelter advocate with Crossroads Women's Shelter and spent a couple of years working at the North Providence Housing Authority as a Family-Self Sufficiency Assistant. My schooling at CCRI gave me the opportunity to do several internships with local organizations such as Sojourner House, Rhode Island Food Bank, Olneyville Food Pantry, and Clothes to Kids RI. In my free time I enjoy getting together with family, traveling with my boyfriend, trying new foods and watching crime documentaries. I am excited to be here at Southside and look forward to helping our kiddos become the very best learners they can be.
Molly Tracy-Harris
Reading Teacher
mtracyharris@southsideelementary.org
Hi! My name is Molly Tracy-Harris, or Ms. Molly for short. I am so excited to begin my first year at SouthSide! I earned my MAT from Relay Graduate School of Education in 2020, and my BA in Political Science from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in 2013. Following college, I initially worked in non-profits, and served as an AmeriCorps VISTA member at Highlander Charter School in Providence. Following this experience, I knew teaching was what I wanted to do, so I went back to school for my certification and MAT.
This is my 5th year teaching in Providence, and I'm so excited to bring my knowledge and skills to the amazing SouthSide team. As a teacher, I've taught Science Investigations, ELA, and Guided Reading. Additionally, I LOVE curriculum design! I helped build Achievement First RI's first 8th grade ELA curriculum, and I was also part of the team that helped to develop some of the first distance learning units for students at AF at the start of the pandemic.
When I'm not at work, I love to roller skate at the skatepark, which is something that is new to me. I am also learning how to play viola for the first time! I am an avid reader and learner of all things. I live in Providence with my husband, and my dog Roast Beef.
FIFTH GRADE
Deanna Garcia and Imani Fernandez
5th Grade Learning Partners
dgarcia@southsideelementary.org
ifernandez@southsideelementary.org
Music, Art, Physical Education, MLL
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Janine A. Lee
Teacher, Provider, Mentor
jlee@southsideelementary.org
I am a vibrant musician, dog lover, graphic designer, techie, Mom, wife, and educator.
Born in Queens NY, raised in Long Island NY, RI has been my home for a number of years. I attended Shenandoah Conservatory of Music of Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia and received the Bachelor of Music Therapy degree. This is my eighth year at SouthSide! I started as a part-time music teacher. Due to also teaching full time at Community Preparatory School and the shortening of the SouthSide school day to 3 pm, I moved to teaching MUSIC & More in the extended day program. Now I am providing technical support and mentoring services. I am passionate about fostering the growth of positive individuals in our world through education and experiences. Each school year I look forward to having the opportunity to work with dedicated administrators, staff, and students that stretch my creativity.
Melanie Ducharme
Art Teacher
mducharme@southsideelementary.org
Hi I’m Ms. D (she/her) and I’m the art teacher at Southside! When I am not at Southside, I teach art in Coventry and work on my own art. I have exhibited my artwork for Windows on Pawtucket in Pawtucket, RI, been an artist mentor for the organization Creature Conserve, and I was a gallery night guide for Providence Gallery Night. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth and a Masters in Art Education from Rhode Island College. Other fun facts: My favorite colors are red and green, I practice yoga, I love animals, and I have two rescue cats named Lexi and Calvin
Hannah Resseger
Physical Education/Music Teacher
hresseger@southsideelementary.org
My name is Hannah Resseger. The students call me Miss Hannah or B-Mor7 (my Hip Hop name). I have been teaching specialist classes at Southside for 5 years. However, I’ve been volunteering and working with youth for almost 30 years. My background is in Hip Hop Culture, Yoga, Graphic Design, Media Studies & Africana Studies. I teach PE/Health, Music and S.T.E.A.M. Music, art and martial arts are my passion. When I’m not at work or making music I like to go bike riding or hiking with my dogs. I also love pinball, comedy, and Chinese/Korean Historical Drama.
Jacqueline Ibarra
Multilingual Specialist
jibarra@southsideelementary.org
This is my first year of teaching. I attended Rhode Island College and graduated this year. I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. On the weekends, I love spending time with my family and friends. During my free time, I enjoy baking, being outdoors, and going to the beach.