Bachelor’s in English from Williams College

Master’s in Education from Bank Street College of Education

Master’s in Education Leadership from Western Michigan University

Prior to BVP, Ms. Anderson was part of the Office of Transformation and Charter Schools at the Rhode Island Department of Education, where her work included policy development on school accountability and college readiness, as well as direct support to district leadership teams on school reform. She led their Academy for Transformative Leadership, which prepared and placed 13 new school leaders and supported over 90 teachers committed to advancing educational equity. Prior to moving to Rhode Island, she worked for Grand Rapids Public Schools, helping district and school leaders manage dramatic instructional reforms as part of a $5 million federal grant. Originally from New York, Ms. Anderson worked in New York City public schools as a professional developer, instructional coach, data specialist, and middle school English teacher.

Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Pennsylvania

A native Rhode Islander, Stephanie is excited to be back in the state in which she was born and raised. Prior to joining the BVP team, for the last ten years Stephanie lived in Helena, Arkansas where she worked at KIPP Delta Collegiate High School. During her time in Helena, she taught high school English, reading and history, served as an Assistant Principal from 2010 to 2015, and then transitioned into the School Director role in 2015. Stephanie participated in the KIPP School Leadership Principal Prep training program in the summer of 2010. Stephanie came to Helena through the Teach For America program in 2007.

Master’s in Public Affairs from Brown University with a focus on Urban Education Policy

Mr. DeMatteo is a registered architect with over fifteen years of professional experience in institutional facilities programming, planning, and design, specializing in K-­12 education. Interested in more active engagement in the education sector, he shifted his professional focus to working within schools. He also served as a Fellow with Education Pioneers where he assisted the charter school, Alma del Mar, open in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Bachelor’s in Political Science from the University of Rhode Island

Before returning to RI to take on his current role, Mr. Heng served as the Senior Director of Information Systems at Democracy Prep Public Schools, based in New York City. Prior to his experience in K-­12 education, he worked with the Providence Plan as the Director of Technology. He is a Rhode Island native passionate about improving the social well being of his community.

Emily joined Blackstone Valley Prep in 2022 as a member of the Curriculum, Instructional, and Assessment network team. Previously she served Match Charter Public Schools as the Chief Academic Officer overseeing the academic program preK-12. Previously she led academics at UP Education Network and served as the Head of School for Alma del Mar Charter School in New Bedford, MA. She started her education career at Citizen Schools in 2002 through the National Teaching Fellowship program and then served in a variety of roles on the Massachusetts and national team. In addition to her twelve years of work at Citizen Schools, she has also served youth at City Year Columbia and the Swearer Center for Public Service at Brown University. Emily graduated from Brown University and later earned a Master’s of Education from Lesley University.

Bachelor’s in Psychology from URI

Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with a Teaching Concentration in Special Education from Rhode Island College

Master’s in Educational Leadership from American International College

As Director of Special Populations, Mrs. Tonino supports learning for all scholars. Her career started as a special education teacher at the secondary level in Massachusetts. Following her great experiences in Massachusetts, she joined the BVP team to utilize her expertise at the elementary level. She holds high expectations for all scholars in academics and social-emotional wellness. Born and raised in R.I., she attended R.I. College for her second Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with a concentration in Special Education. Mrs. Tonino completed her Master’s in Educational Leadership through American International College and continues to be extremely passionate in serving the needs of all scholars.

Bachelor’s degree in Policy Studies & French from Syracuse University

Master’s in Urban Teaching from Providence College

Graduate of the Center for Leadership and Equity’s Principal Residency Network program

Ms. Tucker joined the team in 2012, founding the first and second grade teams, then becoming a Dean in 2014. Before coming to BVP, she taught four years in Baton Rouge, Louisiana as a Teach for America corps member and alumni. Through her dedication to her scholars’ academic achievement and relentless pursuit of excellence, Mrs. Tucker is dramatically impacting the lives of children on a daily basis and preparing them for future success in college and the world beyond. Ms. Tucker is originally from Cumberland and currently resides in Pawtucket.

Bachelor’s in History from Towson University

Master’s in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University

Graduate of the Center for Leadership and Equity’s Principal Residency Network program

Ms. Emet is a founding MS1 teacher and previously served as Academic Dean. Prior to BVP, she was a Teach for America corps member in Baltimore, where she taught history and worked as a curriculum specialist. In 2013, she was honored as Rhode Island’s Milken Educator Award winner.

Bachelor’s from Williams College

Doctor of Law Degree from the New York University School of Law

Masters of Education from Relay GSE

Graduate of the Center for Leadership and Equity’s Principal Residency Network program

Before becoming the founding Head of School for Elementary School 3, Mr. Falk was a part of the Elementary School 1’s leadership team and previously taught 4th grade. Prior to his time at BVP, he taught grades 2 through 4 with Achievement First in New York and New Haven. A former attorney, Mr. Falk was drawn to the powerful idea of educational equity for all and made a career change.