Meet the Team

  • Jennifer Efflandt  Jennifer Q. Efflandt (she/her/hers)
    Executive Director of Multilingual Learners
     Languages Spoken: Spanish and English 

    Entering her sixth year as the Executive Director of Multilingual Learners for Providence Schools, Jennifer oversees the identification and services of all MLL students in the district. Jennifer uses her own experience as a low income, Multilingual Learner in Providence and the educational discrepancies she has experienced to fuel her drive to help bring education equity to her community. She believes all students, regardless of race, native language, socioeconomic status, citizenship status or disability, have a fundamental right to receive a high quality, rigorous education that prepares them to excel in college and their career of choice.

    Previously, Jennifer served as an MLL coach, coordinator, and consultant, as well as an Early Childhood, Dual Language, and ESL teacher.

    Jennifer holds a Master of Education from Southern Methodist University and a Bachelor of Arts from Brown University. She also obtained her administrator certification through the Principal Residency Network at the Center for Leadership and Educational Equity.? Her studies include Visual Art, Bilingual and Bicultural Education, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, and School Leadership.

    Jennifer immigrated from Guatemala and entered Providence Schools as a Multilingual Learner when she was five years old. She feels very fortunate to have a role where she can serve in her community.

    Jennifer can be reached at jennifer.efflandt@ppsd.org or 401-456-9100 ext. 13140.

     

    Rebeca Filomeno-Nason (she/her/hers)Rebeca Filomeno-Nason  
    Director of Multilingual Learner Instruction & Services
    Languages Spoken:     English and Spanish

    As PPSD's Director of Multilingual Learner Instruction & Services, Rebeca supports schools across K-12 in the implementation of quality programs for MLLs. Her vision of education is rooted in the belief that each and every student deserves a quality and rigorous educational experience where critical thinking is fostered and who they are as individuals is valued, uplifted, and realized through meaningful relationships. Before joining the PPSD Office of Multilingual Learners, she served as an assistant principal at Governor Christopher DelSesto Middle School here in Providence. Previously, she served as a school guidance counselor and dean at Nowell Leadership Academy. Rebeca has also served as an early childhood educator teaching first and second grade at The Learning Community Charter School and preschool at For Pete's Sake Preschool.

    Rebeca holds a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Rhode Island College, as well as a Master of Arts in School Counseling from Seton Hall University. She also obtained her administrator certification through the Principal Residency Network at the Center for Leadership and Educational Equity. Rebeca holds a bachelor's degree in Human Development from Lesley University and an associate degree from the Community College of Rhode Island.

    Rebeca is of Dominican, English, and Irish descent. She lives in Providence with her family. She and her family love to travel. She also enjoys reading, exercise, and long walks.

    Rebeca can be reached at rebeca.filomenonason@ppsd.org.

     

    Nelia Fontes (she/her/hers)Nelia Fontes  
    Supervisor of Dual Language Programs & Services
    Languages Spoken: Portuguese, English, and Spanish

    As PPSD's Supervisor of Dual Language Programs & Services, Nelia oversees the effective implementation of high quality instruction and curriculum across the district's dual language programs. She has served as a Multilingual Learner educator and leader in PPSD for 27 years, and held roles as a Bilingual Teacher, MLL Specialist and Manager. As a child immigrant and former Multilingual Learner, Nelia uses her personal and professional experiences to advocate for equity and a high quality education for our MLLs that values and elevates their languages and cultures.

    Nelia holds a Master's Degree in Bilingual Bicultural Education, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Spanish, and School Leadership. 

    Nelia was an immigrant child from the Azores.

    Nelia can be reached at nelia.fontes@ppsd.org.
     

    Diana FerreiraDiana Ferreira (she/her/hers)
    Coordinator of Multilingual Learners
    Languages Spoken: English and Spanish

    As the Coordinator for PPSD's Multi-language Learners, Diana supports coordinating the day-to-day operations of the district's Multilingual Learner programs. She liaises between the Office of Multilingual Learners and other district offices and schools. Diana is passionate about helping the bridge the language barrier for non-English speaking Rhode Islanders and beyond to advocate for knowledge, information, and education to promote informed decisions and equitable opportunities, leading to positive change for underserved minority populations. Before joining the MLL Team, she worked as the Operations Associate for Nuestro Mundo Public Charter School in South Providence. Previously, she was the Student Services Manager-Culture for Achievement First Iluminar Elementary School in Cranston, RI. Diana immigrated from Colombia at a young age and settled in Central Falls, RI. She currently lives in Providence with her family.  

    Diana can be reached at diana.ferreira@ppsd.org.
    Angela Vieira
     

    Angela Vieira (she/her/hers)
    Elementary Manager of Multilingual Learner Instruction
    Languages Spoken: English and beginner Spanish

    As the Manager of Multilingual Learner Instruction at PPSD, Angela provides direct support to various school staff, including teachers, coaches, coordinators, guidance counselors, related service providers, and administrators, in their efforts to support the Elementary Multilingual Learner (MLL) population. Her commitment to the Providence school system began in 2001, and she has since held multiple roles, including Special Education Resource Teacher, ESL Classroom Teacher, Multilingual Learner Coach, and Literacy Coach. Moreover, Angela's dedication to promoting language education extends beyond PPSD, as she serves as a Continuing Ed instructor at Roger Williams University, where she champions the TESOL certificate for teachers across the state. 

    Having been born and raised in Providence, Angela's personal journey through Providence Public Schools, culminating with the Teacher Academy at Mount Pleasant High School, laid the foundation for her passion for education. This passion has been the driving force behind her diverse roles and her unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of students and educators alike. Angela obtained a Bachelor's degree in Special Education, a Master's degree in Urban Multicultural Special Education, and TESOL Consultant/Supervisor certification from Rhode Island College. Furthermore, she is currently pursuing a second Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Providence College.

    Angela resides in Rhode Island with her blended family. She enjoys watching New England sports teams and spending time outdoors with friends and family.

    Angela can be reached at angela.vieira@ppsd.org.

     

    Rosario Johnson (she/her/hers)Rosario Johnson
    Multilingual Learner Manager
    Languages Spoken:     Spanish and English

    Rosario is starting her first year in her role as the Multilingual Learner Manager, where she will support and work alongside elementary school leadership teams to enhance instructional practices, support placement/programs and champion student equity. She has served in several positions in Providence Schools over her 34-year career as an educator -- 26 years as a math teacher at Roger Williams Middle School, five years as an Assistant Principal, and two years as Principal at Frank D. Spaziano Elementary School.

    Rosario holds a Master of Arts in ESL in the Content Area and Cultural Studies and a Leadership Certification through the Principal Residency Network at the Center for Leadership and Educational Equity. Her lived, educational, and professional experiences make her wholly suited to serve multilingual learners, and she is excited for the opportunity to continue to support future generations of diverse students in Providence. 

    Born in Costa Rica to Ecuadorian parents, Rosario was raised in Providence since 1972 and is a product of Providence Schools herself. Rosario lives in Cranston with her family. She loves to sing, play the guitar, read, and spend time with immediate and extended family around the world. 

    Rosario can be reached at rosario.johnson@ppsd.org.

    Michelle Johnson

     

    Michelle Johnson (she/her/hers)
    Manager of Multilingual Learner Instruction & Services for Middle School and Times 2
    Languages Spoken: English and Spanish

    As PPSD's Manager of Multilingual Learners for Middle School and Times 2 STEM Academy, Michelle collaborates with school communities to implement quality programs for MLLs. She values the core belief that all learners have limitless potential and bring varied strengths and assets to a learning community. As a leader for equity, Michelle works to support growth and agency through deep engagement in learning opportunities and by building authentic relationships with diverse stakeholders. 

    Michelle has over 20 years of experience serving in various MLL and educational leadership roles. Prior to joining the PPSD MLL team, she worked as a curriculum coordinator, an adjunct professor, a multilingual learner specialist/consultant, a dual language teacher, and an educational consultant. 

    Michelle is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Johnson and Wales University. She obtained her administrator certification through the Principal Residency Network at the Center for Leadership and Educational Equity. She earned her Master of Education and Bachelor of Science from Rhode Island College.

    Michelle lives in Rhode Island, enjoys relaxing with a great book, and spending quality time with loved ones.

    Michelle can be reached at michelle.johnson1@ppsd.org.

     

    Dina Cerra

     

    Dina Cerra (she/her/hers)
    MLL Manager
    Languages Spoken: English

    As PPSD's Multilingual Learner Manager, Dina supports high schools in the implementation of quality programs for MLLs. Dina believes that all MLL students must receive a high quality education that supports students socially, emotionally, and academically. Before joining the PPSD Office of Multilingual Learners, she served as an assistant principal at Hope High School here in Providence. Previously, she served as an elementary school principal at Harry Kizirian Elementary School. Dina has also served as an English teacher at Hope High School and E-Cubed Academy.

    Dina holds a Master of Arts in School Administration from the University of Rhode Island, teaching certificates in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Roger Williams University and Secondary English from Providence College. Dina also holds a bachelor's degree in Communications from Rhode Island College. 

    Dina is of Italian descent. Originally from Providence, RI, she currently lives in Smithfield with her husband and 15-year-old son. She and her family love to travel. Dina enjoys spending time with family, hiking, and all things education.

    Dina can be reached at dina.cerra@ppsd.org.