2017 TAPA Board Meeting Dates
Board Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month. For the 2018-2019 School Year, the meetings are:
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
TAPA Board Meetings are held at 5:30pm at Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts - 150 Washington Street Providence, RI 02903
Governing Board Guidelines for Public Comment During Board Meetings
The Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts Charter School Governing Board welcomes public comment during most regular meetings. Generally, Governing Board members do not respond to public comment during the meeting. Governing Board members regularly review letters and emails sent to the Governing Board.
Time – Each speaker may speak for up to three minutes. A timer will be used and speakers should conclude their remarks when the buzzer sounds.
Topics – Speakers may address an item on a Governing Board agenda or may address an item not on the agenda during the time provided for Public Comment. All comments should address a matter related to Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts Charter School. The Governing Board will not hear public comment that involves a complaint about an individual staff member, a student disciplinary matter, a complaint about an individual student, or pending litigation. Such matters should be reduced to writing and sent to the Board President.
Decorum – The Governing Board expects that each speaker will be courteous, modeling for our students how one can respectfully disagree with others’ views. Speakers will address their comments to the entire Governing Board and not to one individual Board member, nor to the Head of School, to a staff member, nor to the audience. Speakers will not engage in personal attacks.
Signing up to Speak – Speakers may request to be added to the speakers list by signing up in the TAPA main office or on the sign-up sheet available at the start of every Board Meeting. Speakers are called in the order in which they sign up. Speakers may not speak more than once on a specific topic. Any person who would like an interpreter to assist them in providing public comment and any person with a disability who needs accommodation to provide public comment should notify the TAPA Office at least three business days in advance of a meeting to request assistance.
Written Comments – If a speaker would like to present written comments to the Governing Board, fourteen copies should be provided.
Time – Each speaker may speak for up to three minutes. A timer will be used and speakers should conclude their remarks when the buzzer sounds.
Topics – Speakers may address an item on a Governing Board agenda or may address an item not on the agenda during the time provided for Public Comment. All comments should address a matter related to Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts Charter School. The Governing Board will not hear public comment that involves a complaint about an individual staff member, a student disciplinary matter, a complaint about an individual student, or pending litigation. Such matters should be reduced to writing and sent to the Board President.
Decorum – The Governing Board expects that each speaker will be courteous, modeling for our students how one can respectfully disagree with others’ views. Speakers will address their comments to the entire Governing Board and not to one individual Board member, nor to the Head of School, to a staff member, nor to the audience. Speakers will not engage in personal attacks.
Signing up to Speak – Speakers may request to be added to the speakers list by signing up in the TAPA main office or on the sign-up sheet available at the start of every Board Meeting. Speakers are called in the order in which they sign up. Speakers may not speak more than once on a specific topic. Any person who would like an interpreter to assist them in providing public comment and any person with a disability who needs accommodation to provide public comment should notify the TAPA Office at least three business days in advance of a meeting to request assistance.
Written Comments – If a speaker would like to present written comments to the Governing Board, fourteen copies should be provided.
TAPA Board Members
Founders: Joyce Stevos and Richardson Ogidan
Amanda Woodward, President
Amanda Woodward moved from the outskirts of Los Angeles to Providence with her husband 14 years ago in search of the community spirit that she had experienced growing up in the Midwest. She loves the access to beaches and amazing cultural experiences in food and arts, but most of all she loves living in a neighborhood where everyone knows each other and stops to chat it up on the street. With an electrical engineering degree, she started out as an automation engineer then pursued technical management which led her through a variety of experiences in research, design and manufacturing of automation equipment, toys and machine components, culminating in reaching her goal as VP of Research and Product Development for a technology company. Working for both privately-owned small companies and internationally-owned large companies has exposed her to a wide breadth of challenges that she enjoyed overcoming.
Eventually, Ms. Woodward acted on her dream to own a business and bought a graphics design and printing shop in Wakefield. This enabled her to be involved with community activities. She joined the Wakefield Rotary Club and later joined the fledgling board of Contemporary Theater Company. With her zest to believe with determination anything is possible, she helped to transition the theater group in 2012 into a permanent space where it continues to thrive. Recently she sold her business so that she has time to become involved with more community activities closer to home while working as an engineering consultant.,
Amanda Woodward moved from the outskirts of Los Angeles to Providence with her husband 14 years ago in search of the community spirit that she had experienced growing up in the Midwest. She loves the access to beaches and amazing cultural experiences in food and arts, but most of all she loves living in a neighborhood where everyone knows each other and stops to chat it up on the street. With an electrical engineering degree, she started out as an automation engineer then pursued technical management which led her through a variety of experiences in research, design and manufacturing of automation equipment, toys and machine components, culminating in reaching her goal as VP of Research and Product Development for a technology company. Working for both privately-owned small companies and internationally-owned large companies has exposed her to a wide breadth of challenges that she enjoyed overcoming.
Eventually, Ms. Woodward acted on her dream to own a business and bought a graphics design and printing shop in Wakefield. This enabled her to be involved with community activities. She joined the Wakefield Rotary Club and later joined the fledgling board of Contemporary Theater Company. With her zest to believe with determination anything is possible, she helped to transition the theater group in 2012 into a permanent space where it continues to thrive. Recently she sold her business so that she has time to become involved with more community activities closer to home while working as an engineering consultant.,
Karen Golembeski, Vice President
Ms. Golembeski's is a Rhode Island native growing up in South Providence attending Providence schools and Providence College. Today her professional career is sales and market manager for the last 4 years with Chronomatic Inc, East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Previously for over 25 years, Karen worked for a major jewelry manufacturer located In Bangkok, Thailand with international offices in every major city in the world. She traveled extensively covering the North America market while traveling the world. Ms. Golembeski's personal life over the years has included Big Sister, ESL Teacher, Junior Achievement bringing international business into the schools, Speech Craft, ACI, Maximum Security, Cranston RI, The Zanzibar Women’s Pearl & Shell Craft Cooperative, Tanzania, Africa, Today she is President of the Ocean State Toastmaster Club, and past president of the Women’s Jewelry Association.
Ms. Golembeski volunteers at “The Players” Theater Group, Providence, RI, Providence Preservation Society, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Waterfire while supporting The Sojourner House, “Taste for a Cause” Women’s Oncology at Women & Infants Hospital The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, her church and most recently Trustee at TAPA. She enjoys sailing, cooking sports and all outdoor activities.
Ms. Golembeski's is a Rhode Island native growing up in South Providence attending Providence schools and Providence College. Today her professional career is sales and market manager for the last 4 years with Chronomatic Inc, East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Previously for over 25 years, Karen worked for a major jewelry manufacturer located In Bangkok, Thailand with international offices in every major city in the world. She traveled extensively covering the North America market while traveling the world. Ms. Golembeski's personal life over the years has included Big Sister, ESL Teacher, Junior Achievement bringing international business into the schools, Speech Craft, ACI, Maximum Security, Cranston RI, The Zanzibar Women’s Pearl & Shell Craft Cooperative, Tanzania, Africa, Today she is President of the Ocean State Toastmaster Club, and past president of the Women’s Jewelry Association.
Ms. Golembeski volunteers at “The Players” Theater Group, Providence, RI, Providence Preservation Society, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Waterfire while supporting The Sojourner House, “Taste for a Cause” Women’s Oncology at Women & Infants Hospital The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, her church and most recently Trustee at TAPA. She enjoys sailing, cooking sports and all outdoor activities.
Tim More, Secretary
Tim More is a self-employed attorney specializing in real estate development and land use planning. He has represented the Paul Cuffee School on all of its real estate matters for 13 years and has served on Cuffee's Finance Committee for more than 10 years. Additionally, Mr. More represented the Paul Cuffee School and the Highlander School in the bond financed acquisition and renovation of their Providence buildings. Mr. Moore has long been involved with Trinity Restoration Inc, which was involved in the creation of TAPA, and has served on TAPA’s Finance Committee for more than three years.
Tim More is a self-employed attorney specializing in real estate development and land use planning. He has represented the Paul Cuffee School on all of its real estate matters for 13 years and has served on Cuffee's Finance Committee for more than 10 years. Additionally, Mr. More represented the Paul Cuffee School and the Highlander School in the bond financed acquisition and renovation of their Providence buildings. Mr. Moore has long been involved with Trinity Restoration Inc, which was involved in the creation of TAPA, and has served on TAPA’s Finance Committee for more than three years.
Larry Kellam, Treasurer
Mr. Kellam lives in Rumford RI, with Kurt, his partner of 15 years. He is a Deacon and Assist Head Usher at the Central Congregational Church on the East Side of Providence. He also teaches confirmation (to youth entering the 9th grade) and works with the Senior High Youth group. Mr. Kellam has a BS in Accounting from Johnson & Wales University. He is currently employed by Waters Technologies Corporation based in Milford MA, as the Sales Tax Manager of the America’s. Prior to Waters, he held positions at EMC, BJ's Wholesales, American Tower and Fleet Capital Leasing. His hobbies includes cooking and working with our Youth Group at Central.
Mr. Kellam lives in Rumford RI, with Kurt, his partner of 15 years. He is a Deacon and Assist Head Usher at the Central Congregational Church on the East Side of Providence. He also teaches confirmation (to youth entering the 9th grade) and works with the Senior High Youth group. Mr. Kellam has a BS in Accounting from Johnson & Wales University. He is currently employed by Waters Technologies Corporation based in Milford MA, as the Sales Tax Manager of the America’s. Prior to Waters, he held positions at EMC, BJ's Wholesales, American Tower and Fleet Capital Leasing. His hobbies includes cooking and working with our Youth Group at Central.
Michaela McCaughey, Staff Representative (voting)
Michaela’s journey to TAPA began in 2004, during her junior year at the University of Rhode Island, when she studied abroad in Argentina. That short semester changed everything for her. She returned to URI to finish her studies, double majoring in philosophy and Spanish, but part of her never left Argentina. After graduating, she moved to Buenos Aires with no plans, no job, and nowhere to live. She worked various odd jobs and made connections there, cementing her love for Latin America. From there, she lived in Spain and Chile, learning variations within the language and culture. She holds a master's degree in Spanish translation and interpretation from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey in California, and she has worked as a Spanish interpreter in major hospitals in Boston and Providence. Completely infatuated with reggaetón, bachata, and all things Shakira, Michaela seeks to not simply “teach Spanish,” but to celebrate Hispanic culture, art, and language, and to ignite the desire to learn by immersion, no matter the topic, in each of her students.
Michaela’s journey to TAPA began in 2004, during her junior year at the University of Rhode Island, when she studied abroad in Argentina. That short semester changed everything for her. She returned to URI to finish her studies, double majoring in philosophy and Spanish, but part of her never left Argentina. After graduating, she moved to Buenos Aires with no plans, no job, and nowhere to live. She worked various odd jobs and made connections there, cementing her love for Latin America. From there, she lived in Spain and Chile, learning variations within the language and culture. She holds a master's degree in Spanish translation and interpretation from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey in California, and she has worked as a Spanish interpreter in major hospitals in Boston and Providence. Completely infatuated with reggaetón, bachata, and all things Shakira, Michaela seeks to not simply “teach Spanish,” but to celebrate Hispanic culture, art, and language, and to ignite the desire to learn by immersion, no matter the topic, in each of her students.
Kevin Cordeiro, Staff Representative (non-voting)
Kevin is excited to be part of the TAPA Ensemble and the Historical Perspective and Lower School teams. He received his BA from Rhode Island College and is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in History focusing on the new cultural history of the Latin and Lusophone world. This cultural focus intertwines the arts into the history of the people of the world, and delves into how the arts represent and effect society. Outside of teaching and history, Kevin works on restoring cars and motorcycles. He has grown up as a fan and now is an (amateur) creator of pop culture, comics, and horror.
Kevin is excited to be part of the TAPA Ensemble and the Historical Perspective and Lower School teams. He received his BA from Rhode Island College and is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in History focusing on the new cultural history of the Latin and Lusophone world. This cultural focus intertwines the arts into the history of the people of the world, and delves into how the arts represent and effect society. Outside of teaching and history, Kevin works on restoring cars and motorcycles. He has grown up as a fan and now is an (amateur) creator of pop culture, comics, and horror.
Dennis J. Charpentier
Dennis J. Charpentier has a varied background. He attended the RI Radio and Electronics School and was an electronics instructor following graduation. Subsequently he worked at Royal Typewriter Company and General Dynamics while he was a member of the Rhode Island Air National Guard from 1971-1992. Changing careers, Mr. Charpentier enrolled in Rhode Island College, graduated in 1990 and pursued a career in education in the Cranston Public Schools. He was an elementary teacher, middle school teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Mr. Charpentier also holds a masters degree from the University of Phoenix. He is the author of As Luck Would Have it…Changing Your Mind…A Practical Guide to Retirement. His hobbies are guitar, drums, fly fishing, RV-ing, and song writing.
Dennis J. Charpentier has a varied background. He attended the RI Radio and Electronics School and was an electronics instructor following graduation. Subsequently he worked at Royal Typewriter Company and General Dynamics while he was a member of the Rhode Island Air National Guard from 1971-1992. Changing careers, Mr. Charpentier enrolled in Rhode Island College, graduated in 1990 and pursued a career in education in the Cranston Public Schools. He was an elementary teacher, middle school teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Mr. Charpentier also holds a masters degree from the University of Phoenix. He is the author of As Luck Would Have it…Changing Your Mind…A Practical Guide to Retirement. His hobbies are guitar, drums, fly fishing, RV-ing, and song writing.
Ana Arelys Cruz Cabrera
In 2013, Ms. Cruz Cabrera published 3 historical books contrasting the cities of Providence and Santo Domingo, historically and culturally. The Tourist Guide, Santo Domingo and Providence was the third book published by this versatile poet, songwriter and author, a pictorial book presenting the historical tourist attractions of both Rhode Island and Dominican Republic. Ana Arelys’ love for the city of Providence has inspired many of her poems, including Providence, The Bay, Roger William and Providence you are peace. In 2013, she was recognized for her poetic work and was invited to be the Keynote Speaker at the 2013 Dominican Independence and Heritage Award of Rhode Island. In 2014, she was distinguished for her community leadership role and contribution to the literature through her poems by the Latina Leadership Institute. Also in 2014, Cruz Cabrera launched her 4th book and first poetry anthology in the city of Cranston which contains patriotic, family, elegy, love poems and sonnets; but most importantly, the musical production, Anthem to the Fathers, dedicated to all the fathers of the world.
She is a former president of the Dominican Independence and Heritage Award Committee of Rhode Island (DIHACRI), and former Co-chair of Active Latinos at Lifespan. In 2016, she was one of the finalists to become the Laureate Poet of Rhode Island. Cruz Cabrera holds a BA in biology from RIC and three postgraduates: Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT), Registered Sleep Technologist (RST) and a Cardiographic Technician Certification (CCT)
In 2013, Ms. Cruz Cabrera published 3 historical books contrasting the cities of Providence and Santo Domingo, historically and culturally. The Tourist Guide, Santo Domingo and Providence was the third book published by this versatile poet, songwriter and author, a pictorial book presenting the historical tourist attractions of both Rhode Island and Dominican Republic. Ana Arelys’ love for the city of Providence has inspired many of her poems, including Providence, The Bay, Roger William and Providence you are peace. In 2013, she was recognized for her poetic work and was invited to be the Keynote Speaker at the 2013 Dominican Independence and Heritage Award of Rhode Island. In 2014, she was distinguished for her community leadership role and contribution to the literature through her poems by the Latina Leadership Institute. Also in 2014, Cruz Cabrera launched her 4th book and first poetry anthology in the city of Cranston which contains patriotic, family, elegy, love poems and sonnets; but most importantly, the musical production, Anthem to the Fathers, dedicated to all the fathers of the world.
She is a former president of the Dominican Independence and Heritage Award Committee of Rhode Island (DIHACRI), and former Co-chair of Active Latinos at Lifespan. In 2016, she was one of the finalists to become the Laureate Poet of Rhode Island. Cruz Cabrera holds a BA in biology from RIC and three postgraduates: Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT), Registered Sleep Technologist (RST) and a Cardiographic Technician Certification (CCT)
Lynette Kapsinow
Lynette Kapsinow is a graduate of University of Rhode Island with a BA in Fine Arts. Lynette comes to TAPA with a wealth of experience in parent engagement and special education. Lynette has served as PTO President at Nathan Bishop Middle School and Vartan GregorianElementary School in Providence. She has served on the Parent Advisory Committee(PAC) and the Local Advisory Committee(LAC) within the Providence School system. She currently serves on the Children with Special Needs Committee and Membership Satisfaction Workgroup at Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island (NHPRI) and served on the Planning Board at NHPRI. She is employed with Rhode Island Parent Information Network(RIPIN) in Early Intervention. Lynette is married and has fifteen year old twins, one of whom attends the TAPA Upper School.
Lynette Kapsinow is a graduate of University of Rhode Island with a BA in Fine Arts. Lynette comes to TAPA with a wealth of experience in parent engagement and special education. Lynette has served as PTO President at Nathan Bishop Middle School and Vartan GregorianElementary School in Providence. She has served on the Parent Advisory Committee(PAC) and the Local Advisory Committee(LAC) within the Providence School system. She currently serves on the Children with Special Needs Committee and Membership Satisfaction Workgroup at Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island (NHPRI) and served on the Planning Board at NHPRI. She is employed with Rhode Island Parent Information Network(RIPIN) in Early Intervention. Lynette is married and has fifteen year old twins, one of whom attends the TAPA Upper School.
Richardson Ogidan
Richardson Ogidan currently serves as Executive Director of Trinity Restoration, Inc. He has managed the daily operations and strategic developments of TRI since 2007. He has over 30 years’ experience in general business operations, information technologies, manufacturing and special expertise in integrating “green” technologies in non-profit real estate development and management. Among his community and other affiliations, Mr. Ogidan serves as a member of the Head Council of the Board of Trustees of Community Preparatory School, former Chairman of the Board of OIC (Opportunities Industrialization Center) of Rhode Island, board member of SWAP (Stop Wasting Abandoned Property), and a trustee of Eko Club of Rhode Island.
Richardson Ogidan currently serves as Executive Director of Trinity Restoration, Inc. He has managed the daily operations and strategic developments of TRI since 2007. He has over 30 years’ experience in general business operations, information technologies, manufacturing and special expertise in integrating “green” technologies in non-profit real estate development and management. Among his community and other affiliations, Mr. Ogidan serves as a member of the Head Council of the Board of Trustees of Community Preparatory School, former Chairman of the Board of OIC (Opportunities Industrialization Center) of Rhode Island, board member of SWAP (Stop Wasting Abandoned Property), and a trustee of Eko Club of Rhode Island.
Julie Sacks
Julie Sacks currently serves as Senior Legal Counsel with the Rhode Island Department of Administration. Julie is a 1986 graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and received her law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law in 2007. Julie has worked in private practice and the public sector and has litigated cases in state and federal courts and administrative forums. Her background includes labor and employment law, litigation, administrative law, and municipal law. Prior to working as an attorney, Ms. Sacks developed corporate funding for non-profit organizations.Ms. Sacks became a board member of TAPA in August 2017. She lives in Pawtucket, Rhode Island with her husband Chris Prum.
Julie Sacks currently serves as Senior Legal Counsel with the Rhode Island Department of Administration. Julie is a 1986 graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and received her law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law in 2007. Julie has worked in private practice and the public sector and has litigated cases in state and federal courts and administrative forums. Her background includes labor and employment law, litigation, administrative law, and municipal law. Prior to working as an attorney, Ms. Sacks developed corporate funding for non-profit organizations.Ms. Sacks became a board member of TAPA in August 2017. She lives in Pawtucket, Rhode Island with her husband Chris Prum.