2020 TAPA Board Meeting Dates
Board Meetings are on the second Tuesday of every month at 5pm.
For the 2020-2021 School Year, the meetings are:
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Tuesday, June 8, 2021 - Annual Meeting
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
Please note: this schedule is subject to change. Please see actual agenda posting on the RI Secretary of State website.
For the 2020-2021 School Year, the meetings are:
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Tuesday, June 8, 2021 - Annual Meeting
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
Please note: this schedule is subject to change. Please see actual agenda posting on the RI Secretary of State website.
TAPA Board Meetings are held at 5pm at Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts - 275 Westminster 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 2020-2021
Dana Borelli-Murray – President Larry Kellam – Treasurer
Valerie Alvarado (Staff Representative), Stanley Bleecker, Lily Chan-Bournes,
Sandi Connors, Julie Cortese (Staff Representative), Dr. Ronnesia Gaskins, Christopher Hoyt (Artist),
Anjel Newman (Artist; on temporary leave of absence), Richardson Ogidan (Trinity Restoration Inc.), Sarah E. Whiting
TAPA Founders: Joyce Stevos and Richardson Ogidan
Dana Borelli-Murray – President Larry Kellam – Treasurer
Valerie Alvarado (Staff Representative), Stanley Bleecker, Lily Chan-Bournes,
Sandi Connors, Julie Cortese (Staff Representative), Dr. Ronnesia Gaskins, Christopher Hoyt (Artist),
Anjel Newman (Artist; on temporary leave of absence), Richardson Ogidan (Trinity Restoration Inc.), Sarah E. Whiting
TAPA Founders: Joyce Stevos and Richardson Ogidan
TAPA Board Executive Committee
Dana Borrelli-Murray, President
Dana Borrelli-Murray is the executive director of the Highlander Institute, a nonprofit community of educators and professionals working to improve the educational experience of all learners. As the executive director, Borrelli-Murray is responsible for overseeing all areas of service and specialty within the institute, as well as strategic planning, fundraising, and organizational effectiveness. Before her role at the Highlander Institute, Borrelli-Murray worked as the director of expanded learning for Highlander Charter School in Providence, RI. She holds graduate degrees in anthropology and urban education policy. She is driven by issues of equity, student agency, and social justice, and is also a practicing musician with the Extraordinary Rendition Band.
Dana Borrelli-Murray is the executive director of the Highlander Institute, a nonprofit community of educators and professionals working to improve the educational experience of all learners. As the executive director, Borrelli-Murray is responsible for overseeing all areas of service and specialty within the institute, as well as strategic planning, fundraising, and organizational effectiveness. Before her role at the Highlander Institute, Borrelli-Murray worked as the director of expanded learning for Highlander Charter School in Providence, RI. She holds graduate degrees in anthropology and urban education policy. She is driven by issues of equity, student agency, and social justice, and is also a practicing musician with the Extraordinary Rendition Band.
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.
Stanley Bleecker
Mr. Bleecker is a native Rhode Islander. After attended Classical High School he achieved his BS in Electrical Engineering and realized he wanted to be a lawyer. He went on to graduate from Boston University School of Law and ventured into Real Estate law as a Partner at Tillinghast, Collins & Graham and as an Independent Contract with Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company. As an active member of the community, Mr. Bleecker has served as VP for the Rhode Island Community Mediation Center, President of Alias Stage (now Gamm Theater) and Secretary of the Brown University / RISD Hillel Foundation to name a few. He is currently a volunteer at the Hamilton House Adult Learning Exchange.
Mr. Bleecker is a native Rhode Islander. After attended Classical High School he achieved his BS in Electrical Engineering and realized he wanted to be a lawyer. He went on to graduate from Boston University School of Law and ventured into Real Estate law as a Partner at Tillinghast, Collins & Graham and as an Independent Contract with Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company. As an active member of the community, Mr. Bleecker has served as VP for the Rhode Island Community Mediation Center, President of Alias Stage (now Gamm Theater) and Secretary of the Brown University / RISD Hillel Foundation to name a few. He is currently a volunteer at the Hamilton House Adult Learning Exchange.
Lily Chan-Bournes
Originally a native of New York City, Lily came to Rhode Island in 1989 to further her education and never left. She holds several degrees in different things which include, education, finance and marketing. She spent eighteen years working in non-profit organizations, eight of those years as a substance abuse counselor. The past nineteen years she has worked in pharmacy retail in a management capacity. This has allowed her the flexibility to raise her two children and watch them grow. Her daughter has given her two beautiful grandchildren to enjoy, and her son Aaron graduated from TAPA in 2019 as a Theatre Major. He is now a freshman at URI. Additionally Lily is the creator of a small baking business called, "Swift Edibles by Chan." The past 5 years Lily has battled a serious illness and finally, she is back to and hoping to bring awareness of Immunotherapy to Cancer patients.
Originally a native of New York City, Lily came to Rhode Island in 1989 to further her education and never left. She holds several degrees in different things which include, education, finance and marketing. She spent eighteen years working in non-profit organizations, eight of those years as a substance abuse counselor. The past nineteen years she has worked in pharmacy retail in a management capacity. This has allowed her the flexibility to raise her two children and watch them grow. Her daughter has given her two beautiful grandchildren to enjoy, and her son Aaron graduated from TAPA in 2019 as a Theatre Major. He is now a freshman at URI. Additionally Lily is the creator of a small baking business called, "Swift Edibles by Chan." The past 5 years Lily has battled a serious illness and finally, she is back to and hoping to bring awareness of Immunotherapy to Cancer patients.
Sandi Connors
In love with words and the power of strategic communication, Sandi Connors has helped mission-based organizations reach their audiences for nearly 30 years. She is a member of the senior executive team at United Way of Rhode Island, where she leads strategic marketing and volunteer engagement. She was the voice of Moses Brown School for 17 years, where she built a strong creative team and served as a member of the Administrative Council. Among her early positions, she was with the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce in the late 80s and early 90s, where she had a front row seat to the City’s transformation. She grew up in Massachusetts as the youngest of six children, came to Rhode Island to attend Roger Williams University, and never looked back.
In love with words and the power of strategic communication, Sandi Connors has helped mission-based organizations reach their audiences for nearly 30 years. She is a member of the senior executive team at United Way of Rhode Island, where she leads strategic marketing and volunteer engagement. She was the voice of Moses Brown School for 17 years, where she built a strong creative team and served as a member of the Administrative Council. Among her early positions, she was with the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce in the late 80s and early 90s, where she had a front row seat to the City’s transformation. She grew up in Massachusetts as the youngest of six children, came to Rhode Island to attend Roger Williams University, and never looked back.
Julie Cortese
Julie hails from Long Island, NY. She holds a Bachelors Degree in English Education from SUNY Stony Brook. She came to TAPA as a teacher in the Upper School, and this year transitioned to teaching Lower School (grades 7 and 8) English Language Arts, with a focus on Literature. Prior to her work at TAPA, she was a 7th & 8th grade English teacher at St. Patrick’s Middle School in Huntington, NY. When not in the classroom, Julie enjoys visual arts including sculpting and painting, and coaching girls’ softball.
Julie hails from Long Island, NY. She holds a Bachelors Degree in English Education from SUNY Stony Brook. She came to TAPA as a teacher in the Upper School, and this year transitioned to teaching Lower School (grades 7 and 8) English Language Arts, with a focus on Literature. Prior to her work at TAPA, she was a 7th & 8th grade English teacher at St. Patrick’s Middle School in Huntington, NY. When not in the classroom, Julie enjoys visual arts including sculpting and painting, and coaching girls’ softball.
Christopher Hoyt
Christopher is a professional theater scenic designer, mastering both the aesthetics and mechanics of scene design. In addition to his many stints as a production scene designer he has also taught both scenic design and costume design at several universities. His experiences as an assistant professor includes curriculum development, scene design, costume design, mechanical design and building of sets, lighting, and sound. Currently he is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at Central Connecticut State University Christopher specializing in scenic and costume design. He is very community focused, having served on several committees as an advisor for fundraising and as an organizer. He and his wife have one child and lives in Providence.
Christopher is a professional theater scenic designer, mastering both the aesthetics and mechanics of scene design. In addition to his many stints as a production scene designer he has also taught both scenic design and costume design at several universities. His experiences as an assistant professor includes curriculum development, scene design, costume design, mechanical design and building of sets, lighting, and sound. Currently he is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at Central Connecticut State University Christopher specializing in scenic and costume design. He is very community focused, having served on several committees as an advisor for fundraising and as an organizer. He and his wife have one child and lives in Providence.
Anjel Newman
In addition to being an artist and a member of TAPA’s Board, Anjel is AS220’s Youth Director and a program alumna. Anjel leads AS220 Youth programs, with a focus on innovative professional opportunities for young people, as well as evolving AS220 Youth into a national advocate and model for arts and juvenile justice reform in America. In her work, Anjel looks towards providing incarcerated and beyond-risk youth with even deeper artistic and mentorship experiences. Anjel is a proud mother of two and a practicing visual, digital and performing artist.
In addition to being an artist and a member of TAPA’s Board, Anjel is AS220’s Youth Director and a program alumna. Anjel leads AS220 Youth programs, with a focus on innovative professional opportunities for young people, as well as evolving AS220 Youth into a national advocate and model for arts and juvenile justice reform in America. In her work, Anjel looks towards providing incarcerated and beyond-risk youth with even deeper artistic and mentorship experiences. Anjel is a proud mother of two and a practicing visual, digital and performing artist.
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.
Sarah E. Whiting
Sarah E. Whiting is an experienced education policy professional and team leader with a passion for equity, innovation, and human potential. She applies systems-thinking and user-centered approaches to investigate challenges, analyze information, and build collaborative structures to explore and sustain change in the public sector. Sarah began her career in education as a teacher in New York City. She most recently served in the Office of Educator Quality and Certification Services at the Rhode Island Department of Education where she led efforts to support educator preparation programs in their continuous improvement efforts.
Sarah E. Whiting is an experienced education policy professional and team leader with a passion for equity, innovation, and human potential. She applies systems-thinking and user-centered approaches to investigate challenges, analyze information, and build collaborative structures to explore and sustain change in the public sector. Sarah began her career in education as a teacher in New York City. She most recently served in the Office of Educator Quality and Certification Services at the Rhode Island Department of Education where she led efforts to support educator preparation programs in their continuous improvement efforts.
Advisers to the TAPA Ensemble
Dennis Charpentier is a retired teacher and school administrator who served over twenty years in the Rhode Island Air National Guard. He has authored several long range plans for improving education, wrote for the base newspaper, and published squadron training plans. "As Luck Would Have It" was his first full length published manuscript, which he has followed with two series of mysteries, the Russ Deever and Reggie Slater series, which are available on Amazon. Mr. Charpentier holds degrees from Rhode Island College and the University of Phoenix. He lives is Rhode Island and travels extensively in his motor home throughout the United States with is wife Pat. He has two daughters Jessica and Lori.
Karen Golembeski 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.
Katherine Hypolite-MacMannis is the communications coordinator at RI Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC). She first discovered her passion for all things communications working on Catherine Taylor’s bid for RI Secretary of State in 2010. Katherine was born and raised in Bloomfield, CT. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Providence College and a Masters of Arts from University of Rhode Island in Communication Studies. She lives in Warwick with her husband, beautiful son, and their loveable Labrador, BB.
Karen Golembeski 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.
Katherine Hypolite-MacMannis is the communications coordinator at RI Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC). She first discovered her passion for all things communications working on Catherine Taylor’s bid for RI Secretary of State in 2010. Katherine was born and raised in Bloomfield, CT. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Providence College and a Masters of Arts from University of Rhode Island in Communication Studies. She lives in Warwick with her husband, beautiful son, and their loveable Labrador, BB.
