Board of Directors (Governance)
The Board of Directors at The Greene School is very active in supporting the mission of the school. The Board through its direct contributions and fund raising efforts provides the additional funds needed to make many of the student expeditions possible. The Board also brings in resources from the community. Some of these resources are from the Green Industry; some are from our civic institutions. By connecting these people to the school and the students to these people we continue to build on the mission of the school to create both educated stewards of our environment but also good citizens. The Board also oversees and helps formulate all policies that are material to the operations and academics of the school. By having various committees we are able to let members utilize their strengths where most needed. We are fortunate to have a diverse group of board members including some with great experience and advanced degrees in education.
Amy K. Pratt, DVM is a founder and President of the Board of The Greene School. As a veterinarian and small business owner, she has knowledge of business and personnel management. She is interested in education as a mother of a son who has attended both public and private schools, in the pursuit of the best setting for a child with unilateral hearing loss. Dr. Pratt has family in the agriculture and forestry business, and with her interest in animals, sees a need for more people from different backgrounds to understand the interconnectedness of humans with the natural world around them.
Debbie Fletcher, MA graduated from Rhode Island College with a Bachelor' of Science Degree in Special Education/Elementary Education, and Gallaudet University with a Master's Degree in Education of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing. She has worked for over 20 years with children with special needs. As one of the Founders of The Greene School, Debbie strongly believes that every child possesses a unique learning style and has wonderful strengths to share. When given the best learning environment; the natural world, every child can and will succeed. Both of Debbie's children attend The Greene School. She currently serve as the Vice-President on The Greene School's Board of Directors.
Karen O'Neil, CPA is a Manager in a public accounting firm, MullenScorpioCerilli, located in Providence, RI. She has over twenty-eight years of experience in public accounting, specializing in auditing not-for-profit organizations. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Rhode Island and a Master of Science in Taxation from Bryant University. She uses her expertise overseeing the budget and other financial matters of the Greene School. Karen is the Treasurer for our Board of Directors.
Laura Clavette, holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from San Diego State University and has worked in various hospital settings. She is the mother of 3 children and has been very active in the PTA of her children's elementary school, mainly focusing on coordinating enrichment programs for the students. Her oldest son attends The Greene School and Laura is an active member of the PTSO and serves on the fundraising committee. She believes in a strong home- school connection and parental support for students to succeed and strives to achieve that at The Greene School. You can find her handiwork in our Constant Contact newsletter as well as on our facebook and twitter page. Laura is one of the Founders of The Greene School and serves as the Secretary on the Board of Directors.
Christa Andrews is a mother of four children, two have graduated from the public school system and are enrolled college. One of her daughers attends The Greene School. Knowing that all children do not fit into the main stream of learning, she has a passion for school reform especially for children who do not learn in traditional ways. Christa is one of the founders of The Greene School and has a passion for learning and setting good examples for her children which is why she is currently pursuing a second degree in business marketing. She also holds degree in science of Radiography.
Paul Morse is a former independent school teacher. He is also an insurance executive and a small business owner. Paul is able to help with financial and personnel management decisions. Additionally as a father who has had three children go through both private and public schools he has had direct experience in what works well in each environment and what does not. Also a long time student of education and education reform he offers many insights into student learning and policies to encourage student involvement and engagement.
Jennifer Sherer, PhD does research in education and urban school reform. Through the University of Pittsburgh, she teaches courses for teachers, administrators, and central office staff from districts throughout the country. She has a PhD from Northwestern University in Learning Sciences. To The Greene School Board of Directors she brings teaching experience, expertise in leadership practice and systems reform, and a passion for teaching and learning.
Lawrence Taft is the director of the Rhode Island Audubon Society.
Admiral Dick West, US Navy, (ret), served on several ships and was Commanding Officer of three, served three tours in the Pentagon and four tours in Rhode Island in a 35+ year military career. After retiring from the US Navy, he served as President/CEO of a non-profit in Washington, DC, for six years, promoting federal policy and investment in ocean research and education and representing most of the larger universities in the US and Canada to include the University of Rhode Island. He has an undergraduate degree in science and math from the University of Rochester and holds three masters degrees. He serves on five non-profit Boards and consults on ocean policy and non-profit management.
James Constantine is an environmental engineer with over 20 years experience in industrial and commercial environmental compliance and consulting. He is currently employed by Amgen in West Greenwich, RI, where he is director of site’s Environment, Health and Safety programs, and is chair of the Amgen Rhode Island Environmental Sustainability Council. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering, both from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He also holds an MBA from Drexel University. Jim is a Registered Professional Engineer. To the Greene School Board, James brings an industry perspective, a passion for environmental sustainability, and a desire to share his experiences.
Kelly Presley holds a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from the University of Rhode Island and is the Executive Director of the Westerly Land Trust, a non-profit land conservation organization. She has extensive experience in wetland ecology, forestry and wildlife management and as in leading a non-profit, has expertise in fundraising, programming and community outreach. As parent of three children, Kelly has come to recognize the importance of teaching environmental appreciation and stewardship to the next generation and has witnessed firsthand that all children do not learn by the same methods. In pursuing a more rewarding and engaging high school environment for her children, she found the Greene School and now has two sons enrolled there. Kelly joined the Board of the Greene School in order to help fulfill its mission that resonates so well with her own values.