Past President Mike Hassell is the principal of Scituate High School and has represented principals on the RI Safety Committee and the Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding.

“Becoming an active member of the Rhode Island Association of School Principals (RIASP) is a meaningful investment in your growth as a school leader. My experience with RIASP has been truly exceptional. The support from fellow Rhode Island principals is genuine and impactful, creating a strong sense of professional community.

For school leaders seeking support, collaboration, and purposeful professional learning, active involvement in RIASP is well worth it.”

Treasurer John Connell is an assistant principal at Westerly High School. He was named Rhode Island AP of the Year for 2026

“RIASP has allowed me to build valuable connections with colleagues across the state and at every grade level. Engaging and collaborating with such a talented network of professionals has broadened my perspective and strengthened my leadership in service of our students and school community.”

Dr. Ryan Borden serves as the RIASP Secretary. He is the principal at West Kingston Elementary School in Kingston, RI 

“RIASP has been a really valuable part of my professional life. The connections I’ve made with other administrators create a genuine sense of camaraderie. It’s reassuring to be able to talk with people who truly understand the work and can offer perspective and support. I’ve also found the professional development to be incredibly relevant and practical. It’s not just theoretical, it directly impacts how I support students and lead in my building. Overall, it helps me stay grounded, connected, and continuously growing in my practice.”

Kaitlin Hitchings is the assistant principal for academic affairs at Cranston High School East. She serves as the RIASP representative to NASSP

“Leadership can be lonely, and networks of administrators connecting through support, professional learning, and collaboration make it feel less like an island. Through my role as a RIASP member and an executive board member, I have the opportunity to collaborate with educational leaders across the state, contribute to shaping initiatives that impact schools, and advocate for innovative practices that support student success and staff growth.  Staying connected with the ever-changing needs of our profession is a major component of our leadership practice, and RIASP has given me an avenue and a voice at both the local and national levels.”

Dr. Allison Amodie is the principal of Silver Spring Elementary School in East Providence. She serves RIASP as the representative to the National 

“Being part of RIASP has had a meaningful impact on my work as a principal. It’s given me a strong network of colleagues across the state who I can learn from, problem-solve with, and lean on when the work gets complex. Through RIASP, I’ve been able to stay connected to what’s happening across Rhode Island, while also having opportunities to engage and advocate with the national organizations, which has expanded my thinking and brought new ideas back to my school.”

Tara McAuliffe is the principal at Rockwell Elementary School in Bristol acts as the state and federal relations liaison. A past president of RIASP and a former Zone Director for NAESP, she has returned to the Board to continue serving Rhode Island’s principals.

“I would strongly encourage others to join us,  because RIASP offers both practical resources and a sense of professional community. Whether you are new to the role or a veteran leader, the organization provides the tools, support, and connections needed to navigate the complexities of school leadership and continue growing in the profession.”

Elementary Director Liz McGuire is the principal at Matunuck Elementary School in South Kingstown. She also serves as a RIASP coach for beginning school leaders.

 “RIASP has been one of the most important supports in my growth as a principal. This role can feel isolating at times, and having a network of colleagues who truly understand the work has made a big difference. The connections, conversations, and professional learning have all directly impacted how I lead in my building. Serving as an Early Career Principal Coach has been especially meaningful, allowing me to support new leaders while continuing to sharpen my own practice. It has made me a more reflective, confident, and effective leader for my school community. RIASP doesn’t just connect principals, it strengthens our capacity and amplifies our voice across Rhode Island.”

Elementary Director Julie Dorsey is the principal at Raymond C. LaPerche Elementary School in Smithfield

“I encourage fellow administrators to become actively involved in RIASP. This organization provides a strong professional community where members can access meaningful support, engage in high-quality professional development, and build a network of dedicated leaders committed to the important work of sustaining and strengthening our schools.”

Elementary Director Samantha Moretti is the principal at Agnes E. Little Elementary School in Pawtucket

“The Rhode Island Association of School Principals provides me with valuable professional development and fosters meaningful networking opportunities, enabling me to build strong relationships with fellow principals across the state who serve as trusted resources for collaboration and perspective when navigating challenges.”

Dr. Patricia Page is a secondary director for RIASP. A former Rhode Island Teacher of the Year, she is the principal at East Greenwich High School.

RIASP breaks through the isolation of building leadership. Membership provides opportunities to collaborate with a network of like-minded individuals who share common challenges and a collective vision for strengthening the effectiveness of our schools and systems.”

Matt Velino, a secondary director, is the principal of Burrillville Middle School after having served as principal of Johnston High School

“RIASP has connected me with a network of colleagues who truly understand the day to day realities of school leadership and are always willing to collaborate, problem solve, and support one another. That connection has been incredibly valuable in keeping me grounded, focused, and continually improving in my work.  I would encourage any principal to get involved. RIASP is more than just an organization, it's a community that makes you a better leader and has a direct impact on students and staff.”

Karen Stern, a secondary director, works in the Pawtucket Schools as the director of multi-language learners

Joe DeLeo, an assistant principal at Lincoln Middle School, serves RIASP as the assistant principal representative.

“Serving on the board of the Rhode Island Association of School Principals is meaningful to me because it allows me to collaborate with dedicated leaders who are committed to strengthening schools across our state. It gives me the opportunity to contribute to decisions that support principals, elevate student success, and positively shape the future of education in Rhode Island.”

Heidy Bautista, an assistant principal at Bain Middle School in Cranston, serves to support secondary professional development.

“The Rhode Island Association of Principals has given me clear visibility of Rhode Island’s educational landscape. It has provided us with a voice and vital perspective on how leaders can shape and shift policy that respond to student needs. RIASP meets academic challenges and operational reality with advocacy, mentorship, networking, and relevant professional development that yield to sustained impact.”

Bob Littlefield is the RIASP executive director. In his career he was the principal at Portsmouth High School, the director of secondary schools in Warwick, and the interim superintendent of schools in South Kingstown.

Administrative assistant Cheryl Iiams works in the RIASP office on Post Road in Warwick. Among her many jobs, she is the go-to for all things related to Association Membership.