Parents Recognize 10 for Service to Special-Education Students in E.P.

Ten people who have provided “outstanding services to special education students” in East Providence were recognized on Thursday evening.

The event was the fifth annual Special Needs Recognition Awards reception in the Martin Middle School. The dinner is sponsored each year by the East Providence Local Advisory Committee for Special Education (EPLAC). 

Winners were nominated in several categories and had to meet specific criteria even to be nominated. This year, EPLAC also recognized a student who has advocated for himself throughout his high school years.

Keynote speaker at his first EPLAC recognition reception was East Providence School Committee Chairman Joel Monteiro. New East Providence Superintendent Kim Mercer also was scheduled to speak, but she was called away from the cafeteria just before the event started by a family emergency.

The winners in the program category included:

• Erin Sladen, a special education teacher at Orlo Elementary School.
• Sue Feiro, a special education teacher at Martin Middle School.
• Lois Boyd, a teacher assistant at East Providence High School.
• Mariah Lobello, a student at East Providence High School.
• Casey Duckworth, a student at East Providence High School.
• Bridgette Winslet, a student at East Providence High School.

The winners in the community resource category included:

• Eileen Tainsh, a volunteer with Riverside Little League challenger baseball and St. Martha’s Church challenger basketball.
• Kim Ferrara, the owner/coach of Wigglekids Special Needs Classes.
• Tammy Primmer, coordinator of the autism and sacraments program at St. Brendan’s Church in Riverside

Special acknowledgements went to:

• Stefanie Luft, speech pathologist at Kents Heights Elementary School.
• Margaret Knowlton, head of school at Grace & Carter School and Meeting Street School.

The Parent Advisory Committee is made up of parents of children with disabilities along with teachers and others with a concern for children with special needs. It advocates for all children with special needs and advises the school department on its efforts to provide quality education for all students.

Dinner was prepared and served by students in the culinary arts program at the East Providence Career and Technical School.