Joseph Morra, Professional Development Specialist
(401) 721-6404
jmorra@childspan.net
A graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a BA in English, Joseph has been employed at CHILDSPAN since 1998. His responsibilities include conference planning, literacy initiatives, teaching, overseeing CHILDSPAN’s professional lending library, and serving as editor of The Rhode Island Early Childhood Newsletter. He has begun work toward completing a Masters degree, and is passionate about the topics of literacy, professionalism, children’s literature and poetry, and second-language learners.
Lucia Ramos, Child and Adult Care Food Program Coordinator
(401) 721-6412
lramos@childspan.net
Lucia Ramos has worked for CHILDSPAN since 2000. She is currently the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Coordinator, overseeing the development and implementation of the CACFP. Lucia has over twelve years of experience working in programs that support children's healthy development through proper nutrition and quality care. Additionally, Lucia is certified as a Basic Life Support trainer through the American Heart Association. One of Lucia’s greatest strengths is her role as an advocate for family child care providers.
Christopher D. Salaun, Training and Technical Assistance Specialist
(401) 721-6408
csalaun@childspan.net
The new kid on the block, Chris has been with CHILDSPAN since November of 2007. A graduate of Messiah College in Grantham, PA, he currently holds a BA in English with minors in Bible and Theatre. With over ten years in the field teaching and leading teams in Preschool, Kindergarten, and School-Age, Chris is excited to have the opportunity to turn his talents toward supporting the professional development of practitioners from diverse backgrounds. His responsibilities include facilitating the Pathways to Quality project, creating seasonal professional development calendars, and collaborating to define and execute a Youth Development Associate program. Chris’s real passion, of course, lies with children. He’s fascinated by mathematics, leadership, writing, and the natural world.
Jessica Baéz, Administrative Assistant
(401) 721-6419
jbaez@childspan.net
Jessica Baéz has been with CHILDSPAN since 2002. In her position as Administrative Assistant, she provides support to the Director of Early Care and Education as well as other CHILDSPAN team members. She also creates all training calendars and conference brochures, and processes all training registrations and fees. Her strong organizational skills help keep the CHILDSPAN office running smoothly.
Aurea Rosa, Bilingual Family Child Care Case Manager/Trainer
(401) 721-6418
arosa@childspan.net
Aurea Rosa is a Bilingual Family Child Care Case Manager and Trainer for CHILDSPAN. She has been with Children’s Friend and Service since 1998. Aurea has over twenty-five years experience in human services and child care. She provides training and technical assistance to help family child care providers with the quality care they provide to children and their families. Aurea is certified as a Basic Life Support trainer through the American Heart Association. Aurea is especially interested in conducting relevant and engaging professional development opportunities for the Spanish-speaking community in Rhode Island.
Yeimy Bakemon-Morel, Bilingual Family Child Care Case Manager
(401) 721-6401
childspan@childspan.net
Yeimy is a Bilingual Family Child Case Manager in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) at CHILDSPAN. She has been working for Children’s Friend and Service since 2002, and has been a member of the CHILDSPAN team since 2004. She is responsible for providing ongoing support, technical assistance, and training to child care providers in the CACFP. She has her CDA credential, and completed her AA in Early Childhood/Child Development at CCRI. Yeimy takes pleasure in providing training to child care providers to enhance high-quality care for young children.
Ligia Diaz, Bilingual Family Child Care Case Manager
(401) 721-6407
childspan@childspan.net
Ligia Diaz is a Bilingual Family Child Care Case Manager for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) at CHILDSPAN. She started working at CHILDSPAN in 2005. Ligia is responsible for providing ongoing support, technical assistance, and training for family child care providers in the CACFP. She has worked with children for more than 10 years, and is very excited to have the opportunity to share her experiences and knowledge with child care providers throughout Rhode Island. At CHILDSPAN, Ligia has found a place where diversity and individuality is embraced and appreciated in both the staff and the families they serve.
Dilcia J. Perdomo, Bilingual Family Child Care Case Manager
(401) 721-6417
childspan@childspan.net
Dilcia is a Bilingual Family Child Case Manager in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) at CHILDSPAN. She began working for CHILDSPAN in 2007. Dilcia is responsible for providing ongoing support, technical assistance, and training to child care providers in the CACFP. She has a background working with youth. Dilcia has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish. She enjoys educating and helping the Spanish-speaking community in our state.
Jeanne Bautista, Bilingual Family Child Care Fiscal Assistant/Translator
(401) 721-6413
childspan@childspan.net
Jeanne has worked at Children’s Friend and Service since 1999. In her position as Bilingual Fiscal Assistant in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), she assists CACFP case managers and supervisors to complete the monthly claim process. Jeanne also provides group trainings for the CACFP, in both English and Spanish, incorporating information that is developmentally appropriate, culturally relevant, and uses adult learning techniques. Jeanne is an asset to the entire CHILDSPAN team via her strength as an editor and translator. She is the key point person for translating into Spanish many CHILDSPAN and CACFP materials.