Our Team | Community Christian

Tammy D'Amato - Principal, Third & Fourth Grade Teacher:

Sara LaBelle - Preschool & Kindergarten Teacher:

Mrs. LaBelle graduated from Emmanuel College with a degree in Elementary Education in 2005. She was impressed by the education her son was receiving after he began attending Community Christian School for preschool. In 2024, she began teaching here.

She is the mother of two sons, both of whom now attend Community Christian School. Seeing children grow and learn is the highlight of her life. She hopes to be able to help guide many children on their educational journeys in the years to come.

Sarah-Jane Matelli - First & Second Grade Teacher:

Mrs. Matelli is a graduate of Clark University in Worcester, MA. She has a BA in Sociology with a concentration in Education. Mrs. Matelli started teaching at CCS in 2001, but her history with CCS goes back even farther, as she was in the school's very first kindergarten class and attended until high school.

In her spare time, she works for United Cerebral Palsy as an art teacher to patients at Zambarano Hospital.

Nicolle Belesimo - Fifth & Sixth Grade Teacher:

Mrs. Belesimo comes to CCS with 20+ years of teaching experience in both public schools and the homeschooling community. She holds a Bachelor’s in Zoology from the University of Rhode Island, as well as a Master’s in Education from Rhode Island College. Mrs. Belesimo taught 7th and 8th grade Science in Warwick, RI, for twelve years, as well as K-8 Math Intervention in Sterling, CT, for four years. She also works at the Sterling, CT, Recreation Department running STEM and craft activities for children as part of their summer camp program.

Mrs. Belesimo lives on a small farm in Sterling, CT, with her family. Her two sons are now students at CCS.

I truly feel that teaching is my calling, and is where I am meant to be. I feel blessed to be part of the CCS community.

Emily D'Amato - Preschool & Kindergarten Assistant:

Miss Emily is a graduate of CCS. After receiving her high school diploma, she pursued an Early Childhood Education Certificate as well as first aid and CPR training.

Miss Emily spent several years working at a daycare facility in Massachusetts before starting at CCS in the fall of 2024.

Elizabeth Cournoyer - Teacher Assistant

Miss Liz graduated from Woonsocket Area and Career Technical Center, where she attended the child studies program. She received her child studies / human services certification along with her RI Department of Education teacher assistant certification. She was also an assistant to preschool and kindergarten.

Miss Liz has worked with the mentally challenged and volunteered as a Special Olympics coach.

Over this past summer, she volunteered for Vacation Bible School camp.

Miss Liz was a stay at home mom who started out homeschooling. Her children attended public school up until last year. They both now attend CCS. I believe God has a plan for us all and it's a blessing that he put me here at CCS.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Rom 15:13

Robin Barna - Teacher Assistant:

Ms. Barna graduated from H.H.Ellis Technical School as an Electrical Apprentice. She has spent her entire career building and developing people and business units from a fortune 100 company to her family's restaurant. She started her role volunteering at the school in the spring of 2024, and decided to join the team in the fall of 2024. Her daughter has attended CCS for three years.

"I believe that the Lord puts us where he wants us to be. He has kept this school in my path for whatever reason. I enjoy being of service in whatever capacity that looks like each day."

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Jeannine Fortin - Teacher Assistant:

Mrs. Fortin comes from a 23 year teaching background as a Special Education Paraprofessional in the public school system. Throughout her career she worked exclusively with grades K through 5. Her love is teaching reading.

"I am truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to work at CCS."

Beverly Harden - Office Manager:

Mrs. Harden is CCS's office manager. She has over 20 years experience working in education. As a graduate of Rhode Island College, she holds a BA in Mathematics, and has taught students in grade five through adult.

Mrs. Harden taught fifth grade here at CCS from 2002 to 2006, and has been on our administrative staff since 2014. Mrs. Harden covers all aspects of a school office including admissions, billing, communications, planning, safety, yearbook, and more.

"I enjoy interacting with every family who entrusts their children's education to CCS. It is my pleasure to help support both our families and staff. The best part of my job is seeing students come in as preschoolers, and leave as teenagers, academically and spiritually well prepared for high school and beyond."

Mrs. D'Amato holds a BS in Biology from Eastern Connecticut University. She spent some time teaching in the biology department upon graduation. She has been teaching at CCS for over 20 years. She has taught preschool through fourth grade.

After starting a family, she homeschooled for 14 years before joining the CCS staff. In addition to teaching, she serves the community through her organic fruit and vegetable farm.

"My greatest joy is to help children of all abilities reach their full potential academically and spiritually. I treasure the wonderful relationships I have with my students due to our classroom size and teacher to student ratio.”