RIFLA - About

About

Mission

The Mission of the Rhode Island For Languages Association (RIFLA) is to promote and support the teaching and study of world languages, literatures and cultures in Rhode Island.

Constitution

The RIFLA Board consistently reviews its Constitution, bylaws, and dues documentation. Our most recent changes relating to this can be found on this document.

Leadership Team

Officers 2025-2026:

President	Kristin Archambault Mansfield Public Schools (CT) French, Spanish, and ESL Teacher
Vice President	Sandra Severinkangas Paul Cuffee Upper School Spanish Teacher
Treasurers	Kristen Adams Lincoln High School Spanish Teacher Ana Almeida Tiverton Middle School Spanish Teacher
Recording Secretary	Vacant
Corresponding Secretary	Leah Crescenzo East Greenwich High School French Teacher

Board of Directors 2025-26:

James Mitchell, Ph.D.

Dept. of Modern Languages, Salve Regina University

Professor of French, Italian & Linguistics

Nelson DaSilva

Portuguese Teacher

Pawtucket School Department

Larissa Guido Swenson

Rhode Island College

Spanish and Portuguese Teacher

Scott Pontes

William S. Rogers High School

Portuguese & French Teacher

Amy Ricci-Tum

Cranston High School East

WL Department Head and Spanish Teacher

Yiping Zhang

University of Rhode Island

Assistant Professor of Chinese

University Liaisons:

University of Rhode Island:

Dr. William Stark

Associate Teaching Professor, Spanish Section Head

Rhode Island College:

Dr. Erin Papa

Associate Professor of World Languages and World Languages Educational Studies

Director, World Languages Education Program

2025-26 Committees:

Advocacy Chair: Rebecca Hobin, Cranston High School ,East Spanish teacher

Awards Chair: Leah Crescenzo, East Greenwich High School, French Teacher

Communications Chair: Sandra Severinkangas, Paul Cuffee Upper School, Spanish Teacher

Preservice/Novice Teacher Representative: Niurka Ferreira, AFHS, Portuguese Teacher

Professional Development Chair: Emily Loughlin , Wachusett Middle School, Spanish teacher

RIDE Liaison: Sarah Steverman, Westerly Public Schools, Spanish Teacher

To Contact RIFLA:

Email: riflainfo@gmail.com

Mailing address: RIFLA, PO Box 95, Foster, RI 02825-1326