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 2026-2027:

President

Sandra Severinkangas

Paul Cuffee Upper School

Spanish Teacher

Vice President

Leah Crescenzo

East Greenwich High School

French Teacher

Treasurer

James Mitchell, Ph.D.

Dept. of Modern Languages, Salve Regina University

Professor of French, Italian & Linguistic

Recording Secretary

Amy Ricci-Tum

Cranston Public Schools

World Language Program Director

Corresponding Secretary

Rebecca Hobin

Cranston High School East

Spanish teacher

Board of Directors 2026-27:

	Nilson DaSilva, Ph.D Portuguese Teacher, Adjunct Faculty Pawtucket School Department, Bristol Community College
	Elaine Cardin Spanish Teacher Barrington High School
	Yiping Zhang, Ph.D Assistant Professor of Chinese University of Rhode Island
	Sarah Steverman Spanish Teacher, World Languages Program Coordinator Westerly Public Schools
	Niurka Ferreira
	Smaylin Reyes

University Liaisons:

University of Rhode Island:

Dr. William Stark

Associate Teaching Professor, Spanish Section Head

2026-27 Committee Chairs:

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

Web Communications Chair: Leah Crescenzo, East Greenwich High School, French Teacher

Preservice/Novice Teacher Representative: Meghan Olson, Westerly High School, Spanish Teacher

Professional Development Chair: Sarah Steverman, Westerly Public Schools, 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