Our Dedicated Team

Meet The Administrators

Meghan Desmarais

Owner

I took ownership of this amazing Little Village in 2016. I am married and a mother of 2 wonderful children, Elysia and Grayson.

After graduating from Rhode Island College in 2004 with a BA in sociology I worked with the autistic community being a behavioral therapist. I worked at Gateway, Groden Network, and Cranston Arc. I then received an opportunity to be a behavioral special ed teacher in Bridgewater Ma for a short time. At this point, I went into social work since I found out that I have a joy in helping and making children happy. I continued that career path until 2011 at that time Grayson was born and I decided to spend at-home time with our children.

In 2016 I decided to go back to teaching and taught at a local preschool where I was a lead teacher in the 4 yr old room. It has always been a dream of mine to own my own school. Since I have always worked with children who have developmental delays I have a passion for different learning styles.

Our school has always had the motto ” learn through laughter” and having an anxiety and stress-free environment. I am so proud of this and continue to make sure that our Little Village community follows this so that your children grow and learn.

We have three locations, Pleasant View Ave, Smithfield, Atwood Ave, Cranston and Puritan Ave, Cranston.

Krista Quattrini

Multi-Site Director

Smithfield Ave & Puritan Ave

Hi! I am Krista Quattrini. I am married to Ed, a Lieutenant with the Smithfield Fire Department, and the mother of three fabulous kids. Giovanni attended TLVS for preschool and Kindergarten. Amelia and Matteo are twins who also attended TLVS. While I was born on Cape Cod I moved to Smithfield from Vietnam.

After teaching in downtown Boston for six years I took the plunge and began teaching Internationally. I was very lucky to see many countries, dive into exotic locations, and meet fabulous people of all nationalities. I have taught grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8, ESL, Special Education, and Reading, been an administrator, and most recently preschool is added to this list. I have my BA in Criminal Justice/Sociology and Social Work from Trinity. My Master’s Degree is from Bridgewater State where I also earned my Elementary Teaching Certificate through their advanced Master’s program. I am also Internationally Certified in ESL.

I love to dive, garden, read, spend time with my friends, and most of all be with my family. I love being with children – hearing a child’s laughter, receiving or giving a hug, or being part of an “aha moment”.

Allison McDonald

Director

Atwood Ave

I'm Allie, and I have been the Director at The Little Village Schoolhouse since 2022. I am the mother of an amazing 11-year-old daughter, Madelyn.
I have always had a passion for working with children, I believe children learn through play and having fun in a safe and comforting environment.
I graduated from URI with a BA in Psychology and BS in Human Development and Family Studies. I have worked in Early Childcare settings and home visiting programs. My background is working in a transdisciplinary team educating children with developmental delays and supporting
families to meet their goals. I love to travel and spend time with family and friends.

Karrina Botelho

Administrative Assistant

Hi, I'm Karrina and I'm the Administrative Assistant here at The Little Village Schoolhouse. I have been with The Little Village since 2022. I have a 2 year old son, Luca who also attends TLVS and loves it. Before working at The Little Village I worked for Cranston Public Schools in their Special Ed./Self-Contained classrooms. I have my Associate's Degree in Education and currently close to receiving my Bachelor's Degree in Special Education as well. I was born and raised in Rhode Island, but most definitely a summer girl. I Love going to the beach, on the boat, traveling, and most of all making new memories with my family and especially my son. TLVS has become family and there is something so special about feeling so safe when dropping off your child to someone else.

We Love our TLVS Family!

Candy Whelan

Puritan Ave

School Manager