Mrs. Pamela Lukowicz
Director Emeritus
I am the founder and director of the Little Shepherd. I opened the school in 1979 and my youngest entered the three year old program. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood education from Rhode Island College, and a Master’s degree in Reading Education, also from RIC. I have taught all age levels ranging from preschool through 8th grade. In December 2006, I retired from Ponaganset Middle School, after many years of teaching Social Studies.
Joe and I have been married for over 45 years this year and have all three of our married children living in New England at last! My daughter Amy with her family and son Ben, with his family live in Connecticut. My daughter Katie currently lives with her family in Massachusetts. I have have been lucky enough to work with Katie here at the preschool. I also have had two of my six wonderful grandchildren attend our preschool.
Besides spending as much time as possible with my grandchildren, I also enjoy my newest passion, Lady’s Loft. We make and sell handbags, decorator pillows, and other handmade items. In addition to knitting, I also enjoy reading and traveling. During school vacations, you may find Joe and I visiting one of our favorite beaches!
Mrs. Debbie Barber
Director
Hi! My name is Debbie Barber. I have been here at the Little Shepherd Preschool since 1989. I have a Masters in Early Childhood Education. My passion in life is children. I love working with them and spending time with them. I especially love being a part of their growth process and helping them learn to love school and learning.
I have been married to my husband David for over 40 years. We have three grown children(Melendy, Megan and Matthew) and ten grandchildren. All of my children and grandchildren have attended the Little Shepherd. Each of them have wonderful memories of their time here, and they have maintained friendships with those they met during their Little Shepherd years. My family is the most important thing in my life, and I love to spend time with them. I love to travel to see all the beautiful places our world has to offer. Disney World is one of my favorite places to visit, and my goal is to experience Hawaii.
I am very blessed to have two wonderful families, my family and my Little Shepherd family. Thank you for sharing your family with ours. I look forward to many more blessed years here at the Little Shepherd.
Mrs. Melendy Johnson
Administrator/Teacher
Hi! my name is Melendy Johnson. I have been a Teacher at The Little Shepherd since 2015, and currently act as an administrator in the office, and website maintenance. I have served many roles here as a substitute, an art/music teacher, and a janitor at one point. My teaching resume includes second grade at a small christian school in Massachusetts, Teacher Assistant in the Providence Public Schools, Sunday school teacher here at Phillips, as well as the Children’s choir director from 2003-2005. I have an Associates Degree from CCRI in Special Education, and Early Childhood Certificate, and I am currently enrolled at Rhode Island College to complete my BM in Music Education and BA in Music. I have also served as a volunteer Assistant Coach for the CLCF Track and Field program, Head Coach for the CLCF Cross Country Program, and a volunteer coach within the Cranston Schools. I find coaching to be an extension of my teaching, and something I am extremely proud of.
My husband Stephen and I have been married since 2002, and we have 3 sons. Caleb, Logan and Aaron. They love reading, drawing, running, and acting. We have two dogs, Ginger and Cocoa who keep us all on our toes. Our Family loves to vacation at the ocean, campfires in the back yard, and going to Disney.
In my spare time I enjoy the beach and pool days with friends, running long distance races, Learning new skills (and sharpening old ones), reading, photography, singing, drawing, painting, seeing off Broadway productions, trying new foods, and taking in Nature. I believe that this life we live is only lived once and we need to take in everything we can!
Mrs. Christine Vartanian
Teacher
Hi! My name is Christine Vartanian. I am excited to be returning to the Little Shepherd Preschool this year! I have taught various preschool and elementary grades, however, preschool is where my passion lies. There is just something about the joy they exude and the discoveries they make.
I have a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from URI. I have utilized this degree to spend many years teaching young minds, and creating memories of learning that inspired me to return to my passion of teaching preschool.
In my spare time I enjoy reading a good book on my deck, shopping, or spending quality time with my family. I look forward to making many new memories with the students here at The Little Shepherd!
Mrs. Katie Forrest
Teacher Assistant
Hi! My name is Katie Forrest. I have been a Teacher Assistant at The Little Shepherd Preschool since 2018. It is a very rewarding job to be able to have a helping hand in watching the children grow and learn. One of the most humbling aspects of the job is watching the children reach their full potential.
I have been married to my Husband, Chris, since 2015. We have 2 boys, CJ and Will. We spend our time going for walks, reading books and playing games together. We love spending time with family and making memories at our lake house in Maine.
My favorite hobby is cooking and baking for my family. I love to research recipes and come up with new ways to make yummy, healthy food!
I currently reside in Cranston, where I grew up. I love being able to work with the families in our community.