Meet the Team
Marinel Russo, M. Ed.
TEACH RI Administrator/Deputy Director, RIAEYC
Initiatives — ext. 307
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Marinel Russo serves as the TEACH Early Childhood® Rhode Island Administrator and Deputy Director of the Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young Children (RIAEYC). In these leadership roles, she oversees the administration and strategic direction of TEACH Early Childhood® Rhode Island while supporting the organization’s broader mission to strengthen Rhode Island’s early childhood workforce and improve the quality of early care and education across the state.
Marinel provides leadership for the TEACH Early Childhood® Rhode Island scholarship program, working closely with institutions of higher education, early childhood programs, and state partners to expand access to higher education opportunities for early childhood educators. She oversees program operations, budgeting, policy implementation, workforce initiatives, and outreach efforts, while ensuring that scholars and participating programs receive high-quality support throughout their educational journeys. As Deputy Director, Marinel also collaborates on organizational planning, partnership development, grant implementation, and initiatives that advance workforce recruitment, retention, and professional growth.
Before assuming her current leadership positions, Marinel served RIAEYC in several roles, including Program Assessment Specialist, BrightStars Navigator, and Manager of Early Childhood Initiatives. Throughout her tenure, she has remained committed to supporting early childhood educators, strengthening programs, and promoting equitable access to high-quality learning environments for Rhode Island’s children and families.
Marinel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Baruch College in New York and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Lesley University in Massachusetts. As a mother of three daughters, Marinel brings both professional expertise and personal perspective to her work, recognizing the critical role that high-quality early learning experiences play in supporting children’s lifelong success.
Elizabeth Polanco
TEACH Coordinator — ext. 314
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Elizabeth Polanco is the TEACH Coordinator for TEACH Rhode Island. Elizabeth began at RIAEYC as the first TEACH Counselor after completing her internship with the agency through the University of Rhode Island. As the coordinator, she works closely with the TEACH Early Childhood National Center to report on the incredible impact the TEACH Scholarship has on early childhood educators, and in turn, young children across Rhode Island. Prior to completing her Bachelor’s degree, Elizabeth was an administrator for eight years at a home care agency until she decided it was time for a change. She was so encouraged by the support she received in her higher education journey that she was thrilled by the opportunity to be that support for so many dedicated educators. She believes in their efforts to motivate and guide those who, like she did, need support to reach their academic dreams. Outside of the office, Elizabeth is mom to 3 incredible kids and has seen TEACH Early Childhood Rhode Island’s impact in her own children’s education.
Caroline Paliotte
Education Counselor — ext. 327
Caroline has been working with children since 2015. Caroline received her TA certification through CCRI and continued her education at Rhode Island College, graduating with her BA in Healthcare/Business Administration. Over the years she has completed many Professional Development courses. All associated with RIELDS, inclusivity within the classroom, engagement, and classroom management. She worked with children ages from infant– 5 years, but most enjoyed working with infants and young toddlers. While working at a childcare center Caroline was included as a site leader and oversaw implantation of the Creative Curriculum within the infant/toddler programs. When teaching, it is important to her to provide a warm and nurturing learning environment that supports the growth and development of all children as they explore the world around them. Caroline has worked as the Education Counselor where she worked closely with the TEACH scholarship program. Caroline supports individuals who are applying for the TEACH scholarship, who want to further their education and experience in ECE.
Cheryl Stascavage
Administrative Assistant — ext. 331
Cheryl joins RIAEYC as the TEACH Administrative Assistant after working in the early childhood education field for many years. Before joining RIAEYC, she was an assistant teacher in a K-Prep classroom and supported her center’s administration. While teaching, Cheryl completed professional development through the Center for Early Learning Professionals and completed RIELDS and ITERS trainings. Cheryl also worked in an infant classroom for 3 years before transitioning to a toddler classroom. When not in the office you can find her on the soccer field cheering on her daughter, Ella. She is excited to help other early childhood educators achieve their goal of completing higher education to continue bringing high quality care to Rhode Island’s youngest learners.