Staff Bios
Meet Our MTSS Team
Nicole Bucka
Nicole Bucka is an MTSS Implementation Specialist who brings diverse professional experiences to her technical assistance, training development, and coaching. Nicole began her career in California as a special educator, secondary English teacher, and English Language Development teacher, and later held a variety of leadership positions. Returning to Rhode Island in 2010, Nicole supported Response to Intervention technical assistance statewide and the merger with Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports to form Multi-Tiered System of Supports. Her work with MTSS continued as she transitioned to district implementation and action research of both RTI/academics and the infusion of social-emotional learning into the tiered continuum. In her current role as MTSS Implementation Specialist, Nicole supports the statewide implementation of Data-Based Individualization (DBI) and contributes to the development and facilitation of online professional learning for BRIDGE-RI.
Ellen Reinhardt
Ellen Reinhardt is an MTSS Implementation Specialist who works with schools and districts throughout Rhode Island, providing face-to-face and online professional learning and coaching supports. Prior to her work in MTSS implementation, Ellen was a school psychologist. In this capacity, she served students with and without disabilities in grades K – 12. Ellen provided evaluations and individualized services for students with disabilities. It was during this time that Ellen's interest in systems improvement first began. She successfully coached her schools in implementing school-wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports and Response to Intervention. Ellen is a trainer in restorative practices and an adjunct faculty member at Rhode Island College, teaching functional behavior assessment coursework and supporting student social-emotional-behavioral success.
Jennifer Graham
Jennifer Graham, an experienced Rhode Island educator, has joined the team as an MTSS Implementation Specialist. Jen began her career in the elementary setting and moved into the middle level as a science teacher in Coventry, RI. During this time, she worked with district and school-level administrators to support a one-to-one Chromebook initiative, ensuring the effective use of technology for all learners. It was her work in this area that led her to a Technology and Intervention Coach position in East Providence, RI. In collaboration with building and district-level leadership, she facilitated the development of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports for the middle level and was an instructional coach with staff. She is passionate about engaging all learners effectively and believes in empowering educators to find efficient ways to address learner needs. Jen has earned her Master's in Administrative Leadership and completed her FUSE fellowship with the Highlander Institute. She enjoys working with teams of adults to learn and grow together, doing what is best for kids.
Michele Walden-Doppke
Michele Walden-Doppke is an MTSS Implementation Specialist who has worked with schools across RI for over 10 years, supporting the implementation of MTSS and RTI frameworks. Trained as a school psychologist and ABA therapist, she has worked in alternative, residential, and public school settings. Michele has been trained as a certified brain injury specialist, in restorative practices, and as an endorsed PBIS trainer through NEPBIS. She is also a certified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainer. Currently, she works with building- and district-level teams, as well as MTSS coaches, providing on-site support for MTSS implementation and serving as a coach for Data-Based Individualization (DBI). She also contributes to the development and facilitation of online courses and Communities of Practice for BRIDGE-RI.
Michelle Barthelemy
Michelle Barthelemy is the LMS Administrator and an Instructional Designer for MTSS-RI. In this role, Michelle manages the administration of BRIDGE-RI and the creation of online coursework. Michelle earned a Master's in Instructional Design and Educational Technology and a Master's in Business Administration. After nearly 20 years in higher education, Michelle is excited to return to the field of Instructional Design.