“Determine that the thing can and shall be done; then we shall find the way.” 

Abraham Lincoln 

Meet the Dedicated TTC Staff

Kathy Potter
Transition to College & Career Coordinator

Kathy Potter brings enthusiasm, experience, and compassion to RIRAL’s Transition to College and Career program. Kathy has successfully mentored hundreds of adults in Massachusetts, Maine, and RI along their Career Pathway — whether they are looking for a job, a better job, or a career.

Kathy earned her B.A. in Sociology from the University of Maine “later in life”, and she knows first hand the courage and commitment it takes to go back to school and rejoin the workforce. This experience, along with her nonprofit work as a Career Advisor, Case Manager, and Life Navigator, allows Kathy to support adult learners along their journey, taking into consideration each person’s unique challenges while listening, advising, and encouraging them to keep going!

When she’s not helping people write resumes and prepare for college, Kathy enjoys spending time with her family, visiting friends in Maine, and dreaming about travel destinations.

Marie Crecca-Romero
Writing instructor & Former Program Director

Marie Crecca-Romero is the former Transition to College Program Director; she is currently the Writing Instructor for TTC. She has been an educator for almost thirty years and has been instrumental in the development and growth of the program since its onset in 2000.   

Marie is responsible for community outreach, recruitment, enrollment, curriculum development, and maintaining a strong relationship with the local community college.  In addition, Marie provides educational counseling for the students and works closely with the TTC staff, overseeing all the components of the program. She also teaches the Mentoring and Career Components of TTC.

Previously, Marie taught GED for RIRAL and English as a Second Language (ESOL). She has been a National External Diploma assessor and mentor to numerous TTC students.  She has served on the Rhode Island Governor’s Advisory Board, Leadership Workgroup and the Professional Development Advisory Council.  She holds a B.S. Degree in Education/Special Education from Dominican College in Orangeburg, N.Y. and a Master’s Degree in Education from Montclair State University in N.J.

Sarah Rainville
Math Instructor

Sarah Rainville is the Math Instructor for TTC. She has worked for RIRAL for two years as an Advanced Math GED Instructor. She has five years of experience in adult education. She began her career in 2014, as a Paraprofessional at Rhode Island Department of Corrections, assisting in GED/ABE classrooms within minimum & medium-security facilities. She currently works as an Adult Education Instructor for Tri-County Community Action Agency working with at-risk youth and the adult population. She is very passionate about helping students overcome their academic struggles and motivating them to be the best they can be. Sarah holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Johnson and Wales University. 

Shelby Shaw
Reading Instructor

Shelby has worked as a researcher, educator, and leader in the fields of higher education, community education, and K-12 education for the past fifteen years. She has worked with RIRAL in a variety of teaching roles since 2010. Shelby earned a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Rhode Island, an MBA from UMass Dartmouth, a Post-Baccalaureate degree in Education from Western Governor’s University and a B.A. in Public & Community Service Studies from Providence College. Shelby lives in Holbrook, MA with her husband, Wega, four-year-old daughter, Stevie, three rescue pups, and seven chickens. When she’s not working, Shelby enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with her family.