Leadership

Lori Barkett-Farhat

Lori Barkett-Farhat is the current Principal at George J. West Elementary School.   After 30 years in education and over 25 years in Providence Public School District (PPSD), Lori Barkett-Farhat will be transitioned to the role of interim principal in August.  A proud graduate of Providence Public Schools, she sees the infinite potential in each child within her school.

Lori most recently served as West’s Assistant Principal for over 5 years where she developed her leadership skills under the mentorship of retired Principal Lisa Vargas-Sinapi. Barkett-Farhat has worked in education for over 30 years, the last 26 in the Providence Public School District (PPSD). Before becoming an Assistant Principal, she was a first-grade teacher for 13 years at PPSD’s Windmill Elementary School and Robert Bailey Elementary School. She has been an Assistant Principal for the past twelve years. Lori is a product of PPSD and graduated from Classical High School.

Lori earned her Bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Early Childhood Education from Rhode Island College in Providence, Rhode Island. She received her Master's degree in K-12 School Administration from the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, Rhode Island, and was a member of PPSD's Aspiring Principal's Program. Prior to transitioning to the education sector, Lori was a Residential Counselor and School Support Counselor at St. Mary's Home for Children and Spurwink RI.

Lori's philosophy is that all students can learn and be successful when provided with a safe, nurturing and respectful school community, along with a learning environment that promotes high expectations for all through standard-based learning and rigorous student-centered instruction. 

As a leader, she is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming school environment for both staff and students. Her vision for George J. West Elementary School is to provide the students with a safe, engaging and nurturing learning community where all students strive for social emotional growth and academic excellence. 

Mary Bergeron

Mary Bergeron is the current Assistant Principal at George J. West Elementary School. She has been working in education for the past 25 years, the last three as an Assistant Principal at George J. West. Prior to coming to PPSD, she worked in the Pawtucket School Department as a substitute teacher, then became a Literacy Coach.

Mary earned her Bachelor's degree at Rhode Island College in Providence, Rhode Island. She received her Master's degree in Literacy Curriculum from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She earned her Administration Certification through the Center for Leadership and Educational Equity (CLEE).

Mary's vision for George J. West Elementary School is to continue to build connections in the West community and support teacher and student growth. She is a firm believer that children should be entrusted with and guided through independence in learning. She will enter the year with a "kindness grows kindness" mindset.