Our Staff
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Meet Our Staff
Deacon Ann D. Pelletier
I was born in Chicago, and grew up in the suburbs, and in Tarpon Springs, Fl., where I graduated from high school. I received an AB in Spanish and History from the College of William and Mary, with a Junior Year in Spain with Smith College. After graduation, I was awarded a Buenos Aires Convention scholarship to study Peruvian theater at San Marcos, in Lima. I later received a MA in Spanish from Middlebury College. I lived for some 8 years in Madrid, working as a local employee for the American Embassy as an English teaching specialist. During this time, I also worked for Spanish National Television and Radio as a writer and announcer for my own programs, and was asked to start a Binational Center, where I served as Director and Director of Courses. I also was an English teacher for D. Fernando Maria de Castiella and his wife in preparation for a state visit to the United Nations and Washington D.C.
I was married in Madrid, and then returned to the United States to live and teach in Rhode Island. I have taught Spanish at Salve Regina College, Cluny School, and Portsmouth High School and for the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island. At St. Philomena School, I taught grades 3 and 4, Special Education and Spanish for the Primary Open Classroom program. At Portsmouth Abbey, I started an English as a Foreign Language Program. I have taught ESL in Lima, Madrid and in Rhode Island at various locations and at various levels. I hope soon to begin both Spanish and ESL classes as an outreach from Emmanuel Church.
After my studies at the School for Deacons of our diocese, I was ordained in 1990, and have served at St. George’s (Central Falls) (twice – doing Hispanic ministry, especially when there was no Spanish priest), St. Matthews (Barrington), St. Peter and St. Andrew (Providence) and Church of the Advent ( Pawtucket), during which time I also served on the Diocesan Hispanic Ministry Committee, and presently on the Committee for Diaconal Formation. Besides Madrid and Lima, I have lived in the Dominican Republic, working with the Sisters of the Transfiguration in their slum ministry, and have visited Mexico, France, Greece, Israel, and Wales, along with much of the United States. I have three grown children, and am now widowed. I live in Portsmouth, and am enjoying my “pseudo retirement.”
Allen Hill, Director of Music - Organist
Allen Jon Hill started studying organ at age 14 and went on to study at the Hartt School, University of Hartford where he graduated with a Major in Liturgical Music and organ in 1971. His organ teachers included the late Peter Sliva, prior to college and I. Albert Russell and the late John C. Holtz, while at the Hartt School.
Before coming to Emmanuel, Newport, Allen served as music director & organist at St John's Lutheran Church, New Britain, CT, Zion Lutheran Church, Portland, CT, Faith Lutheran Church, East Hartford, CT, the Universalist Church of West Hartford, CT and most recently St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Wallingford, CT since 2005. He also sang for 2 years as a section leader in the Choir Men and Boys at Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford, CT from 1991-1992.
His interest in church music and pipe organs started in the early 1960's, growing up and practicing on the Austin pipe organ in his hometown church, Concordia Lutheran Church, Manchester, CT. While attending the Hartt School, his further interest in the care and maintenance of church pipe organs commenced when he helped G. Edgar Gress, of Gress~Miles Pipe Organs, install a new three manual, 37 rank pipe organ in the Hartt School Organ Studio at the University of Hartford. His senior recital was the first heard on the new organ during its dedication series, which included concerts by I. Albert Russell, Marie Claire Alain and the late, Robert Noerhen.
Next in 1972, he assisted in the installation of the 62 rank, Gress~Miles pipe organ at South Church in New Britain, CT., home of the renowned Music Series at South Church and the founding location of Connecticut Choral Artists, [CONCORA] by Artistic Director Richard Coffey. At South Church, Allen served on the Music Series Steering Committee for five years and was committee Chair for three of those years.
His outside musical interests included membership from the fall of 2004 through 2007, in the renowned City Singers of Hartford, a 24 voice, semi-professional chamber chorus conducted by Artistic Director Suzanne Gates. With CitySingers he was tenor section leader and sang solo in a variety of anthems, which included John Tavener's, Christmas anthem, 'Today the Virgin.' More of Allen’s biography may be read on his business web page: www.pipeorganconsulting.com/bio.html.
Ann McAree - Director of Emmanuel Day School
I am delighted and honored to be the new director of the Emmanuel Day School. Working with young children is my passion!
Over the last eighteen years I have been involved in Early Childhood Education as a teacher and director. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Child Development/Early Childhood Education from the University of Rhode Island. It is my goal to promote a wonderful sense of self within each child, tapping into their interests and sparking their curiosity and imagination. Children have an innate desire to learn and ask questions about the world around them. I love their curiosity and it is my goal as an educator to provide a positive, creative learning environment that inspires this natural aspiration.In partnership with families, teachers, and the community I believe in promoting the development of the whole child: socially, physically, emotionally and cognitively—with play having a vital role, and with the class environment supporting good citizenship. Recognizing the importance of trusting, successfully established relationships with children and their parents, I have learned the value of being a team player and the importance of working cooperatively with colleagues and parents to provide the best education possible for our students. Together, we can give them the most valuable lesson of all: the lifelong love of learning!
Kathleen Skelley - Parish Administrator
Jim Perry
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Sexton
Jim Perry signed on with us at the end of September as our new sexton. Born and raised in Johnston, Jim and his wife have lived in Portsmouth for 15 years. Jim comes to us with a wealth of experience, having done many things as diverse as selling cars and his latest professional work as a painter. He is a skilled workman, a hard worker and has already made a difference in the appearance and function of our building and grounds. More than these important things, Jim has a wonderful sense of humor, a big smile and a friendly manner. We enjoy his presence on our staff and have come to respect and to rely on his good judgment and willing, helpful ways. He sees what needs to be done and he does it.
We are grateful to have Jim with us. He is typically at Emmanuel on weekday mornings, but is present at other times when needed. An avowed Yankee fan, he works well with our Junior Warden! Jim and his wife have grown children and grandchildren and when not working with us or on painting projects, you may find him on the golf course. Jim loves golf! Much of his work takes place behind the scenes and at times when many of us are not here, so we hope you will find a time to meet him and say hello.
Josephine Sleeper - Housekeeping
Directions From the Claiborne Pell Bridge
