Religion
Michel R. Frappier - Religion/Department Head
BA, Communications, Curry College
Graduate Courses, Theology, St. Meinrad School of Theology,
Pursuing Masters Degree in Education Providence College,
Graduate Courses, Spirituality Boston College
Diocesan Certified in Religion
Mr. Frappier has been teaching at Prout since 2001 and is currently pursuing his master’s degree. Before coming to Prout Mr. Frappier taught at Mt. St. Charles Academy and Our Lady of Providence Seminary High School. He was Assistant Director of Environmental Services at Landmark Medical Center. Mr. Frappier coaches the Girls Varsity Cross Country Team and Girls Spring Track Team. In his spare time, he enjoys photography, he’s an avid college football fanatic (Notre Dame in particular), and he enjoys music and biking.
Lily A. Araujo- Director of Campus Ministries
B.A. Studio Art/Photography, Rhode Island College
Certificate of Youth Ministry, Diocese of Providence
Ms. Araujo has worked in the Diocese of Providence in the field of Religious Education and Youth Ministry for 15 years. She holds a Certificate of Youth Ministry from the Diocese of Providence, and is working towards her Religion certification. Before coming to Prout, Ms. Araujo has worked as a Diocesan Youth Minister, a Coordinator of Religious Education for Middle School and Confirmation, and a Middle School Religion teacher. She continues to facilitate retreats and serve as a workshop presenter throughout the diocese. Ms. Araujo is inspired by all expressions of creativity especially music, the theater, movies and photography.
Sarah Thomas Tracy
B.A. Religious Studies and Social & Rehabilitation Services – Assumption College
M.A. Pastoral Ministry – Boston College, Institute of Religious Education & Pastoral Ministry
Mrs. Tracy joins The Prout School faculty after working for 18 years at Fleet Boston Financial Group as a Human Resources manager. Prior to Fleet, Mrs. Tracy served as a Youth Minister in the Diocese of Providence and the Diocese of El Paso, Texas. She also holds a certificate in Spiritual Direction from Our Lady of Peace Spiritual Life Center and is a member of the Liturgy Committee at Christ the King Parish. Mrs. Tracy is also a member of the Assumption College President's Council, the Assumption College Alumni Board of Directors, and serves as the Chair of the Assumption College Rhode Island Regional Club. Her hobbies include hiking, running, camping, cross country skiing, and reading.
Marie Lachapelle
BA, Religious Studies, Providence College
Ms. Lachapelle joined The Prout School in 2007 and teaches Religion. Before coming to The Prout School, Ms. Lachapelle has worked in the field of Religious Education and Youth Ministry in the Diocese of Providence for 19 years. She holds certificates in Youth Ministry and Ministry Institute from the Diocese. As a member of Christ the King Parish, Kingston she serves on the Liturgy Committee and is a Eucharistic Minister. Also, she is a member of the hospitality committee at Our Lady of Peace Spiritual Life Center. She has facilitated numerous youth retreats throughout the diocese as well as a young adult retreat in Belize, Central America. In her spare time she enjoys music, cooking and traveling.
John Clossick - Religion
M.A. Religious Studies, Providence College
B.A. Philosophy, Rhode Island College
B.S. Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island
Following many years working as a community pharmacist while pursuing degrees in both Philosophy and Religious Studies, John‘s first teaching experience was at Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro where he taught World Religions and Social Justice classes and was moderator of a nationally recognized Outreach Program. His work there earned him a place on the NCEA / Catholic Relief Services Frontiers of Justice Team which traveled to India in 2003. He has presented professional workshops on World Religions, Frontiers of Justice, Understanding Islam, Social Justice from the Ground Up: An Ecological Approach to Social Justice and was co-presenter of a workshop entitled Global Solidarity at the NCEA Convention, Boston, 2004. He is excited to return to teaching at Prout this year after having spent the last three years in relative solitude and prayer at a cabin in the woods of Northern Vermont.
Cynthia Cavanagh - Religion
Advanced Religious Certification, Providence College, Diocese of Providence
B.A. Music and Psychology, Rhode Island College
Cynthia Cavanagh comes to The Prout School after spending the past thirteen years as a middle school teacher at St. Kevin School in Warwick. While at St. Kevin School Cynthia taught religion, literature, English, social studies, and music. She was director of the drama club and the St. Kevin School choir. She spearheaded the teacher advisory program as well. This advisory program promoted excellence in academics, citizenship, and service. Cynthia lives in Warwick with her husband Bob and their three sons Bobby, Mark, and John. In her spare time she enjoys cheering on the Providence College hockey team, playing tennis, and photography.
Fr. Joseph R. Upton - Chaplain/Religion
B.A., Philosophy, Providence College - Providence, RI
M.Div., Mount Saint Mary's Seminary - Emmitsburg, MD
S.T.B., Dominican House of Studies - Washington, DC
Fr. Joseph Upton grew up in the Edgewood section of Cranston, Rhode Island. He was ordained a priest on June 26, 2010 by Bishop Tobin at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, and was assigned to St. Francis of Assisi in Wakefield and The Prout School. Prior to his ordination, Fr. Upton served in a number of diocesan assignments including St. Ann's in Providence, St. Joseph's in Providence and St. Margaret's in Rumford. For several years, he directed retreats for junior-high and high-school youth at the Rejoice in Hope Youth Center in Cranston. Fr. Upton also taught at Mother Seton School in Emmitsburg, MD and served as campus minister at Mount Saint Mary's University. He is a frequent speaker at diocesan events and facilitates online courses for the diocesan office of religious education.