Lisa Dempsey, recently named principal of the Warwick Early Learning Center (WELC) at the John Brown Francis School, got to meet her staff of 67 Friday morning as they gathered in the all purpose room forming a giant circle. Each staff member introduced themselves and talked briefly of their passion for working with pre-school children many of whom are faced with learning challenges. The event concluded as School Superintendent Lynn Dambruch and Assistant Superintendent William McCaffrey spoke to the assembly and then joined them for breakfast in the faculty room. Dempsey comes to Warwick from Casa Grande, AZ where she was the director of early childhood education in a district similar in size to Warwick. She has 25 years of experience in education starting off as a kindergarten and pre-K teacher. Dempsey said she was drawn to Rhode Island by its trees, water, and friends here. She called WELC “an amazing place to be,” citing her staff and their common purpose to support students. “It’s a dream job,” she said. (Warwick Beacon photos)