PCTA Leadership Team
Nestor Puello
Nestor Puello is the Principal at Providence Career and Technical Academy (PCTA). Mr. Puello began working for Providence Public School District (PPSD) seven years ago as a Central High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher and CTE coordinator. While at Central High School, he completed the Principal Residency Network program and transitioned to become an Assistant Principal at Bridge Academy in 2023 before being named Principal in 2025.
At Bridge Academy, Mr. Puello managed school operations. He strategically used data to support students and teachers. Additionally, he delegated leadership tasks, matching staff strengths to school priorities, and encouraging collaborative decision-making. His commitment is to provide all students with rigorous academic instruction and ensure graduates are ready for college and career success.
Mr. Puello connects uniquely with our students having once been a newcomer to the Providence community. A Classical High School alumnus, Mr. Puello attended Providence Public School District’s elementary and middle schools.
Mr. Puello holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Spanish from Providence College as well as a Juris Doctor and a Master's degree in Public Administration from Suffolk University. In addition, he completed the Administrator Multilingual Learners endorsement program at University of Rhode Island (URI) and the National Center on Education and Economy’s National Institute for School Leadership program (NISL). A dedicated lifelong learner, Mr. Puello earned his Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages at URI in May 2026.
As a leader, he is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming school environment for both staff and students. He achieves this by establishing high expectations, actively promoting collaboration among staff and students, and engaging with families.
Cecilia Calderone
Email: suzanne.dasilva@ppsd.org
Phone: 401-456-9136
Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Management & International Studies - Bryant University; Master's degree in Elementary Education and ESL Endorsement - Rhode Island College (RIC)
Suzanne Dasilva
I am a tri-lingual urban educator with over 20 years of educational experience within the Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls and Cranston Public School Districts. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Management & International Studies from Bryant University and a Master's degree in Elementary Education from Rhode Island College (RIC) where I also completed an ESL Endorsement. I am also a proud graduate of the PPSD Leadership Cohort program.
Everyday I commit to continuing to provide our students with rigorous standards-based instruction that is rooted in equitable outcomes and represents the cultures of our community. I am a fierce advocate for MLLs and their educational success. Honoring all our learners has been my passion as an educator and will continue to be as your new assistant principal. The relationship between our school and home is of utmost importance to me. I will work tirelessly to build bridges rooted in trust and collaboration. Every day you will find me in the hallways and classrooms of PCTA being joyous, present, visible, and dedicated to a positive student-centered school environment.