Teaching beyond the classroom
CDL places itself at the forefront of the ever-evolving description of a successful 21st century adult; making sure to impart essential social competencies as well as college and career ready content knowledge.
Our HistoryHow it all began
CDL was founded in 2003 as Traveling Theatre, an arts enrichment organization whose teaching artists traveled from school to school providing artistic experiences for youth. As the company grew, founder Beth Cunha was able to realize her ultimate goal of a youth serving arts and sciences enrichment organization. To date CDL has served over 10,000 children and teens from Westerly to Woonsocket.
Our TeamMeet our team
Beth Cunha, MFA is the founding executive director of The Center for Dynamic Learning. For the past 20 years she has led the organization from its infancy to its current standing as a leader in urban out of school time STEAMM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math and manufacturing) education. Beth holds a BA in Theatre and MFA in Theatre Performance and Social Change from Rhode Island College.
Utilizing the skills she has developed through her work in the Nonprofit Sector and Education field, Beth has taught for Rhode Island College's Nonprofit Studies program, Rhode Island College's Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance, Dean College's Counseling Department and the Community College of RI as well as many Professional Development workshops.
Beth is a proud member of the Leadership Rhode Island THETA II class and a graduated member of the RI Foundations Emerging Leaders Program. She was named the 2015 RISBJ Woman to Watch Community Champion and under her leadership the Center for Dynamic Learning has been named the 2014 Champion in Action by Citizens Bank and NBC 10 as well as Most Innovative in Education by PBN. Beth recently was accepted to the University of Pittsburgh and is pursuing her Doctorate of Education with a concentration in Out of School TIme Learning.
Autumn Rose Antunes
Operations Coordinator
AutumnRose has been with CDL, formerly “Traveling Theatre”, since it was first founded in 2003. She started out as a student, and soon after became an intern. From there, she was promoted to a TA. Autumn has returned to the company as the Operations Coordinator, bringing a plethora of skills from her background in banking. Autumn is an avid animal lover, and in her spare time is a professional published model.
Libby Tuttle
Development Coordinator
Libby serves as the Development Coordinator at CDL. She was born and raised in Rhode Island where she graduated from Providence College in 1996. Prior to joining The Center for Dynamic Learning, she was employed in the telecommunications industry, political campaign finance and communications and most recently as a State Pre-K teacher in Providence, RI. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her 3 sons and 2 dogs.
Harley LaValley
CTE Program Manager
Harley serves as the CTE Program manager for CDL. He joined the company as a volunteer in 2018 for the Teen Apprenticeship Program. Since joining CDL, Harley has been cross-trained in youth development, arts literacy and STEM. He teaches a variety of classes from Weird Science to Books Alive. In his capacity as CTE Program Manager, he oversees the team implementation of TAP.
Georgerinna Farley
Music Director & Educator
Georgerinna is a local New England actor. She recently graduated from Rhode Island College with a BA in Theatre Performance. As CDL’s Musical Director, Georgerinna hopes to inspire young artists to explore the world by tapping in to their artistic side! And most importantly, to HAVE FUN!
Donovan Reid
Fab Lab Manager & CTE Educator
Donovan is the ‘everyman’ here at CDL. He holds the titles of: CTE Instructor, Work Force Trainer, Senior Engineer Technician, Lead STEAMM Educator, and even Tech support. He has been with CDL since January of 2019, and since then he's taught a multitude of classes, though his specialty is science and mechanics. He aims to pass on what he's learned to the younger generations, and to encourage kids to be the best they can be each and every day.
Joseph Henderson
Choreographer
Joseph is a professional dancer and choreographer. He’s been a dancer for approximately 10 years, starring in productions such as Bliss Body and Good Grief, alongside Directing a few of his own pieces as well. Joseph is excited to bring his knowledge and experience to the classroom, and to inspire youth and adults alike to embrace their passions.
AwardsAwards, Accolades and Accomplishments
Excellence in Manufacturing Education
2013
RI Manufacturing Association
Champion in Action | Youth programming
2014
Citizens Bank & NBC 10
Woman to Watch 2014 | Beth Cunha
RI Small Business Journal
Most Innovative in Education
2014
Providence Business News
Innovative Education Semifinalist
2016
SBANE
Community Partners
Investing Partners
Our ApproachOur Recipe for Success
By targeting the entirety of the STEAMM acronym, science, technology, engineering, arts, math, and manufacturing, CDL places itself at the forefront of the ever-evolving description of a successful 21st century adult; making sure to impart essential social competencies as well as college and career ready content knowledge.
"To me, being a part of the CDL family means that I belong. It's a place where I can do what I love and express myself.”
CDL Student