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Staff & Faculty

Rio Lindo Administrative Staff

Adeline Mendez

Principal

amendez@rioschools.org

Rio Lindo’s teachers are aware of student needs and how to help address student needs in an engaging way that will help all children learn to their highest potential. Staff connect with students, provide instructional routines which reach a variety of learning styles, offer small group and individual support and will ensure that students have access to intervention and special education resources as needed. We do this by offering a variety of engaging activities as well as providing inquiry based lessons which further broadens student’s experiences and connections to adults on campus. Our goal is to expand these experiences so we reach beyond academic success and help all children become well rounded and caring community members.

Juliena Alvarez

Office Manager

jalvarez@rioschools.org

  • I’ve worked in the Rio School District since 2004
  • I love working at Rio Lindo because I get to work with children every day.
  • I enjoy spending time with family, spiritual connections and hiking in my free time.

Rosie Campos

Support Specialist

rcampos@rioschools.org

  • I’ve been working in the Rio School District since 2004.
  • I enjoy helping students and making a positive impact in their daily lives.
  • When I have free time, I enjoy walking on the beach and spending time with my family.

Rio Lindo Teachers

  • Deyvonne Mondragon

    TK/Kindergarten SAI

  • Courtney Downing

    cdowning@rioschools.org

    Transitional Kindergarten

    • Teaching since 2014
    • Rio teacher since 2015
    • B.A from CLU, M.A. from SDSU
    • I enjoy reading, paddling, hiking, swimming, and baking

  • Maristella LaMorena

    Kindergarten

     

    • I have been teaching since 2003
    • BS Telecommunications/Film, San Diego State
    • MA Education, National University

    I enjoy traveling, laughing with family and friends, Bootcamp and Zumba classes, swimming, watching movies, reading, cooking, and eating.

  • Frank Walsh

    Kindergarten

    • Teaching since 2003
    • Rio teacher since 2003
    • BA’s in political science and french at University of Nevada, Reno Masters of Education and teaching credential from CLU
    • I enjoy bringing the awe and magic of learning to life for my students.

  • Abby King

    1st Grade

    • Teaching since 2011
    • Rio teacher since 2013
    • B.A. and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from CSU Channel Islands and Master of Arts in Teaching from Grand Canyon University
    • I enjoy cooking, baking, reading and spending time with my family. I am a mom to two busy kids!

  • Heather Walker

    1st Grade

    • Teaching since 2006
    • Rio teacher since 2009
    • BA- CSU Northridge Multiple Subject Credential- CSU Channel Islands Masters in Curriculum & Instruction/Technology- Cal Lutheran
    • I enjoy spending time with my family, going to Cayucos/Pismo Beach and reading.

  • Sylvia Contreras

    2nd Grade

    • Rio Lindo Teacher for 11 years
    • B.A., Sociology, UCSB
    • Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
    • BCLAD
    • J.D., Jurisprudence, Ventura College of Law

  • Brenda Jaquez

    2nd Grade

    • Teaching since 2000.
    • AA in Liberal Arts and Sciences, AS in Child Development, ECE Certificate from Oxnard College, BA in Liberal Studies, Multiple Teaching Credential from CSUN, Masters in Education in Curriculum and Instruction from American College of Education.
    • I attended Rio Lindo, Rio del Valle, and Rio Mesa.
    • I love hiking, camping, gardening, reading and teaching

  • Anne Stehly

    2nd Grade

    • Teaching since 1990
    • Rio teacher since 2000
    • BA/Credential, Loyola Marymount University; MA, American College of Education
    • I enjoy being in nature, reading, and traveling.

  • Emily Ornelaz

    3rd Grade

    • Teaching since 2011
    • Rio teacher since 2011
    • Bachelor of Art in Sociology from UC Santa Barbara, and Teaching Credential and Master’s in Education from California Lutheran University
    • I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, reading or listening to books, working in my garden, playing my my dog, watching movies and doing puzzles!

  • Annette Lorenzana

    3rd Grade

    • 10 Yrs Teaching
      BA, Psychology, CSUN
      MA, Teaching, emphasis in Professional Learning Communities, GCU
      I love working out, hiking, going to the beach, traveling to new places, and spending time with family.

  • Andrea Van Someren

    4th Grade

    • Teaching since 2015
    • Rio teacher since 2015

    • BA in Liberal Studies from CSUCI, and Teaching Credential & MA in Education from National University

    • I enjoy spending time with my kids, reading, and being outdoors.

  • Crystal Calafati

    4th Grade

    • Teaching since 2016
    • Rio teacher since 2016
    • Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from California State University Northridge, Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California Lutheran University, Masters in Education from California Lutheran University
    • I enjoy traveling, going to concerts, riding my Peloton, and spending time with my family.

  • Cesar Rosales

    4th / 5th Grade

    • Teaching at Rio Lindo since 2016
    • B.A., Psychology, Clinical/Behavior Emphasis, Cal Lutheran University
    • I enjoy reading, traveling, going out to eat, and I love teaching!

  • Jacqueline Jones

    5th Grade

    • I have been teaching since 2000.
    • B.A. Child Development, Cal State Northridge
    • M.A. Educational Leadership, Cal State Northridge
    • I enjoy shopping, reading, traveling and spending time with my family.

  • Robin Van Eyk

    5th Grade

    • Teaching since 2001
    • Rio teacher since 2001
    • Bachelor’s in history CSUN, Master’s degree in education, teaching credential Channel Islands University.
    • I enjoy surfing clean, glassy, & uncrowded waves, about chest to head high. I also enjoy building and riding electric bikes, paddling my SUP board with friends, and training in AIkido.

  • Bertina Serrato

    1st / 2nd Grade SAI

     

  • Lizette Torres

    3rd – 5th Grade SAI

Rio Lindo Resource Staff

  • Veronica Barragan

    School Counselor

  • Dr. Amy Smith

    School Psychologist/Licensed Educational Psychologist

    • Rio Lindo/Rio Rosales since 2016
    • BA, Psychology, Minor in Management, Cal Poly, Pomona
    • MA, Education, Pupil Personnel Services Credential, Azusa Pacific University
    • American Board of School Neuropsychology, Texas Woman’s University
    • Psy.D. Alliant International University
    • Board member of the Ventura County Association of School Psychologists (VCASP)
    • I enjoy traveling and scuba diving with my husband and two daughters and love to cook for family and friends

  • Stephen Held

    Speech Language Pathologist

  • Airin Lara

    Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

  • Julie Maria

    Nurse

  • Robert J. Guynn

    Resource Specialist

    • Teaching at Rio Lindo 2017
    • BS, Criminal Justice; Walden University
    • MA, Elementary Education; Alliant University
    • I like backpacking, hiking and riding my Harley Davidson.

  • Sarah Harwich

    Intervention

     

  • Laura Chiriboga

    Intervention

     

  • Sammy Paz

    Instructional Assistant

  • Marissa Ruelas

    Instructional Assistant

Rio Lindo Support Staff

  • Emily Ramsey

    Librarian

    • I’ve worked in the Rio School District for 8 years
    • B.A. History, CSUCI
    • Our daughter graduated from Rio del Norte and Rio Vista.
    • I love reading and spending time with my family.
    • I want to help your students develop a life long love of reading!

  • Cruz Sanchez

    Cruz Sanchez

    Custodian

  • Mario Lopez

    Custodian

     

  • Candelaria Mendez

    Food Service Worker

     

  • Noelia Perez

    Food Service Worker

  • Veronica Martinez

    Food Service Worker

     

  • Maria Solorzano

    Campus Supervision Assistant

     

  • Leticia Carrizales

    Campus Supervision Assistant

  • Sylvia Espinoza

    Campus Supervision Assistant

  • Cesar Hernandez

    Campus Supervision Assistant

  • Teresa Ramos

    Campus Supervision Assistant

  • Maria Serratos

    Campus Supervision Assistant

     

  • Diane DeLaurentis

    Artist in Residence – Drama

    • Professional actress, acting teacher and coach
    • Modeling, voice-over, commercials, theater, leading roles in film & TV
    • Movies include BETTER OFF DEAD, BILL & TED’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE.
    • Taught acting & improvisation to students K-12 for over 15 years.

  • Steve Sunnarborg

    Artist in Residence – Music

    • Steve Sunnarborg graduated with his bachelor of music degree from California State University, Northridge.
    • While at C.S.U.N., Steve was the winner of the Andres Segovia memorial scholarship and the Randy Rhoads memorial scholarship.
    • Steve has studied with many guitar greats such as Christopher Parkening and Randy Rhoads (Ozzy Osbourne).
    • Currently, Steve is recording and performing with the Rivera-Sunnarborg Guitar-Violin duo and the Steve Sunnarborg Project.
    • In addition to performing, Steve is an artist in residence for the Rio School District in Oxnard, CA.
    • Teaches at Guitar Planet and is the Owner/Operator of the Ventura Guitar Academy.
    • Steve was also the head of the music department at North Hills Preparatory School and has taught guitar workshops at the Ventura College Institute.

  • Nee Sackey

    Artist in Residence – Music