Supporting Staff
A willingness to serve is the overwhelming energy motivating our support staff. As believers in a model Montessori community, each individual is committed to maintaining the Montessori philosophy of respect for the individual as well as the group as we manage responsibilities and tasks. Balancing this philosophical practice with a high level of skill and knowledge allows the school to operate smoothly in a positive, enthusiastic and peaceful atmosphere.
Executive Director & Superintendent Kelly Griffith Mannion, M.Ed
| Kelly has been involved in Montessori education for over twenty-five years. Teaching credentials at the Montessori Primary and Elementary levels and a certification in administration are grounded in a Bachelor degree in Psychology and a Masters in Education. Kelly has extensive experience with teaching, training, enrichment, before and after-care programs, and administration and has been trained in myriad educational programs. With an additional background and certifications in the business world, she is uniquely suited for bridging the gaps between education and industry and most recently has worked as a consultant to parents, teachers, schools, and companies serving our local and national Montessori and education communities.
After founding a non-profit training center, Kelly moved on to creating a family and she, and her husband of 17 years, have two children through which to see Montessori and the world anew everyday as Montessori parents. This deepened a heartfelt commitment to establishing authentic public and diversely-populated Montessori programs as it is the larger picture of creating options and hope for all children that is most appealing. A staunch believer in the Montessori practice of education for peace, Kelly maintains that if we provide an opportunity for all children to fulfill their individual potential, respect for self, others, and the environment will naturally follow. This respect ensures a high level of personal satisfaction and the strong sense of community and global responsibility so necessary for peace. |
Business Manager Wendy Ross
| Wendy's bio will be up soon. Please check back.
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Administrative
| Leslie and her family have been committed to Montessori education since her daughter started preschool, and she is inspired by the dedication of the River community since the school’s inception and through its tremendous growth. She enjoys working as River’s Administrative Coordinator and having the opportunity to support the school community. Leslie worked as a licensed private investigator in San Francisco for seventeen years, and she holds a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science. She and her husband Kevin Lee own a custom woodworking and cabinetry business here in Sonoma County.
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School Nurse Cindy Lohrentz, RN, MSN
| Cindy Lohrentz, RN, MSN currently serves as River’s Volunteer School Nurse. In this capacity she provides state mandated hearing and vision screening, maintains student health records, and serves as a staff trainer and health resource for families and the greater school community. Additionally, she has provided nutrition and puberty awareness curriculum for our Upper Elementary students, and she is spearheading River's after school wellness walks!
Cindy has more than 28 years of experience working with people of all ages as an RN and Family Nurse Practitioner. Currently, she works as a Critical Care RN in the Intensive Care Unit of Petaluma Valley Hospital and as an FNP at the Mary Isaac Center. She completed her Masters in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin. |
Performing Arts
| Maria Billings Jameau holds her Master of Music Degree in Dalcroze Eurhythmics and Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. She has played piano for 30 years, with guitar, flute, and percussion as secondary instruments. A former faculty member of the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston and the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Maria currently teaches classes for children, adults and teachers out of her private studio in St Helena.
Maria is a professional vocalist and has performed and recorded extensively over the past decade. Having studied music and dance in a variety of world cultures, including West Africa, Brazil, Europe, and North India, Maria brings a joyful multicultural spirit to her performances and classes for all ages. |
Art Docents | Bios for our wonderful volunteer artists and teachers coming soon.
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Learning Specialist Karyn Bosco
| Karyn began her Special Education training as a second career in 2005. As the Director of a Kaplan start-up, SCORE! Educational Center, Karyn found herself working with a student population that learned 'outside of the box.' She connected the most with these students and families and the desire to make their voices heard. She returned to her alma mater, USF, and received her Special Education Clear Credential and Masters in Learning and Instruction. Concurrent to her work at USF she taught an SDC class full-time at South San Franciso High School. She also served as a TEAMS AmeriCorp member and implemented multi-cultural programs at the high school. Karyn moved to Petaluma from San Francisco to become River's Learning Specialist and is enjoying the lifestyle and community. When she isn't attending Bikram Yoga classes, she can be seen walking her two Yorkies or riding her bike around town.
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River Crew Coming Soon
| Dawn Manley serves as River Crew Coordinator and collaborates with Karla Mungia on River Crew program development. She enjoys working with the kids and loves the different energy and interests each one brings. Dawn earned her California Teaching Credential from Sonoma State, and she has also worked as an EMT.
Karla Mungia was raised in Petaluma and is currently working towards her teaching credential at Santa Rosa J.C.. She collaborates on Program Development for River Crew and is one of our primary staff members. In addition to her work at River, she is classroom assistant at Red Barn Montessori, a local primary program, and she also provides private childcare for families in the community. Karla has been working with children since she was 14 and we are fortunate to have her on board. Nancy Garcia-Macias moved to the U.S. in May, 1999 and graduated from Casa Grande High School five years later after commiting herself to becoming a fluent English speaker. She attended Santa Rosa J.C. and currently works as a server at Springfield Place Retirement Community in addition to her work with the River Crew team. Nancy and her husband Gregorio welcomed daughter Alondra in April 2009. Ping Flynn attends Santa Rosa J.C. and looks forward to transferring to UC Davis after completing her GE requirements locally. Ping has assisted in the Yuba classroom with her mother, guide Beth Flynn, and she steps in to lend a hand in many capacities when the need arises. We appreicate her enthusiasm and energy as a River Crew team member. |
