2021-2022 Annual Report
“Working at The Riviera Ridge School means working in an environment where I feel comfortable, where I can do exceptional work, and where I can grow freely - both personally and professionally. As a faculty parent, my gratitude is endless for the care and compassion my child receives daily, and I am inspired by the idea that each member of our school community represents an integral thread of our fabric.”
- John Penton, Middle School Humanities Teacher and Advisor, High School Placement Coordinator
Dear Riviera Ridge Friends & Family
November, 2022
Dear Riviera Ridge School and Marymount Alumni Community, Inspire, Imagine, Innovate! Three ideas, words, and actions that permeated our 2021-22 school year. What an amazing collaboration it was to welcome our students, faculty, and families back on campus together celebrating our incredible community. In March of 2020, we embarked on a journey none of us would have ever imagined. As we look over our shoulders at the eighteen months behind us, we can be so grateful, humble, and proud of our extraordinary community of students, parents, alumni, and of course, our amazing faculty and staff!
This year was another extraordinary milestone for the legacy of academic excellence in our school’s history. As we carried the joy of honoring our Marymount heritage, we also celebrated our first year with our new name, The Riviera Ridge School. In the midst of this, we marveled at and were deeply inspired by a very special group of people who unanimously rose to greatness. The Riviera Ridge faculty and staff set the bar for a standard of care that cannot be beat. With innovative perseverance, great imagination, enormous flexibility and courage, our faculty and staff went above and beyond to be the loving “guides on the side” to our students. Even with challenges we never saw coming, they continued to inspire our scholars to become the best version of themselves as they prepared to go out into the world, armed with love, confidence, and an authentic sense of “purpose beyond self.” I often say “happy kids learn, and healthy kids thrive.” This would not have been possible for our community to achieve without our dedicated and passionate Riviera Ridge faculty and staff, the continued leadership of the Board of Trustees, and the enduring support of our parents and alumni who have remained loyal and committed to the education, health, and happiness of our children at The Riviera Ridge School.
Please join me in “loving our people” and celebrating our accomplishments, along with the academic excellence, joy, and resilience of our entire school community. To the dedicated Riviera Ridge faculty and staff, we are forever grateful. As we approach a new year, we can be assured that the tradition of educational excellence and a culture of kindness will carry on for many generations to come.
All my best,
Christina K. Broderick, M.S.Ed. Head of School
and I take great pride in helping to play a part in that. I am honored & grateful that last year’s focus was on us, in supporting faculty professional development initiatives. I feel so thankful and fortunate to have found a place of work that aligns with both my professional & personal intentions (i.e. Purpose Beyond Self and Inspire, Imagine, Innovate).”
- Rodney Lee, Math and Science Teacher
Inspire Imagine Innovate
through storytelling and bringing in food to share. In Kindergarten students solved conflicts peacefully, taking a lesson from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In 1st Grade, children learned about being a friend to self and others through powerful stories such as The Rabbit Listened 2nd Grade students created an altar to honor their loved ones while learning about Día de Los Muertos. Geometric patterns of mosaic tiles in mosques were the focus of 3rd graders as they made their own mandalas. 4th and 5th grade, students learned about traditions through guest visits from locals, such as a Chumash elder.
INSPIRE: True to its name, the Kaleidoscope program at The Riviera Ridge School reflected the light of its students in a variety of beautiful ways this school year. In Junior Kindergarten through 1st Grade, students immersed themselves in literature-based units of study illuminating our shared values of Joy, Kindness, Diversity, and Ethical Responsibility. In an exploration of World Religions from 2nd - 5th grade, students were introduced to religious traditions through stories of real children. In Junior Kindergarten, students and their families shared their heritage and traditions
Entering 6th grade, students studied nonprofits and social responsibility. They put their knowledge into action by creating a variety of service projects to help our community. In 7th Grade Ethics, students explored, expanded and refined their beliefs through reflection on moral frameworks and decision-making. 8th graders enjoyed a comparative and comprehensive study of religions through trips to local places of worship and guest visits. Armed with empathy, knowledge, and a profound sense of purpose beyond self, our 8th graders left Riviera Ridge empowered to be upstanders in the world.
Imagine: Opportunities abounded this year for students to get involved in both the visual and performing arts. For the first time since the pandemic hit, we were able to feature a school musical on campus and in person. Students shimmied, sang, and hand-jived their way through GREASE! The Musical as part of our Middle School electives program. Under Miriam Dance’s new expanded role as Director of Visual and Performing
Arts, the students dove in wholeheartedly and delighted packed audiences. This path to creative expression began in the Lower School with Dauri Kennedy’s teaching of vocal training, rhythmic dictation, exploration of great composers and history of jazz and popular music. Our robust enrichment programs gave students opportunities to feel the joy of performing.
Middle School elective students also participated in School of Rock, forming a real band and performing for the community. You’re never too young to tap into your creativity at The Riviera Ridge School, and Visual Arts teacher Alexandra Shennum led students from JK all the way to Middle School in creating their own masterpieces. We were able to host a beautiful art show in May to celebrate all of our artists and students even took part in the larger community by painting chalk murals for the annuaI Madonnari festival.
Innovate: Riviera Ridge has been full STEAM2 ahead in creating even more opportunities for students to hone their skills in science, technology, engineering, the arts, mathematics and movement. Plant and life cycle studies, habitat exploration, and hands-on experimentation kicked off Lower School students’ critical thinking capacities. In 2nd grade, students studied the sandy shore ecosystem with design thinking and engineering challenges. 3rd - 5th grade students learned about the “Big Picture,” utilizing the Scientific Method and incorporating the Next Generation Science Standards into their studies.
All students dove deeper into hands-on learning projects in our CDEC (Center for Creative Design and Engineering) using innovative tools such as laser cutters and 3D printers to transform their ideas into physical prototypes. In Middle School, students visited our Bio/ Chem Lab or CDEC weekly while working on “Quests,” or place-based research questions that combine the three major systems of science: earth, biological, and physical. Students sharpened their technological skills through projects in engineering, coding, and robotics.
The Middle School STEAM2 electives program provided students with 25-30 courses throughout the year grounded in STEAM2 subjects. Students surfed at Campus Point, learned to cook while studying the cuisines of Italy, designed a 3D tool for the International Space Station, practiced Yoga in the Mediation Garden, and even traveled to the Caribbean to collect data on sea turtles and coral reefs for scientists. Teachers with a genuine love for these topics led each interdisciplinary class with a passion that couldn’t help but be contagious.
“As a child, I imagined myself as a teacher – inspiring children to love learning and lead with empathy. As a part of the Riviera Ridge faculty, I too am inspired to learn and innovate. I am incredibly grateful for the support I have received from Riviera Ridge which has allowed me to grow professionally. “
- Jenny Kustura, Lower School Division Coordinator and 3rd Grade Lead Teacher
Finance & Development
Tuition & Fees - 89%
$6,317,881
Fundraising & Endowment - 11%
$786,614
Miscellaneous Revenue - Less than 1%
$1,192
Operating Expenses
$7,940,033
Instruction & School Administration - 87%
$6,916,409
Tuition Assistance - 9%
$692,983
Institutional Advancement - 4%
$330,641
Endowments
General Investments
$77,491
Eleanor Hamill Brady Endowment
$74,216
Pier Gherini Scholarship Endowment Fund
$398,364
Brian Allen Garlock Endowed Scholarship
$50,000
Gary Messineo Endowed Scholarship
$53,615
Securing the Future of Marymount Endowment
$1,194,895
The Wooden Professional Development Endowment
$67,000
The General Endowment Fund
$40,000
Head of School’s Club Listing
These Head of School’s Club members supported Riviera Ridge with a gift of $3,000 or more to the Annual Fund between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022
Anonymous x3
Darrell and Kirsten Becker
Laura Bialis
Chris and Sarah Blanc
Eric Boisvert and Sarah Virello
Henri Bristol and Daniel Emmett
Christina and John Broderick
Peter and Lisa Camenzind
Scott and Mary Claassen
Noel and Emily Cohen
Steven Dahl and Laura Dahl Sarnelli
Daniel and Samantha Daly
Christopher Danely and Michelle Kim-Danely
Eiler Family Fund
Mary Firestone
Board of Trustees
Alexis Weaver, President
Steve Welton, Vice-President
Megan Sharma, Secretary
Nicholas Thacher, Treasurer
Paloma Arnold ‘92
Theresa Borgatello
Daniel Emmett
Michael Groeninger
Beth Skidmore
Lori Weathers
Tina Wood
Jessica Stovall, Riviera Ridge
Family Association President
Thank You to Everyone
who Volunteered for the 2021-2022 School Year!
Anonymous
Gordon Abra
Paloma Arnold
Michelle Beamer
Laura Boles
Theresa Borgatello
Christina Broderick
Lisa Camenzind
Christine Carter
Maribeth Claassen
Noel Cohen
Shelly Cole Mortiz
Toni Connolly
Meg Dana
Angie Davis
Jenny Deakyne
Norah Dunbar
Aleks Dunn
Daniel Emmett
Andrew Firestone
Heidi Frost
Bridget Gardner
Michael Gardner
Jessica Gin
Ellie Glazer
John Gomez
Nikki Greene
Angela Groeninger
Mike Groeninger
Paige Harvey
Ashley Hayes
Tanny Hodgetts
Rebecca Horrigan
Shannon Kaminski
Jamie Kellogg
Nancy Kerr
Frank and Joseph Gila Fund
Dario Furlati
Michael and Bridget Gardner
Jay and Marsha Glazer
Intel
Analise Maggio
Rusty and Kara Reed
Roger S. Firestone Foundation
Sangham Foundation
Sattler Beneficial Trust
Ben Sprague
Joe and Dsara Storment
Alex and Lori Weathers
Mike and Alexis Weaver
Steve and Anne Welton
Jenny Kustura
Meredith LeBeau
Helen Lind
Erinn Lynch
Christina McConathy
Andrea McFarling
Macy McGinness
Fay McGovern
Gary Messineo
Koji Nomura
Stacy Nomura
Patti Pagliei
Jenna Perez
Jesse Perez
Meghan Woodsome
Susannah Porter
Cassie Rapp
Antonette Renteria
Patricia Sadeghian
Pam Sanchez
Marie Schumacher
Megan Sharma
Vijay Sharma
John Simpson
Beth Skidmore
Amber Sprague
Ben Sprague
Jessica Stovall
Victoria Strong
Nicholas Thacher
Mary Ann Valois
Lori Weathers
Alexis Weaver
Mike Weaver
Steve Welton
Tina Wood
Mike Wyrsta
Deann Zampelli
Annual Fund Participation
Junior Kindergarten - 72% Kindergarten - 94%
1st Grade - 68%
2nd Grade - 92%
3rd Grade - 75%
4th Grade - 72%
5th Grade - 93%
6th Grade - 81%
7th Grade - 90%
8th Grade - 79%
The Gary Messineo Classic
Thank you to the sponsors, donors, committee members, volunteers, and golfers of The Gary Messineo Classic!
We appreciate the efforts of the enthusiastic and committed golf committee and volunteers who put on a fantastic golf tournament on October 22, 2021. This year’s 14th annual tournament was another huge success, raising over $30,000! A huge thank you to our alumni and alumni families who joined us this year! It was an absolutely picture-perfect day and a tremendously successful benefit for The Riviera Ridge School and the school’s Athletic Programs.
Chair
Norah Dunbar
Volunteers
Angie Davis
Heidi Frost
John Gomez
Nikki Greene
Fay McGovern
Gary Messineo
Stacy Nomura
Vijay Sharma
Victoria Strong
Alexis Weaver
Mike Weaver
Tina Wood
Double Eagle
Damitz, Brooks, Nightingale, Turner & Morrisset
Hazelwood Allied Moving & Storage
Helistrand, Inc.
MarBorg Industries, Inc.
Ventura County Radiation Oncology Medical Group, Inc.
Eagle
The Danely Family
Corporate Mover
Waxing Poetic and The Shopkeepers
Corporate Athletic Booster
American Riviera Bank
John Lambe Construction, Inc.
Hole
Angela Kile Insurance Services
Bartlett, Pringle & Wolf, LLP
The Greene Family–
Larame, Nikki, Kian, and Nica
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, LLC
Families and Businesses Who Have Graciously Donated to This Event
Drs. Gordon Abra and Norah Dunbar
Arigato Sushi
Asher Market
Belmond El Encanto Hotel
Bristol Farms
Corks n’ Crowns
Angie Davis
Draughtsmen Aleworks
Aleks and Travis Dunn
Robert and Sherryle Dunn
Embermill
Glen Annie Golf Club
John and Jan Gomez
Ashley Hayes
Island Packers Cruises
Jaffurs Wine Cellars
Barbara and Todd LeFebvre
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, LLC
MarBorg Industries, Inc.
Doug and Andrea McFarling
Montecito Bank & Trust
Nick Morello
Koji and Stacy Nomura
Tad O’Connor and Dolly Lappico
Oku
Kristopher and Michellene Parker
Prevail Conditioning
Riviera Towel Company
Santa Barbara Golf Club
Hector and Molly Seguel
Scott Stefan and Deborah Bettencourt
Third Window Brewery
Toyota of Santa Barbara
Ventura County Radiation Oncology Medical Group, Inc.
Alexis and Mike Weaver
“There are so many opportunities at Riviera Ridge for our students to explore and grow outside of the classroom. From working together on leadership skills that will stay with them beyond Riviera Ridge.”
- Drea Dowdy, Director of Athletics and Auxiliary Programs
Home on the Ridge
A Benefit Auction for The Riviera Ridge School
In April, The Riviera Ridge School celebrated their first in-person annual auction gala since 2019, with the theme “Home on The Ridge.” Faculty, staff, and families enjoyed a beautiful evening at the sprawling Lower School field for a Western-themed gathering focused on building community and supporting the school. The event featured a live auction, videos of students and teachers reveling in their learning environments, a raffle, and a delicious three-course dinner from Riviera Ridge parent, Koji Nomura.
Attendees bid on exciting silent auction items such as vacation homes in Norway and Santa Ynez, experiences such as front row seats to 8th grade graduation, and the Riviera Ridge VIP title, which includes front row seats to school performances and a parking space on campus. Parents also bid on the “Head of School for a Day” item, where their child gets to call the shots at Riviera Ridge for a day (this usually involves a pizza party).
All of the over $435,000 raised went towards ensuring that the school continues to provide incredible academic programs and resources for our students and to support the faculty and staff as well. “The Love Our People Paddle Raise” went toward faculty enrichment and professional development, summer curriculum planning, and attendance at top-tier conferences and training. Faculty are already gleaning new innovative and creative programming ideas for students at conferences across the country. Live music from Riviera Ridge parents John Simpson and Cord Pereira and their band, The Doublewide Kings created a truly celebratory tone as the community came together in spirited support of RRS.
Auction Sponsors
Palomino - $5,000
The Bristol-Emmett Family
MarBorg Industries, Inc.
Ben Sprague and Analise Maggio
Appaloosa - $3,500
Anonymous
Arnold Brothers Construction
Gordon Abra and Norah Dunbar, Matthew and Paloma Arnold, Christian McGrath and Angie Davis, Alex and Lori Weathers, and Mike and Alexis Weaver
Peter and Lisa Camenzind
Steve and Ann Welton
Noel and Emily Cohen
The O’Neill and Skidmore Families
Neil and Tina Wood/Step 3
The Storment Family
Paint - $2,000
Big Green Cleaning Company
Bristol Farms
Dr. Tad O’Connor and Dolly Lappico
Reicker, Pfau, Pyle & McRoy, LLP
Riviera Ridge Board of Trustees
Quarter Horse - $1,000
Beacon Pointe Advisors
First Republic Bank
Hurka Construction
SEPPS, Inc.
The Stefan-Bettencourt Family
Paddle Raise Supporters
$25,000+
The Duggan and Storment Family
Rusty and Kara Reed
$5,000-$24,999
Anonymous
Laura Bialis
Henri Bristol and Daniel Emmett
Eiler Family Fund
Roger Kjensrud
Analise Maggio
William and Kamala Parris
Jesse and Jenna Perez
Joe and Dsara Storment
Bill and Victoria Strong
Brady and Nathalie Thurman
Mike and Alexis Weaver
$2,500-$4,999
Peter and Lisa Camenzind
Drew and Christine Carter
Noel and Emily Cohen
Joseph and Venessa Hurka
Michael and Nancy Martz
Steve and Anne Welton
Neil and Christina Wood
$1,000-$2,499
Mathew and Paloma Arnold
Dana and Elizabeth Barat
Sean and Maritza Best
Andrew and Ivana Firestone
Jay and Marsha Glazer
Larame and Nikki Greene
Drs. Calvin and Sonia Kim
Peter Wood and Erinn Lynch
Mac and Macy McGinness
Tim and Taryn O’Neil
Vijay and Megan Sharma
Will and Beth Skidmore
Dr. Mario Viani and Stacy Stricklin-Viani
Ashley and Amanda Transki
$500-$999
Gordon Abra and Norah Dunbar
Angie Davis and Christian McGrath
Herb Kaighan
Nancy and Bryan Kerr
Barbara and Todd LeFebvre
Chris Ralston and Lan Chau
Jane Simpson
Nicholas and Sally Thacher
Gifts Up to $499
Karina and Nathaniel Arnold
Beth Brown
Derek Carlson and Theresa Borgatello
Dr. Joesph and Katie Frawley
Andrew and Jessica Gin
Jonathan and Heather Gottlieb
Michael and Angela Groeninger
Rob Herting and Kelly Pennino
Rodney and Teri Lee
Doug and Andrea McFarling
Dr. Mark and Andrea Torchin
Alex and Lori Weathers
Special Thanks
Master of Ceremonies & Auctioneer
Andrew Firestone
Entertainment
The Doublewide Kings Band
Catering
Koji Nomura and Harold Welch
The Berry Man, Inc.
The Tent Merchant
Beverages
Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal
Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard
McCormick Distilling Company
Third Window Brewing
Audio Visual
SPARK Creative Group
Valet
BlueStar Parking
Decor
Anonymous
Costco Wholesale
Travis and Aleks Dunn
Florabundance
Jedlicka’s Saddlery, Inc.
La Cumbre Feed
Terra Sol Garden Center
Trader Joe’s
Invitation, Ad, & Program Production
Ryan Vogel
Pacific Press
Community & Love Your People
Videos
Aleks Dunn
Class Projects
Special thanks to Riviera Ridge’s incredible art teacher Ms. Alex Shennum and parent-extraordinaire Jenny Deakyne
Aleks Dunn
Travis Dunn
Rebecca Horrigan
Tayllor Johnson
Andrea McFarling
John Penton
Facilities and Event Set-up
Fernando Martinez, Director of Facilities and Operations
Ana Maria Baez
Felipe Rodriguez-Gonzales
Miguel Solis
Alumni from the Marymount Classes of 2019, 2020, and 2021
gratitude for the commitment and passion of our faculty and staff raised over $150,000! Play Paddle Raise!
Our
Auction Committee 2022
Anonymous
Gordon Abra
Paloma Arnold
Michelle Beamer
Theresa Borgatello
Maribeth Claassen
Noel Cohen
Shelly Cole Moritz
Angie Davis
Jenny Deakyne
Daniel Emmett
Andrew Firestone
Bridget Gardner
Michael Gardner
Angela Groeninger
Mike Groeninger
Ashley Hayes
Paige Harvey
Shannon Kaminski
Christina McConathy
Koji Nomura
Stacy Nomura
Patti Pagliei
Pam Sanchez
Megan Sharma
John Simpson
Beth Skidmore
Ben Sprague
Jessica Stovall
Our Generous Donors
The Riviera Ridge School gratefully acknowledges all the generous donors who contributed from July1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. Gift levels for each donor represent the donor’s total giving for the year. We give special recognition to those donors who made a gift to the Endowment Fund (E) and those generous supporters who contributed $3,000 or more to the Annual Fund as Head of School’s Club member (H).
Nicholas Thacher
Mary Ann Valois
Lori Weathers
Alexis Weaver
Steve Welton
Tina Wood
Advancement Department
Chris Broderick, Head of School
Andrea McFarling, Director of Development
Molly Seguel, Director of Admission
Jaime Nelson, Director of Communications & PR
Aleks Dunn, Director of Media Arts & Advancement Services
$25,000 and above
Robert Duggan
Rusty and Kara Reed (H)
$20,000 to $24,999
Anonymous (H)
Henri Bristol and Daniel Emmett (H)
Frank and Joseph Gila Fund (H)
$10,000 to $19,999
Anonymous (H)
Laura Bialis (H)
Eric Boisvert and Sarah Virello (H)
Daniel and Samantha Daly (H)
Eiler Family Fund (H)
Jay and Marsha Glazer (H)
William and Kamala Parris
Roger S. Firestone Foundation (H)
Sattler Beneficial Trust (H)
Ben Sprague (H)
Joe and Dsara Storment (H)
Brady and Nathalie Thurman (H)
$5,000 to $9,999
Sarah and Christopher Blanc (H)
Peter and Lisa Camenzind (H)
Scott and Mary Claassen (H)
Noel and Emily Cohen (H)
Hayden Felice and Lucy Firestone
Ivor Miskulin and Ellie Glazer
Analise Maggio (H)
MarBorg Industries, Inc.
Tim and Taryn O’Neil
Jesse and Jenna Perez
Sangham Foundation
Bill and Victoria Strong
Mike and Alexis Weaver (H)
Steve and Ann Welton (H)
Neil and Christina Wood
$3,000 to $4,999
Matthew and Paloma Arnold
Arnold Brothers Construction, Inc.
Darrell and Kirsten Becker (H)
Christina and John Broderick (H)
Drew and Christine Carter
Steven Dahl and Laura Dahl Sarnelli (H)
Christopher Danely and Michelle
Kim-Danely (H)
Robert and Christine Emmons (H)
Andrew and Ivana Firestone
Dario Furlati (H)
Michael and Bridget Gardner (H)
Joseph and Venessa Hurka
Drs. Calvin and Sonia Kim
Dr. Tad O’Connor and Dolly Lappico
Vijay and Megan Sharma
Will and Beth Skidmore
Ashley and Amanda Transki
Megan and William Trigg
Alex and Lori Weathers (H)
Peter Wood and Erinn Lynch
$1,000 to $2,999
Gordon Abra and Norah Dunbar
American Riviera Bank
Ryan and Kiki Ander
Dana and Elizabeth Barat
Sean and Maritza Best
Big Green
Kirk and CeCe Borchardt
Bristol Farms
David and Louise Cannell
Creative Auctions
Damitz, Brooks, Nightingale, Turner & Morrisset
Angie McGrath
Jay and Margot Dorion
Tim and Marty Farrell
Jeffie Feakins
First Republic Bank
Jay and Marsha Glazer
Jonathan and Heather Gottlieb
Larame and Nikki Greene
Michael and Angela Groeninger
Helistrand
Tanny Hodgetts
Greg and Susan Hogan
Hurka Construction
John Lambe
James Kellogg and Susannah Porter
Andrew and Ashley Kirk
Roger Kjensrud
Michael and Nancy Martz
Casey and Melissa McCann
Doug and Andrea McFarling
Mac and Macy McGinness
Reicker, Pfau, Pyle & McRoy, LLP
Jose Sanchez and Antonette Renteria
SEPPS, Inc.
Slkowitz Living Trust
Scott Stefan and Deborah Bettencourt
Dr. Mario Viani and Stacy Stricklin-Viani
Nicholas and Sally Thacher
The Pennestri Family Trust
The Shopkeepers - SB
Waxing Poetic
Michael and Ines Wyrsta
Kevin and Libby Yardi
Milton and Deann Zampelli
Gifts up to $999
Jethro and Camila Acosta
Anonymous
Cameron and Charlotte Archibald
Nathaniel and Karina Arnold
Andrew and Valerie Arnold
Ana Maria Baez Padilla
Bartlett, Pringle & Wolf, LLP
Emily Baxter
Sarah Boggs and Peter Oblander
Aaron and Laura Boles
Aaron and Megan Bright
Beth Brown
Drs. Mario and Rosy Bucio
Paul and Solange Burns
Pia Camenzind
Sarah Camp
Darnell Campbell
Scott Campbell and Jessica Wegman
Derek Carlson and Theresa Borgatello
Kelly and Elizabeth Caylor
Kito Cetrulo
Michael and Betsy Challen
Chris Ralston and Lan Chau
Gregory and Denby Cogert
Brendan and Antonia Connolly
Sofia Coto
Brianna Craviotto
Meg Dana
Miriam Dance
Madina Daudi
James and Erica Delaney
Vincent and Ann-Marie Derosa
Benjamin Smith and Stephanie Do
Brian and Drea Dowdy
David Drabik and Katinka Goertz
Travis and Aleks Dunn
Mojdeh and Sharif Elasyouty
Gregory and Wendy Fehr
Mike and Maria Ferrone
Mary Firestone
Jeffrey Becker and Dawn Fitzgerald
Shawn Forry and Andrea Borgatello Forry
Anna Forterra
Joe and Katie Frawley
Marilyn Freeman
Diona Fulton
Garrett Cole and Laura Gibb
Andrew and Jessica Gin
Ian and Adrienne Grover
Brandon and Betty Hall
Norman Hannotte and Jennifer Bower
Peter Hansen and Whitney Brooks Hansen
Brooks and Elizabeth Hansen
Paige Harvey and Kim Johnston
Vernon and Catherine Hayes
Rob Herting and Kelly Pennino
Tim Hogan and Patricia Sadeghian
Jerry and Barbara Holt
Rebecca Horrigan
Francis Macdonald and Kelsey Jack
Joeana Jimenez
Carol Johansing
Darol Joseff and Janet Pickthorn
Herb Kaighan
Stephen Kaminski
Patrick and Kate Keeley
Dauri Kennedy
Nancy and Bryan Kerr
Angela Kile Insurance Services
Steven and Erin Kozaki
Magnus Wedhammar and Lauri Kriva
Mikhail Kurov and Natalya Leverkova
Matt and Jenny Kustura
Rodney and Teri Lee
Stephen Chang and Jennifer Lee
Todd and Barbara LeFebvre
Laura Levi
Sean and Sarada Lewis
Keith and Shirley Llewelyn
Nicholas and Amy Long
Nathan and Leyla Lynn
Levi and Daniela Maaia
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area LLC
Guerdon and Marty Marshall-Smith
Christopher and Xochitl Martinez
Fernando Martinez
William and Christina McConathy
Alessandra McCoy
Joseph McNamee and Elizabeth Siegel
McNamee
Melanie McQueen
Drs. Max Moritz and Shelly Cole Moritz
Dr. Gretchen Murray
Ken and Christy Murray
Jason and Jaime Nelson
Edward and Erica Nolasco
Koji and Stacy Nomura
Warren and Marissa Nybakkenen
George and Helen O’Brian
Kristopher and Michellene Parker
Bryan Peariso
John and Hayley Penton
Evan Pickering and Meghan Woodsome
Dr. David and Davece Pires
Ian and Rebekka Putnam
Abe and Mari Quinteros
Steven and Samira Ramirez
Cassie Rapp
Leah Ratti
Raytheon
Zed and Peggy Reagan
Michael Reeves
Eddie and Elizabeth Reiter
Pointe
Beacon
Wealth Advisors
Dr. Nathaniel and Reanna Rich
Mark Richardson
Brady Bustany and Sydney Roberts
Felipe Rodriguez-Gonzalez
Drs. Anthony Romero and Charish Barry-Romero
Jennifer Rose
Kris and Steph Roth
Morgan Rydell
Darrick and Rebecca Ryser
Sergio and Pam Sanchez
Eric and Marie Schumacher
Hector and Molly Seguel
Abe and Autumn Shelton
Alex Shennum
Jane Simpson
John Simpson and Patti Pagliei
Ian and Jill Smith
Miguel Solis
Sandi Strouse
Drs. Tyler and Dana Susko
Dr. Mark and Andrea Torchin
John Trapasso
Nivaldo and Ann Tro
Ty and Katie Varing
Kirk and Anne Walters
Ed Weathers
Karen Wendel
Bryce and Jeannie Wendel
Melissa Wilder
Lisa Wolfe
Xifeng Yan and Connie Fan
Stephanie and Kathy Yeung
Thank You!
Our Faculty and Staff went above and beyond. We dedicate this year’s annual report to them!
Play
“The Annual Fund is the hallmark of community support for our school. It has continuously allowed for the initiatives and objectives of our Social Emotional Learning and Student Wellness Program to come to fruition. As a result of the Annual Fund, we have been able to enhance our professional development as educators to meet the needs of our students and to strive for a community where all students feel like they have a safe school of belonging.”
- Dr. Mario Bucio, Director of Student Wellness and DEI Services
Ways You Can Give
Annual Fund
The Annual Fund is the most critical ongoing fundraising effort for our School and community. Unrestricted gifts help the School meet annual expenses such as faculty salaries, new programs, upgrades in technology, and tuition assistance.
Tea House Legacy Society
The Tea House Legacy Society honors those who inform the School that we are included in their estate plans. Such contributions may include gifts of cash, securities, tangible property, real estate, or life insurance. Gifts may be made through bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable ramainder trusts, or charitable lead trusts.
Matching Gifts
Many companies have matching gift programs that support various nonprofit organizations. The company for which you or your spouse works may match any cash or stock gift you make - sometimes on a dollar-for-dollar basis or more.
Gifts of Securities
Gifts may include alternative, non-cash contributions such as appreciated assets, stocks, or real estate.
The Annual Report presents donations received by The Riviera Ridge School from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this Annual Report. If errors or omissions have inadvertently occurred, please accept our apologies.
Please direct changes or concerns to Katrina Sprague, Director of Development and Community Engagement, 805-569-1811 ext. 234 or ksprague@rivieraridge.org
Click here to contribute to The Riviera Ridge School
Tea House Legacy Society
Many who care deeply about the School have found that thoughtfully structured planned gifts help them make meaningful contributions while meeting personal planning goals as well. The Tea House Legacy Society honors those who inform Riviera Ridge that the School is included in their estate plans.
Marie Celine Ardinghe*
William Bielby and Keek Lee
Verna Cook*
Bob and Christine Emmons
Pier Gherini*
Amy and Chris Giles
John S. Haigh and Margaret Neil Haigh Family Trust*
Marian Mullin Hancock*
Michael and Nancy Martz
Doug and Andrea McFarling
Susan E. Mirattie Trust*
William and Dolores E. Pollock
Thomas and Charmaine Rogers
Daniel A. and Edna J. Sattler
Beneficial Trust*
Mr. Scott Stefan and Ms. Deborah Bettencourt
Alex and Lori Weathers
Andrew and Molly Wooden
*Deceased
where I felt supported and inspired to try new things and get out of my success so far in High School.”
- TJ Deakyne, Class of 2022
Thank You Andrea McFarling
After 17 dedicated years with the Marymount and Riviera Ridge community, auction mastermind, Andrea McFarling took her final bow as the Director of Development with the close of the 20212022 school year.
Andrea began with Marymount in the summer of 2005 and her accomplishments are many: in her time leading the Development Office, Andrea can be credited with leading the fundraising efforts of a successful endowment campaign, several capital campaigns funding exciting campus renovations and new facilities, the Annual Fund, and dozens of auctions and golf tournaments. Andrea’s passion and dedication to our community raised millions of dollars over the course of her tenure, supporting our teachers, families, and students.
In addition to Andrea’s many professional contributions, her husband, Doug, and two sons, Drewes ’15 and Kellmer ’19 were members of the Marymount/Riviera Ridge community since 2005 as well. Volunteering at every event and family activity, they supported the School with their tireless enthusiasm and commitment to service. We couldn’t be more grateful for their involvement.
During our Closing Circle we were able to thank and honor Andrea in person for her 17 years of service. We are incredibly grateful for the passion and care she has given to our community, and we wish her great success as she begins her next adventure.
Happy Retirement Katie
After 35 years of teaching, this June we celebrated Katie Frawley’s retirement and incredible service to our community. We are beyond lucky that Frawley found a home at Marymount/Riviera Ridge and dedicated 30 years of her impressive career to helping our students be their best selves. As a 3rd grade teacher, Frawley is famous for teaching cursive, reading, writing, and more, but perhaps the most important lessons she taught were about being good humans; she never failed to make her students and colleagues feel loved.
We’ll always remember how she graciously hosted every end of the year celebration or staff get together in her sprawling backyard and sent us off into summer with a heartfelt Irish Blessing at Closing Circle. At our dedication of the Marymount Heritage Meditation Garden last fall, we surprised the community with
the dedication of Frawley’s Fountain in her honor. We officially celebrated Katie’s retirement with a special end-of-year celebration in the Meditation Garden in June. Though Katie is no longer a faculty member at our school, her teachings and legacy of love will always echo through our halls.
Happy Trails!
In sincere gratitude for 30 years of service, smiles, and spirit! Cheers to Mrs. Frawley!
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Middle School Genius in Action
From our newest Signature Program, STEAM2, to participating in the Middle School Honors Initiative, Riviera Ridge students are prepared to enter the world with confidence!
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We are Attending
Bishop Diego High School
Addison Barat
Avery Carter
Nico DeRosa
Emma Johnson
Vladimir Keister
Connor Kolbusz
Cate School
Charles Dorion
Braeden Parker
Fallon Erickson
Dos Pueblos High School
Robert Abra-Dunbar
Kiran Baldocchi
Ryland Weaver
Ojai Valley School
Aspen Nybakken
San Marcos High School
Calvin Bustany
TJ Deakyne
Logan Patterson
Jack Trigg
Santa Barbara High School
Brennan Cogert
Liam Hodgetts
Oliver Nielsen
Tyler Nomura
Claire Putnam
Ember Reiter
Hailee Sanchez
Lily Schumacher
Nico Seguel
Cameron Weathers
Ian Zampelli
Taft School
Logan Reed
Honors & Awards
The Angel Award 2022
Each year at graduation, an adult in our school community who has given outstanding service is recognized. We are proud to honor Pam Sanchez with this year’s Angel Award.
Gwynne Schultz Award for Academic Excellence Robert Abra-Dunbar
Kyle Forouzandeh Service Award TJ Deakyne
Visual Arts Award Claire Putnam
Deanne Anders Award for Excellence in Theater Arts Avery Carter
Dr. Dolores Pollock Marymount “M” Award Emma Johnson
Leadership Award Logan Reed
Outstanding Male Athlete Charlie Dorion
HEART Award Vladimir Keister
Deanne Anders Award for Excellence in Theater Arts Ember Reiter
Outstanding Female Athlete Fallon Erickson
The Hope of America Award Braeden Parker
Rising Star Award Ryland Weaver
Years of Service
Thank you and Congratulations to the following faculty and staff who celebrated milestone years of service. We are grateful to all of the wonderful Riviera Ridge #edurockstars for bringing amazing inspiration, imagination, and innovation to our campus and students every day!
5 Years of Service
John Penton, Middle School Faculty and Advisor
Leah Ratti, Associate Director of Finance and HR Services
Rebecca Ryser, Middle School Division Coordinator
10 Years of Service
Jaime Nelson, Director of Communications and PR
15 Years of Service
Elizabeth Hansen, Lower School Faculty
Jenny Kustura, Lower School Division Coordinator and 2nd Grade Faculty
Matt Kustura, JK-8 Learning Specialist
Rodney Lee, Lower School Math and Science Specialist
Melanie McQueen, JK Faculty
Alumni News
Michelle Greene, Goleta City Manager Michelle Greene retired after 18 years with the city on June 30, 2022. She has been in the job since 2014. She previously served as deputy city manager, administrative services manager and a management analyst.
Will Hahn ‘13, During the 2022 season Will served as the Production Assistant for the LA Kings production department. In this role he created a wide range of content, from social media edits to tributes for franchise players.
Grace Burford ‘13, graduated from Loyola Marymount, Screenwriting in June of 2020. She is working for William Morris Endeavor in Motion Pictures in Beverly Hills.
Will Borghesani ‘14, Graduated Cum Laude from the University of Montana with a political science major, history minor, and a certificate in philosophy, politics, and law. Was also part of the Davidson Honors College at UM and earned the distinction of graduating as a university scholar.
Ava Burford ‘15, graduated from UCLA, Political Science in June of 2022. She is working for United Talent Agency in Digital Media in Beverly Hills.
Quinn Stefan ‘17, Quinn is a second-year physics major at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Noah Manzarek ‘18, Won the Luschei Arts Award for Poetry in the teen category. The Competition was held at the Carpinteria Arts Center on May 16th.
Olivia Dorion ‘18, Olivia graduated from Cate in May and is loving her first few months at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. At Cate’s Commencement, Olivia was the recipient of the 2022 Morgan Gwynne Temby ‘69 Award, which is given each year to a student who has shown deep concern for the welfare of others. In addition to playing varsity volleyball, lacrosse and being a co-captain of the varsity soccer team, Olivia received the 2022 Sportsmanship Award for her representation of the highest ideals of athletic participation. Click Here to hear Olivia speak at Cate.
Congratulations to our Class of 2018 who are attending the following Colleges and Universities:
Sacramento State
Texas Christian University
East Carolina University
University of Miami
Colorado State University
Bates College
Claremont McKenna College
UCLA
UCSB
Arizona State University
Stanford University
University of San Diego In
Ryan Leone ‘00
Memoriam
What We Do | Mission
We provide student-centered, individualized learning in a joyful, and nurturing community, inspiring academic
Why We Do It | Vision
To empower individual potential, inspire purpose beyond self, and cultivate social responsibility.
Ideas We Live By | Values
Academic Excellence, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Diversity, Ethical Responsibility, Joy, Kindness, Resilience.