Small steps to big futures
2023 - 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
From the Board President
Dear Riviera Ridge Community,
Each visit to The Riviera Ridge School continues to fill me with great joy, appreciation and hope. Before my child Nico graduated from RRS (now ensconced and thriving at the Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy), my visits were mainly to the classroom, for example to read a story to the class in 3rd grade, or to the athletic fields, to watch the Mustangs in action, or to the Multi Purpose Room or Battistone to watch the children sing or perform. Like you, my heart would light up watching kids in their element and to see the excitement and fun and mutual support amongst classmates. As well, I would meet Nico’s teachers and see the love and energy that these professionals put into each day and into each child and their growth. It seemed like we could power the City of Santa Barbara with that energy.
After I joined the Board, I have had the privilege of getting to know more of the staff and faculty in every area of the school including athletics, facilities, wellness, finance, development, engagement, enrollment, communications, technology and more! And, I have gotten to know (and love) the stars on the Administration Team including Chris Broderick, Andrea Torchin, and Molly Seguel that are helping to chart the future and continued success of RRS for decades to come. I have seen first-hand the devotion, care, creativity and thoughtfulness that go into every decision and the laughter and smiles that come along with it. If you want to have a better day, just speak with Molly Seguel and I’m willing to bet you walk away with a smile. Need an energy boost? Have a chat with Katrina Sprague! Want to see if the school knows how your child is feeling? Talk to Dr. Mario Bucio and he’ll be sure to know! I could go on and on.
In his book, Awaken the Giant Within , Tony Robbins says ‘Surround yourself with positive energy and watch your life transform.’ You’ve all taken a great step forward in that regard by joining The Riviera Ridge School Community. Enjoy the results!
Steve Welton, President Riviera Ridge Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees
Steve Welton, President
Daniel Emmett, Vice President
Beth Skidmore, Secretary
Michael Groeninger, Treasurer
Jose Sanchez
Tina Wood
Erinn Lynch
Theresa Borgatello
Stephanie Do
Lisa Spengler
Erica Storm
Ben Sprague
Jonathan Thompson II
Brady Thurman
Alexis Weaver
Jenny Deakyne, Riviera Ridge
Family Association President
Our Living Kaleidoscope
Kari Eiler K-8th Kaleidoscope Specialist
The Kaleidoscope Program was created in collaboration with UCSB’s Religious Studies Department in 2007. Through the leadership of Kari Eiler, the JK-8th Kaleidoscope Specialist, Kaleidoscope works to develop cultural literacy in our students by inviting them to experience diverse faith traditions through multicultural literature, Interfaith Speakers, and Sacred Site visits. Building an awareness and appreciation for others’ views prepares students to navigate an increasingly interconnected global landscape. Students learn to view world religion studies seeking connection instead of comparison: striving for partnership over superiority. Fostering empathy for others’ lived experiences by developing an authentic respect for different perspectives is achieved through investing time in listening to others’ stories.
Ethical Studies is woven into the Kaleidoscope programproviding a bridge from Junior Kindergarten to the 8th grade Kaleidoscope Capstone year. Character attributes of courage, honesty, hope, love, loyalty, justice, and respect provide universal landmarks for this Kaleidoscope journey. Students are invited to be active participants in this program: encouraged to exercise their agency as relates to their purpose beyond self. Each Kaleidoscope class is curated to honor participants’ curiosities, as well as considering current world events in a developmentally responsible manner. Students reveal their understanding through a variety of letter writing initiatives, class discussions, individual/collective art projects, group presentations- all created in honor of an inclusive learning environment.
Our Donors and Volunteers
Annual Fund Volunteers
Jamie Kellogg & Susannah Porter, Middle School Chairs
Jenna Perez, Lower School Chair
Maribeth Claassen
Mark & Becki Gonzales
Jayne Patterson
Shelby Scudder
Jose & Bianca Vega
Danah Williams
Tina Wood
As an Independent School educator in Santa Barbara, I know firsthand that the Annual Fund is a terrific opportunity to show gratitude to this amazing community of teachers and provide them with the resources they need to give our kids the best possible educational experience.”
— Jaime Kellogg, Parent of William ‘18 and Samuel ‘24
Donors in the 1938 Founders’ Circles supported the school with a gift of $3,000 or more between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023.
Innovation Circle
$20,000+
Anonymous
Henri Bristol and Daniel Emmett
Peter and Lisa Camenzind
Scott and Maribeth Claassen
Frank and Joseph Gila Fund
Belle Hahn
Lily Hahn Shining
Ben Sprague
Marianne Sprague
Imagination Circle
$7,500-$19,999
Anonymous
Noel and Emily Cohen
El Gato Channel Foundation
Jay and Marsha Glazer
Analise Maggio
Roger S. Firestone Foundation
Sattler Beneficial Trust
Brady and Nathalie Thurman
Neil and Christina Wood
Inspiration Circle
$3,000 - $7,499
Anonymous
Ryan and Kiki Ander
Christopher and Sarah Blanc
Kirk and Cece Borchardt
Christina and John Broderick
Alison Chase
Steven Dahl and Laura Dahl Sarnelli
Benjamin Smith and Stephanie Do
Mary Firestone
Andrew and Ivana Firestone
William Hayden Felice and Lucy Firestone
Michael and Bridget Gardner
Ivor Miskulin and Eleanor Glazer
Drs. Calvin and Sonia Kim
Chi and Caterina Lee
Nathan and Leyla Lynn
Rob and Connie Maday
Rand and Jane Marlis
The McConathy Family
Mac and Macy McGinness
Christian and Angie McGrath
Niall and Julie McNamara
Craig Miller and Sabina Vohra-Miller
Dr. Tad O’Connor
Tim and Taryn O’Neil
Michael and Alexandra Ramirez
Jose Sanchez and Antonette Renteria
Sangham Foundation
Steve Wolff and Elisabeth Schreiber
Will and Beth Skidmore
Katrina Sprague and Justin Fantl
James and Jill Vaccaro
Mike and Alexis Weaver
Steve and Ann Welton
Brent and Danah Williams
Anant and Eileen Yardi
Kaleidoscope Community Circle
$1,500 - $2,999
Anonymous
Matthew and Paloma Arnold
Big Green
Rachon and Nicole Banks
Dana and Elizabeth Barat
John and Jennifer Berger
Pj and Kimberly Brice
Beth Brown
Drs. Mario and Rosy Bucio
Esteban and Christine Camara
Jamie Cary and Brooke Ludi
Robert and Lauren Cashin
Michael and Betsy Challen
W. Charles Conway and Elizabeth Krenz
Tyler and Taryn Corral
Peter and Christina DaRos
Linzy Davis
Michael and Shawn Duca
Marianna and Brandon Eickmeier
Tim and Marty Farrell
Drew and Allie Ferris
Mike and Maria Ferrone
Mark and Becki Gonzales
Jonathan and Heather Gottlieb
Larame and Nicole Greene
Benjamin Halpern and Kimberly Selkoe
Paige Harvey and Kim Johnston
Andrew Hicks and Caitrin McKiernan
Timothy Hogan and Patricia Sadeghian
California Coastal Counseling
Derek Carlson and Theresa Borgatello
Drew and Christine Carter
Robert MacKichan and Catherine Chapple
Corliss Family
Tim and Jenny Deakyne
Sharif and Mojdeh Elasyouty
Emmett Fahey and Sharon Chandran
Daniel and Cara Ferrick
Jay and Deena Ferro
Michael and Angela Groeninger
Lord and Lady Robert Hope
Jakob Joenck and Viktoria Franova
James Kellogg and Susannah Porter
Bryan and Nancy Kerr
Andrew and Ashley Kirk
Eli and Stephanie Kupperman
Christophe and Jeanette Le Renard
Evan Pickering and Meghan Woodsome
Brooke and Shawna Reeder
RiderDown Foundation
Vijay and Megan Sharma
Abe and Autumn Shelton
Bill and Victoria Strong
Daniel and Claudia Waas
Herb Wildfeuer and Julie Carlson
Peter Wood and Erinn Lynch
Marymount
Heritage Circle
$500 - $1,499
Anonymous (2)
Acadia Healthcare
Brandon and Jessica Avrutin
Jonathan Thompson II and Amanda Thompson
Raiden and Kirsten Tsuboi
Jose and Bianca Vega
Mario and Stacy Viani
Kirk and Anne Walters
*“Walter” the Vending Machine
Scott Campbell and Jessica Wegman
Alexander and Alice Weller
Kathy and Stephanie Yeung
Mustang Spirit Circle
Up to $499
Anonymous
Joy Alafia
American Riviera Bank
Angela Kile Insurance Services
Ana Maria Baez Padilla
Joseph and Sarah Bardin
Emily and Tim Baxter
Sean and Maritza Best
Jonathan and Dena Birch
Bishop Garcia Diego High School
Jennifer Bower and Norman Hannotte
Ashley Burnett
Mary Ashley Burton
Anthony Fischer
Travis Magana and Shannon Foley
Anna and Jon Forterra
Diona Fulton
Steve Adrian and Gina Giannetto
Jesse and Pia Gillan
David Griffiths
Adrienne and Ian Grover
Brandon and Betty Hall
Elizabeth and Brooks Hansen
Nicholas and Meagan Harmon
John and Cami Helmuth
Rebecca Horrigan
Gregory and Crystal Jensen
Joeana Jimenez
Carol Johansing
Hospice of Santa Barbara
Moss and Kathleen Jacobs
Alexander Kaay and Eunice Lee
Roger Kjensrud
Alex and Annette Kowblansky
Carrie Lambert
William and Katherine Larsen
Griff and Ji Lee Sahlin
James and Carrie Li
Thad and Karen Lieb
Levi and Daniela Maaia
Kevin McCarthy and Colleen Riley-McCarthy
Ma’an Nasir
Edward and Erica Nolasco
Koji and Stacy Nomura
Pacifica Graduate Institute
Alumni Association
Andy Penso
Kenneth and Susan Radtkey
Steven and Samira Ramirez
Reicker, Pfau, Pyle & McRoy LLP
Kristopher and Stephanie Roth
Bill and Shannon Schroeder
Amir and Priyanka Shahheydari
Stephen and Molly Sobhani
Lisa Spengler
Jeff Mikeska and Erica Storm
The Riviera Ridge Family Association
Yuri and Elvia Calderon
Sarah Camp Darnell Campbell
Lindsey Campbell
Robert Casanova
Elizabeth and Kelly Caylor
Stephen Chang and Jennifer Lee
Gregory and Denby Cogert
Garrett Cole and Laura Gibb
Brendan and Antonia Connolly
Rafael Cordero and Greg Whitmore
Sarah Corliss
Geoffrey and Donnell Coulehan
Brianna Craviotto
Rachel Curtis
Meg Dana
Miriam Dance
Christopher and Michelle Danely
Truman Davies and Xorin Balbes
James and Erica Delaney
Vincent and Ann-Marie Derosa
Damian Deveze
Jason and Margot Dorion
Drea and Brian Dowdy
Kari Eiler
Tony and Cristina Elia
Wendy and Gregory Fehr
Ferris Orthodontic
Paul and Rose Filitchkin
Tayllor Johnson
Shannon Kaminski
Kate and Patrick Keeley
Karen Keltner and Austin Artis
Dauri Kennedy
Sharin and Adele Kurstin
Matt and Jenny Kustura
Lama Dog Tap Room + Bottle Shop
Kara Lappico
Tim and Meridith Lebeau
Rodney and Teri Lee
Laura Levi
Sean and Sarada Lewis
Keith and Shirley Llewellyn
Luis and Jennifer Lopez
Cameron Lyon and Nathalie Keller
James and Katherine Margolles
Alessandra McCoy
Doug and Andrea McFarling
Melanie McQueen
Max and Laura Menke
Zoe Michael
Evan and Tedde Minogue
Max Mortiz and Shelly Cole Moritz
Dan and Lorelai Moosbrugger
Ken and Christen Murray
Jaime and Jason Nelson
Kristopher and Michellene Parker
Tim and Jayne Patterson
*A staple in the Riviera Ridge Middle School, “Walter” the vending machine, has allowed students to develop philanthropic and life skills. Through “Walter”, students have contributed funds for various causes through partnerships with local nonprofits. So far this year, those partnerships have included, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, Storyteller Children’s Center and Gateway Educational Services. This year, students in the Middle School Service Brigade elective, the group that manages the stocking and accounting of “Walter ‘’ chose to use some of the funds generated to support their school’s mission and vision of “purpose beyond self” via the Annual Fund. Students voted to donate $500 in profits from the sale of healthy snacks sold in “Walter” throughout the winter term. Since most RRS middle school students purchase snacks from “Walter” it’s safe to say that 100% of 6th-8th grade students supported the Annual Fund this year!
Peak2pacific
Bryan Peariso
Rob Herting and Kelly Penino Herting
John and Hayley Penton
Jesse and Jenna Perez
Tim Moehrle and Tara Pesce-Moehrle
Joshua and Kadeine Peterson
David and Davece Pires
Mari and Abe Quinteros
Chris Ralston and Lan Chau
Kari Ramirez
James and Natalie Raring
Leah Ratti
Rusty and Kara Reed
Mike Reeves
Reanna and Nathaniel Rich
Roxanna Rivera
Felipe Rodriguez-Gonzales
Drs. Anthony Romero and Charish Barry-Romero
Jennifer Rose
Michael and Erika Rutledge
Rebecca and Darrick Ryser
Santa Barbara Carpet Cleaning
Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry
Santa Barbara Riviera Roses
Susan Schmidt
Anne Scribner
Shelby Scudder
Molly and Hector Seguel
Lior and Sivan Sepunaru
Sightir Inc.
John Simpson and Patti Pagliei
Richard and Andrea Smith
Miguel Solis
Lauren Spencer
Anna Stump
Nick and Sally Thacher
Thatcher Orthodontics
Andrea and Dr. Mark Torchin
Alex and Judd Torres
Burton and Iona Tripathi
Priscilla Turner
Jon and Mary Anne Valois
Julio and Amanda Vargas
Ty and Katie Varing
Verkada
Magnus Wedhammer and Lauri Kriva
Karen Wendel
Jesse and Kelly Wheeler
Melissa Wilder
Carlos and Kathryn Williams
Lisa Wolfe
Aaron Boles and Laura Yeh
Gala Benefit
The Riviera Ridge School’s 2024 Annual Gala at the beautiful Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort featured stunning floral centerpieces sprouting from live moss, whimsical six-foot tall paper mache flowers dotting the room, and the smiles of a vibrant school community. The sold-out Gala truly Bloomed, with over 250 guests coming together and raising more than the $200,000 goal.
Powerhouse Gala Chairs Ivana Firestone, Analise Maggio, Alexandra Ramirez truly outdid themselves again this year and could not have captured the theme “Bloom” more perfectly.
Kicking festivities off on a lively note, guests arrived early for the VIP Reception, featuring signature seasonal cocktails perfect for sipping on a spring evening. Emcee Andrew Firestone kept the excitement rolling as host of the live bidding and paddle raise. Highly desired items included a week at an Italian Villa, a stunning painting by Jill Vaccaro, and school-oriented perks, including VIP Parking and the chance to have your child become Head of School for the Day.
“The field of education never stops growing and improving as we learn how to serve our students and families,” Head of School Chris Broderick said. It is our joy and our passion to watch our students take root at our school and bloom into the best versions of themselves. This year’s Gala is about coming together to honor and support academic excellence and our extraordinary Riviera Ridge faculty while celebrating the healthy and nurturing community of students and families that choose our school to grow and flourish.”
All event proceeds will support the professional services and development of the Riviera Ridge faculty and the expansion of the Riviera Ridge signature programs for students, such as Kaleidoscope—the school’s unique world religions and service learning program—and ExSEL (Excellence in Social and Emotional Learning), the vertically integrated social-emotional and wellness program provided by the school’s Student Support Team.
Special thanks to...
Co-Chairs
Ivana Firestone
Analise Maggio
Alexandra K. Ramirez
Volunteers
Steve Chang
Maribeth Claassen
Nancy Downing-Kerr
Bridget Gardner
Ji Lee
Christina McConathy
Michellene Parker
Colleen Riley
Erika Rutledge
Patricia Sadeghian
Griff Sahlin
Liz Schreiber
Amir Shahheydari
Victoria Strong
Sandy Toye
Danah Williams
Tina Wood
Gala Sponsors
Get the Party POPPY’n Sponsors ($10K)
Roger S. Firestone Foundation
Belle Hahn & Lily Hahn Shining
Ben Sprague & Analise Maggio
MARIGOLDen Hour Sponsors ($6K)
The Wolff/Schreiber, Lord and Lady
Robert Hope, McNamara/Henley, McCarthy/Riley, and Williams Families
Hello DAHLIA Sponsors ($4K)
Cohen, Dahl, Smith, Kozaki, and Shelton Families
Craig Miller & Sabina Vohra-Miller
Dr. Tad O’Connor
Neil & Tina Wood, Step 3 & Drew & Christine Carter, Carpinteria Warehouses
VIOLET’s Get Down Sponsors ($2.5K)
Anonymous
Big Green
Dr. Tad O’Connor
The Riviera Ridge School Board of Trustees
BLOOMin’ Good Time Sponsors ($1K)
Acadia Healthcare
Anonymous
Arnold Brothers Construction, INC.
Blackbird Architects
Design Studio 34 (Sanchez Family)
Bryan & Nancy Kerr
Christian & Angie McGrath
Reicker, Pfau, Pyle & McRoy, LLP
SEPPS Land Use Consulting
The Skidmore Family
Jonathan Thompson II & Amanda Thompson
Brent & Danah Williams
Gala Donors
$5,000–$25,000
Anonymous
Henri Bristol and Daniel Emmett
Scott and Maribeth Claassen
El Gato Channel Foundation
Ben Sprague
Marianne Sprague
Brady and Nathalie Thurman
James and Jill Vaccaro
$2,500–$4,999
Ryan and Kiki Ander
Ben Smith and Stephanie Do
Andrew and Ivana Firestone
Steve Wolff and Elisabeth Schreiber
Justin Fantl and Katrina Sprague
Mike and Alexis Weaver
Steve and Ann Welton
Neil and Christina Wood
$1,000–$2,499
Anonymous
Robert MacKichan and Catherine Chapple
Tim and Jenny Deakyne
Larame and Nicole Greene
Lord and Lady Robert Hope
Chi and Caterina Lee
Nathan and Leyla Lynn
Rob and Connie Maday
Tim and Taryn O’Neil
Evan Pickering and Meghan Woodsome
Brook and Shawna Reeder
Vijay and Megan Sharma
Will and Beth Skidmore
Bill and Victoria Strong
$500–$999
Matthew and Paloma Arnold
Beth Brown
Steven Dahl and Laura Dahl Sarnelli
Peter and Christina DaRos
Sharif and Mojdeh Elasyouty
Drew and Allie Ferris
Jay and Deena Ferro
Michael and Angela Groeninger
Bryan and Nancy Kerr
Eli and Stephanie Kupperman
Carrie Lambert
William and Katherine Larsen
Griff and Ji Lee Sahlin
Mac and Macy McGinness
Jose Sanchez and Antonette Renteria
Abe and Autumn Shelton
Daniel and Claudia Waas
Peter Wood and Erinn Lynch
Gifts up to $499
Truman Davies and Xorin Balbes
Ian and Adrienne Grover
Jakob Joenck and Viktoria Franova
Analise Maggio
Darrick and Rebecca Ryser
Scott Campbell and Jessica Wegman
Ways to Give Finance & Development
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.
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.
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 remainder trusts, or charitable lead trusts. (Please see page 13.)
Advancement Department
Molly Seguel
Associate Head of School for Advancement
Katrina Sprague
Director of Development & Community Engagement
Jaime Nelson
Director of Marketing & Communications Mari Eickmeier
ExSEL Program
The Riviera Ridge School’s Excellence in Social Emotional Learning (ExSEL) program is our signature student wellness and learning support program developed in partnership with The Riviera Ridge Student Support Team to ensure confidence, resiliency, and care for every student. Led by our Director of Student Wellness, Dr. Mario Bucio, and School Counselor, Anna Forterra (LCSW), our research-developed SEL courses and learning support services focus on the individual needs of each child while also facilitating small groups that foster positive academic development and social-emotional growth. Students are given the confidence to practice soft skills in communication, relationships, and personal growth. Monthly parent education events are also held for both Lower School and Middle School Families.
(ALIT) since its inception in 2020. She earned her BS in Education from USC and earned her Master’s Degree in Education and Special Education Credential at Antioch University of Santa Barbara. Kate has recently participated in institutes and conferences through Learning and the Brain, focusing on executive function in reading, writing, math, ADHD, and SEL.
In our commitment to growing educational leaders and expanding our educational programs and services for our students, earlier this year, we had the opportunity to share our remarkable story of growth and development with various philanthropic friends and foundations interested in The Riviera Ridge School experience. We are proud to announce that an anonymous donor stepped forward with a pledge to further expand the services provided by our Student Support Team. The sole purpose of this gift is to provide 100% of the cost to fully fund two additional Learning Specialists who will expand the personalized learning approach we currently have in place for all our students.
With our future-focused strategic plan, noting the opportunity to “attract, hire, and retain world-class professionals,” we are proud to welcome Kate Keeley and Ursula Kennedy, serving as our JK-8 Learning Specialists joining the Student Support Team for the 202425 school year.
Kate joined Riviera Ridge in 2012. She started out as the Kindergarten Associate Teacher, followed by six years as the Junior Kindergarten Lead Teacher and Director, and is finishing her fourth year as a Kindergarten Lead Teacher. Kate has also been a member of the Riviera Ridge Academic Leadership and Innovation Team
Ursula Kennedy has spent the past twelve years, teaching and supporting the needs of neurodiverse learners, most recently at Seven Arrows Elementary in Pacific Palisades and implementing diverse remediation programs covering a wide range of subjects for students with varying abilities. Ursula earned her Master’s degree in teaching from Florida Southern College and a certificate in Educational Therapy from UC Riverside.
We are thrilled to be continuing our commitment to our Mission, Vision, and Values while modeling how an independent school should reflect a vigorous academic curriculum taught by highly qualified academic professionals, social and emotional intelligence, neurodiversity, ethical responsibility, and global awareness of different values and beliefs.
Student Support Team
Andrea Torchin
Associate Head of School for Teaching & Learning
Dr. Mario Bucio Director of Student Wellness
Anna Forterra, LCSW School Counselor
Rebecca Ryser Middle School Coordinator
Jenny Kustura
Lower School Coordinator
Matt Kustura
Learning Specialist and Program Coordinator
Kate Keeley & Ursula Kennedy
JK-8 Grade Learning Specialists
Jen Bower
School Nurse
Kate Keeley
JK-8 Learning Specialist
Ursula Kennedy
JK-8 Learning Specialist
Matt Kustura Learning Support Specialist
2024 Class Placements & Awards
Laguna Blanca
High School
Louisa Simpson Bishop Diego High School
Isla Barat
Performing Arts Award
Meah Jensen
Cate School
Alex Danely
Vivienne Delaney
Sam Kellogg
The M Award
Jackson Kerr
Hope of America Award
Academic Excellence Award
The Angel Award 2024
Each year at graduation, an adult in our school community who has given outstanding service is recognized. We are proud to honor Jamie Kellogg and Susannah Porter with this year’s Angel Award.
Class of 2020
Ava Benhayon
Lain Biles
Nathan Borgatello
Cassidy Broderick
Clara Cea Loewe
Matthew Chung
Malia Cogert
Jack Condon
Gia Elasyouty
Jade Farrise
Minnie Fehr
Isabel Gorman-Maldonado
Ada Hansen
Kiera Hay
Sophie Hernandez
Malia Hubbard
Katherine Ilina
Micah Jacobi
Ellie Kinderdick
Emma King
Congratulations on your graduation from High School
Max King
Nathan Lazaro
Simao Lima
Allister Linden
Amelia Lundgren
Celeste Mayoral
Mason Mikeska
Molly Nelson
Samantha Nestlerode
Raiden Nomura
Anissia Rivera
Chaz Rosales
Aliz Schuette
Sam Seiden
Simran Sharma
Joanne Tudor
Cole Weaver
Selah Wheeler
Santa Barbara High School
Felix Adrian-Giannetto
Ellie Cogert (MAD)
Griffin Gardner (MAD)
Adam Joenk
San Marcos High School
Simone Blanc (AAPLE) Visual Arts Award
Naomi Boles (AAPLE) Core Values Award
Tavai Kurstin
Sutera Raring Heart Award
Brynn Wood (AAPLE) Outstanding Service Award Academic Excellence Award
School
Dos Pueblos High
Preston Coulehan (DPEA) Visual Arts Award
Paige Ferro (DPEA) Outstanding Athlete
Kelsey Nighman
Sebastian Tripathi
Tabitha Weller
College Bound
Arizona State University
Baylor
Cal Poly
Loyola Marymount University
Northeastern
NYU
Pace University
Reed College
SBCC
Mary’s College
College UCLA
University of Iowa University of Miami
University of Tampa
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madeleine Oblander
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
Years of Service
Milestones
Alumni News
Thank you to these alumni who returned to campus to work as Counselors in Training for Summer on the Ridge, a Riviera Ridge School summer program for kids: Ashton Dowdy ‘23, Charlie LeRenard ‘23, Ellie Cogert ‘24, Liam Hodgetts ‘22, Luke Walters ‘23, Madison Transki ‘23, Molly Nelson ‘20, Sofia Gonzales ‘21, Tavai Kirstin ‘24, and Vlad Keister ‘22.
Gia Elasyouty ’20
Lifer, Gia Elasyouty ‘20, is excited to now attend UCLA, majoring in bioengineering at the Samueli College of Engineering. She attended Dos Pueblos High School and participated in the DPEA and IB programs, completing the engineering diploma and the IB Merit scholar pathway. She interned as a bioengineering assistant at ICRco biomedical firm which, paired with being heavily involved in leadership at the Engineering Academy, led her to her chosen major at UCLA.
Cooper Reed ’18
After graduating from The Riviera Ridge School, Cooper Reed ’18, enrolled at The Taft School in Connecticut for High School after one year at Bishop Diego. He received 8 varsity letters across Football, Basketball and Track. He subsequently got a Walk On offer from SMU football and is currently a sophomore at SMU.
Abbey Whelan ’21
spent July volunteering in Lima, Peru with young children through the International Volunteer HQ program. She heads into her senior year with Santa Barbara High.
Matthew Bailey Maloy ’16
graduated from the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Science at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Environmental Plant Sciences. Matthew is exploring opportunities in specialty crop production.
Malena Sugleris ’11
graduated with her bachelor’s degree and RN certificate in nursing last November 2023 and she is now working as an RN for West Hills hospital (now a part of UCLA)! Malena also has a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from CA State University Northridge.
Cole Weaver
graduated SBHS as a Distinguished Don and is excited to be joining the Class of 2028 at Reed College in Portland.
Mason Mikeska ’20
will be attending Cal Poly SLO for Architectural Engineering Fall 2024.
Anna Forterra 5 Molly Seguel 15
Beth Brown 15
From the Head of School
Dear Riviera Ridge School and Marymount Alumni Community,
With our 2023-2024 Annual Report, we proudly celebrate the remarkable achievements of our school and the incredible community of faculty and families. This year, we have examined the possibility of significant growth as a campus while maintaining our reputation for academic excellence and a culture of kindness. Thanks to our dedicated faculty and staff and the commitment of our Riviera Ridge families, the vision for our future continues to be filled with inspiration, imagination, and innovation for the years ahead. Here are a few highlights:
• We completed the All-School Master Planning Process in partnership with the Board of Trustees and Blackbird Architects.
• In partnership with Mission and Data consulting, we developed a comprehensive and strategic financial plan aligned with the 2023-24 Board of Trustees goals.
• We reviewed and implemented best practices in Enrollment Management, Communications, Marketing, and Development, resulting in our best admissions season to date and exceeding our fundraising goals in areas where we needed it most.
• In partnership with our outstanding Riviera Ridge Family Association, we continued to grow and support new families and returning parents with new events, activities, and community connections.
Once again, we thank 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. The Riviera Ridge School continues to thrive and excel as we head into our 86th year; we are so grateful to our loyal community for your commitment to our children’s education, health, and happiness.
In love and service,
Christina K. Broderick, M.S.Ed. Head of School
Mission What We Do
We provide student-centered, individualized learning in a joyful, and nurturing community, inspiring academic excellence and valuing difference.
Vision Why We Do It
Values Ideas We Live By
To empower individual potential, inspire purpose beyond self, and cultivate social responsibility.
Academic Excellence, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Diversity, Ethical Responsibility, Joy, Kindness, Resilience.
Small Steps to Big Futures
Upcoming Events
Inspired Minds: A Middle School Preview Night
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Prospective parents and students for 6th–7th grades are welcome.
Grandfriends’ Day
Friday, November 22, 2024
All grandparents and family friends welcome.
Maker Fair
Saturday, January 11, 2025
All families welcome.
Your support makes a lasting impact on our community. SCAN HERE TO MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY!
Gala Benefit
Friday, May 2, 2025
All adults welcome.
