Staff & Faculty Directory
Rio Vista Support Staff
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Matthew Klinefelter
Adeline Mendez
• BA History, CSUN
• MA, Educational Leadership; CSUN
• MS, Peer & Guidance Counseling; CLU
• I enjoy Softball and Reading
Simon Adame
Connie Alvarado
Victor Anaya
Veronica Barragan
Elias Batis
Juan Del Rio
Karen Horde
Ricardo Ortega
Sandra Pantoja
Lorena Rivera
George Thompson
Artist In Residence
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Diane DeLaurentis
• 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.
Hekar Rivera
• Musician, teacher, producer of music, audio, video & multimedia
• Studied music for 30 yrs, teaching for 20 yrs.
• Toured U.S. 4 times with Latin Pop band
• Composed soundtracks for professional theater.
• Composed soundtracks for professional theater.
• Runs independent music studio in Ventura.
Steve Sunnarborg
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. Also, 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. He also 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.
Rio Vista Teachers
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Louise Argend
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family traveling, camping, hiking and going to the beach.
• BA - Psychology, UCLA
• Multiple Subjects Credential - Math & Science, CLU
• Master of Education - PE, Azusa Pacific
Wendy Bjork
I am available to assist your student every day at lunch!
• Multiple Subject Credential & English
• 8 yrs. Rio District
• 17 yrs. Oxnard High District
• 2 yrs. Lancaster - 6th grade
• 1 yr. Southern Kern Unified, 1st grade
Mireya Chavez
Ryan Delaway
I love my job, and I never have a day where I say to myself, "I don’t want to go to work."
• B.A. - History
• Teaching Credential - Social Sciences
• Master of Arts - Teaching, emphasis in Professional Learning Communities.
Adam Erickson
I have been teaching since the Fall of 2010. I came to Rio Vista Middle School in the Fall of 2012, and have enjoyed every minute of it! I love to incorporate technology and skill practice into my classes!
• B.A. - History & English, CLU
• M.Ed. - Teacher & Curriculum Leadership, CLU
• M.A. - History, CSUN
Kim Fairchild
Born and raised in Oxnard & Ventura. I love reading, the outdoors, and spending time with family.
• B.A in Political Science, CSUN
• Multiple Subjects Credential, CLU
• M.A. Education, CLU
• 14 years - Rio District
Mary Fleming
I look forward to coming to work everyday, connecting with students and helping them grow to their greatest potential.
• 3rd year at Rio Vista
• B.A. Liberal Studies: UCSB
• Multiple Subject Credential: Western Governors University
John Franckowiak
This is my 13th year as a 6th grade teacher, and my 30th year overall as an employee in Rio. I absolutely love teaching here on the Rio Vista campus! I currently teach Math, Earth Science, and Study Skills.
• B.A., Liberal Studies, CSUN
• Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, CSUN
Augustine Garcia
I am a husband, father with 2 children that attend a Rio school. We love family time, the outdoors and have a curiosity of the world!
• AA from Honolulu Community College
• BA & Credential CLU
• BCLAD certified
• Teaching for 19 years
• Bilingual & SEI - 17 years
Maria Gutierrez
I have a love for reading and a passion for writing! I enjoy helping students become strong writers as they discover their voice and place in learning.
• B.A., Liberal Studies, CSUN
• Multiple Subject (K-12)
• CLAD and BCLAD
• South Coast Writing Fellow, UCSB, June 1997.
• Teaching for 27 years.
Lisa Herrera
• Employed at Rio School District for 20 years
• 12 years at Rio Del Valle JHS
• 8 years at Rio Vista MS
• B.A. English from UCSB
• Single-Subject English Credential from CSUN
• Proud graduate of the Rio School District-attended Rio Plaza, Rio Real, and Rio Del Valle
Rizza Husband
Cynthia Kirchner
• Teaching for 19 years in Colorado, Tennessee, Illinois, Kansas, Utah
• BS, Elementary Education/Math, Northern Illinois
• MS, Education Admin; Kansas
• I enjoy reading, hiking, gardening and spending time with family
Beth Lindley
Kim Lopez
• 9th year at Rio Vista
• B.S. Kinesiology emphasis in PE (SDSU)
• Teaching Credential: Physical Education (CSUN)
• M.S. Educational Counseling (University of La Verne)
• Pupil Personnel Service (PPS) Credential (University of La Verne)
Tessa Lopez
• 2nd year at Rio Vista
• BA, Music, Minor in Spanish - UCSB
• Studied abroad in Mexico & Spain
• Taught private guitar lessons
• Teaching credential - Antioch University, SB
I enjoy art, music, golf, hiking, comedy, traveling, and cat shelter volunteer.
Pamela Maddox
• 3rd year at Rio Vista, 5th year teaching
• BS - Electrical Engineering, BYU
• 10 Yrs - Electrical Engineer
• Credential, CSUN and CSCI
• Enjoying my "2nd career’" as a teacher!
I enjoy hiking, jogging, the beach, the mountains, and time with family & friends.
Dana Mainzer
• Over 15 Yrs Teaching
• 3 Yrs at Rio Vista
• BA Arts Education
• 3 Yrs ASB Advisor
• 2 Yrs SSC Chairman
I feel so blessed to have a career doing what I feel passionate about. The Arts bring people together; collaborating and creating a better world one show at a time.
Melanie Martin
• 4 Yrs at Rio Vista
• 2 Yrs - OC Private School
• 6 Yrs - CLU & community colleges
• BA English, CSULB
• MFA, Southern Illinois U
My free time is filled with reading, writing, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and Spin classes.
Hernan Martinez
• 6 Yrs at Rio Vista, 10 Yrs in the RSD
• BA, Liberal Studies, CSUN
• Multiple Subject, PE & History Credential, CSUN
• I am also a proud graduate of Rio Plaza & Rio Del Valle!
I enjoy coaching volleyball, riding my bike, and spending time with my family. My wife and I have a beautiful daughter and a new born son!
April McCarthy
• 36 Yrs at Rio District
• 23 Yrs Special Education
• BA, Special Ed Credential, APU
• MA Special Ed, APU
• As a child I attended Rio Plaza & Rio Del Valle
I enjoy traveling anywhere in the U.S. by car. Camping is one of the most favorite things to do, and my husband and I still use a tent! My family is very important to me.
Gena Mathwin
• 2 Yrs at Rio Vista
• 34 Yrs in the Rio District!
• BA Liberal Studies, CSUN
• MA Educational Leadership, CSUN
In my spare time I enjoy horseback riding, water skiing, and pretty much everything about the country life. But the best of all, is spending time with my new grandson!
Amy Murphy
• 13 Yrs Rio District
• Prior work - fisheries biologist, CA Dept of Fish & Game
• B.S., Environmental Biology
• M.S., Science Education
I decided to become a teacher to share my joy of science with kids! In my free time I enjoy hiking, kayaking, traveling, gardening, and playing with my dog.
Cameron Ohl
• 9 Yrs at Rio Vista
• 12 Yrs in Rio District
• B.S., PE with emphasis Athletic Coaching, Northern Arizona University
• Single Subject Credential PE, CSUN
I enjoy spending time with my family and being active in many ways.
Ronda Plomteaux
TeriLynn Regalado
• 9 Yrs in Rio District
• Concert Choir, Piano/Guitar, Exploring Music & Glee Club
• B.A. & M.A. Vocal Performance/Opera & Music, SF Conservatory of Music
I am a professional singer, church choir director, and private music teacher. I want my students to embrace their love for music & performance!
Heriberto Rojas
• 11 Yrs in Rio District
• 6 Yrs at Rio Vista
• B.A. History & Sociology, UCSB
• Teaching Credential, CSUCI
• M.A. with School Counseling Credential, APU
My goal as an educator is not only to teach students, but more importantly, to instill in them the desire to become lifelong learners!
Cesar Ruiz
• 4 Yrs Teaching
• 3 Yrs at Rio Vista
• B.S. PolySci, emphasis Pre-Law
• Social & Foundational Science Credentials, CLU
I have always enjoyed science, since I was a child growing up in Nyeland Acres and winning science fair competitions at Rio Real! I enjoy hiking, the beach, swimming, and spending time with friends and family.
Jessica Serrano
• 9 Yrs at Rio Vista
• B.S in Mathematics, CSUCI
• M.A., emphasis Learning Communities, Grand Canyon U
I strive everyday to meet my students where they are in their learning path and challenge them to reach their potential. In my my spare time, I enjoy dancing, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends.
Kristin Snell
• 13 Yrs at Rio District
• BA in Liberal Studies, CSUN
• Professional Multiple Subject Credential, CLU
• Masters in Education, CLU
I love the logic and beauty of math and try to share this love with all of my students. Everyone can do math!!!!
Josh Steiner
• 6 Yrs at Rio Vista
• 2 Yrs at Thousand Oaks HS
• B.S. Kinesiology with emphasis in PE, CSUSD
• Masters of Education, CLU
I have a beautiful and supportive wife who teaches at Rio Rosales. Together we have two beautiful boys Noah and Ryan. I enjoy playing outside with my boys, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and coaching baseball and football.
Catherine Stewart
• 16 Yrs in the Rio District
• 27 Yrs Teaching
• B.A. PolySci & History
• CLAD and CA Certs
• M.A. Social Science
Worked in several Performing Arts and IB schools in Iowa, Illinois, Texas, and Zimbabwe. I love reading history and politics and visiting historical places. I have traveled to nearly all 50 states with my wonderful family.
Gertraud Tomlinson
• 1 Yr at Rio Vista
• 3 Yrs Intervention Specialist, Banyan Elementary
• B.A.Int’l Business - CSUF
• Ed. Specialist Credential, CSUCI
I enjoy helping students become critical thinkers, strong speakers, good readers, thoughtful writers, attentive listeners and stronger mathematicians.
In my spare time, I love spending time with my family and traveling.
Doug Williamson
• 3 Yrs at Rio Vista
• B.A. Music Performance, CSUN
• Previous: music director, Anacapa Middle School, Capitol Hill and Mary Rieke Elementary, Carpinteria Unified, Liggett Street Elementary
I help provide a rigorous instrumental program at Rio Vista by striving to reach the California VPA standards. I love teaching music and my passion for the subject is infused into my instruction.