MEET THE RVC STAFF

ADMINISTRATION

Dr Page Hersey

Page Hersey, EdD

School Director

Page began her career as a multi-age classroom teacher and deeply believes in RVC’s philosophy of nurturing each student’s curiosity and development through a multi-age, inquiry-based approach. In her over 20 years in education, she has worked as a classroom teacher in grades 1-4, a literacy specialist, and most recently, as a professor of education preparing new teachers. She holds a Master's in Language and Literacy from San Francisco State University and a Doctorate in Multicultural Education from the University of San Francisco. Page is a passionate human rights educator and integrates issues of human rights and social justice into her work. 
 
"As a leader, I believe relationship-building, listening, and collaborating are the keys to a thriving school. RVC’s wonderful team of teachers, staff, and families demonstrate that when we work together in service of our children, there is no limit to what we can achieve."
 
Page lives with her family in Fairfax, and her son is an RVC student. She enjoys cooking for family and friends and hiking in the Marin hills.

CLASSROOM TEACHERS

Natalie Swenty

Natalie Swenty

Transitional Kindergarten

Natalie is originally from England but spent most of her youth in Washington D.C. During her high school years she and her friends would spend their weekends protesting on the National Mall. She moved to San Francisco shortly after high school and put herself through college while performing with a 15-piece band.

 

“I’m so elated to be joining the RVC community! Before the shutdown I was taught in the K/1 classrooms and had the honor of working alongside Ms. Erika, Mr. Tim, and Ms. Rebecca. It’s very invigorating to work in a positive school environment that recognizes the value of collaboration and socio-emotional learning. I’m looking forward to working with an amazing team of teachers and getting to know all of you.”

 

She now lives in the San Geronimo Valley with family. One of her sons is a current RVC student and one is an RVC graduate.

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Tatiana Bliss

Kindergarten / 1st Grade

Prior to joining our team, Tatiana worked for several years as a screenwriter, director, and producer. More recently, she has been writing children’s books that celebrate progressive activism. Tatiana has taught in both the Ross Valley and Lagunitas school districts, and she taught creative writing at the Los Angeles Central Juvenile Hall for two years, which inspired her passion for teaching social justice and equity in the classroom.

 

“I am very excited to join the RVC community. I love that RVC values and nurtures both creativity and curiosity in children, and encourages teachers to make learning joyful. I can’t wait to meet all the wonderful families at the school and it is my priority to make this unique school year meaningful and special for my students.”

 

Tatiana earned her teaching credential from San Jose State University and she also has a Bachelor's Degree in Theater Arts and a Masters Degree in Film Screenwriting from UCLA.

Tatiana and her family live in San Geronimo.

Amy McConnell

Amy McConnell

Kindergarten / 1st Grade

Amy taught for 11years in public schools, first as a classroom teacher in a dual-language immersion program in Southern California and then at Bacich Elementary in Kentfield. When she became a mom, she was a devoted volunteer in the schools her children attended. She worked in the Lagunitas School District as a resource aide, became Orton-Gillingham trained and developed a reading intervention program to help struggling readers. Most recently she has worked as private tutor.
 
"I believe every moment spent with a child is precious. A good teacher nurtures every child’s desire to learn, and  success in teaching happens when the joy and excitement of learning lead a child to want more opportunities to grow and to stretch. I hope to create an intellectual—not just academic—classroom filled with deep thinkers and inquiring minds. To me, teaching means showing up every day with the energy it takes to follow children on their curiosity journey. How fortunate I am to be teaching in the beautiful learning community at RVC. I look forward to deepening relationships here and meeting all the wonderful families!"
Amy lives in the hills of Woodacre. She loves the beauty of the valley, the solace of her garden and most of all— her wonderful and supportive family.
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Annadel Dong

2nd / 3rd Grade

Annadel began her career in the software industry. Her transition into education began with her three children, working at their preschool and later in their elementary school classrooms, where she was inspired by the teachers who pioneered the MAP program and founded RVC. After several years of teaching math to 2nd and 4th graders, she decided to become a full-time educator, which lead her complete her teaching credential at Dominican University.

 

"I’ve seen firsthand the joy children gain from student-centered learning where they develop the skills needed to become independent thinkers, curious about the world, motivated and engaged. My goal for every class is to meet the students where they are at, connect before I direct, and make learning attainable for all."

 

When Annadel is not in the classroom you might find her walking her dogs in the Loma Alta trails, or watching the girls’ varsity basketball games, go Falcons!

Annadel lives in Fairfax with her husband Matt and their three children (oldest a graduate of the MAP program and their 2 younger children graduates of RVC).

Elina Coulter (2/3 Teacher)

Elina Coulter

2nd / 3rd Grade

Elina's teaching background includes kindergarten, second and fourth grades, TK–5 music, and early childhood music. She brings a unique blend of creativity, structure, and genuine connection to her classroom.

 

"When I learned about Ross Valley Charter, I knew it was a school community I wanted to be part of and where I could contribute. Here's a place where curiosity, collaboration, and the whole child are at the heart of learning, where the mission and values deeply align with my own. I couldn't be more excited to be joining the RVC team!"

 

Elina creates student-centered learning experiences that nurture independence, critical thinking, and a strong sense of community. She uses Universal Design for Learning to meet the diverse needs of her students while maintaining high expectations for growth. Her previous work as a software developer, mentor, and business owner contributes to her organized, responsive teaching style. Elina believes in the power of play, strong routines, inclusive practices, and open communication with families to create a joyful and respectful learning environment. As a lifelong learner and musician, she is especially drawn to inquiry-based learning, creative expression, and the arts. 

Jana Bohling (3/4 teacher)

Jana Bohling

3rd / 4th Grade

Jana relocated to California from Kansas to be near her adult children who all live in Marin. She has been an educator for 33 years--26 as a K-6 teacher and seven years as an elementary principal. 

As Jana looked for teaching positions, RVC stood out because of its philosophy for learning and teaching. Earlier in her career she worked at a school with the same philosophy. It was very successful and students thrived.

“Teaching is at its best when curiosity leads the way. I’m excited to help students discover their strengths and feel proud of who they are as learners.”

She cannot wait to start teaching at RVC and is excited to work with students, staff, and parents! Jana is also an avid reader, loves photography and traveling, and most of all, enjoys spending time with those she loves.

Emma Stratford

Emma Stratford

4th/ 5th Grade

Emma Stratford is a dedicated 4th and 5th-grade teacher at Ross Valley Charter School.

"Every child has a unique spark—my goal is to help them discover it and shine."

She brings creativity, warmth, and enthusiasm to the classroom, fostering an environment where students feel supported, inspired, and confident in their learning. Emma is passionate about helping her students grow academically and personally, encouraging curiosity, collaboration, and a love for learning.

Lila Kirkham (4/5 teacher)

Lila Kirkham

4th/ 5th Grade

Lila Kirkham is a dedicated educator at Ross Valley Charter School, where she brings enthusiasm, creativity, and a strong commitment to student growth into her multi-age classroom. A Marin County native, Lila is a graduate of Marin Academy and continued her studies at both the University of Nevada, Reno and Nevada State College, where she deepened her passion for child development and inclusive education.

My goal is to help every child discover that learning is not just something they do — it’s something they love.”

At RVC, Lila is known for creating a classroom environment where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to take ownership of their learning. Her approach blends inquiry-based exploration with strong social-emotional foundations, helping students thrive both academically and as community members.

ENRICHMENT TEACHERS

Josh McIntosh

Josh McIntosh

Music and Chorus

Eileen DeVaney

Eileen Devaney

Art

Joseph PE

Joseph Vigneri

Physical Education

CLASSROOM AIDES

stricklin, holly

Holly Stricklin

sandoval, randy

Randy Sanchez

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Teresa Ashby

Bailey Shayer (TK Aide and Aftercare)

Bailey Shayer

INSTRUCTIONAL SPEACIALISTS

Sarah Foley (Special Education Teacher)

Sarah Foley

Special Education

Marcy Satzberg

Marcy Satzberg

Speech Therapy

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Rebecca Vollmer

Intervention

Tito Montes-Lopez (Inclusion & Behavior Specialist)

Tito Montes

Behavioral Lead

Janet Hendricks (Aide)

Janet Hendricks

Behavior Specialist

STAFF

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Cali von Hoff

Operations & Finance Coordinator

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Amy Gramajo

Enrollment & Outreach Coordinator

Mitzi Robertson (Office and Enrichment Coordinator)

Mitzi Robertson

Community & Enrichment Coordinator

Rhianna Bostian

Rhianna Bostian

Lunch Program Coordinator