MEET THE RVC STAFF
ADMINISTRATION

Becky Hausammann
School Director
CLASSROOM TEACHERS

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.

Rebecca Vollmer
Transitional Kindergarten

Karen Freda
Kindergarten / 1ST Grade
Born in Los Angeles, Karen moved to Portland with her family before returning to California, where she received her Masters in Education from the University of the Pacific. She has previously taught kindergarten, third, and seventh grade.
Karen is delighted to be joining the Ross Valley Charter community and is especially excited to work in a mixed-age classroom. She believes children thrive when they feel seen, supported, and empowered to explore their interests while building confidence and independence as learners.
“In TK, learning begins with curiosity, play, and connection. My goal is to help every child feel seen and supported as they build friendships, explore new ideas, and discover what they can do.”
Karen currently lives in Marin, where she finds joy learning languages, creating art, solving crossword puzzles, caring for plants, and spending time with loved ones.

Jessica Jacobsen
Kindergarten / 1ST Grade

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
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.

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.

Jana Bohling
4th / 5th 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.

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 / SPECIALISTS

Josh McIntosh
Music and Chorus

Eileen Devaney
Art

Rick Davy
Physical Education & Math
CLASSROOM AIDES

Holly Stricklin

Jeremy Gooden

Teresa Ashby

Monica Roberts

Megan Berg

Hanadi Asleim
Aftercare
INSTRUCTIONAL SPEACIALISTS

Sarah Foley
Special Education

Marcy Satzberg
Speech Therapy

Randy Sanchez
Behavior Lead

Jessica Paz
Behavior Specialist

Tito Montes
Behavior Team Member
STAFF

Katherine Csizmadia
Operations & Finance Coordinator

Amy Gramajo
Enrollment & Outreach Coordinator

Mitzi Robertson
Community & Enrichment Coordinator