Our Leadership

Kathleen Hermsmeyer, Ed.D.
Executive Director

Kathleen Hermsmeyer holds a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies and a Master's degree in Computer-Based Education from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo. She received a doctoral degree from University of the Pacific, specializing in Curriculum and Instruction with a minor in Educational Administration. Dr. Hermsmeyer holds both a multiple subject and an administrative credential from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Before entering charter school administration in 2000, Dr. Hermsmeyer had a varied and successful teaching career for more than a dozen years. She taught in England at an international school for two years, was a language resource specialist at an inner city school for several years and taught and supervised student teachers as a graduate student.

Deborah S. Essel
Chief Education Officer

Deborah S. Essel graduated from Boston University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and with double majors in Physical Education and Special Education. She received her M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Kaplan University in 2005. During her career, she has been the Director of four preschool/daycare centers, the Site Manager/Lead Instructor of a United States Navy Instruction and Curriculum Development contract, and a child care services case manager for project GAIN (Greater Avenues for Independence). Deborah joined Eagles Peak Charter School in 2000 as an Education Specialist, becoming the Director of Education (later changed to Chief Education Officer) in 2003. She transferred into this same position for Eagles Peak Charter School – Inland Empire and, now, River Springs Charter School in 2006. In addition to being responsible for the oversight of all education at River Springs Charter School, Deborah is a co-chair of the School Advisory Committee (SAC), a member of the District English Language Advisory Committee (DELAC), a member of the English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC) at Palm Street Academy, and the Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) representative for the school.

Debra Daniel
Senior Director of Pupil Services

Debra Daniel has worked in charter schools for 10 years. She has a B.S. in Behavioral Science and a M.S. in Educational Counseling with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential. Prior to working with charter schools, she worked in a traditional public high school setting. She currently serves as Senior Director of Pupil Services, which includes guidance, special ed, intake, RTI and Data. She considers herself privileged to work with the excellent team of school counselors, instructors and support staff of River Springs Charter School.

Philip Hermsmeyer
Senior Director of IT and Facilities

Philip Hermsmeyer was hired by Eagles Peak Charter School (now River Springs Charter School) in 2005 to update antiquated schoolwide computer systems. As the school grew, so did his job. Philip's diverse professional background makes him well-suited to River Springs’ fast-paced environment. Philip attended California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo where he majored in Electronic Engineering. For 7 years, he worked at a large international firm (Tandem Computers) designing and implementing local and wide area networks based on mainframe computers. He moved on to Hewlett-Packard where he became a senior engineer designing printers and peripherals. Phil has participated in a great deal of professional development regarding school safety, facilities development, database development, email and website applications and more.

Amy Podratz
Senior Director of Business and Administrative Operations

Amy Podratz has eight years of charter school experience and over eleven years in Independent Study programs. She has been involved in assessment for 10 years and during the past 3 years has been the District Coordinator for STAR, CAHSEE, EAP, PFT and CELDT. Currently, she is the Senior Director of Student Services and oversees many facets of the charter school operations including student records, purchasing, vendor relations, data analysis, auditing compliance, master calendar compilation, state attendance reporting and English Learner compliance. Along with operations she also uses her California Single Subject Clear Credential knowledge to supervise state mandated assessments, the electronic in-house assessment tool, English Language Development compliance, various education committees and Strategic Plan oversight.

 Diane Anvari, SPHR-CA
Senior Director of Human Services

Diane Robson has been a professional educator since 1992. Before earning her administrative credential, she enjoyed teaching high school social studies for Chino Valley Unified School District for many years. Prior to her time with CVUSD, Diane enjoyed teaching middle school history for the San Bernardino City Unified School District. As a teacher, Diane focused on offering meaningful and relevant educational experiences to her students. She always sought opportunities to learn more about student achievement, lesson planning, improved instructional techniques, and class management.

During her years as an administrator, Diane has worn a number of hats. She began as a site program director of two learning centers for what is now River Springs Charter School. Gradually, she assumed more global responsibility as a member of senior management and director of the school's academy programs. For the past year, she has served as the Senior Director of Human Services. She looks forward to many years of continued service to River Springs Charter School.