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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 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.
Nancy Branchaud has seven years of charter school experience and over 15 years in education. She has been involved with English Learner and Language Other Than English programs since receiving her Multiple Subject Credential with BCLAD: Spanish. She has extensive training in reading instruction and has experience with students in grades K-12. Currently, as the Senior Director of Homeschool, Nancy oversees the operations of the Homeschool program, including the development of parent events and academic improvement opportunities. Along with the various RSCS committees related to Homeschool, Nancy also serves on committees for school-wide improvement, including website development, master calendar, and WASC.
Susana Waisman
With over 30 years of experience in the field of special education, Susana Waisman brings extensive knowledge to the special education department of River Springs Charter School. Susana possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, a Master's Degree in Education from Harvard University, and a General and Pupil Services Administrative Credential from Cal State Los Angeles. Before joining River Springs Charter School, Susana was the Pupil Services Director at Chula Vista School District and Encinitas Union School District; she was also a School Principal for the latter. She also enjoyed supervising teachers who were completing their school work at Chapman University and School Psychologists training at San Diego State University. Susana lives in San Diego with her husband, who is a Professor at the University of California, San Diego. She and her husband have a daughter who is a graduate student at Berkeley. Susana and her family love to travel for pleasure and to visit family and friends who live abroad. Susana is a strong advocate for the rights of students with special needs and believes in the benefit they receive through homeschooling. She is committed to ensure that all students receive the appropriate education they are entitled to.
Debra Daniel has worked in charter schools for 7 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 Guidance Services and considers herself privileged to work with the excellent team of school counselors, instructors and support staff of River Springs Charter School.
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 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.
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