Meet Our Administrators

Dr. David Riddick

Chief Executive Officer

Fenton Charter Public Schools

David Riddick serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Fenton Charter Public Schools.  In 2010, Dr. Riddick was selected to be the Director of Fenton Avenue Charter School (FACS).  In 2012, Dr. Riddick, along with ten Lead Teachers from Fenton, were charged with transforming Santa Monica Boulevard Community Charter School from one of the lowest performing schools in East Hollywood to one of the highest performing schools.  Prior to Fenton, Dr. Riddick has served in a number of educational roles, including Assistant Principal in the Saugus Union School District.  Dr. Riddick was a classroom Teacher, Gifted Coordinator and Technology Coordinator in the Los Angeles Unified School District.  Dr. Riddick received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from Loyola Marymount University, Masters in Educational Leadership from California State University, Northridge; and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State University Northridge.     

Jason Gonzalez

Chief Operating Officer

Fenton Charter Public Schools

Jason Gonzalez serves as Chief Operating Officer for Fenton Charter Public Schools. He has a long history at Fenton, dating back to 1998. Jason was instrumental in developing Fenton’s technology program, which outfitted classrooms with a 1:1 student-to-computer ratio at a time when computers in schools were limited to lab settings and shared workstations. After years of service as an IT Manager, Jason became Fenton’s Chief Operating Officer in 2021. He is responsible for overseeing all operations and management teams and transforming the organization’s vision into actionable strategies, from launching capital improvements and construction projects, to advancing policies and systems that promote operational and organizational excellence. 

Jason holds a Master of Business Administration degree from California State University, Northridge, and a Master of Science in Applied Psychology from the University of Southern California. His service to Fenton during the course of more than twenty years speaks to his loyalty and commitment to the surrounding communities. 

Richard Parra

Director of Community Schools

Fenton Charter Public Schools

Richard Parra is the Director of Community Schools for the Fenton Charter Public Schools. Richard served as the Director of Fenton Primary Center for 13 years, where he cultivated a community-centric culture between educators, students, and families.  He began his teaching career in 1999. His first two years of teaching he taught English Language Arts, Reading Intervention, and Physical Education at a charter middle school. He joined Fenton Avenue Charter School in 2001. He taught 1st grade and 5th grade at Fenton before becoming the school’s Administrative Coordinator in 2007. 

Mr. Parra received his Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree from California State University, Northridge (CSUN). He also received his Clear Tier II Administrative Credential from Brandman University.

Mr. Parra is eager to find innovative and engaging ways to maximize the learning environment of young children. He believes all students deserve the opportunity to achieve academic success in the best environment possible. He feels responsible for making Fenton Charter Public Schools the number one choice for families.

Jennifer Miller

Director of Instruction

Fenton Charter Public Schools

Jennifer Miller serves as the Director of Instruction for Fenton Charter Public Schools. Having begun her career as a student teacher at Fenton during the early 2000s, Jennifer has served in a variety of roles including Lead Teacher, Assistant Director, and Founding Director of two start-up charter schools. In her current role of Director of Instruction, she supports all Fenton campuses. 

Jennifer is an experienced and passionate educational leader dedicated to fostering academic excellence and creating an inclusive learning environment. She currently oversees curriculum development, teacher support, student achievement, and innovative teaching strategies. 

Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from California State University Northridge (CSUN) and Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills, along with a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Clear Administrative Credential. Additionally, Jennifer has served as an Adjunct Professor within the School Leadership Program of California State University, Dominguez Hills for the past seven years. 

With over 20 years in education, Jennifer brings a deep understanding of how to create student-centered learning experiences that promote both academic growth and personal development.

Kristine Khachian

Director of Special Education

Fenton Charter Public Schools

Ms. Khachian received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Child Development from California State University, Northridge, and a Master of Science in Counseling with an option in School Psychology from California State University, Los Angeles. After five years of practice as a School Psychologist, she earned a Master of Arts in Educational Administration along with a Certificate of Eligibility for an Administrative Services Credential from California State University, Northridge.

Ms. Khachian is honored to have served as a School Psychologist at Santa Monica Boulevard Community Charter School for ten years, supporting some of the most academically and behaviorally impacted students by bringing resources and services to both students and their families. In her new role as Director of Special Education, she hopes to continue advocating for families across all of the Fenton Charter Public Schools.

Monica Castañeda

Director 

Fenton Avenue Charter School

Ms. Monica Castañeda is a dedicated and passionate educational leader whose career has been rooted in a deep commitment to student learning and teacher empowerment. She began her academic journey at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies. She then went on to receive her Master’s degree in Education and her teaching credential from Pepperdine University.

In 2007, Ms. Castañeda began her career in education as a middle school teacher. After five years in the classroom, she felt called to expand her impact by moving into school administration. During this time, she returned to CSUN to earn a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and her administrative credential. In 2017, she joined Fenton Charter Public Schools, beginning her administrative work at Santa Monica Boulevard Community Charter School. Her leadership journey continued as she transitioned to Fenton Avenue Charter School, where she is now in her fifth year as Director and her 14th year in school administration. At Fenton Avenue, Ms. Castañeda has been a strong proponent of the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) process, championing a focus on student learning, building a collaborative staff culture, and using data and outcomes to drive improvement. Under her leadership, the staff has come together to co-create a mission statement that embodies the spirit of the school: “Together we can, together we will, ensure all students learn at high levels.”

From an early age, Ms. Castañeda knew she wanted to be a teacher, and she takes great pride in having fulfilled that dream — first as a classroom educator and now as a school leader committed to creating the conditions where students and teachers thrive.

Nicole Langlois

Assistant Director

Fenton Avenue Charter School

Mrs. Langlois first began her career in education in 2012 as a 4th grade teacher at Santa Monica Boulevard Community Charter School (SMBCCS). She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Northridge and her Master of Arts degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Mrs. Langlois also has a background in Behavior Therapy, which allows her to provide behavior support and resources to teachers and students whenever needed. 

After three years at Santa Monica, Mrs. Langlois transitioned to 2nd grade as a founding lead teacher at Fenton Charter Leadership Academy in Sun Valley. In 2021, Nicole has served as an Administrative Coordinator. at Santa Monica Blvd. Community Charter School and Assistant Director at Fenton Primary Center.  Nicole's experience and passion for education, along with her deep-rooted desire to make a difference in the various communities served by the Fenton Charter Public Schools, has brought her to her latest role:  Assistant Director at Fenton Avenue Charter School. She loves the vibrant school community and is excited to be part of the administrative team.

Alejandra Muñoz

Assistant Director

Fenton Avenue Charter School

Mrs. Muñoz is a San Fernando Valley native who has had a love of learning and education since she was a little girl.  She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Minor in Italian from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2009. She worked as a Behavioral Therapist for children with autism for several years, which has provided her with unique insights into providing behavioral supports. In 2016, she received her Masters Degree in Education and teaching credential from Mount Saint Mary’s University. She was fortunate to complete her student teaching at Fenton STEM Academy and she has been with Fenton ever since. Throughout her time at the Fenton Academies, she has served as a grade level Lead Teacher, Secretary of the Parent Advocacy Committee, Secretary of the Instruction Committee, Chair of the Instruction Committee, and participated in a variety of after school clubs such as: Robotics Club, Drama Club, Environmental Club, and Journalism Club.

After several years in the classroom, Mrs. Muñoz became the first Expanded Learning Coordinator at Fenton Academies in 2022. She enjoyed creating learning opportunities that extended beyond the classroom and inspired students' creativity. She now looks forward to serving as Assistant Director at Fenton Avenue Charter School, where she can continue building a welcoming school community.

Kelley Christenson

Expanded Learning Coordinator

Fenton Avenue Charter School

This is Ms. Christenson's tenth year at Fenton Charter Public Schools and 14th year in education. She is passionate about providing learning experiences for the students of FACS that extend beyond the classroom and is excited to be able to do that in her role as Expanded Learning Coordinator. She holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies and International Economics, and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). She also earned a Master's in Educational Leadership and a California Administrative Services Credential from California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH).

Throughout her career, Ms. Christenson has been privileged to serve in various leadership roles, including as a Lead Teacher, TOSA (Teacher on Special Assignment), Faculty Representative, Distance Learning Lead, and Chair/Secretary of several committees, including the Foundation Board. She also serves as a Visiting Committee Chair for WASC and mentors new teachers through the Los Angeles County Office of Education.

Sirui Thomassian

Assistant Director 

Fenton Primary Center

Sirui Thomassian is a dedicated educator with over 25 years of experience in the field of education. She has worked at Santa Monica Blvd. Community Charter School, A Fenton Charter Public School as a teacher for twenty years, and as an administrator for the last five years.

Sirui is fluent in Armenian and Spanish. She has served as a Dialogue Facilitator, Mentor Teacher, as well as a member of the Mutt-i-grees Team, Social Committee, Personnel Committee, and Parent Advocacy Committee. Prior to becoming the director of Fenton Primary Center in 2023, Sirui served as the FPC Assistant Director. 

Having taught many years at all of the various elementary grade levels, she is passionate about the study of effective teaching practices and ways to create a nurturing and innovative school environment for all Fenton students. 

Juan Gomez

Assistant Director 

Fenton Primary Center

Juan Gomez is a Pacoima native and has a passion for serving his community. He is a first generation college graduate and the youngest of three children. He is a son to immigrant parents from Zacatecas, Mexico. He graduated with his Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies from California State University Northridge. He received his Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from California State University, Northridge. He also holds a second Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from California State University, Dominguez Hills. He has served as an Adjunct Professor for the ITEP department at California State University, Northridge. He has dedicated close to a decade of his professional career to the Fenton organization where he has taught 5th grade at Fenton Avenue Charter School,  2nd Grade at Fenton Primary Center, and 4th and 6th grade at the Fenton STEM Academies. Mr. Gomez's goal is to serve his community on a macro level in order to create impact for generations to come. He is a servant leader, a husband, a dog dad, and a huge soccer fanatic

Lorena Sanchez

Expanded Learning Coordinator

Fenton Primary Center

Lorena Sanchez has been a dedicated member of Fenton Schools since May 2015 and now serves as the Expanded Learning Coordinator at Fenton Primary Center. With a strong foundation in education and leadership, she earned her Master’s in Educational Leadership and Administrative Credential from Cal Lutheran University in May 2024, complementing her B.A. in Business Management with a minor in Finance from Cal State Northridge. Throughout her tenure, Lorena has taken on numerous leadership roles, including Secretary of the School Site Council, Chair of the Human Resource and Personnel Committee, and 5th Grade ELA Lead Teacher. Her passion for student success extends beyond the classroom, as she actively contributes to committees such as the Guiding Coalition and the Community Schools Advisory Committee. As Expanded Learning Coordinator, she is committed to fostering innovative and engaging learning opportunities that support student growth, collaboration, and achievement.

Walter Gomez

Director 

Santa Monica Blvd Community Charter School

Mr. Gomez has been with the Fenton Charter Public Schools for 13 years .  He has served as both a kindergarten and 4th grade teacher before joining the administrative team. He has extensive team building and leadership experience as a grade level lead teacher, faculty representative, and as an English Language Development Lead. Walter appreciates the focus on the instructional practices and the attention dedicated to developing a well-rounded child here at SMBCCS.  

Familiar with the Fenton model and the deep commitment of its teachers to all students, Mr. Gomez proudly shares that his own children attended Fenton during their elementary school years.

Jazmin Luna

Assistant Director

Santa Monica Blvd Community Charter School

Jazmin Luna uniquely identifies with the communities she serves, having experienced first-hand the struggles associated with growing up in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods in Ecuador and South Los Angeles. She diligently strives to provide her students with opportunities to build strong academic and social-emotional skills. Jazmin received her Bachelor's degree from UCLA in 2009. She started working at Santa Monica Boulevard Community Charter School (SMBCCS) as a paraprofessional in the classroom, and was also responsible for leading psychomotor classes for all grade levels. In 2015, she received her teaching credentials and Master's degree from the Western Governors University. 

Ms. Luna has held several leadership roles in the classroom, including serving as lead teacher for 2nd grade and as STEM lead. In 2022, she became SMBCCS' first Expanded Learning Coordinator, working to create alignment between the regular school day and after-school programs while expanding learning opportunities for students after school, on weekends, and during school breaks. She now looks forward to serving as Assistant Director, where she aims to strengthen relationships with all families.

Ariana Gomez

Assistant Director

Santa Monica Blvd Community Charter School

Ariana Gomez is a proud Mexican American educator that comes from immigrant parents. She has been at SMBCCS for 12 years. In those first 10 years she taught 3^rd and 4^th grade and had many leadership roles. She has also taken initiatives to help the community by organizing and planning events like “Pink Christmas,” which was a family led project that included giving families food, students backpacks and toys, and motivation through a Muay Thai demonstration during the holidays.

Mrs. Gomez loves to learn feels proud of her educational successes. She attended Cal State University Northridge and in 2012 received her Bachelor and teaching credential. She later returned to CSUN and received her Masters in Educational Technology in 2019. She has also completed a Bilingual Authorization program through University of Riverside. Most recently, she attended Cal State Dominguez Hills, where she completed her second Masters and credential in Educational Leadership.  She feels very connected to the community and as the new Administrative Coordinator she is excited to work along all the teachers, students and families, and has a goal to continue to create a school culture that will enhance and provide students with what they need and motivate them to make a positive impact on their community.

Carmen Solis

Administrative Coordinator

Santa Monica Blvd Community Charter School

Carmen Solis serves as an Administrative Coordinator at Santa Monica Boulevard Community Charter School. In 2016, Carmen Solis was hired as a 3rd grade teacher. During her time at Santa Monica Boulevard Community Charter School she has also taught 4th grade and most recently was an upper grade Acceleration Specialist.   Carmen has also served SMBCCS as a member of Student Council, as a Third Grade Lead Teacher, STEAM Lead Teacher, Secretary for the Personnel Committee, Secretary for the Instruction Committee, and Co-Chair of the Instruction Committee.  Carmen has led presentations to staff across Fenton on a number of occasions.  Prior to her experience at SMBCCS, Carmen Solis was a teacher's assistant for kindergarten through 5th grade students, and led an ELD Intervention program in Lennox School District.  She has also taught 5th grade and was a 6 through 8th grade Language Arts and Social Studies teacher for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Carmen earned her Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies from Cal State Los Angeles, Masters in Elementary Education from Loyola Marymount University and is in the process of obtaining her Masters in Educational Leadership. 

Zoe Weiss

Expanded Learning Coordinator

Santa Monica Blvd Community Charter School

Zoe Weiss brings a strong background in youth development and a deep commitment to educational equity. Since joining Fenton in 2018, she has served in numerous leadership roles at SMBCCS, including 3rd Grade Lead Teacher, English Language Development Lead, Faculty Representative, ELAC Chair, Co-Chair of the Instruction Committee, Secretary of the Parent Advocacy Committee, Independent Study Pilot Teacher, and Secretary of the Personnel Committee. She has also contributed her voice and expertise to several advisory groups, including the Math Adoption Cohort, PBIS Team, Guiding Coalition, and Behavior Solutions initiative.

In 2022, Ms. Weiss was selected by the FCPS Hiring Committee to serve as Summer School Principal, playing a key role during the foundational stages of the Expanded Learning Program. She has consistently supported students both during and beyond the school day by coordinating after-school programs, leading enrichment activities, and building partnerships that increase access to meaningful learning opportunities.  

Dr. Beth Henschel

Director

Fenton Charter Leadership Academies

Dr. Henschel has worked in education for the past 24 years. She started as a general education teacher in 1997. She taught various grade levels from 1st to 5th grade at various schools, both public and private. After 10 years in the classroom, she was hired at SMBCCS as an Instructional Coach. In 2012, Ms. Henschel became one of the educational specialists at SMBCCS, where she took on various leadership roles, such as special education lead teacher and faculty representative.

Dr. Henschel loves being a part of the Sun Valley community and enjoys working with students, staff, parents, and community members. She is excited to be a part of the administrative team and hopes to bring her vast experiences to support all stakeholders. Dr. Henschel looks forward to working alongside and supporting the school community in her new role.

Cecilia Quijano

Assistant Director

Fenton Charter Leadership Academy

Cecilia Quijano has been in education for over 17 years. She joined the administrative team as the Administrative Coordinator for the Fenton Academies in 2018. Mrs. Quijano started her career with the Fenton Charter Public Schools in 2002 after receiving her Bachelor degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, Los Angeles and teaching credential from CalState TEACH.  She has taught at Fenton Avenue Charter School, Fenton Primary Charter, and the Fenton Charter Leadership Academy and has also served in leadership roles as a Faculty Representative, Lead Teacher, Chair of the Parent Advocacy Committee, and Secretary of the Board. As a lifelong learner, Mrs. Quijano received her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from California Baptist University and her Personnel Administrative Services Credential from Azusa Pacific University where she continues to pursue higher education.  She considers it a privilege to have been given opportunities to learn, develop, and grow professionally and work effectively and collaboratively in various roles and positions. Mrs. Quijano brings to the team years of leadership and teaching experience with dedication and passion to serve and contribute to the academic success of our school community and organization.

Paige Piper

Assistant Director

Fenton Charter Leadership Academy

Paige Piper began her career with the Fenton Charter Public Schools in 2016 as a classroom teacher. Prior to joining the Fenton Charter Public Schools, Ms. Piper served as a third grade teacher and high-school teacher for charter schools in the greater Los Angeles area. Ms. Piper received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Marketing Communications from California Lutheran University prior to earning her multiple and single subject teaching credentials from California State University Northridge. She earned her Master's Degree and Administrative Services Credential  from Grand Canyon University. Ms. Piper is passionate about meeting the academic and social-emotional needs of all Fenton Academies’ scholars.

Krystal Rodriguez

Expanded Learning Coordinator

Fenton Charter Leadership Academy

Ms. Rodriguez brings a strong background in leadership and a deep commitment to educational equity. Since joining Fenton in 2012, she has served in numerous leadership roles at FPC, including 1st Grade Lead Teacher, Communication Lead, Faculty Representative, Co-Chair of the Parent Advocacy Committee, and Secretary of the Instruction Committee. She has also contributed to several advisory groups, including the Math and Language Arts Adoptions for FPC, PBIS Team, and has participated in leadership roles at FACS this school year. 

Krystal holds a Master’s degree from USC and a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential from CSUDH in School Leadership. She is eager to join FCLA/STEM with a vision rooted in the belief that students thrive when they feel safe, supported, and engaged.

Dr. Beth Henschel

Director

Fenton STEM Academy

Dr. Henschel has worked in education for the past 24 years. She started as a general education teacher in 1997. She taught various grade levels from 1st to 5th grade at various schools, both public and private. After 10 years in the classroom, she was hired at SMBCCS as an Instructional Coach. In 2012, Dr. Henschel became one of the educational specialists at SMBCCS, where she took on various leadership roles, such as special education lead teacher and faculty representative.

Dr. Henschel loves being a part of the Sun Valley community and enjoys working with students, staff, parents, and community members. She is excited to be a part of the administrative team and hopes to bring her vast experiences to support all stakeholders. Dr.. Henschel looks forward to working alongside and supporting the school community in her new role.

Cecilia Quijano

Assistant Director

Fenton STEM Academy

Cecilia Quijano has been in education for over 17 years. She joined the administrative team as the Administrative Coordinator for the Fenton Academies in 2018. Mrs. Quijano started her career with the Fenton Charter Public Schools in 2002 after receiving her Bachelor degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, Los Angeles and teaching credential from CalState TEACH.  She has taught at Fenton Avenue Charter School, Fenton Primary Charter, and the Fenton Charter Leadership Academy and has also served in leadership roles as a Faculty Representative, Lead Teacher, Chair of the Parent Advocacy Committee, and Secretary of the Board. As a lifelong learner, Mrs. Quijano received her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from California Baptist University and her Personnel Administrative Services Credential from Azusa Pacific University where she continues to pursue higher education.  She considers it a privilege to have been given opportunities to learn, develop, and grow professionally and work effectively and collaboratively in various roles and positions. Mrs. Quijano brings to the team years of leadership and teaching experience with dedication and passion to serve and contribute to the academic success of our school community and organization.

Paige Piper

Assistant Director

Fenton STEM Academy

Paige Piper began her career with the Fenton Charter Public Schools in 2016 as a classroom teacher. Prior to joining the Fenton Charter Public Schools, Ms. Piper served as a third grade teacher and high-school teacher for charter schools in the greater Los Angeles area. Ms. Piper received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Marketing Communications from California Lutheran University prior to earning her multiple and single subject teaching credentials from California State University Northridge. She earned her Master's Degree and Administrative Services Credential  from Grand Canyon University. Ms. Piper is passionate about meeting the academic and social-emotional needs of all Fenton Academies’ scholars.

Krystal Rodriguez

Expanded Learning Coordinator

Fenton STEM Academy

Ms. Rodriguez brings a strong background in leadership and a deep commitment to educational equity. Since joining Fenton in 2012, she has served in numerous leadership roles at FPC, including 1st Grade Lead Teacher, Communication Lead, Faculty Representative, Co-Chair of the Parent Advocacy Committee, and Secretary of the Instruction Committee. She has also contributed to several advisory groups, including the Math and Language Arts Adoptions for FPC, PBIS Team, and has participated in leadership roles at FACS this school year. 

Krystal holds a Master’s degree from USC and a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential from CSUDH in School Leadership. She is eager to join FCLA/STEM with a vision rooted in the belief that students thrive when they feel safe, supported, and engaged.