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 the acquisition of human resources. 

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

I received my 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 in practice as a School Psychologist, I earned a Master of Arts in Educational Administration along with a Certificate of Eligibility for Administrative Services Credential from California State University, Northridge.

I’m honored to have served as a School Psychologist at Santa Monica Boulevard Community Charter School for ten years servicing some of our most academically and behaviorally impacted students by bringing resources and services to the students as well as their families. In my new role as the Director of Special Education, I hope to reach and advocate for the families at all of the Fenton Charter Public Schools.

Monica Castañeda

Director 

Fenton Avenue Charter School

Monica Castañeda served as the principal of a TK-8th grade private school in the San Fernando Valley for five years.  Prior to being a school principal, she served her school as an assistant principal and as a classroom teacher.  Monica has experience with WASC Accreditation and school revitalized with appealing programs to increase student enrollment and in fostering a passion for learning.  

Juan Gomez

Administrative Coordinator 

Fenton Avenue Charter School

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

Paige Piper

Administrative Coordinator

Fenton Avenue Charter School

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 FACS scholars.

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. 

Nicole Langlois

Assistant Director 

Fenton Primary Center

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 returned to SMBCCS  as an Administrative Coordinator. 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 Primary Center. She loves the vibrant school community and is excited to be part of the administrative team.

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.

Cary Rabinowitz

Director 

Santa Monica Blvd Community Charter School

Mr. Rabinowitz is originally from Baltimore, Maryland and received his Bachelor’s Degree at Hofstra University in Long Island, New York.  After moving to California, Mr. Rabinowitz was a teacher for many years within both the Los Angeles Unified School District and at Montague Charter Academy in Pacoima.  He then received his Masters in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from California State University, Northridge in 2013 and moved into administration in 2015.

Mr. Rabinowitz is serving in his third year as Santa Monica’s Director after leading the Fenton Charter Leadership Academy in Sun Valley in 2017-2018. As our Director, Mr. Rabinowitz works closely with students, staff, and families to ensure rigorous, intentional teaching in the classroom, continuous and meaningful opportunities for parent and community engagement, and an overall differentiated, growth-minded and innovative school culture.  Mr. Rabinowitz cherishes the work of all stakeholders at Santa Monica as it takes each one of us working together to make a difference in the lives of our students.  It is his honor to lead our impressive, hardworking staff and to serve and cultivate learning in our community.

Walter Gomez

Assistant Director

Santa Monica Blvd Community Charter School

Mr. Gomez has been with the Fenton Charter Public Schools for 11 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.  He is proud to bring his own children to Santa Monica to learn each and every day.

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. 

Ariana Gomez

Administrative Coordinator

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 11 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.

Jazmin Luna

Expanded Learning Coordinator

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 numerous leadership roles in the classroom, from 2nd grade lead teacher to STEM lead. In 2022, Jazmin became SMBCCS' first Expanded Learning Coordinator.  Jazmin's goal is to establish cohesiveness between regular day and after school programs, while also providing opportunities for all students after school, on the weekends, and during breaks. She looks forward to building relationships with all families. 

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.

Jennifer Pimentel

Assistant Director

Fenton Charter Leadership Academy

Jennifer Pimentel began her teaching career with the Fenton Charter Public Schools in 2004 after earning her Bachelors of Art Degree in Psychology at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and teaching credential from California State University, Northridge (CSUN).  She taught at Fenton Avenue Charter School, Santa Monica Blvd. Community Charter School and Fenton STEM Academy, serving as a grade level Lead Teacher and Chair of the Personnel Committee. In 2017, Mrs. Pimentel continued her education earning her Master’s Degree and Administrative Credential in Educational Leadership through the Charter and Autonomous School Leadership Academy (CASLA) program at California State University, Dominguez Hills

After spending 14 years as a classroom teacher, Mrs. Pimentel joined the Administrative Team at the Fenton Academies in 2018.  She truly enjoys her new role serving the students and families of Sun Valley and believes that building relational trust will lead to student achievement and personal growth.

In her spare time, Mrs. Pimentel loves traveling with her husband, Anthony, and son and daughter- Jacob and Leanna.  She also enjoys hiking, swimming, camping, and simply being outdoors.

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.

Alejandra Muñoz

Expanded Learning Coordinator

Fenton Charter Leadership Academy

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 Fenton Academies’ first Expanded Learning Coordinator. She enjoys providing students with learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom and spark students’ creativities and passions. She is excited to continue in this role and is passionate about providing a welcoming school community for all.  

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.

Jennifer Pimentel

Assistant Director

Fenton STEM Academy

Jennifer Pimentel began her teaching career with the Fenton Charter Public Schools in 2004 after earning her Bachelors of Art Degree in Psychology at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and teaching credential from California State University, Northridge (CSUN).  She taught at Fenton Avenue Charter School, Santa Monica Blvd. Community Charter School and Fenton STEM Academy, serving as a grade level Lead Teacher and Chair of the Personnel Committee. In 2017, Mrs. Pimentel continued her education earning her Master’s Degree and Administrative Credential in Educational Leadership through the Charter and Autonomous School Leadership Academy (CASLA) program at California State University, Dominguez Hills

After spending 14 years as a classroom teacher, Mrs. Pimentel joined the Administrative Team at the Fenton Academies in 2018.  She truly enjoys her new role serving the students and families of Sun Valley and believes that building relational trust will lead to student achievement and personal growth.

In her spare time, Mrs. Pimentel loves traveling with her husband, Anthony, and son and daughter- Jacob and Leanna.  She also enjoys hiking, swimming, camping, and simply being outdoors.

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.

Alejandra Muñoz

Expanded Learning Coordinator

Fenton STEM Academy

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 Fenton Academies’ first Expanded Learning Coordinator. She enjoys providing students with learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom and spark students’ creativities and passions. She is excited to continue in this role and is passionate about providing a welcoming school community for all.