Meet Our Administrators

Irene Sumida

Executive Director

Fenton Charter Public Schools

Before joining Fenton Avenue Charter School, Mrs. Sumida served the Los Angeles Unified School District for twenty-seven years in a variety of capacities including assistant principal, coordinator, classroom and mentor teacher.  In July 1993, the year Fenton Avenue Elementary was authorized by the Los Angeles Unified School District to convert to independent charter status, she became the Director of Instruction, and served in that capacity until Executive Director Joe Lucente’s retirement on June 30, 2005 at which time she became the school’s sole Director.  Under Mrs. Sumida’s direction, the Fenton Primary Center opened on July 1, 2008, and on May 1, 2012, Santa Monica Boulevard Community Charter School was divested to the Fenton Charter Public Schools, the charter management organization established to continue the growth of the Fenton schools. Mrs. Sumida serves as the Executive Director of the CMO, which opened two new start-up charter schools in August 2015:  Fenton Charter Leadership Academy and Fenton STEM Academy.

She served as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA), continues to serve as a board member of CCSA Advocates, CharterSAFE, and the Alliance of Schools for Cooperative Insurance Programs (ASCIP).  She was also the President and Chief Executive Officer of Nikkei Senior Gardens, an assisted living community in the San Fernando Valley where her mother lived from 2009 until her passing in 2012, and was the founder and Chair of the Board of the Oya Koko Foundation, a non-profit public benefit corporation created to support fund raising efforts for Nikkei Senior Gardens.

In 2012, Mrs. Sumida was honored with the Legacy Award at the 20th Annual Charter Schools Conference. The Legacy Awards were created to celebrate those charter school supporters, funders, operators and elected officials who have been stewards of the movement over the last 20 years.

In May 2017, she was recognized as one of five “Women of the Year” honored by the Downtown Los Angeles Japanese American Citizen’s League and Japanese Women’s Society of Southern California.

Dr. David Riddick

Chief Academic Officer

Fenton Charter Public Schools

David Riddick serves as the Chief Academic 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.     

Leticia Padilla Parra

Director

Fenton Avenue Charter School

Leticia Padilla Parra is a graduate of California State University, Northridge, where she earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and an Administrative Credential in Educational Leadership. Mrs. Padilla Parra has been a classroom teacher at Fenton Avenue Charter School for fourteen years before joining the  Administrative Team in 2013.  She began her teaching career in 1999 as a first grade teacher. After her fourth year as a first grade teacher, she continued to expand her teaching experience by teaching second grade for four years. She served as the second grade Lead Teacher for two of those years. She then taught fifth grade for six years before moving on to the Administrative Coordinator position, and then to the Assistant Director position at Fenton Avenue. Leticia has also served as co­‐chair of the Curriculum and Assessment Council, as well as Faculty Representative.

Barbara Aragón

Assistant Director

Fenton Avenue Charter School

Barbara Aragón is currently the Assistant Director at Fenton Avenue Charter School, in Lake View Terrace, California.  During the  2014-2018 school year, Ms. Aragón served as the Administrative Coordinator and then Assistant Director At Fenton Primary Center.  She has been working in the elementary school setting for 27 years and holds a B.S. in Health Education, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and a Masters in Educational Administration.  Ms. Aragón also earned her National Board Certification in the area of Literacy: Reading-Language Arts.  She has been a mentor teacher, and has conducted staff development workshops and trainings in the areas of:  Language Arts, English Language Development, Technology Integration, Humane Education and SEL, and Explicit Direct Instruction.

Jessi Tello

Assistant Director

Fenton Avenue Charter School

Jessi Tello is a graduate of California State University, Northridge, where he earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and an Administrative Credential in Educational Administration. Mr. Tello had been a classroom teacher at Fenton Avenue Charter School for nine years before joining the Administrative Team in 2016. He began his teaching career in 2007 and taught kindergarten for two years. He has also taught first grade and fifth grade for four years. In 2015, Mr. Tello became the Technology Integration Specialist. He created a program in which students learned key computer skills while integrating grade level standards-based projects. Mr. Tello was technology integration specialist for a year and half before starting his current position as Administrative Coordinator. 

Richard Parra

Director

Fenton Primary Center

Richard Parra is the the Director of Fenton Primary Center. He has been the Director since 2010. 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. In 2010, he was hired as Fenton Primary Center’s Director.

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 learn and find ways to better himself and 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 in making Fenton Primary Center the number one choice for families.

Wendy Kaufman

Assistant Director 

Fenton Primary Center

Wendy Kaufman has been in education for over 18 years.  She started her career as a teacher in LAUSD's District Intern program and then served as a teacher at Fenton Avenue Charter School for 13 years.  She was a Fifth Grade lead teacher for five years, Mutt-i-grees lead teacher, Faculty Representative, and Curriculum and Assessment co-chair. 

She has also served as a mentor for Mount St. Mary's College.  She has the unique distinction of having served as an administrator or teacher at all of the Fenton campuses.  She is currently an Adjunct Professor at Moorpark College in the Education division.  Wendy holds three credentials and a Masters in Educational Administration. 

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. Sirui is now the Assistant Director at Fenton Primary Center.

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. 

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.

Monica Castañeda

Assistant Director 

Santa Monica Blvd Community 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.  

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.

Robin Rodriguez

Assistant Director 

Santa Monica Blvd Community Charter School

Robin Rodriguez has joined the administrative team after six years of teaching Kindergarten and sixth grade for Fenton Charter Public Schools. She earned her Bachelor's of Art Degree in Psychology and Master's Degree in Education at the University of California, Los Angeles. Robin served as a STEAM Lead teacher here at Santa Monica Blvd and believes in the importance of developing early technology literacy. She is excited to partner with staff, students, and parents to continue the high academic and behavior expectations that SMBCCS has established.

Jennifer Miller

Director

Fenton Charter Leadership Academy

Jennifer Miller began her career with Fenton Charter Public Schools as a classroom teacher in 2003. She served 9 years in the classroom before moving into Administration. As an educator/administrator at Fenton, she has had the opportunity to work at district conversion school, a take over transformation school, and in 2015, founded the start up schools: Fenton Charter Leadership and Fenton STEM Academy located in Sun Valley. Jennifer received her  Bachelor's of Science Degree in Business Marketing and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University, Northridge. She earned her Master’s Degree and Administrative Credential in Educational Leadership with the Charter and Autonomous School Leadership Academy (CASLA), a program at California State University, Dominguez Hills designed specifically for charter and autonomous school leaders. In addition to running the Fenton Academies, Jennifer is a part-time professor at California State University, Dominguez Hills. She works within the school leadership program, training soon to be administrators. In Jennifer’s free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, listening to music, and traveling.

Jennifer Pimentel

Administrative Coordinator

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

Administrative Coordinator

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.

Jennifer Miller

Director

Fenton STEM Academy

I have been fortunate to be associated with Fenton Charter Public Schools for the last 16 years and 10 of those years were spent as a classroom teacher. I received my Bachelor's of Science Degree in Business Marketing and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University, Northridge. I earned my Master’s Degree and Administrative Credential in Educational Leadership with the Charter and Autonomous School Leadership Academy (CASLA), a program at California State University, Dominguez Hills designed specifically for charter and autonomous school leaders.

Jennifer Pimentel

Administrative Coordinator

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

Administrative Coordinator

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.