staff bios
- Linda Inlay, Director
- Cathy Adams, 7/8
- Celeste Akiu, 7/8 (email)
- Christine Ansley, 7/8 Math/Math Coordinator (email)
- Mary Lynn Bryan, Social Studies, Language Arts
- Megan Burton, Social Studies, Language Arts
- Sara Euser, 6 (email)
- Madeleine Gomez, 6 (email)
- Jeremy Grove, 7/8 (email)
- Chris Kvidahl, PE (email)
- Thom Lichtenstein, 6 (email)
- Fawn Lustig, PE
- Richard Mettler, Math/Science 7/8 (email)
- Nancy Perez, PE (half) (email)
- Diane Reid, Drama (email)
- Kevin Reid, Vocal Music
- Wendy Scott, Band
- Louann Talbert, 7/8
- Gentle Tassione, 7/8 (email)
- Melissa Vashe, Art (email)
- Keith Waechtler, 7/8 (email)
- Heather Watson, 6 (email)
support staff
Wendy Beltrami, Attendance Secretary (email)
Venita Bush, Business Manager
Teri Renz, Attendance Secretary
Beth Wheeler, Executive Assistant (email)
M. Madeleine Gomez
- Educational Background
- BA, University of Southern California
MA, Teacher's College Columbia University
Certificate in the Culinary Arts, Boston University
- Personal Information
- I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I come from a family of six children (two boys, four girls). While I have no children of my own, my two nephews and niece bring sunshine to my spirit. Currently, I have two dogs at home, a rabbit and fish at school. Napa has been my home for the past 12 years. I enjoy frequent visits with my family in Los Angeles. Being in the mountains and engaging in outdoor activities are favorite pastimes. Participating in cooking activities is fun and gratifying with family and friends. I dabble in ceramics and dream about sculpting something big someday.
- Subjects Taught
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My River School position is 6th grade Language Arts and Social Studies/Science and ELD.
- Began Teaching at River School
- This is my 2nd year at River School.
- Taught Before
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Four years as a child care worker and school liaison/Assistant to the Ranch Supervisor in a residential facility for the care of juvenile offenders and wards of the court placed by the Social Service System of California.
Three years as a Transitional Language Teacher in Los Angeles, CA .
Five years as a 4-6 th grade elementary opportunity teacher with NVUSD.
Six years as an elementary teacher at the Napa Valley Language Academy in the Spanish/English Dual Immersion Language Program.
- What is important to you in education?
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Students being able to tap into their learning environment, get connected, and experience the feel of success.
- What Defines the River School to you?
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Students take an active role in their academic and social development. Students are provided a “living laboratory” to experience, with guidance, what life’s lessons have to offer. Students work towards participatory citizenship into our society by way of curriculum designed and facilitated by the teachers and director of River School.