Our Staff
Administration
Matt Taylor
Superintendent
Mr. Peter Stone
Chief Business Officer (CBO)
Peter joined River Charter Schools in 2012 as its Chief Business Officer. He spent most of the two previous decades in educational publishing finance as well as co-founding and growing the Electronic Education division of Pearson taking the new K-2 Waterford Early Reading Program to market in schools across the U.S. and making a significant difference in the reading achievement for the most needy children. Peter earned his Business Administration Accounting degree at UC Berkeley and is a CPA. He has lived in the Clarksburg area for the last 20 years on a working Delta farm, has four children, eight grandchildren, is very involved in his church and enjoys hiking.
Mrs. Vanessa Belair
Principal
After graduating from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND I pursed my dream of becoming a teacher. Within a few years I went back to school and received a Master’s Degree in Education Administration with an Administrative Services Credential. Since graduating I have spent almost 20 wonderful years in education. As DECS principal, it is an honor to have 420+ students who light up my life each and every day. What a true blessing!
I have an incredible husband and two sons who give me endless support. Though we don’t live in Clarksburg we have always felt a part of the community. The DECS community is like family to me and I look forward to another outstanding year alongside each and every one of you.
I have a passion for reading, horses, and everything outdoors!
Mrs. Hope Migliaccio
Principal
Mrs. Migliaccio joined the Lighthouse team as its proud principal in May of 2019. Mrs. Migliaccio brings twenty-four years of experience in education to Lighthouse. She is most excited about guiding our team in developing a successful middle school program. Our charter’s CORE values: collaboration, self-reflection, and positive attitude are what originally drew her to Lighthouse. One visit to our school and it was the school’s focus on a culture of equity and inclusion that really sealed the deal. Mrs. Migliaccio received her Bachelor of Arts degree from CSU, Stanislaus in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in English. She also has received a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Chapman University. She holds a multiple subject credential with an authorization in English and an administrative services credential. When she is not on campus, she enjoys spending time with her husband, traveling to places they have never been, and taking her dogs to the park. Follow her updates on Instagram (leadingwithhope).
Mrs. Laura Andrews
Vice Principal (DECS)
Mrs. Laura Andrews rejoins the DECS team this year as Vice Principal. Her primary roles will be supporting teachers with their academic programs and building school culture. Mrs. Andrews has been with River Charter Schools since 2011 as a lead teacher at Delta Elementary Charter School. She has spent the last two years at our sister school, Lighthouse Charter, as a site Administrator. She is well-versed in our charter mission and philosophy of building leaders and scholars. Mrs. Andrews received her Bachelor’s of Arts degree from CSU, Sacramento in Liberal Studies (Elementary Education) with an emphasis in Human Development. She holds a multiple-subject teaching credential and administrative services credential. When she’s not on campus, Mrs. Andrews is spending time with her husband and son (with baby boy number two on the way this fall). Follow her updates about all things DECS on Instagram @edventures_in_admin.
Mrs. Danielle Horneman
Vice Principal (LCS)
Ms. Christy Ploszaj
SPED & Student Support Services Director
Ms. Kamio Jones
School Psychologist
Ms. Victoria Brownstein
School Psychologist
Ms. Cody Mavis
Business Analyst
Cody has 16 years of experience working with small businesses including several local Non-Profits in the areas of bookkeeping, accounting, and internal controls. Cody has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Business Administration with a focus in Accounting. Her learning opportunities from working with a wide array of businesses and people have given her the knowledge to not only understand accounting detail, and the day to day issues that many organizations face, but also to take a step back and create solutions for broken or inefficient systems. Cody is forever grateful for the many mentors she had a long the way who have taught her invaluable skills. She hopes to return that to others, always striving to help others make things better for the entire organization.
Ms. Elena Riolo
HR/Payroll Specialist
I was lucky enough to be born into a large, loud, loving Italian family. My grandparents set roots down here in the Sacramento valley because it reminded them of Sicily. While growing up our family had a cabin in Lake Tahoe and I consider this my second home. Graduated from Sacramento High School and Consumes River College and then entered the business world until I started my family. That’s when I became the CFO/CEO of our family, toughest and best job ever. During this time I worked 9 years for a company processing accounts payable and payroll. I have 3 smart, beautiful and strongly independent adult daughters who are out in the world helping make it better. As lucky as I was before with my family I now have a new family here at River Charter Schools.
Ms. Chouang Chang
Business Technician
Ms. Aristea Walker
IT Specialist
As a Communications Specialist in the United States Air Force I trained in many facets of Information Technology. It was during my enlistment that I realized my passion for technology and the value of teamwork. My thirst for knowledge led me to receiving many industry leading certification such as CompTIA A+, Microsoft MCP, and MCSA as well as degrees in Information Technology and Management. I hope to inspire our young leaders and scholars to think outside box and to view technology as a puzzle that can be solved.