Our Staff

Ms. Kara Schene
Principal (LCS)

Mrs. Schene has been an inspiring educational leader for over eighteen years. Our Lighthouse Charter core values of demonstrating unconditional positive regard, continuous self-reflection, and high quality collaborative efforts are aspects she values and embraces as our Principal of LCS. Mrs. Schene received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from University of Nevada Reno, and earned her Master's Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from University of Phoenix. Mrs. Schene holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with an authorization in English and an Administrative Services Credential. She is excited to bring her extensive experiences of mentoring/coaching, building effective systems for positive school outcomes and implementing comprehensive models of inclusive practices for all students at LCS. When not spending time with the school family at LCS, she enjoys camping with her husband and three sons, gardening, and snowmobiling with her family in Graeagle, CA.

Ms. Danielle Horneman
Vice Principal

After graduating from Sacramento State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, I began my work at Chapman University (currently Brandman University) towards a Multiple Subject credential, Special Education credential and Administrative credential. While attending Brandman, I earned a Masters in Education: Curriculum Design and Instruction and in Administrative Leadership. Over the course of the last 10 years, I worked as a Special Education teacher and a CARE teacher (Community Action for Responsive Education) for at-risk youth as well as teacher leader and mentor. My expertise falls within working with a variety of students and families in guiding their academics, behavioral and social-emotional health to ensure safe and positive school experiences. When I am not on campus, I spend many weekends training and racing my dirt bike for Hare and Hound Scrambles in the Northern Nevada desert as well as participate in racing in a local Cross Country series.

Office

Patty
Office Manager
Heather
Office Clerk

Tammy
Office Clerk

Para Educators

Jacqueline Huerta

Rachel Villanueva

Cathleen Garcia

Andrea Garcia
Josafina Pontes
Michelle King

Special Education Paras

Carolyn Cooper

Noelia Rodriguez

Sarah Cassidy

Rodney Corpuz
Josafina Pontes
Cynthia Lopez de Romero

Ed Specialists

Alexis Venegas

Sally Mandujan

Maria Betts

Brian Sherman
School Psych

Working with children has always been a passion of mine! Prior to my work here at River Charter Schools, I got my start in the school system working as a para-educator in mild-moderate and moderate-severe SDC classrooms. This is where I caught the bug to work as a school psychologist and haven't looked back since. Throughout my time in the field of Psychology, I have also held positions in the Veteran's Administration Hospital working with Veteran's who had experienced combat trauma (physically and mentally), as well as a community outreach center. During my time at the community out reach center I was working primarily in schools to provide outside resources for counseling in schools with primary populations of low socio-economic status, as well as substance abuse groups at the outreach center with people from all walks of life.

Yard

Amy Cordova
John Silva

Lindsay Smith

Maintenance/Janitorial/Lunch Aide

Val

Carolina

Elizabet

Food Service

Jose

Justin Lee
Site Information Technology Specialist

Hello, my name is Justin Lee. I was born in San Francisco, and I moved to Sacramento when I was 6 years old. In 2021, I graduated from University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor of Science in computer engineering. This is my first time working in information technology and I am excited to take this opportunity to learn and provide my support. When I am not working, I enjoy hanging out with my friend and family, board games, and volleyball.