Meet Our Staff

Maria Leyva has a master's degree in bilingual and multicultural education with bilingual and SEI endorsements. Ms. Leyva decided to become a teacher after arriving in the U.S. from Cuba in fifth grade and experiencing the process of becoming a second language learner. She wanted to help children succeed academically as they learned English as a second language. Ms. Leyva has been teaching at Riverside for three years, but she has been in education for a total of 26 years. In her spare time, Ms. Leyva enjoys traveling, dancing, and spending time with her family. 

Lorena Munoz has been teaching for eighteen years at Riverside School District. She has a bachelor’s degree in economics and Spanish from the University of New Mexico and a post- baccalaureate degree in early childhood education and administration.

Elizabeth Gonzalez has been working at Riverside Traditional School for the past twelve years. She has taught kindergarten and first grade. She received her bachelor's degree from Arizona State University and recently graduated from Grand Canyon University with her master's degree. One of her favorite things, as a teacher, is watching her students grow academically and watching their personalities flourish. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, shopping, and spending time with her family.

Gloria Hernandez is a dedicated first-grade teacher who holds BLE, SEI, and reading interventionist endorsements. With a career spanning forty years, her professional life has been deeply rooted in the field of education. Over the course of her career, she has taught a variety of grade levels, including first grade, fourth grade, and a combined fourth- and fifth-grade classroom.

In addition to her work in elementary education, she has also served as a reading interventionist, supporting students in both seventh and eighth grades. Her extensive experience has allowed her to develop a strong understanding of student learning needs across age groups, and she remains committed to helping all learners grow, thrive, and discover a love of reading and learning.

Throughout her four decades in education, she has earned a reputation for dedication, compassion, and instructional expertise, qualities that continue to guide her work each day.

Ms. Amaya has a bachelor’s degree in education. Ms. Amaya was inspired by her primary teacher who taught her how to read and write in English. She never stopped supporting her, even long after her class. She is a committed educator who deeply values her students’ academic and emotional development. She focuses on building strong, positive relationships with both students and families. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Amaya enjoys crafts, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Cynthia Torrez holds a master’s degree in reading with an emphasis in elementary education, as well as a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. With a decade of teaching experience, she has dedicated her career to nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning. Her passion for education shines through in her daily interactions with students, and she finds the greatest joy in watching them grow, mature, and blossom into the future leaders of our world.

Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Torrez enjoys taking nature walks and cherishes spending quality time with her family. Her commitment to both her profession and personal life reflects her belief in lifelong learning, connection, and the power of positive influence. 

Laura Martinez graduated from Arizona State University with her degree in bilingual endorsement K-12, cum laude. She has 22 years of teaching experience in first, third, and fourth grade combined. In 2024, one of her fourth-grade students won first place at the state level in the Martin Luther King Jr., writing contest, Spaces We Belong. She enjoyed working as a paraprofessional for eight years, which gave her the drive and passion to pursue her education career. Helping students and families reach their goals is one of her greatest satisfactions.

Previously, she graduated as a public accountant from IPN in Mexico City. She holds an American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) certificate and a medical interpreting certificate. Helping her community is her passion, and it fills her with a sense of purpose and fulfillment that she can't find anywhere else. In her free time, she loves to travel to new places and learn about the beauty of our world.

Mr. Dennis Rossini dual majored in accounting and business finance, graduating cum laude from Mount Saint Mary's College, Newburgh, New York in 2006. He has worked off Wall Street in asset management, worked in public accounting, owned a restaurant in the Hudson Valley of New York, sat on the board for a dental implant company as the CFO in Miami, FL, and has been a proud third-grade teacher here at Riverside Traditional School, now in his second year. His wife and daughter inspired him to pursue teaching. Mr. Rossini received his alternative teaching certification through Teachers of Tomorrow.

Ms. Valenzuela has a bachelor’s degree in education. Since Ms. Valenzula was a child, she would always say she wanted to become a teacher. She feels great joy that she is making a difference in a child’s life. She has worked in the education field for over fifteen years; every year is a new experience, but her goal is to always provide the skills a child needs to succeed. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Valenzuela enjoys going for walks, doing arts and crafts, and spending time with her family.

Ms. Perez has a master’s degree in education. Ms. Perez was inspired to become a teacher because she enjoyed going to school as a child. She loves to build relationships with all of her students and parents. She enjoys creating a sage and welcoming classroom where students feel seen and understood. Her favorite part of teaching is being able to witness the growth and accomplishments that her students conquer throughout the school year. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Perez enjoys reading thriller books, traveling, and going to concerts.

Kelly McMahon is a special education teacher with over ten years of experience in Texas and Arizona. She holds both general education and special education certifications, along with an SEI endorsement. She earned a bachelor’s degree in special education and a master’s degree in autism and developmental disabilities from the University of Texas at El Paso. Ms. McMahon is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments where all students can grow, succeed, and reach their full potential.