Leadership

List of 9 members.

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  Judith Foley Arnstein 

  Interim Head of School

  Miami University - BS
  Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Business - MBA
  Northwestern University - Certificate in Independent School Leadership

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  For more than twenty years, Judith has led and championed independent school communities in three states. Most recently, she was the Head of School at Charleston Day School in Charleston, SC where her leadership resulted in nurturing and maintaining a strong and vibrant school community while achieving record enrollment and philanthropy. Judith also led the enrollment, marketing and financial aid efforts at Lake Forest Country Day School, reversing a significant decline in enrollment and instituting numerous creative initiatives that increased community engagement, refined the school’s value proposition and marketing and positioned LFCDS as the premier independent school in the community, with enrollment drawing from over 35 surrounding communities. While in Lake Forest, she was one of two community members selected to serve on the Education Committee of the Board of Lake Forest High School. She has served on numerous other boards and school accreditation teams, and has presented at NAIS on the topics of faculty wellness, school culture and mission-aligned turn-around strategies. A strong believer in the power of independent schools to provide students and families with the support and framework that instills and fosters a lifelong passion for learning, one of her favorite quotes is Margaret Mead’s, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.” 
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  Vicente Fuentes 

  CFO

  W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University - Finance - Masters Degree
  Northern Arizona University - Education Leadership - M.Ed.

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  Vicente Fuentes started his career in education as a high school academic advisor and into leadership roles at various charter schools and non-profit organizations. With a Masters in Education from Northern Arizona University and an MBA from Arizona State University, Vicente brings over 18 years of experience in management and leadership to Palm Valley. His focus is on financial oversight, ensuring adherence to strong fiscal policies that support the overall mission of Palm Valley. He is passionate about optimizing school design and how that contributes to fiscal outcomes without losing the quality of the educational experience. Vicente also has a passion for music, soccer, and loves exploring local restaurants and coffee spots.
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  Peter Koehler 

  Associate Head of School

  Pepperdine University - MBA
  Teachers College, Columbia University - Masters in Education
  Kings College London - Masters in Literature
  University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor's Degree in Literature

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  Peter Koehler is an experienced educator and administrator with a 30+ year career in independent schools. He holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, King's College, University of London, Teachers College at Columbia University, and Pepperdine University's Graziadio School of Business and Management. His focus is on hands-on learning and fostering collaborative relationships between students and teachers for success in a changing global environment. He currently serves as Head of Middle and Upper School at Palm Valley School, with prior experience as Head of Lower School. Before Palm Valley, he was the Director of Teaching and Learning at Mayfield Junior School in Pasadena, where he actively engages with students, parents, and faculty. Peter Koehler's extensive experience underscores his commitment to creative and meaningful learning experiences, nurturing student and teacher potential.
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  Jennifer Traub 

  Preschool Director

  Grand Canyon University - Masters in Education
  Marymount University - Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts

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  Jennifer Traub serves our Palm Valley administration team as Head of Preschool and has been working at Palm Valley since fall of 2017. Throughout her fifteen years as an educator, she has prioritized individualized student learning and developed meaningful relationships with families. She graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Master's degree in Education, emphasizing Educational Leadership. Her hope for the school year is to always provide a safe and supportive environment that fosters academic success while supporting the social and emotional development of our students.
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  Kaira Nayfack 

  Director of Admissions & Community Engagement

  Aspen University - Bachelor's Degree

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  Kaira Nayfack started her journey with Palm Valley School in the fall of 2016. She started in our preschool division and, within a few short years, had the privilege of becoming the Head of Preschool. 
  
  

  Currently, Kaira proudly serves as PVS's Director of Admissions and Community Engagement. In this role, she draws on her passion for education to welcome and guide new families into our community. She believes in showcasing the academic excellence that PVS offers and ensuring that families feel the warmth and inclusivity that define our school's culture.

  
  Her journey at PVS reflects my commitment to educational excellence and a genuine enthusiasm for creating a positive and enriching learning environment. As Director of Admissions and Community Engagement, she is dedicated to shaping the future of PVS and upholding its legacy of academic excellence and community spirit. She looks forward to continuing this exciting journey and contributing to the continued success of Palm Valley School.
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  Ken Erenberg 

  Athletic Director

  National University - Masters in Education Specialization in U.S. Education in a Global Context
  Cal State University- Northridge - Bachelors Degree in Journalism

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  Athletic Director and Coach Ken Erenberg draws on 30 years of experience as an athletic director, overseeing middle and high school sports programs.
  
  Erenberg has Coached over 12 different sports and is a member of the 500 win club for high school athletics. He has been named Coach of the Year 21 times throughout his career and has won 13 titles.
  
  Coach feels his greatest accomplishment is the fact he has helped 40 students get scholarships to Division 1 colleges. 
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  Grant Kisling 

  Director of Technology

  Valley City State University - Masters in Education
  Washington State University - Bachelors Degree in Business Administration

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  Mr. Kisling is the technology teacher originally from Seattle, Washington. He worked in the technology field around Seattle for several years. He now live in the Coachella Valley with his family and has been teaching for 12 years around the world.  He spent three years in Japan as the Library Media Coordinator at an international school. He also spent two years in Rome, Italy as the Technology Coordinator for an international school, and now almost 8 years at Palm Valley School  as the Lower School Technology Coordinator. He enjoys working with classroom teachers to integrate technology into their classroom as well as running a technology class for elementary students. Mr. Kislings focus is on promoting student learning in digital citizenship, coding, and engineering.

   
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  Michele Greer 

  Executive Assistant and Communications Director

  CSUSB - Bachelor's Degree

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  Michele received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from CSUSB.  She worked as a Program Manager and Executive Assistant in the medical field for over 12 years before coming to Palm Valley.  Currently Michele serves as the Head of School’s Executive Assistant and is also the Communications Director. She is committed to making a positive impact in the workplace and in the community.  No job is too big or too small!

   
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  Stephanie Bassanelli 

  Director of College Counseling

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  Stephanie has been an educator for over 30 years. She holds a Bachelor's and Master of Science in Education and a Reading Specialist Certification. After teaching in K- 5 she transitioned to private College Counseling and then became Director of College Counseling at Palm Valley. Stephanie has published a children’s picture book, was a member of the Buffalo Choral Arts Society, and has been a member of The Steinway Society of Riverside Board. Currently,  she is a member of the NCAC and WACAC. Stephanie’s goal is to make the H.S. to college application process stress-free for students and parents.