Faculty & Staff

Before becoming Principal of Golden Valley River School, Mr. Sutton began his Golden Valley journey in the classroom. From 2008 to 2021, he served as a dedicated middle school teacher, guiding five classes through their junior high years at Golden Valley. After graduating his final class in 2021, he had the opportunity to continue serving the community he loves in an administrative role.

Mr. Sutton views each year as Principal as an ongoing learning experience. He especially values the opportunity to support both teachers and students, finding great meaning in serving the school community in these different ways.

Outside of his work as an educator, Mr. Sutton is a proud parent of three. Music is one of his greatest passions, and he has played guitar in various bands since his early twenties. He also enjoys spending time outdoors, including paddleboarding, hiking, and playing golf.

Madison Chaplin is the Vice Principal and Accountability Coordinator at Golden Valley River & Ochard School. She holds a B.A. from UCLA, M.A. in Urban Education from Loyola Marymount University, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. Madison brings more than 10 years of experience in education, including teaching, instructional coaching, and school leadership. She values building strong relationships with students, families, and educators while supporting academic growth and inclusive, restorative school communities. She especially enjoys helping students thrive through meaningful relationships, strong instruction, and a supportive school culture. Outside of school, Madison enjoys attending sporting events, traveling, and camping with her husband and their three children.

Amy Montgomery works in Special Education and she has been at Golden Valley for 14 years. She started as a classroom assistant, then became an Educational Support Specialist, and she is currently a SPED IA. She has a California Teaching Credential and she has completed the Building Bridges Waldorf training. Prior to working at Golden Valley, Amy worked in academic recovery at Options for Youth Charter School. In her spare time, Amy enjoys spending time in nature and reading. She loves sharing her passion for reading and writing with her students, building strong relationships, and watching her students grow.

Sarah Miller began River’s Renewal Room in 2019 as a weekly volunteer to help teach students coping, calming, and mindfulness skills as well as provide a peaceful space for students and staff to re-set in their days.  In the spring of 2022 she joined the River staff and formed the Renewal Room into an ongoing program in which children can re-set, renew, be heard, learn social, problem solving, coping and communication skills on a daily basis.  Sarah has a Master’s Degree in Child Development/Education with an emphasis on hospitalized children.  She has been a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) for 20 years. 

Danya Marmol is the School Psychologist at Golden Valley Charter Schools. She earned her Master’s in Educational Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Global, along with an Education Specialist Credential in School Psychology and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential. Danya worked as a preschool teacher for several years and in 1:1 settings. She enjoys working with students, learning from them each day, and watching them reach their goals. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Eliza has worked in public education since 2012, starting with Roseville City School District and later supporting schools and educational organizations. Her Early Childhood Education background has helped her understand how children learn, grow, and develop.

At Golden Valley River School, Eliza is an Instructional Assistant and helps supervise students during yard duty. She enjoys building positive relationships and creating a caring environment where every child feels welcomed, supported, and connected to the school community.

Eliza earned her bachelor's degree in Human Resource's Management in 2020. Outside of school, she enjoys baking sourdough, traveling, spending time with family, and photography.

Rachel Barkey serves as an Instructional Assistant at Golden Valley. She has more than a decade of experience working with children, youth, and families in individual, small-group, and large-group settings. Rachel is certified in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) and has experience facilitating parent groups using Love and Logic and Habits of the Household.

She especially values building strong, trusting relationships with students and creating environments where children feel safe, known, and supported as they grow. Outside of school, Rachel enjoys music, gardening and cooking, interior design, and gathering with family and friends.

Kat has worked with Golden Valley for the last two years. She started in our Eagle's Nest program as the Site Lead for the Orchard campus in 2024, then transitioned into the classroom as an Instructional Assistant for third grade in 2025. She is now back in Eagle's Nest where she hopes to bring the same Waldorf teachings the students experience throughout their school day to the after-care program with a warm and heartfelt approach. 

Brianne Hanley has been part of the Golden Valley community since 2012, serving as a grades teacher for three classes across both the River and Orchard campuses. She holds a Waldorf Teaching Certificate from Rudolf Steiner College and a bachelor’s degree in Musical Theatre from Chico State. Brianne has deeply valued her years in the classroom and the relationships built with students, families, and colleagues. She is excited to bring that experience into her new role supporting Golden Valley’s teachers and curriculum, while continuing to share her lifelong love of theatre and music.

Hilary Pollock is the librarian at River and Orchard and can often be seen subbing in the classroom. Her two daughters graduated from River and are currently attending Sacramento Waldorf High School.  She completed the Building Bridges Waldorf Training program in 2019 and has served as Kindergarten IA, Lower Grades Games Subject Specialist, and Lower Grades Music Subject Specialist. She enjoys seeing the students grow and blossom as they pass through the grades and loves how kind and generous they are. In her free time, she enjoys showing her horse Galileo in the hunters, finishing quilts on her longarm, and playing upright bass in the Symphony d'Oro. 

Allen Young serves as an Internal Substitute Teacher for River & Orchard Schools. He earned a degree in Liberal Studies/Multiple Subjects from Humboldt State University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Sacramento State University. An educator since 1993, Allen has served as a teacher, principal, program director, and student teacher observer. He especially values the energy and vibrancy that young people bring to the learning environment. Outside of school, Allen enjoys reading, listening to music, and playing guitar and drums. He is also the proud father of three grown daughters and grandfather to one grandson.