Faculty & Staff

Ryan Sutton has worked at Golden Valley Charter Schools since 2008 and is a certified Waldorf educator. Specializing in upper grades, Mr. Sutton has completed 5 loops of 6th - 8th grade and is in his fifth year as principal of Golden Valley River School. In recent years, Ryan has also served as mentor to fellow upper grades teachers and has taught at Rudolf Steiner College in their "Art of Teaching" program.

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 began her career in public education in 2012 with Roseville City School District, initially supporting food services before transitioning into substitute administrative and secretarial roles. She has a background in Early Childhood Education. She has since supported various school districts and educational organizations before joining Golden Valley Charter School District in 2025. In 2020, she achieved a longtime goal of earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources Management. Outside of school, Eliza enjoys baking fresh sourdough, traveling with her husband, spending time with their adult children, and pursuing her passion for photography through her freelance photography studio.

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.