Staff Directory - Renaissance School of Art and Reasoning

Todd Apple, Principal

Cheryl Kenyon - Associate Principal

Cheryl Kenyon joined LWSD in 2021 as the interim principal of Sammamish River Valley Online School. In 2023, when the district decided to close its online operations, Cheryl joined the administrative team at EHS/RSAR. Cheryl started her school administration journey in 2005 and has been a principal and associate principal in Alaska, Arizona, and Washington, focusing primarily on turnaround schools and promoting educational equity for students furthest from it. She is excited to broaden her skillset at EHS/RSAR in the coming school year.

Mrs. Kenyon lives in the beautiful Skagit valley with her husband, Dan; daughter, Emma; and German Shepherd, Venus. As a family, they like supporting the Mariners, Seahawks, and Kraken, and attending local concerts. When she has the time, Mrs. Kenyon enjoys reading and quilting.

Mrs. Kenyon’s primary office is in EHS; however, you’ll be able to see her visiting the RSAR campus regularly, too.

Email: c kenyon@lwsd.org

Shanna Berlanga - Office Manager - Registrar - Attendance

Shanna was previously the office manager of LWSD's Sammamish River Valley Online school. She joined RSAR in the fall of 2025 and handles all school operations including office management, registration, attendance, and more.

In her free time, she enjoys gardening and spending time with her family.

Email: sberlanga@lwsd.org

Main Office Phone Number: 425-936-1544

Elizabeth Rothwell - Lead Classroom Teacher

Ms. Rothwell holds a Master of Science in Biology from Northern Arizona University, and first discovered her love for education while teaching undergraduate laboratory courses during her time there. After completing her degree, she worked as the lead science instructor at a small private high school based in Sammamish for about two and a half years. She taught 1-on-1 science and math courses, developed curricula for biology, chemistry, and algebra, and supported science and math instructors in their professional development as teachers and tutors.

To move toward teaching in public schools, Ms. Rothwell completed a Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Science from Western Governors University. She completed her student teaching at Lake Washington High School, and then worked as a substitute paraprofessional and teacher for the Mercer Island School District before taking on her role at Eastlake and Renaissance in the Lake Washington School District.

Ms. Rothwell has found that students in this middle school are naturally curious and excited about science, and enjoys fostering that appreciation for STEM. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her Golden Retriever, Jackson.

Email: erothwell@lwsd.org

Haakon Standal - classroom teacher

Haakon grew up in Everett, attending Cascade High School. He went to Gonzaga University in Spokane for his Bachelor’s, and WGU for his Master’s in Education. His favorite class during his Master’s program was Arts Integration – skills and techniques he uses in the classroom every day at Renaissance.

In addition to building artistic skills, Haakon believes strongly in using the visual arts as a way to demonstrate learning from other classes, as this is shown to dramatically improve academic outcomes, as well as overall motivation, for students.

In his free time, Haakon loves hiking, going to concerts, trivia night, sporting events, and watching sports and documentaries with his cat, Meowchelle Opawma.

8th ELA

8th Social Studies

6th, 7th, and 8th Art

Email: hstandal@lwsd.org

Mariana Borgiani - classroom teacher

Mariana Borgiani is a sixth-grade ELA/SS, seventh-grade ELA/SS/Math, sixth to eighth Guild teacher at the Renaissance School of Art and Reasoning since Feb/2023.

Mariana is an MD from Brazil with a pediatrics and pulmonology specialization and a Ph.D. in Telemedicine. She graduated from the University of Sao Paulo and worked at various hospitals, private clinics, and NGOs for underserved communities. After having her first boy, the family moved to the USA through her husband's IT work to Bellevue, where they welcomed another boy.

Intending to help her kids succeed in the American school system, Mariana started to be involved with schools by volunteering, participating in the PTSA, working as an instructional assistant in different schools at Bellevue School District, and eventually becoming a teacher. Mariana was a 3rd grade teacher and long-term substitute teacher before coming to LWSD.

Mariana is a problem solver and adaptative learner; she is eager to improve her skills and help people to succeed and thrive. She loves sports, traveling, learning new cultures, and family. Mariana firmly believes "Knowledge is Power!"

6th ELA/SS and 7th LA/SS/Math

Email: mborgiani@lwsd.org

KATE WOLD - CLASSROOM TEACHER

I’m finishing up my 10th year at Eastlake and I’m so excited to be teaching 6th and 8th grade Drama at Renaissance next year! I love challenges and adventures. I hope all my students next year are ready to take some creative risks with me and build our community.

I graduated with my BA in Theatre Education and my MA in Theatre Production from Central Washington University. I’m on the Executive Board for Washington State Thespians as the State Thespian Officer Co-Advisor.

When not working in theatre or seeing shows, I love to spend time with my daughter, Phoenix, my husband, Alex, my dog, Andy, and my cat, Ollie. I also love reading, swimming, quilting, traveling, and cooking.

GARTH BALL - CLASSROOM TEACHER

Howard Mawhinney - Special Education Teacher

Leanne Mawhinney - Special Education Teacher

Julie Kalligerakis - Para Educator

Kaleb Vandel - Para Educator/IA

Lenore Gallucci - School Counselor

Nura Joban - YES (Youth Eastside Services) Counselor

Email: c-mjoban@lwsd.org or nura.joban@youtheastsideservices.org

I have a Masters in Child and Adolescent Psychology from the University of Washington and I’m training to be a Substance Use Disorder Professional. I have a variety of experience working with adolescents, individually, in groups, in schools, and in community settings. I use a person-centered and collaborative approach, focusing on student strengths and needs, and having a conversation with them to help them solve their problems.

I am looking forward to being a part of the RSAR team, helping to promote the health and well-being of students and staff throughout the school year.