The Riviera Ridge School held its annual Founder’s Day Assembly last week, celebrating 88 years in Santa Barbara and a number of milestone years of service for faculty and staff.

Founded in 1938 as Marymount of Santa Barbara, the independent school became the Riviera Ridge School in 2021.

“Through the countless changes that a school with roots that deep will inevitably encounter, a large number of its employees have remained steadfast and have been honored for their service with heartfelt tributes, written and presented by students,” the school said.

“When teachers feel valued, supported and loved, our students thrive, it’s as simple as that,” said Chris Broderick, head of school. “Creating an environment where our educators want to build their careers for the long term is one of my highest priorities.

“Celebrating their dedication, passion, and years of service isn’t just something we do on Founder’s Day, it’s at the very core of who we are at Riviera Ridge,” he said.

This year, 15 members of the Riviera Ridge faculty and staff are celebrating their five-, 10-, 15- and 20-year service anniversaries, honoring 210 years of dedication to the school. 

Two of the teachers are Jenny and Matt Kustura, whose love story and marriage began at RRS.

“Twenty years later, they remain as faithful to the school as they are to each other,” school officials said.

“Jenny Kustura started as a Lower School teacher known for bringing smiles and fun to her students’ lives each day with costumes and jubilant dance breaks paired with an engaging curriculum designed to nurture the whole child,” school officials said.

Jenny is now Lower School Division Head, and “her signature sprinkle of joie de vivre and love of learning can be felt throughout the school,” Riviera Ridge said.

“I never would have guessed that my first full-time teaching job would lead to so much fulfillment in my life,” Jenny Kustura said. “My first school became my forever school, and I’m grateful every day for my amazing colleagues and students who make this so much more than a job; it’s my purpose and my joy.”

After 20 years with RRS, Matt Kustura is now the JK-8 learning services coordinator.

“His electives, including surfing and School of Rock, and uncanny ability to connect with every child, have made him a key component of the exuberant, student-centered learning the school prides itself on,” according to RRS.

Kari Eiler, the school’s JK-8 signature Kaleidoscope Program specialist, also marked 20 years of service.

In collaboration with UCSB’s Religious Studies Department, Eiler created the school’s Kaleidoscope Program in 2007.

Kaleidoscope teaches students how to approach the study of world religion through a Golden Rule perspective. Students in JK-8th grades broaden their worldviews with visits from guest speakers, field trips to places of worship, and personalized community service projects.

“Lessons in empathy, courage, honesty, hope, love, loyalty, justice and respect empower students to find their way in a global community with a strong moral compass at their center,” the school said.

Lower School Math & Science Specialist Rodney Lee also celebrated his 20th year at the school.

“Lee is known for his dedication and popular Monday after-school math enrichment classes for 4th-6th graders, where they practice utilizing valuable math problem-solving strategies and form a team for the Math Super Bowl,” school officials said.

Lee’s special touches include making a famous Orange Creamsicle cake for his students each year, and supporting the staff behind the scenes for every school event as the unofficial audio/visual specialist and resident DJ. 

Fourth-grade educator Elizabeth Hansen marks a milestone this year of two decades of service at Riviera Ridge School.

“Her connection to the institution runs even deeper, representing a proud multi-generational legacy as the parent of two graduates and extended family of Marymount/Riviera Ridge alumni,” RRS said.

Having previously served as Lower School division head and a fifth-grade teacher, Hansen said she found her true calling in fourth grade, where she has spent the last decade cultivating academic excellence.

Drawing on her theatrical background, Hansen sparks creative curiosity across the Lower School, RRS officials said.

“When our teachers bring their whole selves to school — their passions, creativity, and unique talents — our students see firsthand what it means to be a lifelong learner,” said Broderick.

“That joy is contagious. Celebrating our team’s growth and dedication isn’t just part of our history; it’s how we foster a thriving, caring community every single day,” Broderick said.

For more, email info@rivieraridge.org, or call 805-569-1811 ext. 131.