Administration
Sarada Judith Diffenbaugh, Ph.D.
Former Head of School and Board Member
Ph.D., Stanford University, Education with an emphasis in Design and Development of Education Programs, and dissertation on Moral Education; M.A., San Jose State University, Education State of California Lifetime Multiple Subject California Teaching Credential Reading Specialist Credential; B.A., University of California, Santa Cruz, Religious Studies and Psychology.
Joined Mount Madonna School in 1979
"MMS is a community of creative faculty, eager students, and dedicated parents. At MMS caring relationships and positive communication build opportunities for youngsters and adults to contribute to the whole while actualizing their individual potential. It is exciting being a part of this dynamic educational environment."
Sondra Sarojani Rohan, B.A.
Preschool/Kindergarten Director
Preschool/Kindergarten Montessori Teaching Credential; B.A. Music Theory and Composition, University of Miami School of Music; Certified Orff Music Specialist
Joined Mount Madonna School in 1981
"Teaching gives me the opportunity to work toward creating the social change I affirm for our world. At MMS we are encouraged and supported to teach to learn, to teach what we love and to explore and embrace our own individual gifts and talents. I am inspired by the School's commitment to the individual's personal, professional, and spiritual growth."
Mary Supriya McDonald, B.A.
Interim Head of Lower School; Director of Elementary Admissions
State of California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential; Pre/K-Adult State of Washington Multiple Subject Teaching Credential; Pre/K-Adult Teacher Certification, University of Washington, Seattle; B.A., Education, Western Washington University, Bellingham
Joined Mount Madonna School in 1987
"I enjoy teaching in the elementary grades because students' thinking and attitudes are still so open and flexible. My goal is to help students develop confidence in themselves as learners. The excitement in teaching for me is watching students make their own discoveries. I continue to try to ask the right questions at the right moment to help this process unfold. At Mount Madonna School, I am able to enjoy caring and supportive relationships between students, teachers and parents. We form a community that provides a safe and secure learning environment for us all."
Jivanti Rutansky, M.S.
Interim Head of Upper School; College Counselor
High School Advisory. M.S., School Counseling, Florida International University State of California Lifetime Community College Counselor Credential. State of California Lifetime Standard Designated Teaching Credential, Adult Education, Psychology, Sociology, Guidance and Counseling. B.A., Sociology, University of Florida, Gainesville Trainings include: Admission Training Institute, Secondary School Admission Test Board, Tools of the Trade, NACAC, Understanding Learning Disabilities, NACAC, Youth in Danger, Training of Peer Helping Professionals.
Joined Mount Madonna School in 1981
"I treasure working in a beautiful, natural environment that supports spiritual growth in all denominations. I love greeting students in the Admissions Office, watching them grow intellectually and emotionally through their adolescent years and supporting them in meeting their future goals as they open the door to their adult lives."
Nicole Tervalon, Ph.D. 
Director of Admissions, Middle/High School; High School Math/Science Faculty Chair
Ph.D., MIT, Cambridge, M.A. and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), Woods Hole; M.A. (Joint Program), M.S., Oceanographic Engineering, MIT; B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Summa Cum Laude, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
Joined Mount Madonna School in 2004
"My passion has always been teaching. Not only do I like the challenge of inspiring students, but the thrill of seeing someone grasp a difficult concept they have been working on is extremely satisfying. I am very excited about teaching at MMS because it blends so many strengths I feel are essential for the most effective teaching/learning experience. The small class size, beautiful environment, supportive community, and up-to-date facilities all allow educating to be the focus of each day."
Beth Blosser, M.A.
Director of Development
M.A., Public Administration, University of San Francisco. R.N., B.S., Nursing, San Francisco State
Joined Mount Madonna School in 1995
"It is always rewarding to see the students' growing awareness of social issues, the existing community resources to address those issues and the avenues they can take to be part of the fostering of attitude of lifelong service selection."
Christine Anurag White, A.A.
Director of Operations
A.A., Business, San Jose State. Certified Acupressure Therapist, Acupressure Institute, Berkeley. Certified Herbalist. Certified in Steven Covey Management Training. Certified in Ken Blanchard Management Training.
Joined Mount Madonna School in 1999
"Being able to work in such a positive and beautiful environment and be able to contribute to something so worthwhile as the preparation of our younger generation is one of the most rewarding experiences of life. Mount Madonna School provides a vehicle for using my talents and skills effectively that I find personally rewarding as well as knowing this is one of the finest ways of ensuring a better future for our society."
Lara Kilpatrick, B.A.
Director of Advancement
B.A., English/American Literature, UC Santa Cruz.
Graduate of Mount Madonna School, Class of 1985
Joined Mount Madonna School in 2007
"It is my great pleasure and honor to be a part of Mount Madonna School as a graduate, parent and administrator. Mount Madonna School has had a lifelong positive impact on me, my siblings and my fellow alumni. I find great joy in helping to advance the success of this important educational institution in the areas of admissions, alumni relations, fundraising and grant writing, and outreach to our communities."
