Our Staff
 Robin Acosta
robin.acosta@rcc.edu
951-2228325
Robin Acosta is a Resource Specialist at the Riverside GtC. She’s been with GtC for 3 years and has taught both Guidance as well as CAHSEE prep math courses. She is continually inspired by the students that’s she privileged to work with at this school.
 Kathy Bywater
kathleen.bywater@rcc.edu
951-222-8579
Kathy Bywater is an E/LA instructor at the Riverside GtC campus. I currently hold a BA in English Literature and an MA in Education with an emphasis on English as a Second Language Learners. My privileged role at GtC is that of English teacher, and (unofficially) huge supporter of all students! My Gateway to College position is part time, but the population I work with here is my full-time passion -- I believe Gateway to College is an exceptional opportunity for students.
 Miguel Contreras
miguel.contreras@rcc.edu
951-222-8089
Dean of Students and Resource Specialist
B.S. Sociology, UC-Irvine
M.S. Counseling; Student Development in Higher Education, CSU-Long Beach
I serve as the Dean of Students and a Resource Specialist at Gateway. I am involved with the administrative team, test coordination, outreach and recruitment, student life, and I teach and counsel a cohort of our first term students.
I have an extreme amount of pride about my job with Gateway to College. I feel that the work we do here is the most meaningful work I could be doing in education. I have had an interest in increasing college readiness and persistence for a long time and having the opportunity to work here allows me to specifically work on those issues. The students I have the privilege to work with make me want to be at my best every day. When I am not working as an educator I like to spend time snowboarding, camping, fishing, watching just about any sport, and spending time with my girlfriend and our dogs(Chico and Boris) and cat(Dora).
 Brenda Forsse
brenda.forsse@rcc.edu
951-222-3658
I am a student resource specialist here at Riverside Gateway to College, providing guidance to students in their foundation term and support to students in their transition terms. My education is in psychology and educational counseling. I have a pupil personnel services credential and a masters degree in educational counseling and guidance. It is such a joy for me to experience new beginnings and positive changes with our students.
 Cindy Gibbons
cynthia.gibbons@rcc.edu
951-222-8931
Administrative Assistant II
I help with the orientations and testing, data, transcripts, attendance and other back office activities. Gateway to College is a perfect opportunity for youth who realize they’re on a dead end road with their current educational choices and are willing to put forth some effort to change their future. I am privileged to be a part this life changing adventure. In my free time I enjoy my PS3, PS2, and an occasional outing with my family and friends. My favorite author is Dean Koontz.
 Yvonne Hill
yvonne.hill@rcc.edu
951-222-8934
I am the Administrative Assistant for Gateway to College Early College High School. I have an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Studies and two certificates. Currently, I am attending Cal State San Bernardino to obtain a BA degree in Human Development and will graduate in June 2013. I work under the supervision of the Project Director at Gateway to College Early College High School. I oversee and manage all office procedures and other tasks as assigned by the Project Director. Gateway to College is a great place to be… I enjoy working with the staff and students here. I am excited about the number of students we help each year to obtain their high school diploma. It’s a great school and I enjoy what I do. My favorite hobbies are spending time with my family, listening to music, playing basketball or volleyball, and reading a good book.
 Jill Marks
jill.marks@rcc.edu
951-328-3688
Jill Marks is Project Director for Riverside City College’s Gateway to College Early College High School and serves as the school’s Principal. Jill earned her BA and MA in History at University of California, Riverside (UCR) and additionally holds California teaching and administrative credentials. She has taught history for Riverside Unified School District, Cypress College and Riverside Community College District, as well as adult and vocation education classes through UCR Extension. Currently, she serves on the Leadership Team for the Gateway to College National Network and is a member of Riverside County’s Council for Youth Development. Jill has been the Principal for Riverside Gateway to College since the school opened in 2004. Although she attended an innovative alternative education program throughout high school, she wishes Gateway to College was available to her at that time. She felt the large comprehensive high school did not meet her academic and personal needs and was not challenged by rigorous relevant work in her alternative high school program. When not at work or thinking about work (which isn’t often) she can be found exercising, reading and volunteering with Lucky Bunny Rabbit Rescue. She lives in Riverside with her family which includes two house rabbits (so far) and a Yorkshire terrier.
 Bob McDonald
bob.mcdonald@rcc.edu
951-222-8967
B.A., Sociology, CSUSB; M.A., Counseling, Univ. of Redlands; Standard Pupil Personnel Credential
Manager of Student Orientation/Retention, Team Leader(Resource Specialist). Assist in the management of the program by taking a leadership role in the counseling functions and also counsel a caseload of continuing GTC students. I have worked 30+ years as a school counselor at the high school and college levels and my 8 years working with GTC students and staff have been the most enjoyable and rewarding. My interests in life include staying active with my wife and 3 college-attending children. I especially enjoy racquetball, Dodger baseball and traveling.
 Matt Mortimer
matthew.mortimer@rcc.edu
951-222-8346
I am the math instructor for the Riverside Gateway to College Early College High School program. I have a B.A. in psychology and anthropology from UC Riverside and a M.A. in history from American Military University. I have been teaching high school and middle school math, social studies, computer applications, and science at various times for the past 23 years. I truly feel privileged to have been part of Gateway to College for the past five years. It is a fantastic job to help students, in some way, achieve success in their personal educational and career goals.
 Val Smith
valerie.smith@rcc.edu
951-222-8949
Title and Education: Valerie Smith, M.Ed. & Ed. Spec. (School Psychology); Team Leader/Student Resource Specialist. Role & Responsibilities: Counselor to students who have successfully completed their foundation semester and are taking college classes to complete their high school graduation requirements. Share important campus information about deadlines, events, resources, and opportunities for student participation on campus. Assist students with registration and meeting Gateway educational plan goals. Guide students in solving personal and academic challenges. Helping students plan their transition after Gateway to RCC. Motivating students to persist to Gateway graduation and beyond. Feelings about Gateway: Working with the unified, caring staff and Gateway students who choose to move ahead with their lives in spite of their barriers and challenges is extremely rewarding and personally satisfying. We make a difference in each others’ lives. I’m blessed! Hobbies/About Me: Travel (national and international), white-water rafting, snorkeling, reading, cooking, “hanging” with the grandson, and mentoring families and friends of addicts/alcoholics through weekly Al-Anon meetings. Lived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (5 years), and Quito, Ecuador (3 summers and holidays during my college years). Favorite Motto: Aim Low: Boring; Aim high: Soaring!
 Mary Violasse
Bachelor Degree in Anthropology from CSUSB, undergrad at RCC. Secondary Teaching Credential in Social Sciences, State of California. I assist students in preparing for success on the English portion of the California High School Exit Exam. We read and discuss works of literature and practice the skills necessary to pass the test. I try to make sense of punctuation and literary terms and share my enthusiasm for reading and local history. I love my community, my pets, reading, and looking for vintage items, both as a collector and seller.
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Riverside Gateway to College Early College High School
4800 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside CA 92506
Phone: 951-222-8934 -or- 951-222-8931
Fax: 951-222-8975
Email Map
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