Mrs. Lisa Skiver
Director |
Our new director, Mrs. Lisa Skiver, is thrilled and excited to enter this new phase of her career in Early
Childhood Education! She brings valuable skills in both teaching and leadership, and over 30 years of experience to this new position. Besides a few breaks to focus on raising her two sons, Mrs. Skiver has continuously worked in the field since her first teaching position back in 1990. She began her career at Temple Bethel in Riverside, and with the assistance of some amazing mentors, quickly moved from assistant teacher to lead teacher. She stayed there for 7 fulfilling years. She worked at the UC Riverside Development Center for 2 years before finding her way to FUMPS in 2006, when she enrolled her oldest son in our preschool. Once here, she immediately began substitute teaching, before taking on a lead position the following year. She worked as a lead in the Busy Bee and the Little Rascal classes for 17 fun filled years. When the director position opened up, it seemed only natural that Mrs. Skiver lead the great team here at FUMPS. Mrs. Skiver lives here in Riverside with her husband of 28 years. Her 2 sons, Ryan and Jacob, are now grown and thriving in their own careers. Her oldest got married and became a first-time father last year -- making her a first-time grandma. Out of all of the titles in her life, “Nana” may now be her favorite. Mrs. Skiver brings an enthusiasm and love of life to any position she takes on. She values every aspect of the preschool setting. She is excited to move from her single classroom to leading the entire campus – which she now calls “her bigger classroom”. She loves the students and families she has met at FUMPS and is proud of the impact this school has had on the entire Riverside community. She looks forward to continuing FUMPS long-standing tradition of providing our students with a strong foundation while preparing them for their next step in education. She encourages and looks forward to visits from all former families and students, especially to talk football during the NFL season! |
Mrs. Katie Inman
Office Manager |
Our new office manager, Katie Inman, is a Riverside native who proudly
attended Castle View, Gage and Poly. She studied Early Childhood Studies at RCC. Started working at The Growing place then at Kindercare for over 6 years in a variety of positions, including office aide, kitchen staff, assistant teacher and eventually becoming lead Kindergarten teacher. In 2000 she had her first child and was a stay-at-home mom for over 20 years. During that time, Mrs. Inman was busy volunteering for the PTA at Alcott and Gage, Alcott School Foundation, Magnolia Center Little League board and the baseball booster club at Poly. There were many years driving the boys all over town for their activities. Now her three boys are all grown up! With two in college and one working son, they keep her busy with phone calls and life stories. The boys are in different states all in the midwest. Her husband Blake owns a business running youth baseball tournaments. The Inmans are BIG baseball fans! Go Brewers! Mrs. Inman enjoys travel, concerts, Pickleball, going to the gym and the Green Bay Packers! Returning to the work force in the fall of 2020 at FUMPS as an aide to Mrs. Skiver in the Little Rascal class was a great experience. Katie brings a special flare to FUMPS and is excited to work closely with Mrs. Skiver again! Teaching and helping others has always been a passion for Katie and she can’t wait to take on the office manager position. |
Mrs. Rita Theodorou
Brave Bears |
Rita grew up in the Woodcrest neighborhood of Riverside, and is the middle daughter of three
sisters. She has been happily married to her husband, Nick for 13 years. They have been blessed with two boys, George (12 years old) and Antony (10 years old). Rita has always been very passionate about working with children, helping them, and making a positive impact in their lives. Rita attended San Diego State University to study Psychology and Sociology. She has worked with children with Autism as a Behavioral Therapist, and as a Victim/Witness Advocate in the Division of Victim Services at the Riverside District Attorney’s Office. Rita also teaches Sunday school, is the president of a philanthropic organization at her church parish, and continues to volunteer at her children’s elementary school. The Theodorou family has been a part of the FUMPS family since 2016. In the spring of 2018, Rita began her teaching career at FUMPS, and this is her fourth year as the Lead Teacher in the Brave Bears Classroom. Rita feels that a classroom environment should be welcoming, colorful, fun and diverse. She believes that children learn best when they are in a safe, nurturing environment that promotes the freedom of exploration and discovery through play. Creating a curriculum that is meaningful, thoughtful, interactive, developmentally appropriate and inclusive for all children to learn to their full potential is imperative. Rita also believes that it is important to have open communication with parents and family members in order to meet the individual needs of their child’s overall development. She encourages parent participation and collaboration on strategies to promote ongoing positive learning experiences and a love for learning. |
Giselle Maples
Brave Bears Assistant Teacher |
Giselle Maples lived in Jalisco, Mexico her first 9 year of life, after which she moved to the States. She’s the third child of four. She lived in Corona until she married her husband in 2013. After getting married she relocated to Riverside. She has 4 beautiful boys, Ian, Leonardo, Michael and Luca. She also has a super sweet German Shepard.
Giselle worked as a babysitter right out of high school for 4 years. Later she worked in Mortgage for 8 years before starting her own family. She has always enjoyed working with children and volunteers 3 days a week in her children’s classes. All four of Giselle’s boys attended FUMPS. After seeing the impact FUMPS had on her children’s development, she was inspired to pursue a career in child education. She is currently completing her education at RCC in early childhood development. She was given the opportunity to work in the Brave Bears classroom as the assistant teacher. |
Mrs. Elizabeth Raygoza
Lucky Lions |
Elizabeth Raygoza is a Riverside native. She worked in Special Education for ten years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She has been married for 21 years and has 3 children. Her oldest is serving in the military, her middle daughter is is high school and her youngest is in Jr.High. She is involved in church ministry and enjoys reading, cooking and spending time with her family. She is enjoying her first year at FUMPS. She loves teaching young minds though playful learning.
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Ashley Laib
Lucky Lions Assistant Teacher |
Ashley Laib is a recent High School graduate—Class 23! She is attending RCC and is a future medical student. She hopes to become an English and Yearbook Teacher and a phlebotomy tech/ medical assistant one day.
She has always worked with kids and loves the creative side of working with them. Each summer, she spent time at her grandmother's nursery school, Granada Park United Methodist nursery school/kindergarten. Ashley is the oldest of three. She has two little sisters, Rilee and Abigail, who attended Fumps. Ashley is also a returning FUMPS kid who was a Lucky Ladybug. Her mother is the Lead Teacher for the Happy Hummingbirds Class. The teacher's passion and love run throughout her family. On a good weather day, you can catch Ashley at Disneyland with her annual pass or bowling, shopping, at the gym or mall with her significant other when they are not working their conjoined photography business. @leonard.ashley_photography |
Mrs. Adrienne Ballantyne
Happy Hummingbirds |
Adrienne Ballantyne is the teacher in the Happy Hummingbirds class. She believes in fostering a fun and caring environment for children so that they can begin a lifelong love of learning.
She grew up in Redlands and moved to Riverside in 2004 after marrying her husband Curtis. They have four children together who are all alumni of First United Methodist Preschool. She was a stay at home mom until her youngest started kindergarten in 2021, then she came to teach at FUMPS. She and her children love animals, together they have a dog, six cats, a tortoise, and nine chickens. She loves reading and crafting. She also likes travel and camping. |