Mrs. Rao, a Carden graduate, had the honor and privilege of being taught by Miss Mae Carden, the founder and creator of the Carden Method. Mrs. Rao matriculated to Castilleja High School, a private girls school in Palo Alto. She received her Masters in Education from the University of Delaware. The first Carden school she opened was Carden Preparatory Academy of Santa Clara. In 1985, she merged her school with Carden El Encanto Day School, the original Carden school in Silicon Valley, currently known as Carden Academy of Santa Clara. Both schools were fortunate to have the personal mentoring of Miss Mae Carden in their development.
Mr Ries, a graduate of California State University at Chico, has been associated with Carden Academy since it was established in 1973. During his tenure, Mr. Ries has been able to experience a wide range of responsibilities such as classroom teacher, coach, Vice Principal, and his current position as Principal, which he assumed in 1990. In his words, “I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was in high school, so this journey has been very rewarding. It’s a real joy seeing each child grow mentally, emotionally, and physically.” During his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He likes to attend Sharks games and play a round of golf every chance he gets.
Mrs. Maguire graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Psychology. She continued on at Santa Barbara to complete graduate school and receive her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. From a very young age, Mrs. Maguire knew she wanted to teach at the elementary school level. She recognized that each child is a gift and seeks to celebrate and appreciate their differences. She began her teaching career at Carden Academy thirty years ago and has taught varying grade levels while holding different administrative positions at the school. 2011 marks her inaugural year as Vice Principal. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, loves to read, and teaches sign language.
Prior to joining the Carden administration, Mrs. Verrey worked at Apple, Inc. while studying for a Marketing Degree at San Jose State University. When her three children began attending Carden, Mrs. Verrey enjoyed the family-like environment so much she joined the office staff full-time over a decade ago. She appreciates how her children were each given excellent individualized attention and a solid foundation. When not at Carden, Mrs. Verrey works out at Boot Camp or roots for her favorite sports teams. Go Giants! Go Niners!
Mrs. Demirjian earned her B.S. in Health Science and her Masters in Public Health Education from San Jose State University. Both of her sons attended Carden Academy, where her extensive involvement as a parent volunteer while working full-time evolved into her joining the administration full-time over 20 years ago. Mrs. Demirjian values not only the solid academic foundation and well-rounded education that Carden provides, but also the sense of belonging in the Carden family, where life-long friendships are made. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, nature, old movies, and her newfound hobby, cruise-ship travel!
Mr. Roussere graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Criminal Justice, but has a background in accounting from Santa Clara University. Joining the Carden staff in 2000, he began his teaching career in physical education, utilizing his 30 years of martial arts training. After joining the office staff in 2003, he continues to keep children physically fit by heading up the After School Martial Arts program here at Carden, in conjunction with running the Fong Family Martial Arts School in Santa Clara.
Miss Gorini was raised in the heart of San Jose surrounded by a traditional Italian family, and has always nurtured a love of children's education. After her role as a teacher's aide in the Carden Academy Junior Kindergarten class, she is currently bringing her marketing skills to the administrative team, helping to create an amazing community experience for the entire Carden family of parents, students, and staff. In addition, she continues to serve as the Yearbook Advisor, and is extending her own education with a focus on Early Childhood Special Education. With her daughter currently enrolled at Carden, she is experiencing first hand how well the Carden Method works.