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Our Board Members

The behind-the-scenes team who helps The RILEY Project succeed

Board of Directors

Board of Directors

The primary objective of the Advisory Board is to provide valuable insights and oversight on the strategic vision of The RILEY Project while working in close collaboration with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors.

Jennifer Schoolfield
Board Chair
(Asheville, NC)

I am so thrilled to be a part of the RILEY Project. Riley and I first met at Compass High School when Riley was a student. Over the past (several!) years, I have had the opportunity to work with Riley in various capacities. When he asked me to join the Board of the TRP as Board Chair, I couldn’t have been more excited.  

Currently, I serve as the Head of School at Hanger Hall in Asheville, NC.  HH serves girls in grades 6-8.  Previous to working at Hanger Hall, I primarily worked at schools serving students diagnosed with learning differences.  I served as the Assistant Head of School at Compass High School in San Mateo, CA and as Dean of Students/College Counselor at Sterne School in San Francisco, CA.  In addition to my work in schools, I have a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco and have enjoyed working with students (and their parents!) on post-secondary pursuits in a small private practice.   My undergraduate years were spent at UNC-Chapel Hill and this is where my love for NC began. GO HEELS! 

While I miss working with Riley in person, I enjoy connecting with him and my fellow board members regularly.  Plus, I get to keep my California ties live and growing! I can’t wait to see where Riley and his dedication take the RILEY Project!

Judy Buller, Ph.D
Vice Chair

I am honored to serve on the board of the RILEY Project. I loved my time as a Communication professor and department chair at Notre Dame de Namur University for 18 years until it closed to undergrads a few years ago. Riley was my student there, and I have been impressed and delighted by his intelligence, ambition, and passion ever since.

I worked in the news business then I went off to graduate school to study it with a master’s in communication at the University of South Florida (which is connected with the Poynter Institute) followed by a Ph.D. in Journalism at the University of Texas in Austin.

Anna Refuerzo
Secretary

Anna Refuerzo is an Early Intervention Therapist who works with infants and toddlers to help reach their developmental milestones for the past 12 years. This career path was inspired by her son who is a graduate from Compass High School and has learning differences. Her dedication to volunteering at her children’s places of education led her to co-chairing Parent Partners, a community-building organization at the school. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Compass as Secretary and co-chair of Development. She has also taught English and Journalism at her alma mater, Moreau Catholic in Hayward. Prior to her career in Education, Anna worked in the Tourism industry in the field of Marketing and Public Relations for PIER 39 and Blue and Gold Fleet. She graduated from California State University, East Bay with a BA in Broadcast Journalism.

She is honored to be part of The RILEY Project and working with kind, talented and dedicated professionals whose mission is to bring more awareness, inclusivity and advocacy for those with learning disabilities. She believes this is one way “to make the world a better place.”

Anna enjoys spending time with her husband and two young adult children by traveling, watching movies and going on dessert-runs to their favorite ice cream place, Mitchell’s. :)

Dr. Peggy Koshland Crane

Dr. Peggy Koshland Crane holds a doctorate in Learning and Instruction with an emphasis in Special Education. She is also a Reading Specialist and is trained in Executive Function, Autism, and Learning Differences. Dr. Koshland Crane is a consultant and provides support services for both children and adults. Her work also focuses on teacher training and she is a part-time faculty member at a local University. Dr. Crane believes that given the appropriate support and interventions, a person can achieve their goals in school, social, and work environments.

 

I am passionate about The RILEY Project. I have known Riley for several years and he exemplifies a student and adult who has overcome challenges and is going on to be a strong support for many communities. I am thrilled to be working with him and look forward to continuing my relationship with The RILEY Project.