Teachers & Staff
Shayami Ristaino
Teacher and Director
Mrs. Ristaino began her career in early childhood education after earning her Montessori certification, and she has now spent over 30 years working in the field. She knew from a very young age that she wanted to be a teacher, and teaching is the only career she has ever had. Mrs. Ristaino believes that children develop a love of learning when they are in a safe, welcoming environment where they feel valued and have a sense of belonging. She currently teaches pre-K and serves as the preschool’s director, a role she is new to this year. She enjoys supporting the preschool staff and creating an environment that promotes the best possible learning for every child.
Quick Facts
One of my favorite kid’s book:
The Chronicles of Narnia
Coffee order:
I don't drink much coffee. I prefer tea (English breakfast)
Outside of school:
Hiking, baking, drawing, reading, and spending time with friends
"Kindness is as easy as a smile."
~ Mrs. Ristaino
Susan Deshpande
Teacher
Mrs. Deshpande has dedicated nearly 30 years to sparking a love for learning in grades one through four. As a California-credentialed educator, her true passion lies in building strong literacy skills and helping young students grow into confident, independent readers and writers. She brings a strong academic background to the classroom, holding a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Victoria and a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education from the University of British Columbia. She became a teacher because she loves helping others grow, intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically, and she considers herself successful when her students can run the classroom on their own, choosing to read, write, and problem-solve because they want to. Outside of school, Mrs. Deshpande can often be found on her bike, chasing the same independence she builds in her students.
"I consider myself successful when my students can run the class without me."
~ Mrs. Deshpande
Quick Facts
One of my favorite kid’s book:
Snow Treasure
by Marie McSwigan
Coffee order:
Grande decaf, non-fat latte
Outside of school:
Biking
Lily Bianchi
Teacher
Ms. Bianchi has been inspiring young learners since beginning her teaching career in 2007. With a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and nearly two decades of experience in both public and independent education, she brings a thoughtful, nurturing approach to her classroom. Building strong partnerships with families and creating a classroom community where every child feels valued and free to be themselves are at the heart of her teaching. She believes children thrive when they feel a sense of belonging and have the chance to share their ideas, curiosity, and perspective. Outside of the classroom, Lily enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and leisurely bike rides.
Quick Facts
One of my favorite kid’s book:
The Velveteen Rabbit
Coffee order:
Flat white with coconut milk and cinnamon
Outside of school:
Hiking in the desert, biking the coast in summer
"Building confident, independent thinkers happens through a warm, joyful, and responsive approach that pairs high academic standards with movement, rich discussion, and hands-on learning."
~ Ms. Bianchi
Ani Kakoussian
Teacher
Mrs. Kakoussian is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience teaching in independent schools. She holds a master's degree in education from the University of Edinburgh and a bachelor's degree in elementary education and special education. She's known for her hands-on approach to teaching and her ability to create an inclusive, welcoming classroom. Her experience and academic background reflect her commitment to student growth and to meeting a wide range of learning needs. Mrs. Kakoussian's passion for education and her patient, student-centered approach have made her a valued and respected teacher among students and families alike.
Quick Facts
One of my favorite kid’s book:
Because of Winn-Dixie
by Kate DiCamillo
Coffee order:
Caramel macchiato,
hot or iced
Outside of school:
Shopping, and watching tennis (especially when Indian Wells is in session)
"When students feel safe and connected, they are more confident and excited to learn."
~ Mrs. Kakoussian
Kerry Maguire
Teacher
Ms. Maguire has been teaching learners from grade six through adulthood at independent schools and institutions of higher learning in New York and California since she was 22. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University at Buffalo. Ms. Maguire designs her pedagogy to give students autonomy within supportive scaffolding, helping them build confidence and independence. She gives students voice by creating a democratic classroom environment and designing learning tasks that students can personalize. Ms. Maguire believes happy children learn best, so she works to make the learning process fun and rewarding. Outside of school, she reads voraciously, cooks and bakes, gardens, cheers on the Bills and Dodgers, and gets crafty.
Quick Facts
One of my favorite kid’s book:
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
Coffee order:
Decaf, except for a Starbucks Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade
Outside of school:
Cooking, baking, gardening, and cheering on the Bills and Dodgers
"Happy children, people really, learn best, so try to keep them happy."
~ Ms. Maguire
Lori Drgastin
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Drgastin is delighted to be part of the VIPA community as the Administrative Assistant. She has spent much of her career working in this capacity in private schools and truly enjoys being part of a school environment and supporting its students, families, and faculty.
She attended Fullerton College and grew up in Southern California before spending 25 years in Bend, Oregon, raising her family. Five years ago, she and her family made the move to the desert, where she loves embracing the sunshine and all that the area has to offer.
Outside of work, Mrs. Drgastin enjoys walking—always with an audiobook—trying new recipes, and spending time with family on the golf course. And no matter where life takes her, she is always cheering for the Oregon Ducks!
Quick Facts
One of my favorite kid’s book:
The Boxcar Children
Coffee order:
Hot brewed with cream
Outside of school:
Trying new restaurants, staying active & challenging myself to learn new things
"Making the most of every chapter life brings"
~ Mrs. Drgastin
Stephanie Bassanelli
Associate Administrator
Mrs.Bassanelli has been in education since her twenties. Pursuing her education as a Reading Specialist in Buffalo, New York she taught at schools in Buffalo until relocating to California. Her belief is educating the whole child while focusing on their individual strengths and challenges all while making learning fun and engaged in the process.
Children need to feel empowered and validated in everything they do.
Working in early childhood education and elementary education has given her the experience and knowledge to pursue additional areas such as College Counseling, Academic Support and moving into Administration.
Quick Facts
One of my favorite kid’s book:
The Places You Will Go
Coffee order:
Decaf Hot Pumpkin Spice Latte
Outside of school:
Travel and spend time with her family, reading, hiking, planning themed parties and celebrating the Buffalo Bills, especially when they win
"Children need to feel empowered and validated in everything they do."
~ Mrs. Bassanelli
Joel Timothy Bible, “Mr. B”
Interim Administrator
Joel is joining us during VIPA's inaugural year as interim head administrator while we conduct a search for our permanent leader. He brings a wide-ranging career in education, with experience across private schools, public education, higher education, and the entertainment industry. He has served as a school owner and administrator, classroom teacher, college instructor, educational diagnostician, and studio teacher.
Joel holds an M.Ed. in Educational Diagnostics and a B.S. in education from Texas Christian University, a B.A. in psychology from Baylor University, and a B.F.A. in music from the University of Texas at Austin. His experience includes school ownership, administration, and classroom instruction at a highly regarded private school, along with teaching at both the elementary and college levels. He is a licensed studio teacher and holds current teaching credentials in both California and Texas, with certifications spanning general elementary education, secondary English, language learning disabilities, music (K to 8), psychology (K to 12), and gifted and talented education.
In public education, Joel served in a number of leadership and instructional roles, including grade-level chair, gifted and talented coordinator, resource teacher, and reading coach, and was recognized as Teacher of the Year. His higher education experience includes serving as a graduate fellow at Texas Christian University and teaching English at a public college. His work at TCU included the Starpoint School, a nationally known laboratory school specializing in teaching and assessment for students with language-based learning differences.
Joel is recognized as one of the nation's leading film and television set educators. Top young performers and their families trust him to provide academic instruction and educational support on major television and film productions around the world. This experience has given Joel the ability to work with students individually, adapt instruction to different learning styles and circumstances, and maintain academic continuity in demanding environments. As a sought-after child welfare expert in the entertainment industry, he plays a vital role in ensuring the health, education, safety, and well-being of minors, advocating for their best interests in every aspect of their professional environment.
We're glad to welcome Joel to Valley Independent Preparatory Academy and look forward to the experience, creativity, and leadership he brings to our school community during this founding year.
Quick Facts
One of my favorite kid’s book:
Sophie's Masterpiece
Coffee order:
Latte with two pumps of hazelnut
Outside of school:
Piano, hiking, and travel