Staff

List of 6 items.

• Alan Ball

  Director of Advancement
  
  Alan is thrilled to join the Carlthorp community as Director of Advancement. With a career steeped in independent school education, his passion for community building, service to the greater good, and the power of possibility thinking led him to the field of advancement. Alan has been involved in transformational fundraising campaigns at several independent schools, including Harvard-Westlake and Wildwood, and is dedicated to preserving the ties of those who came before, while at the same time looking to the future with eager anticipation. Originally an instrumental music teacher, Alan holds undergraduate and master’s degrees in music education from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and an MBA from Pepperdine University. Alan is a cellist, and taught at ‘Iolani School as well as served as the Performing Arts Department Chair at Harvard-Westlake. Alan is an avid world traveler, enjoys gardening and Italian cooking, and can be found taking long walks on the beach.

• Tommy John Gaio

  Director of Technology
  
  Since joining Carlthorp School in 2024, Tommy John Gaio has led initiatives to strengthen the school’s technology infrastructure, enhance digital learning tools, and support faculty and students in using technology creatively and effectively. Originally from Chardon, Ohio, Tommy earned his degree from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and began his career as a civil engineer before transitioning into education. His professional path has also included over a decade at Fusion Academy, where he pioneered virtual learning programs for 80 campuses, and leadership roles at Mirman School.
  
  At Carlthorp, Tommy focuses on integrating technology into every aspect of school life — streamlining systems, improving security, and expanding opportunities for hands-on learning. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, playing music with friends, following sports, and connecting with his community.

• Cyreeta Sharp

  Director of Community Engagement and Belonging
  
  

  Cyreeta Sharp has over a decade of experience in education, consistently working with faculty, staff, parents, and students to create environments where people feel seen, heard, and valued. Cyreeta actively engages with all members of the school community to ensure everyone feels welcomed and valued, contributing to a sense of belonging and unity at Carlthorp.
  
  

  With bachelor's and master's degrees from La Salle University, Cyreeta previously served as Director of Student Life, Inclusion, and Belonging at Marymount High School. She also worked with the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles as a Regional Support Manager. At Carlthorp, she partners with students, families, and colleagues to support inclusion through events, programs, and professional development.
  
  

  Cyreeta has two teenage children, Mae’son and My’Lee, and three fur babies: Chloe, Thor, and T’Challa. She enjoys all things NFL football, the Marvel universe, writing, traveling, and crafting.

• Maureen Pollack

  Director of Major Gifts and Strategic Giving
  
  

  Maureen will continue serving in the advancement department this year, now as director of major gifts and strategic giving. A proud Carlthorp School graduate, she is the daughter of a former Carlthorp teacher, Mrs. Dowling, and the mother of two Carlthorp alumnae. A native of Santa Monica, Maureen holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston College in the fields of English and communication. Prior to working at Carlthorp, she worked in advancement at Brentwood School and as marketing director at Two Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

• Adrienne Rizk

  Special Programs Coordinator
  
  Following nine years as a kindergarten teacher at Carlthorp, Ms. Rizk is delighted to support students in grades K-6 as special programs coordinator in 2025-2026. In this role, she will lead service learning curricula in all grades and also oversee after-school clubs and enrichment opportunities. Born and raised on the Central Coast, Ms. Rizk holds an English degree from California State University, Los Angeles, and a master’s in literacy and language arts as well as a teaching credential from Loyola Marymount University. Before joining Carlthorp, she taught at Chadwick School in Palos Verdes, Mayfield Junior School in Pasadena, and the Lab School at UCLA. She has also worked with students in Ghana. In her free time, she enjoys reading and exploring Los Angeles with her husband and two children.

• Jeff Goodman

  Director of Communications
  
  Jeff oversees communications at Carlthorp School in a role that combines his writing, editing, and media experience with his passion for education. With a background in journalism, he has previously worked in communications at Geffen Academy at UCLA and Crossroads School. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Jeff graduated from UC Berkeley with a bachelor’s degree in political science. His social-emotional learning children’s book, Feel Like Eggs?, was published in 2021. In his free time, Jeff enjoys playing basketball, hanging out with his three brothers, and exploring LA with his wife and children.