Board of Directors
Greg Fuson
Greg Fuson is the proud parent of two creative, inquisitive, Rising Sun-educated children. He is a conference planner with 25 years of experience designing educational events infused with art, music, drama, emotion and entertainment. Because, to paraphrase Maya Angelou, within a short time people won’t remember specifically what you told them—but years later they’ll recall with perfect clarity how you made them feel. Greg has served on the Rising Sun board since 2020.
Ben Howard
As a third generation Sacramento area resident who attended elementary, middle, and high schools in Folsom, I value the emphasis which residents of our region place on education. The parental support and involvement found here is impressive and leads to a better community. I am a parent of two children who are educated in El Dorado Hills and I am reminded on a regular basis of the commitment which parents make to improve their children’s lives. I have been volunteering in area schools since 2018 and enjoy learning from a student’s perspective. As a volunteer on the board of Rising Sun Montessori School it’s my goal to help ensure your children receive support with their education. My family moved to El Dorado Hills in 2014 from Fair Oaks because we noticed the difference in the quality of education and how students benefit from more volunteers supporting the classroom. As a real estate agent since 2016 I have been able to help others who see value in education establish their families here. Improving our community through residents who place their children’s needs above their own is a rewarding occupation. Before real estate I also had several decades in sales and support of appliances, audio, and video in both residential and commercial applications. I have a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Management and an Associate of Arts degree. I graduated from Folsom High School in 1995. You may see me at kid’s soccer games and swim team meets and I welcome you to contact me anytime.
Gabriel Rivera
Gabriel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of Business Administration from Georgetown University. After completing his undergraduate studies, Gabriel moved to the Folsom area to join Intel, where he gained extensive experience in Sales, Marketing, and Business Operations. He is currently employed at Micron, where he is continuing to hone his business skills.
Gabriel’s connection to Rising Sun is deeply personal. As a proud Montessori graduate from his early years and the son of Margarita Rivera, a founding member of Rising Sun, Gabriel is committed to continuing his mother’s legacy of supporting exceptional education.
Tiffany Waterhouse (Tidwell)
Professionally, Tiffany serves as the Chief People & Culture Officer for Mercy Medical Group. She has enjoyed a 20-year career in Human Resources with a dedicated focus on organizational effectiveness, culture, improvement, mediation, communication and conflict.
On a personal front, Tiffany has two children, both of whom either have attended or are still attending Rising Sun Montessori (RSMS). Her son, now 17 and at the start of his senior year attended RSMS from 6th-8th grade. Transitioning from a traditional public school to RSMS ha life changing impacts for her son. Mr. Karl in particular was an incredibly positive influence, helping him realize his capabilities and potential, natural approaches that encouraged him to
think for himself. He regularly regards Mr. Karl as his favorite teacher. Her daughter, now in 4th grade, has attended RSMS since kindergarten. The educational approach of the Montessori Method has brought out the natural leadership within her children, coping skills that are transferable and timeless.
It is for this reason that Tiffany was enthusiastic to join the RSMS Board. She has great passion to help contribute additional ways to maintain resources and child programs that enhance/secure the sustainability of the school. Tiffany Waterhouse (Tidwell) has served on the Rising Sun Montessori Board of Directors since June 2023.