OVERVIEW OF THE COMMISSION
MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Reverend Ryan D. Newman
As an Episcopal priest with 28 years of professional education and ministry experience, Ryan has served as a cathedral dean, rector, head of school, chaplain, operations director, teacher, coach, hospital chaplain, and non-profit executive director.
As both a priest and educator, the defining aspect of Ryan’s vocation has been his service and leadership to Episcopal communities and organizations amid periods of significant growth and change. He has been both an architect and a builder of groups, communities, programs, strategic visions, and even physical spaces throughout his career.
In addition to serving as the Executive Director of the Commission on Schools in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, Ryan is the founding principal of Rite One Consulting, an Episcopal-centric consulting firm serving Episcopal schools, congregations, and organizations.
Ryan is a graduate of St. Margaret's Episcopal School in the Diocese of Los Angeles. He has a bachelor of arts in Political Science from the University of Southern California and a master’s degree in Divinity from the Virginia Theological Seminary. He is completing a doctorate of education in Ethical Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University, and his dissertation focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in independent school boards.
Ryan resides in Orange County, California, with his wife, Erin, a physician and professor at the University of California, Irvine, and their daughter, Lexie, who attends an Episcopal school.
The members of the Commission on Schools, in partnership with the Executive Director, serve on behalf of the bishop diocesan to encourage and foster a strong Episcopal identity within and among the Episcopal schools in the diocese. The diocese certifies schools every four years, and the commission administers that process.
Ingrid Andrews
Preschool Director Emerita
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School (San Juan Capistrano)
The Rev. Dr. Karri Backer
Priest-in-Charge
St. George’s Episcopal Church (Riverside)
The Rev. Peter Browning
Rector
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (Irvine)
The Rev. Canon Julian Bull (Chair)
Head of School
Campbell Hall (North Hollywood)
Eileen Doyle
Head Emerita
St. Patrick’s Day School (Thousand Oaks)
Catherine Helm. Esq.
Law Offices Of Catherine H. Helm
The Rev. Megan Hollaway
Chaplain
The Episcopal School Of Los Angeles (Los Angeles)
Carolyn Jones
Director
St. Andrews Children’s Center (Irvine)
The Rev. Sarah Kitch
Chaplain
St. Patrick’s Day School (Thousand Oaks)
The Rev. Canon Aidan Koh
Chaplain
St. James’ Episcopal School (Los Angeles)
Kelly Mancuso
Assistant Head of School
St Mark’s School (Altadena)
William Moseley
Head of School
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School (San Juan Capistrano)
The Rev. Ryan D. Newman
Executive Director
Commission on Schools
The Rev. Carri Patterson-Grindon
Rector
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (Altadena)
Darlene Porter
Director Emerita
St. Edmund’s Nursery School (San Marino)
Michael Pratt
Interim Head
St. John’s Episcopal School (Rancho Santa Margarita)
Peter Reinke
Head of School
St. James’ Episcopal School (Los Angeles)
Marianne Ryan
Assistant Head Emerita
The Gooden School (Sierra Madre)
The Rt. Rev. John H. Taylor
Bishop
The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles
Jo Anne Woolner
Head of School
The Gooden School (Sierra Madre)
Stuart Work
Interim Head
St. Matthew’s Parish School (Pacific Palisades)
Under Canon 18.03, The Commission on Schools publishes a directory of schools; administers the Franklin Grant program; consults with parishes, missions, and other groups seeking to establish new schools and preschools; represents diocesan schools in professional organizations, and provides schools with legislative information and updates. Ultimately, the commission supports the exceptional work of our Episcopal school leaders in the diocese. Furthermore, the commission consults with heads of schools, directors, rectors, chaplains, other key administrators and teachers, vestries, and school boards on matters of governance, operations, spiritual formation, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), and professional development.
