School Spotlights

All month long, Viewpoint has commemorated Women’s History Month through educational activities in our classrooms and celebratory events on campus. This year’s national theme is “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” According to the National Women’s History Alliance, this theme celebrates the collective strength and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership.

This month, we proudly recognize our exceptional employees, students, and alumna who continue to educate, mentor, and inspire our community. 

This is Our Viewpoint. Herstory.

Rhody Davis, Director of College Counseling 

What inspired you to pursue a career in college counseling, and how has your role evolved over the years?

This is my 35th year in education, and I come from a family where education was highly valued—my grandmother was an educator, and it always seemed natural for me. My first educational role was at Kinkaid School in Houston, Texas, where I had multiple responsibilities, including teaching English and assisting in college counseling. I discovered quickly that I loved counseling more than teaching. College counseling has always felt like one of the best-kept secrets in independent schools because it allows me to work closely with students and families during pivotal moments in their lives, which is incredibly rewarding.

You’ve spent nearly 16 years guiding students through the college process at Viewpoint. What do you find most rewarding about helping young women take their next steps in higher education?

I love working with young women because education is empowering and life-affirming. It’s something that no one can ever take away from you. Helping girls recognize their potential, encouraging them to take risks, and supporting them in setting ambitious goals is deeply fulfilling. Not all young women receive encouragement to believe in themselves, so being a source of support and motivation for them is especially meaningful to me.

This year’s Women’s History Month theme is “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.” How does this theme resonate with you, and how do you see yourself contributing to this movement?

This theme deeply resonates with me as I'm a firm believer in collaboration and the collective power of women working together. I see myself contributing by encouraging and empowering both students and my female colleagues to achieve their goals. Part of my leadership style is helping others become the best versions of themselves, and I believe that collectively empowering one another allows us all to rise together.

Who are some women—either historical figures or personal mentors—who have inspired you on your journey?

My inspiration comes from a long line of strong, educated women in my family, including my grandmother who was a college graduate in the early 1900s. Additionally, I am continually inspired by my closest friends, who include successful women across diverse fields such as medicine, entertainment, education, and business. Women like Michelle Obama, who empower others and lead with compassion and strength, also inspire me greatly. I have always gravitated toward strong, powerful women who are doing extraordinary and courageous things.

Nan Cohen, English Department Chair

What inspired you to pursue a career in literature and education, and how have these fields shaped your journey as both a writer and educator?

I was led to this field by a love of reading and a fascination with the power of language and literature to give shape to our experiences and help us discover their significance. 

I see writing and teaching as both individual and communal. Writing is largely a solitary pursuit, but it creates human connections across time and space, as when Homer describes Odysseus lying awake the night before he confronts Penelope’s suitors, tossing and turning like a sizzling sausage rolled back and forth across the coals. When I first read that, I found it moving to think that nine or ten centuries ago, people lay awake at night, tormented by their thoughts, as we might still do today. And that a poem can carry that experience through time to keep us company in the middle of the night.

Teaching is fundamentally a communal experience, but it also draws upon and can help foster the inner life, for the student and also for the teacher. When a poem, a story, or an essay resonates with you, it can truly transform the way you perceive the world.

As Chair of the English Department at Viewpoint, what do you find most fulfilling about mentoring young writers and fostering literary expression?

Everyone has a unique and original perspective. If I took the most ordinary object–a spoon, say, or a pencil–and asked ten people to freewrite about that object for ten minutes, they would end up in ten different places. Reading great writing can help us tap into our creativity and adventurousness so that we can develop and give expression to our own unique perceptions.

This year’s Women’s History Month theme is “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.” How does this theme resonate with you, and how do you see yourself contributing to this movement?

When I began to teach, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I could not teach without learning. It’s not just that I learn in order to prepare to teach, or that I learn from other teachers, though those things are true. It’s also that because no two people have the same background or life experience, any student who gives their attention to a text has the ability to ask a question or make an observation that changes the conversation entirely. Some of my favorite moments are when a student sees something in a poem or a passage that I’ve never been able to see before, and when a class together is able to make discoveries that no single person could make on their own.

Who are some women—either historical figures or personal mentors—who have inspired you on your journey?

My mother, my sister, my daughter, and my late grandmother are four of the most important people in my life, and the love, support, and laughter we share are irreplaceable. My friendships with other women writers, artists and teachers have been tremendously sustaining as well. Quite recently, Trinity College in Dublin renamed their main library after the Irish poet Eavan Boland, who was my teacher and friend, and also my department chair when I taught at Stanford. The university was founded in 1592, and this is its first building to be named after a woman. It’s very fitting, since Eavan strove to center women’s experience in her work, in an Irish poetic tradition that often relegated women to the role of a male poet’s muse or otherwise in relation to a man.

Zaira Fonseca, Varsity Girls Soccer Head Coach

What did it mean to you to lead the Girls Varsity Soccer Team to a CIF-SS Championship in your first year as Head Coach? 

Leading the team to a championship has been an incredibly rewarding and unforgettable experience. It was a testament to all the hard work, resilience, and dedication we poured into this special group of girls. By "special," I mean the bond I've developed with these girls, many of whom I've coached since they were in fourth grade, and others who joined during middle school. Watching them grow into confident, skilled athletes and leaders was the most fulfilling part. This championship wasn't just about the trophy—it was about the journey, the bonds we formed, and proving that with commitment and belief in each other, we could achieve something great and bring it full circle, together!

How do you see your role in shaping young female athletes at Viewpoint, both on and off the field? 

Being a coach for young women is more than just your typical X's and O's. It’s about shaping young women into strong, confident leaders who know their worth on and off the field. It’s about building trust with them—creating a bond that makes them want to run through a wall for you. I have seen how sports can shape young women, and I hope to continue building that safe space for them to grow.

Women’s representation in coaching and sports leadership is still growing. What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue a career in coaching or athletics? 

My biggest piece of advice is to believe in yourself and advocate for yourself. No one will push harder for you than you. Coaching and leadership roles require confidence, self-belief, and a willingness to learn. Seek out mentors who will help you grow and be with you every step of the way, even during tough times. Never shy away from challenges; embrace the hard moments—that’s what helps make you a great leader. The more young women that step into these roles, the more we continue breaking barriers for the next generation.

The theme for this year’s Women’s History Month is “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.” Who are some women—either historical figures or personal mentors—who have inspired you on your journey?

I have had great mentors throughout my life who have helped me believe in myself and strive to be a better person. Some of them have been the best women I could ever have in my life—like my mom, who never gave up on me, always pushed me to pursue the career I loved, and was right by my side when we won CIF. Other women who've inspired me are my aunts, who have overcome hardships and raised their children while working hard to ensure we all have the best lives possible. I owe them all so much. They have shaped me into a better person, which in turn has made me a better coach.

Darby Sedighan ’00 P'37 ’33 ’31, Executive Director at Amgen 

What sparked your passion for volleyball, and how did your time at Viewpoint shape you as an athlete and leader?

My journey with volleyball began at Viewpoint’s Middle School sports program, where coaches Frank Fontello and Patrick Moyal encouraged me to join. That simple nudge led me to try out for a local volleyball club, and from the moment I stepped onto the court, I was hooked. Club volleyball immersed me in a competitive environment that eventually paved the way for my collegiate career.

Frank and Patrick were more than just coaches; they were mentors who profoundly influenced both my academic and athletic paths. Beyond the game, they helped shape the person I am today. There’s no doubt that being a student-athlete played a crucial role in developing my confidence, competitive spirit, and leadership skills—qualities that continue to guide me long after my playing days.

As one of the inaugural inductees into Viewpoint’s Athletic Hall of Fame, what does this recognition mean to you?

This honor means the world to me. Viewpoint has always felt like family, so to be recognized in this way is incredibly special. Having Frank and Patrick—two figures who were instrumental in my journey—be part of the moment made it even more meaningful. In fact, Patrick was the one who sent out my recruiting tapes to colleges, a gesture that ultimately helped shape my future.

One of the most touching moments came when my Chapman University volleyball coach reached out after hearing about my induction. She reminded me that she had once watched me play a game at the Pavilion, bringing everything full circle. Having Patrick present my award, with Frank still part of the faculty, made this recognition feel like a homecoming.

This year’s Women’s History Month theme is “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.” How does this theme resonate with you, and how do you see yourself contributing to this movement?

This theme deeply resonates with me, particularly in my current role, where inspiring teams is a key leadership responsibility. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have female mentors who shaped my path, and now I have the privilege of leading teams of women myself. It’s a responsibility I take seriously.

Much like Viewpoint, my company is mission-driven and community-oriented, making the commitment to inspiring and educating women something I experience every day. I strive to create an environment where women feel empowered, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential—because I know firsthand how powerful that kind of mentorship can be.

Who are some women—either historical figures or personal mentors—who have inspired you on your journey?

The women in my family—my mother, stepmother, mother-in-law, and grandmothers—have had a profound impact on my life. Each of them embodied strength, independence, and resilience, always encouraging me to carve my own path. They pushed me to travel, to move to the East Coast for grad school, and to chase my career ambitions without hesitation.

Professionally, I’ve been inspired by many strong female leaders. One in particular stands out—an executive I work closely with who is not only a trailblazing business leader but also a mother of six. Watching her navigate both roles with such grace and determination is incredibly inspiring. She reminds me that leadership isn’t just about professional success; it’s about resilience, balance, and the ability to uplift those around you.

From my days on the volleyball court to my role today, the lessons I’ve learned—about perseverance, mentorship, and the power of community—continue to shape my journey.

Alyssa Hinojosa ’16, Communications Specialist at University of Oregon

What does it mean to you to be one of the inaugural inductees into Viewpoint’s Athletic Hall of Fame, and how does this recognition reflect your journey as an athlete?

Being named one of the inaugural inductees into Viewpoint’s Athletic Hall of Fame is an incredible honor that fills me with gratitude and pride. To be part of the very first group recognized means not just celebrating my own achievements, but also helping to set a foundation for what this Hall of Fame represents—a legacy of dedication, excellence, and community. It’s humbling to think that my efforts as an athlete have left a mark worthy of this distinction, especially alongside other trailblazers who share this inaugural moment.

This recognition reflects my journey as an athlete in so many ways. Growing up, sports were more than just games to me—they were where I learned resilience, teamwork, and the value of pushing past my limits. Viewpoint gave a chance to a low-income Mexican-American 14-year-old and changed her life, opening doors I never imagined possible. Being an inaugural inductee feels like a full-circle moment—it validates the hard work I put in and reminds me of the people who helped me get here. It’s not just my story; it’s a shared one with everyone who played a part in my journey, especially my family who sacrificed so much.

Looking back at your time at Viewpoint and your college career at Oregon, what lessons from your athletic experience have stayed with you the most?

Looking back at Viewpoint and my time at Oregon, the biggest lessons I carry are perseverance, accountability, and trusting the process. Viewpoint taught me resilience and the value of hard work. At Oregon, I built on that, holding myself to a higher standard shaped by those early experiences. You’re always going to make mistakes—no one’s perfect. It’s about the journey, embracing the highs and lows, and growing through it all. Those lessons still guide me daily.

Women’s representation in sports continues to grow. What advice would you give to young female athletes who aspire to play at the collegiate level?

It’s inspiring to see women’s representation in sports growing, and to young female athletes aiming for the collegiate level, I’d say: Be confident in yourself and stay focused. Believe in your abilities, even when doubt creeps in—confidence will carry you far. Set priorities to balance training, school, and life, but also give yourself grace. You’ll stumble sometimes; we all do. It’s about pushing forward with determination and kindness toward yourself. That’s how you build a path to success.

The theme for this year’s Women’s History Month is “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.” Who are some women—either historical figures or personal mentors—who have inspired you on your journey?

For me, the woman who’s inspired me most is my mother. She’s the reason I found Viewpoint and the driving force behind my success in soccer, life, and school. When I didn’t believe in myself, she did—lifting me up and telling me the hard truths I needed to hear. Her strength and guidance have shaped my journey, showing me what it means to educate and inspire across generations. She’s my rock and my biggest influence.

Mikayla Sagerman ’25

What sparked your interest in medicine, psychology, and wellness, and how have these fields shaped your academic and personal journey so far?

I have always been interested in what makes people tick. During the pandemic, I took advantage of my free time to explore the field of psychology, reading literature such as Viktor Frankl's writing, which piqued my interest. I then decided to explore the field further through college courses at Brown and Harvard Universities. Along the way, I discovered that I was deeply interested in the intersection between mental health and the medical aspects of the brain. I find the link between neuroscience and our behaviors fascinating. I have always loved science, and this field allows me to enjoy learning about biology while also supporting my community's well-being. Recognizing this connection has impacted my academic journey by helping me realize how my academic and extracurricular endeavors are related, ultimately deepening my love of learning. My focus on wellness has also helped me enjoy my high school experience by giving me a balanced perspective between work, spending time with friends and family, and engaging in other activities I love. Lastly, through my volunteer work at the teen crisis hotline, Teen Line, I have found joy in supporting others with their mental health. When all these experiences come together, psychology, wellness, and neuroscience apply to all aspects of my life. The knowledge I have gained through my exploration supports me in every endeavor, whether studying science, helping my community, or dealing with challenges in my own life.

As you prepare to attend Rice University in the fall, how do you hope to continue exploring these interests, and what impact do you aspire to make in these fields?

My ultimate goal is to become a Psychiatrist, working to support people's mental health through a mix of therapeutic and medical approaches. At Rice, I am excited to get involved in their groundbreaking neuroscience research, where I hope to be a part of medical advancements and discoveries. I look forward to getting involved in research at both the Texas Medical Center and Rice's Neuroengineering Initiative, where they have already developed exciting medical devices to improve brain functioning. Additionally, I hope to support the mental well-being of my community at Rice by getting involved in initiatives such as their 'version' of Wellness Ambassadors, the Rice Health Advisors.

This year's Women's History Month theme is "Moving Forward Together: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations." How does this theme resonate with you, and how do you see yourself contributing to this movement in the future?

This theme resonates with me because I strongly believe in the importance of community and education for our well-being. I think education is critical and the best way to empower ourselves to take control of our lives, especially our mental health. Put simply, you can't support yourself or others if you don't know how. There are so many resources and tips for mental health, so I believe spreading awareness of these resources makes a big impact. Additionally, when we are going through hard times, the support of our community is what helps us move forward. Especially in the wake of these devastating fires, community and mental health support is so important. I am inspired by how the Viewpoint community has been there for everyone affected by the fires, and I hope to continue to be a part of that. In the future, I hope to contribute to this movement by educating women about mental health, including suicide prevention. The suicide prevention training that I received through Teen Line made me feel much more empowered and confident about making a difference in my community, so I hope to pass that knowledge and experience down to others.

Who are some women—either historical figures or personal mentors—who have inspired you on your journey?

A big role model and mentor of mine is Dr. Heller. Throughout my time at Viewpoint, I have worked with Dr. Heller as a Wellness Ambassador, advocating for student well-being. I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to be a 'research assistant' for Dr. Heller's PhD research over the summer. It was so special to have the chance to work closely with Dr. Heller, experiencing the research process and hearing about her journey following her passion for mental health. I am inspired by Dr. Heller’s creation of the wellness programming for Viewpoint, including establishing the Director of Student Wellness position. I have really enjoyed watching the program grow over my four years in the Upper School. Seeing what Dr. Heller has created inspires me to pursue my dreams and make something that will positively impact my community. 

Another role model for me has been my older sister, Samantha. She is currently a Sophomore studying Pre-Med at Rice. While we are each on unique paths, seeing her move fearlessly toward her goals has inspired me to take initiative and to approach the unknowns along my journey with curiosity and excitement.

Earlier this year, Viewpoint School was recognized as a Milestone Member at the 2025 Calabasas Chamber Installation Gala & Casino Night held at the Calabasas Country Club.

The annual event celebrated the installation of the Board of Directors, honored outstanding members of the community, and featured awards such as Spirit of Calabasas and Volunteer of the Year.

As a 40-year supporter of the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce, Viewpoint was recognized for its commitment to the local business and education community. Head of School Mark McKee and his wife Cathy Shelburne attended the event and accepted the award on behalf of Viewpoint.

The evening’s festivities featured a three-course meal, live jazz, casino gaming, and prizes—all in celebration of those making a meaningful impact in Calabasas. 

Viewpoint is proud to be part of this vibrant community and looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Chamber of Commerce.