Administrators
Dr. Mark Ryan, Ph.D
Principal
Dr. Ryan came to SRHS in October, 2023 with a plethora of experience. For 10 years prior to his arrival at SRHS, he led a public military school for grades 6-12 in Los Angeles. Prior to that, he led a similar school in Oakland for 8 years, working for Governor Jerry Brown. Additionally, Dr. Ryan has taught middle school math and science for more than a decade.
He holds multiple California credentials for grades K-12, including school administration, school counseling and special education. He earned his Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Southern California. On a personal level, Dr. Ryan is a movie aficionado, enjoys traveling, and sings in his church choir.
Dr. Ryan believes that all students are capable of achieving at high levels with the right support, that all students should be treated by adults as though they are our own children, and that there is tremendous power in the word YET (students have not learned this YET).
Valerie Jordan
Vice Principal
I was born in Buffalo, New York, and was raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Go Steelers! I moved to Sonoma County while in high school and graduated from Santa Rosa High School. I have had the pleasure of working for Santa Rosa City Schools for the past fourteen years.
I started my journey working with at-risk children as a residential counselor at a Level-14 group home, then moved into the educational setting as a behavioral 1:1 assistant. I returned to Sonoma State University to obtain dual credentials in Special Education. I started my teaching career at Montgomery High School in 2008 as a Special Day Class teacher for students that were medically fragile. In 2012, I became a Resource Specialist teacher and Department Chair of Special Education and returned to Sonoma State University to receive a Masters in Educational Leadership and an Administrative Services Credential. My administrative experience has been as principal for Extended School Year for several years, as Assistant Principal at Elsie Allen High School, and most recently as Principal of Ridgway High School.
When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my seven children and grandchildren, in addition to hanging out with my daughter's home daycare: “Nuggets and Tots". I am thrilled to be part of the Panther Family! I look forward to continuing to work with our amazing students, staff, and community in the coming year.
Ed Weber
Assistant Principal
I have many hats – Teacher, Coach, Outdoors Scout Instructor, Biker and Western Equestrian. I am a Navy Brat – which means my father serve in the Military, more so – the United States Navy, he retired with 20 years. After living in a state for about 3 to 4 years we would move, so I have been on the west and east coast and a few states in between. At the age of 17, right after high school, I too joined the United States Navy. After 20 years, I retired as a Senior Chief (ranking 8 levels since I joined). During the last 2 years of my service, I put myself through college to earn my BA in Math and a Teaching Credential. I started at Armijo High School in Fairfield, then Hogan High School as Assistant Principal/Dean of Students in Vallejo School District. With the gas prices get higher and higher, I wanted to find a place closer to home – Piner High School. I have been a teacher for 24 years, but 14 years were at Piner. Happily married to Andrea since 2011 and I have 1 son from a previous marriage and 2 grandsons. Currently Working at Santa Rosa High School as an Assistant Principal
Jill Finnerty
Assistant Principal
Hello! I am excited to be a part of the admin team at Santa Rosa High School. I have been an educator for 27 years. I started my career working on the San Francisco Peninsula as an elementary PE teacher, then moved to Sonoma county where I worked for one year at RVMS and MCHS as a PE teacher and coach. I spent the next 23 years in Cotati Rohnert Park teaching PE, English, History, ELD, and Study Skills at Lawrence Jones Middle School and Community Day School. Last year was my first year as an administrator at Rincon Valley Middle School as an assistant principal.
I grew up in a tiny town an hour north of Sacramento called Sutter. I graduated from Sutter Union High School with about 62 students in my graduating class. I earned my B.A. in Physical Education from Chico State along with my single subject teaching credential. I completed my preliminary administrative credential through Sonoma County Office of Education and earned my Master’s degree in Educational Administration through the University of Massachusetts Global. I bring strong skills in PBIS, MTSS, PLC’s, and restorative practices to my position at SRHS.
I have been married for 25 years to my high school sweetheart and we have two children. I enjoy outdoor activities such as running, hiking and backpacking, open water swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding.
I am proud to be a SRCS employee and excited to be a part of the community at Santa Rosa High School where the school spirit is unwaveringly the best in Sonoma County!
