Administration

Ms. Siobhan McCarthy, Principal

Siobhan McCarthy began her educational career in the Pendergast Elementary School District in 1999 as an English as a Second Language teacher at Desert Horizon Elementary School. Ms. McCarthy spent five years teaching at Desert Horizon, as well as serving as their Instructional Coach, before accepting her first administrative position at Villa De Paz Elementary as the Assistant Principal. After two years, Ms. McCarthy transitioned over to Rio Vista Elementary as the Assistant Principal, where she served in that position for six years before becoming the building Principal. This year marks her 13th year as principal of Rio Vista Elementary School.

Ms. McCarthy received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Elementary Education at Northern Arizona University. She returned to Northern Arizona University where she earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.

Her educational experiences have afforded her the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people to meet the common goal of increasing student achievement and well-being.

She is looking forward to having her school grow into a Leadership  Academy by implementing the Leader In Me evidence-based social-emotional learning process. She believes in building leadership and life skills in students within a positive school culture so that students can establish a strong foundation that promotes academic achievement. She is proud to call the students, parents and staff of Rio Vista her “Mustang Family”.

Ms. Elizabeth Jacovino, Assistant Principal

Elizabeth Jacovino is a passionate and experienced educator now serving as the new Assistant Principal at Rio Vista. Mrs. Jacovino is a Phoenix native and a proud product of Arizona public schools. She earned a Bachelor of Music from Northern Arizona University and began her career in education in 2011, teaching music to grades K-6. She further advanced her educational knowledge in 2014 earning a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University, and later in 2022 returning to Northern Arizona University to earn her Administrative Certificate. Prior to her current role, she served for two years as Dean of Students in the Roosevelt School District, where she focused on student engagement, equity, and school culture. Mrs. Jacovino is committed to fostering a positive learning environment and supporting the academic and personal growth of every student.