Our Team

Mallory Arevalos is an experienced school business and operations leader with more than 15 years of experience in California public education, including more than a decade serving in director-level leadership. She has served as a Director of Fiscal Services for both public school districts and a charter management organization, giving her firsthand experience leading the complex financial and operational functions required to keep educational organizations running. Her expertise spans budgeting and multi-year projections, accounting, payroll and benefits, position control, facilities finance, ERP implementations, fiscal compliance, and operational process improvement. With an MBA complementing her school business experience, Mallory brings a business-minded lens to public education—looking beyond simply completing the work to identify opportunities to improve systems, maximize efficiencies, reduce risk, and make better use of limited resources.

Having spent more than a decade in the director's chair, Mallory understands firsthand the realities facing school business leaders. She knows the long days surrounding immovable fiscal deadlines, the pressure of operating with vacancies or understaffed departments, and what it feels like when critical work falls to the one person with the knowledge or training to get it done. That experience shapes her approach as a consultant. Mallory specializes in stepping into complex or high-pressure environments, quickly identifying what needs attention, and working alongside teams to get important work across the finish line. She has stabilized departments, redesigned business processes, supported major system implementations, conducted large-scale fiscal and benefits audits, developed training and procedures, and helped organizations uncover inefficiencies and financial risks that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Mallory's goal is to become a trusted "secret weapon" for Ryland clients—the person they can turn to for the important projects everyone knows need to be done, but no one has the time or capacity to tackle. Whether navigating a leadership transition, strengthening a fiscal department, improving operational systems, training staff, or taking ownership of a difficult project that has lingered on the to-do list, Mallory combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution. Her measure of success is not simply completing the assignment, but leaving behind stronger systems, more capable teams, and an organization better positioned for what comes next.

Gary Callahan is a state-recognized educational leader with over thirty-seven years of experience across every level of public education. As a retired superintendent, he specializes in strategic planning, executive coaching, and systemic continuous improvement. Gary works directly with leaders to enhance team dynamics, boost organizational productivity, and build high-performing teams.  In addition, he works closely with school districts wishing to establish coherent, goal-aligned systems of support throughout the organization. Other areas of consultation include effective stakeholder communications, strengths-based mentoring, curriculum and instruction development, and alignment of district budgets with actions that support board, district and site goals.

Ms. Chase has almost two decades of experience related to school business, fiscal analysis and accounting. Prior to joining Ryland SBC part-time in 2014, she served as Director of Accounting and Interim Chief Business Official for a 17-site, 13,000-student school district in Northern California. In this role, Rebekah advised the school board and the Superintendent's cabinet on all finance-related issues and was responsible for long-term fiscal planning, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, employee benefit programs and other fiscal operations. During her tenure, Rebekah produced creative solutions to keep the district solvent under difficult budget conditions. Her school finance experience also includes managing internal audits, interim reporting, ADA projections, GASB 34 conversion entries, cash flow projections and charter oversight at various school districts. Ms. Chase began her career working as an auditor, conducting audits of non-profit organizations and governmental agencies, for a CPA firm in Sacramento.

Ms. Chase received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Accounting, from California State University, Sacramento. Since 2008, she has been a member of the California Association of School Business Officials.

Mr. Crancer has over 25 years of experience related to school finance and business operations. Prior to joining Ryland SBC in 2013, Mr. Crancer held the position of chief business official at various northern California school districts. As chief business official, Mr. Crancer was responsible for providing reliable enrollment, financial and cash flow projections, increasing operating efficiency, and serving on the Superintendent's Cabinet, helping to ensure financial resources were maximized to improve student achievement. Prior to becoming a chief business official, Douglas served as a Director of Fiscal Services and as a Supervisor of Fiscal Services / Internal Auditor. As director and supervisor, Mr. Crancer was responsible for directly preparing & monitoring district budgets, working with State departments to ensure reports were filed accurately, and completing all GASB 34 conversion entries to ensure that the accrual financial statements were presented per proper accounting standards.

Mr. Crancer entered school finance as an auditor for Goodell, Porter, & Fredericks, where he was responsible for conducting and supervising audits of Local Educational Agencies and various non-profit entities. Douglas received his Certified Public Accounting license in 2001, and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Douglas received his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Criminal Justice from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Christine is a school business professional with more than thirteen years of leadership experience in California public education. Throughout her career, she has served as a Chief Business Official, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, Director of Business Services, and Financial Consultant, providing strategic fiscal leadership to school districts throughout the state. She currently serves as a Financial Consultant with Ryland Strategic Business Consulting, supporting districts with fiscal management, business operations, and organizational transitions.

Her expertise includes all aspects of school finance, including budget development, multiyear financial projections, cash flow analysis, year-end closing, unaudited actuals, audit preparation, payroll, benefits administration, negotiations support, state and federal reporting, internal controls, and fiscal compliance. Christine also has extensive experience overseeing human resources, child nutrition program, purchasing, facilities, maintenance and operations, transportation, and other district business services.

Christine has built a reputation for stepping into complex situations, quickly assessing district needs, and developing practical solutions that strengthen fiscal operations and organizational effectiveness. She is known for building strong relationships with superintendents, governing boards, county offices of education, and district staff while providing clear, practical guidance on complex financial issues. Recommendations consistently highlight her professionalism, integrity, technical expertise, collaborative leadership, and ability to communicate complicated fiscal information in an understandable way.

Christine recently earned a Master of Science in Accountancy from Boise State University. She also completed the University of Southern California School Business Management Program and holds the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) Certified Chief Business Official designation. She has served as President, Treasurer, and Board Member of the CASBO Shasta Section and remains committed to supporting excellence in California school business.

Her approach is centered on fiscal integrity, operational excellence, and collaborative leadership, helping school districts maintain strong financial stewardship while supporting the educational mission of serving students.

David Graves has over 17 years of experience related to school finance and business operations. Prior to joining Ryland SBC in 2021, Mr. Graves held the position of chief business official at both a school district and a charter school in Southern California area. As chief business official, David has obtained knowledge and skills in areas such as cash flow management, budgeting, reporting, state and federal compliance requirements, grant financial and accounting support, a thorough understanding of the California School Accounting Manual, child nutrition program, transportation, facilities, risk management, and human resources.

Prior to becoming a chief business official, David worked as an auditor for Nigro and Nigro, PC in the non-profit and government sector, primarily school districts. David received his Certified Public Accounting license in 2007 and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). David received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the California State University of San Bernardino. He is also a graduate of the FCMAT CBO Mentor Program and holds a Chief Business Official credential.

Dr. Nathan Herzog is a seasoned educator and administrator with nearly three decades of experience across K–12 and higher education. His career spans public, charter, and private education, where he has served as a classroom teacher, school and district administrator, induction coach, and leader in curriculum, instruction, and professional development. Nathan brings a broad understanding of both the instructional and operational sides of education, with particular expertise in strategic planning, LCAP development, program evaluation, charter oversight, accreditation, district reorganization, and leadership development.

A skilled strategic thinker and problem solver, Nathan works with educational leaders to translate mission and vision into practical, measurable outcomes. His experience also extends beyond the school system through service as a city and county planning commissioner, providing valuable perspective on land use, infrastructure, facilities planning, and the intersection between public agencies and educational organizations. He has also served as a consultant to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) and brings extensive experience in assessment, credentialing, research, and navigating complex organizational challenges.

Nathan is the lead author of A Textbook to Prepare California School Administrators, an interactive resource aligned with California Professional Standards for Education Leaders (CPSEL) and designed to support aspiring, new, and experienced school leaders. Based in the Los Angeles area and available for both travel and virtual consultation, Nathan partners with schools, districts, and agencies on strategic planning, executive coaching, leadership development, and complex projects requiring thoughtful research, collaboration, and a clear path from strategy to implementation.

Scott Leaman served Western Placer Unified for 28 years, the last 15 as superintendent. At the time of his retirement, Scott was the longest serving district superintendent in Placer County and in Western Placer Unified School District's history. He started his employment in the district in 1993 as principal at Carlin C. Coppin Elementary. Prior to working in Western Placer Unified, Scott served as a teacher, Teacher on Special Assignment, and assistant principal. He has presented at numerous conferences at the local, state, national levels.

Since his retirement, he has assisted a small school in the mountains with foundational programs and worked with charter school oversight. He served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Sierra Leone and the Peace Corps Virtual Program. He holds a Masters in Education from California State University, East Bay. In 2020, Scott M. Leaman Elementary was named in his honor.

Craig McAlpin brings more than 19 years of experience in educational leadership, business administration, and school district operations. With a strong background in financial management, strategic planning, and facilities oversight, Craig has dedicated his career to helping school districts operate efficiently, maintain fiscal responsibility, and achieve their organizational goals.

Craig previously served as a Chief Business Official (CBO) for both large and small districts and has had experience overseeing numerous district departments, including the management of an annual budget of $72 million. During his tenure, he played a key role in developing and implementing a districtwide Budget Stabilization Plan and overseeing a multimillion-dollar facilities improvement program.

Throughout his career, Craig has gained extensive experience in financial reporting, regulatory compliance, facilities management, and operational planning. He has also served on Citizens' Oversight Committees for multiple school districts and participated in district negotiation teams, bringing valuable insight into the financial and operational challenges facing educational organizations.

Craig earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California.

With his extensive experience and practical, solutions-oriented approach, Craig is passionate about helping school districts navigate complex financial and operational challenges. He understands the importance of balancing fiscal responsibility with the needs of students, staff, and the communities they serve, and is committed to providing thoughtful guidance and effective solutions that support long-term success.

Matthew Nethaway is a Certified Public Accountant with more than 30 years of experience in governmental accounting, auditing, financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and financial advisory services. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively with California school districts, charter school authorizers, public agencies, joint powers authorities, and nonprofit organizations. His broad background enables him to evaluate complex financial and operational matters from the perspectives of both an auditor and a management advisor.

Matthew's areas of expertise include governmental and nonprofit accounting, internal auditing, financial and compliance investigations, charter school fiscal oversight, internal controls, and the implementation of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements. He also assists public agencies with year-end financial reporting, audit preparation, corrective action plans, and addressing financial statement and compliance audit findings. His work frequently involves analyzing financial records, assessing compliance with applicable requirements, identifying operational and fiscal risks, and developing practical recommendations for strengthening accountability and internal controls.

Matthew has led and supported numerous financial, operational, and compliance engagements involving educational and other public-sector entities. His experience includes conducting internal audits and financial investigations, evaluating payroll and program expenditures, reviewing attendance and related documentation, assessing restricted-program compliance, and assisting school districts with the fiscal oversight of authorized charter schools. He has also helped agencies evaluate accounting practices, improve financial procedures, implement new accounting standards, and respond to complex or sensitive audit and compliance matters.

A significant focus of Matthew's work has been helping public entities move beyond identifying problems and toward implementing workable solutions. He has assisted organizations in addressing audit findings, strengthening financial reporting processes, improving internal controls, and developing policies and procedures designed to reduce risk and promote long-term compliance. He is experienced in communicating technical financial matters to governing boards, executive leadership, fiscal staff, auditors, and other stakeholders in a clear and practical manner.

Matthew is recognized for his thorough approach, sound professional judgment, and ability to navigate complex and sensitive financial issues. His combination of audit, accounting, investigative, and advisory experience allows him to provide public-sector clients with practical guidance tailored to their operational needs and regulatory responsibilities. He remains committed to integrity, transparency, and helping public agencies maintain sound fiscal practices and effective stewardship of public resources.

Shannon Norris has over twenty years experience in the finance and accounting sector. She has worked in accounting capacities for professional firms and obtained her CPA certification working for an audit firm that specializes in public agency and not-for-profit audits. She has ten years experience working specifically for school districts and charter organizations in the areas of budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting. She also holds a certificate in Governmental & Non-Profit Accounting and provides critical services to clients in the areas of State and Federal reporting as well as compliance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements.

Ms. Norris is a member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the California Association of School Business Officials. Ms. Norris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Finance from CSU San Bernardino.

Kay brings more than 30 years of public and private accounting experience, including 15 years specializing in California school finance. She is one of the few consultants in California with specialized expertise in Special Education finance and the intricate funding, compliance, and reporting requirements that accompany it. Known for making technical financial concepts understandable, Kay has earned a reputation for helping financial and non-financial leaders alike navigate the challenges of school finance with confidence.

Kay's expertise spans Special Education funding, Maintenance of Effort (MOE), financial reporting, budgeting, and accounting, supported by a diverse background in public agencies, private industry, and 19 years operating her own tax practice. A former member of the CASBO State Board of Directors, Kay is also the recipient of the 2024 CASBO Smart Business Award and continues to develop online courses for CASBO's School Business University, reflecting her commitment to making complex financial concepts clear while helping others succeed. Whether supporting school districts with specialized fiscal projects or assisting private-sector organizations with accounting and financial operations, Kay is committed to delivering practical solutions while helping clients build the knowledge and confidence to navigate future challenges on their own.

Vina Reyes has over 26 years of experience working in public education. She began her career at the California School Boards Association where she worked for 12.5 years. She held several positions over the years with the last position being Director of District and Financial Services. As Director. she was responsible for fiscal oversight and management of two of CSBA's auxiliary corporations - CSBA Finance Corporation and CSBA District Services Corporation.

After CSBA, Ms. Reyes joined Natomas USD as Director of Budget and Accounting and later was promoted to Executive Director of Financial Services where she led the team for over 6 years. In her role, she was responsible for planning, organizing, and directing district financial functions of the Business Office.

Ms. Reyes joined Ryland SBC in 2020 and has become a critical and valuable member of the consulting team. She works with school district and county office of education budgets, accounting procedures, systems and processes.

Ms. Reyes received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science from University of California, Davis, and her Master's Degree in Business Administration from University of Phoenix. She was also part of the 10th Cohort of the FCMAT CBO Mentor Program and earned the CBO Certification from the California Association of School Business Officials.

Dr. Lowell Shira is a retired Chief Business Official with more than 30 years of executive-level school business experience serving elementary, unified, and high school districts ranging from approximately 2,000 to more than 30,000 students. Throughout his career as a CBO, Lowell oversaw the full spectrum of school business operations, including finance, budgeting, facilities, construction, and operational services. Prior to becoming a CBO, he served as a Director of Special Education, giving him additional perspective on the instructional and operational needs of school districts.

Lowell brings extensive expertise in school facilities and finance, including successful school bond elections, debt financing, construction planning and implementation, and work with facilities advisory committees. He has served as lead negotiator in collective bargaining with both certificated and classified labor groups and has significant experience negotiating lease agreements with charter schools and other entities. His combination of fiscal, facilities, labor, and operational experience allows him to help district leaders navigate complex issues from both a strategic and practical perspective.

Since 2015, Lowell has served as a consultant with Ryland Strategic Business Consulting, supporting clients through interim CBO assignments, charter school facilities consulting, and a variety of specialized school business engagements. He holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology from Claremont Graduate University, earned CBO Certification through the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO), and has served on the boards of several Joint Powers Authorities. Lowell brings clients the perspective of a seasoned CBO who understands both the complexity of school business leadership and the practical realities of getting the work done.

Tyger Sisk has over 17 years of experience in the finance and accounting sector. Prior to joining school accounting, she worked with an accounting firm on audit and tax, and with a local farm management firm. She began her school accounting career in 2008 with the Tulare County Office of Education where she worked for 13 years. Her experience was split between grant accounting and school district leadership support. Grant accounting was at the forefront of the services provided which included budget development, grant monitoring and reporting and CBO level work for a local charter school. After six years in business, she was promoted to a position to support school district leaders around school planning and financial reporting. She held a prominent role with the county office of education being the fiscal expert on the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) review and support team.

Ms. Sisk has been a financial consultant for ten years, joining the Ryland team in 2022 as a CBO Consultant. She thrives on supporting charter schools and small school districts with their budgets, accounting, grant reporting, and year-end closing. She also continues to be an LCAP fiscal expert ready to support in that area.

Ms. Sisk received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Accounting from California State University, Fresno. She is a licensed Certified Public Accountant, and holds a CBO Certificate from the California Association of School Business Officials. Accounting truly is a passion of hers. She has a strong work ethic, is a quick learner, and very organized. She takes great pride in her work and will continue to do so for any organization she works with.

Ormides started working for school districts as a part-time clerk over 30 years ago at a junior high school, helping the EL Coordinators. She moved into an office manager role at her children's elementary school, and during this period she went back to school for her Bachelor's degree in Business. She stayed in the business of schools, moving from an accounting technician, to an analyst position, to a director of categorical programs. After successfully completing the USC CBO program, she trained her replacement and moved up as the Supervisor of Business Services and Audit. After spending some years as the Director in Natomas USD where she was in charge of purchasing, analysts, accounts payable, and payroll staff, she came to work for Ryland SBC in late 2016. Ormides has been a valuable member of the team, assisting with budgets, closing the books, providing interim services and acting as a resource for categorical programs.