Dr. Sciarretta served as principal of AEACMS since the school’s founding before being promoted to Executive Director of AEA in October, 2013 and Superintendent in December, 2017. With a B.A. in history and political science, a Master’s of Education in cross-cultural teaching, a California Administrative Services Credential and a doctorate in Educational Leadership, Dr. Sciarretta is committed to life-long learning for students, staff and the community. His doctoral dissertation explored California charter school principal communication techniques with a focus on leadership storytelling. A 1993 Thomas J. Watson Fellow, Dr. Sciarretta has lived and worked in Mexico and Central America and is fluent in Spanish. In 2022, Dr. Sciarretta was named the Hart Vision Leader of the Year by the California Charter School Association (CCSA) and was presented with the award at their annual conference. In addition to his leadership role at AEA, Dr. Sciarretta is active on non-profit boards as well as on a statewide level with charter school policy-making, political advocacy and university teaching. On a personal level Dr. Sciarretta enjoys spending time with his daughter, exercising, attempting to meditate, reading and international travel.

If current AEA families would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sciarretta, please contact Tina Royster: 619-980-2618, troyster@aeacs.org.

Ms. Greta Bouterse is in her 16th year at Albert Einstein Academies and has served as a 3rd and 4th grade teacher, International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme Coordinator, and Student Support Coordinator before being named Principal of AEACS in 2013.  Ms. Bouterse, who received her BA in Sociology and Elementary Education and Masters Degree in Education with a Reading Teacher Specialization, also obtained her California Administrative Services Credential through  San Diego State University.  Prior to AEA, Ms. Bouterse taught at PS 19 in New York City’s East Village for 8 years.  She is committed to celebrating diversity and ensuring all children have access to a high quality public education that promotes global citizenship and high academic standards. In her free time, Ms. Bouterse enjoys physical fitness, travel, and spending time enjoying San Diego with friends.

Dr. Diaz, a Filipino immigrant, has over 22 years of experience as an educator. He earned a Bachelor of Music Ed. (2000) and Masters of Music Ed. (2005) from the University of Southern California. Dr. Diaz received his administrative services credential from San Diego State University in 2015

Dr. Diaz also completed his Ed.D (2022) in Educational Leadership through the Joint Doctoral Program at the University of California San Diego and Cal State San Marcos. His research focused primarily on intervention systems and the social networks of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Teams.

Dr. Diaz has taught at all secondary levels from grade 6-12 and has over 17 years of direct instructional experience. While at San Diego High School (SDHS), Dr. Diaz rebuilt the music program which included Band, Orchestra, Drumline and Choir programs with enrollment exceeding 400 students, and developed the first AP Music Theory and IB music courses at SDHS. 

In 2016 he also became the Associated Student Body (ASB) director and Dean of Students and eventually served as the Interim Vice Principal at the SDHS School of International Studies. Most recently, Dr. Diaz has served as the ASB Director, Dean of Students, and Assistant Principal during his tenure at Albert Einstein Academies which began in 2019.

In addition to his educational duties, Mr. Diaz has served over 11 years as a member of the California Army National Guard and held the rank of Captain as an artillery officer.

During his tenure in the Army National Guard, Dr. Diaz was deployed for both state and federal missions and returned from a 10 month deployment overseas in July 2018.

As an advocate for all students, Grace Ridgeway has served in many capacities in education for 20+ years. She has led and supported the efforts for equitable access and inclusive practices for ALL students to maximize their academic development and potential to succeed in school. Her core belief is that all children and students with disabilities are considered general education students first. Educators, regardless of which students they are assigned to serve, are responsible for providing students the opportunity to participate meaningfully in their educational setting. Mrs. Ridgeway began her educational career as a paraeducator and transitioned as a school teacher at a charter school for independent study.  After serving as a general education and special education teacher, she became an administrator and led many special education teams in three districts in San Diego County. With a B.A. in sociology and a Master’s in Educational Leadership, Mrs. Ridgeway is committed to being a lifelong learner. She recently completed her doctorate in Education Leadership at the University of Southern California. She hopes to continue her work by leading organizational change to implement equitable policies and practices through evidence-based strategies. As a mother of two beautiful girls, she enjoys family time and traveling with her husband and best friend of 27 years.