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Phone: 484-266-1259
Email: rthornton@wcasd.netFollowing an impressive career in the British and International Commando Forces, Rik relocated to the United States in 2007, to commence a second career in the education industry specializing in Safety and Security.
Initially employed at Valley Forge Military Academy & College, in Wayne, Pennsylvania, Rik served in several roles ranging from Tactical Officer, Director of Safety and Security and, ultimately, as Commandant of Cadets. In addition to working at the ‘Forge’, Rik spent four years in the Midwest at Missouri Military Academy as the Director of Safety, Security, and Cadet Life.
In 2019, Rik transitioned from working within the private education industry to public schools and was hired by WCASD as the Public Safety Supervisor. With his vast knowledge in safety, security management, emergency preparation, and crisis response, Rik, brought a wealth of experience and applications to the District, including threat analysis and resolution and the implementation of response programs and protocols to reduce mitigation and increase survivability during a violent critical incident.
Rik is a NASRO qualified School Resource Officer and Crime Prevention through Environmental Design, practitioner. Furthermore, Rik is a Certified School Safety Manager, Certified Protection Professional, an ALICE Active Shooter Preparedness and Response National Trainer and a National Association of School Psychologist Trainer in Comprehensive School Safety Planning. Rik also holds instructor level qualifications for ALERRT Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events, American Red Cross First Aid, CPR, AED and Wilderness First Aid, American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma Stop the Bleed, Handle with Care Behavior Management System and the National award winning crime prevention, Refuse to be a Victim program.
Educated to “O” Level Standard in the United Kingdom, Mr. Thornton went on to earn a Bachelors of Education in Military Training accredited by Indiana University and Defense Studies in Security from Southampton University, along with Licentiateships in Human Resource Management and Physical Resource Management from the City and Guild of the London Institute. He also earned a National Examination Board diploma in Management and Leadership, and was awarded a Diploma in Medical Trauma and Medicine in Remote Areas from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
A member of the Counterterrorism Institute, where he sits on the Board of Advisors, Rik is also affiliated with the American Society for Industrial Security ASIS, the Chartered Management Institute and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.
In his leisure, Rik has enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities, including all aquatic sports, from sailing to scuba diving, where he holds several instructor level qualifications. Of late, he has developed a keen enthusiasm for cycling both on and off road. Rik is married to his bride Nellie, who works in the legal profession. He is also the proud father of his young daughter, Mia.
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Phone: 484-266-1256
Email: jcanterino@wcasd.netJohn P. Canterino is a 25 year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police, having retired at the rank of Sergeant. His portion of his career was spent as a Criminal Investigator investigating numerous crimes including Russian Organized Crime, Homicides, Child Abuse, and Public/Police Corruption. His last years were spent in charge of the Patrol Unit of Troop K Philadelphia, where he was responsible for over 80 Troopers and civilians. This position also involved assisting in the planning of numerous high-profile events, including the Papal Visit, The Democratic National Convention, and numerous dignitary visits that included Presidents and Vice presidents.
He started his second career in the educational field at Downingtown East, where he worked in Special Education for 4 years and coached Legion Baseball for a number of years. He also spends some of his weekends working for the Philadelphia Eagles covering their games, along with Temple Football, Army/Navy, NCAA Lacrosse, World Cup Soccer, and concerts. John brings a diverse perspective to our district and he truly enjoys working with our students.
John grew up in Delaware County and is a graduate of Cardinal O’Hara High School and Temple University. He has lived in Chester County for the last 25 years and both of his kids are graduates of Downingtown East and are currently in College in DC and Reading, playing Field Hockey and Baseball.
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Phone: 484-266-1261
Email: rcollins@wcasd.netRyan Collins has joined us at the WCASD as a Campus Safety Officer after retiring from the West Chester Police Department. Ryan is a 1988 graduate of West Chester East High School before joining the US Marine Corps. After the Marines Ryan attended and graduated from West Chester University with a degree in Criminal Justice. Ryan worked in the West Chester PD for 28 years in numerous different roles. He ended his career as the Detective Sergeant of the Crime Unit.
Ryan is a resident of the West Chester Area where he lives with his wife Karen. All three of their children, Rachael, Lathan and Sean graduated from the West Chester schools. Ryan considers it a privilege to work in the school district.
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Phone: 484-266-1254
Email: smoyer@wcasd.netShane received an undergraduate degree in Religion from Liberty University and a Master of Divinity from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, and was ordained in 2013 and holds the title of Reverend. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1993. After recruit training, he was assigned to Marine Barracks 8th and in Washington D.C. for presidential support. In 1997, he was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines in 29 Palms, Ca where he was deployed in support of Operation Noble Lion in Kuwait.
In 1999, Shane was assigned to 1st Battalion 5th Marines where he attended Primary Marksmanship Instructor School, Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor Trainer School, Winter Mountain Leader Course, and represented the battalion in the Marine Corps annual Super Squad Competition. He was deployed to Iraq in 2003 as a member of Regimental Combat Team 5 in direct support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. During this deployment, Shane was awarded a Navy Achievement Award with a combat ‘V’ for valor, a Combat Action Ribbon, and Presidential Unit Citation.
In 2004, he was assigned to Drill Instructor duty at MCRD San Diego where he trained 8 platoons to become United States Marines. In 2008, he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion 6th Marines and deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Middle East. He was assigned in 2010 as Villanova University’s Assistant Marine Officer Instructor and as a Drill Instructor at Officers Candidate School in Quantico, Va. His final assignment came in 2014 as Platoon Sergeant for Combined Anti Armor Team One and Battalion Logistics Chief.
Shane’s personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal w/2 Gold stars in Lieu of a 3rd award and combat “v” for valor, and the Good Conduct Medal a silver and bronze star in Lieu of 7th award.
In 2016, Shane retired from active duty and became a teacher and counselor. He was hired as a Lead TAC Officer at Valley Forge Military Academy and College. In 2022, he accepted an offer to become a Campus Safety Officer supporting the West Chester School District.
He has volunteered extensively throughout his professional career both internationally through Community Relations Projects in Okinawa, Australia, Spain, Sicily, and Israel, as well as domestically, as a volunteer Riverside County Sheriff Deputy, Toys for Tots, and Celebrate Recovery. My interests include volunteerism, long-distance running, outdoor sports, and spending time with my wife Diane, twelve year old daughter Sadie Grace and three year old daughter Savannah Irene.
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Phone: 484-266-3413
Email: cspigarelli@wcasd.netChristine is proud to assist the Henderson Administrative Team in maintaining a safe and secure environment for all. She has a degree in Criminal Justice. During her law enforcement career, she has held roles in the Corrections Department, and as a Sheriff and Police Officer.
Christine is a mother to two children in the WCASD district. The integrity and safety of our education system is of great importance to her and she wants to meet the expectations of the students and their families. She is very excited to be part of the WCASD team and looks forward to getting to know all of our students, parents, and staff.
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Phone: 484-266-4413
Email: mbristow@wcasd.netOriginally from Delaware County, my family moved out to Chester County where I graduated from Octorara High School. Prior to coming to WCASD, Matt worked for the Chester County Sheriff's Office, serving as a Civil Deputy for 8 years.
He is a devoted husband and father of three beautiful daughters. In his spare time, he enjoys trout fishing, working out, and coaching soccer.
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Phone: 484-266-1257
Email: johare@wcasd.netJohn joined the WCASD in September 2022, after retiring from the West Chester Police Department where he served for 28 ½ years, including 13 years as a Juvenile Detective. He grew up in Newtown Square, Delaware County. His parents were from Ireland, allowing him to have the opportunity to have Dual Citizenship of Ireland. He graduated from Cardinal O’Hara High School and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Criminal Justice at Cabrini College while playing collegiate basketball.
John currently resides in West Chester, PA, with his wife and two daughters.
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Phone: 484-266-3800
Email: kknox@wcasd.netKammy Knox joins the West Chester Area School District after a distinguished 25-year career with the Alexandria Police Department in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Known for her dedication and bravery, Ms. Knox was awarded a Silver Medal of Valor for her role in the pursuit and apprehension of a suspect who had shot a fellow officer. Her time with APD included responding to both local and national crises, such as supporting operations at the Pentagon following the September 11th attacks. Over her career, she received numerous commendations for her commitment to her department and community.
Kammy's expertise includes extensive service as a Crisis Intervention Officer, member of the Incident Management Support Team, and Field Training Officer. She also served as an ALICE instructor, preparing her jurisdiction for critical incident responses. Notably, she managed the planning and transition for APD’s headquarters move in 2011, ensuring a smooth consolidation of operations.
Outside of her law enforcement role, Kammy has been an active volunteer, supporting her children’s schools and leading their Girl Scout troops. She is a devoted mother to her two teenagers and shares her home with two rescue pit bull mixes, Philly Baby and Little Rascal, along with two rescue cats. A passionate equestrian, Kammy is thrilled to live in a more “horse-friendly” area again, returning to her roots in Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) and Delaware. She is pursuing additional certifications in Emergency Management and mental health support at Wilmington University, furthering her commitment to public safety and community well being.
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Phone: 484-266-3314
Email: kbrittingham@wcasd.netKari Brittingham is a dedicated Security Greeter professional with extensive experience in safety and security. Previously serving as a Correctional Officer on the Correctional Emergency Response Team, Kari has developed exceptional skills in managing high-stakes situations with precision and calm. He has undergone specialized training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center as a Transportation Security Officer, equipping him with a robust foundation in security protocols and practices. Committed to excellence, Kari is prepared to make a meaningful impact in his role. Outside of work, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and dog, as well as weightlifting and traveling.
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Phone: 484-266-4325
Email: tbucco@wcasd.netTom Bucco was born in Philadelphia and grew up in Malvern, PA, alongside his parents, older sister, and two Beagles. His mother dedicated 19 years to teaching at East High School. After graduating from Great Valley High School in 2004, Tom pursued studies in Political Science and History at Stockton College. He later moved to Brigantine Beach, NJ, in 2009. Following a brief time in grad school, he returned back to this area in 2017 and began working as a Security Greeter at Rustin in October 2022. In his free time, Tom enjoys reading, building Lego sets with his nephew, and playing video games.
