Discover Our Staff

Contact Karen: kmedina@brightstarschools.org

Currently serving as a Community School Manager, Karen Medina leads efforts to create a supportive and engaging educational environment. Previously, she was instrumental as a founding office manager at a high school, ensuring smooth operations and compliance while supporting enrollment. Her passion for school development grew during her time as an operations associate at a middle school, focusing on behind-the-scenes support. 

She began her career as a teacher's assistant in primary schools, emphasizing academic support. Karen earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from California State University, Northridge.

Ruth Kim serves as Principal of Rise Kohyang Elementary & Middle Schools (RKEMS), where she is committed to creating a school community in which every student feels safe, engaged, and known. Since joining the Rise Kohyang community in 2012, she has served as an English teacher, Assistant Principal, and now Principal, bringing more than a decade of experience and a deep understanding of the school's mission and community.

Principal Kim earned her bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Education from the University of California, Irvine, and holds a Master of Science in Educational Administration from California State University, Fullerton. She also holds a California Administrative Services Credential, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with an English Authorization, and a BCLAD credential in Korean.

As a school leader, Principal Kim believes that strong relationships, high expectations, and collaborative leadership create the conditions for students and educators to thrive. She is passionate about instructional excellence, meaningful family partnerships, and developing systems that support every learner's growth. She is especially excited to lead the unified TK–8 RKEMS community, building on the strengths of both elementary and middle school programs to prepare students for success in high school, college, career, and life.