For the past two and a half years, Food Services Manager Ms. Christine Rivera has skillfully led the kitchen team, overseeing the preparation of the delicious meals served daily to Bishop’s students and faculty.
After working as both a cook and eventually in a management position for the Bishop’s kitchen, Ms. Rivera’s time at Bishop’s came to an end on Friday, February 14th. Most students and faculty members got to know her through the delicious food she produced daily. Some members of the Bishop’s community became close to her individually, through various events, and formed strong connections and unforgettable memories with her throughout her time here.
Before coming to Bishop’s, Ms. Rivera worked with the George’s at the Cove Group, which owns various restaurants around La Jolla like Galaxy Taco and Sandpiper. She was the executive chef for these two restaurants, both located in La Jolla Shores. In October 2022, she began working as a cook at Bishop’s and then eventually worked her way up to a management position.
Ms. Rivera explained that Bishop’s was a better fit for her and her family, as it provided more flexibility. “I came here because the restaurant business has really long hours. You’re working holidays and weekends, so I wasn’t seeing my son very often,” she said.
Her son, Ace, is a kindergartener, and on her last day at Bishop’s, he came to work with her since he had the school day off. He enjoyed getting involved in the kitchen as much as he could, and wearing his child-sized apron.
Math Teacher and Associative Student Body (ASB) Co-Advisor, Ms. Dolores Williamson, has enjoyed bonding with Ms. Rivera over both being boy moms, specifically to boys who play baseball. “I remember this one time we were randomly talking about walk-up songs and baseball games,” Ms. Williamson reflected. “It was fun to share those little moments with her.”
Ms. Williamson explained that she has also grown close with Ms. Rivera through ASB events, specifically ASB’s first-ever teacher and faculty appreciation breakfast last year in December. In addition to the cookies that the ASB members baked, she prepared a feast for the event with pastries, burritos, fruits, and more.

“She was so sweet to help us with all the stages of the event; she and her staff provided all the necessary food.” Ms. Williamson also appreciated how “she let the [ASB] students get involved in the kitchen,” instead of just watching from a distance.
Additionally, Ms. Rivera consistently supported the Faculty Spirit Committee (which Ms. Williamson is a member of), by helping make their events, such as the “Coffee Klatch,” a success. These faculty gatherings, held usually during all-school milk breaks, are designed to foster connection and camaraderie among faculty. Thanks to Ms. Rivera’s flexibility with scheduling and her generous coordination with the kitchen to provide items like coffee, pastries, yogurt, granola, berries, and tea, these events always ran smoothly and felt welcoming. Her behind-the-scenes efforts played a vital role in building community among the faculty.
Spanish Teacher and ASB Co-Advisor Ms. Nicole Uhland, who also has formed a strong connection with Ms. Rivera, echoes this point, saying, “Even if we had last-minute requests, she was flexible and went above and beyond for us.”
This deep sense of connection is mutual. Reflecting on her time here, Ms. Rivera values and will most miss “the relationships that [she] has built within the community, specifically the select few people that she has gotten really close to.”
Ms. Williamson, being one of those people, admires her down-to-earth personality, always willing to reach out a helping hand or immediately fix things if something does not go as planned.
“I think what I really like about her is [Ms. Rivera] is just sort of humble,” Ms. Williamson stated. “People can pretend to have it all together, but the reality is we are all human,” she added.
During her time here, Ms. Rivera was also able to connect with the students, especially those who utilized the kitchen often. Adelaide “Addie” Kessler (‘25) met her through the monthly hunger suppers that take place in the Bishop’s kitchen. Hunger suppers are a part of the service work that the Chapel Council and the Luck Duckling service club do to help provide food for the homeless. Students cook the food at the Bishop’s kitchen and then serve it to those in need at St. Andrews Episcopal church.
Addie appreciates her kindness and cooperation, saying, “Ms. Rivera is so incredible in accommodating [the hunger suppers] for us and allowing us to make this impact on our community.” Addie explained that she consistently takes the time to demonstrate what needs to be done for the suppers. Even when students did not finish all the cooking, Ms. Rivera would ensure it got done, even on her own time.
Addie will definitely miss “[Ms. Rivera’s] compassion and selflessness for our community… She obviously had pretty big shoes to fill with Former Food Service Manager Ms. Sweet and she definitely filled them,” she said.
During her time at the school, Ms. Rivera enjoyed “having the ability to express [her]self through food.” Her passion for creation is evident for many people. Addie noted that her mom once pointed out the beautiful plating of the dishes at a parent dinner that Ms. Rivera was in charge of catering.
Ms. Uhland reflected on her experience with Ms. Rivera saying, “I will miss most our chats in passing and her kind and warm dedication to the students, her staff, and us.”
Her compassion and dedication are some of the qualities that will resonate with the Bishop’s community long after she has left. Ms. Williamson added, “She was always friendly when I went in the kitchen or when I would see her around the campus, so I’ll definitely miss that the most.”
Addie, on behalf of the whole Bishop’s community, knows that she’ll be successful wherever she goes next. She exclaimed that she was “very grateful that our community had gotten the chance to experience [Ms. Rivera].”