Meet Our Team

Director of Admission

kyle_mason@cate.org / 805-684-4127 x331

BA, Boston College
Appointed: 2008

Kyle Mason joined the Cate community in 2008 and brings a wealth of experience in independent school admissions and a deep commitment to education. A graduate of an East Coast boarding school, he went on to earn a degree in communications and education policy from Boston College. His passion for service and education has led him to teach and work in diverse settings, from Newark, N.J., to Africa and Thailand. With a global perspective, infectious energy, and a positive attitude, Kyle enriches the Cate community in and out of the classroom.

Beyond admissions, Kyle is deeply involved in campus life, serving as an advisor and the head coach for track and field program. He is a trustee at Blair Academy and a board member for WBSA Advisory and Gateway to Prep Schools. He lives on the Mesa with his wife, Carla, and their son, Cayey, and enjoys cars, gardening, grilling, water sports, and music.

Director of Financial Assistance and Admission Officer

vanessa_cruzsantana@cate.org / (805) 684-4127 x 261

BS, Hamilton College
MSEd, University of Pennsylvania
Appointed: 2018

Vanessa Cruz-Santana first arrived at Cate as a 9th-grade student from Santa Ana, California, through the A Better Chance program. A 2006 Cate graduate, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College and her master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania.

Vanessa began her career in admissions at Cate in 2010, then moved to New York City to work in kindergarten through middle school admissions before returning to Cate as Director of Financial Assistance in 2018. She values Cate’s commitment to holistic education and its vibrant community.

Vanessa is a dorm parent, student advisor, and avid sports fan, especially baseball and football. She lives on campus with her husband and toddler son, and her Nike sneaker collection is ever-growing.

Senior Associate Director of Admission

david_soto@cate.org / 805-684-4127 x247

BA, Gonzaga University
MA, Gonzaga University
Appointed: 2012

A Carpinteria native, David Soto returned to the Mesa after graduating from Cate in 2008. He earned both his bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Studies and Journalism and his master’s in Sports and Athletic Administration from Gonzaga University.

Over the past 13 years at Cate, David has served as a dorm parent, dorm head, and day student coordinator. He also assists with the baseball and football teams and has supported student clubs. David’s dedication to Cate stems from his own transformative experience as a student and his passion for fostering the next generation of Rams.

David lives on campus with his wife, children, and dog, Sammy. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and playing or watching sports.

 Associate Director of Admission

carter_ford@cate.org / 805-684-4127

BFA, Savannah College of Art and Design
Appointed: 2022

Carter Ford brings over a decade of experience in admissions and marketing roles at boarding schools across New England to Cate. A graduate of Blair Academy, she attended Savannah College of Art and Design, earning a BFA in Advertising Design with a focus on social media strategy, photography, and communications.

At Cate, Carter supports the Learning Center and Public Service Night programs and has served as a dorm head in the 9th-grade female-identifying dorm. She also brings extensive knowledge of the boarding school landscape and a deep passion for connecting with students and families.

Originally from Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Carter loves Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, Old Bay seasoning, and walks on the beach. She lives on campus with her dog, Darby, and her cats, Juniper, Piggy, and Primrose Everdeen.

Associate Director of Admission

joseph_cordero@cate.org / 805-684-4127

BA, San Diego State University
MA, San Diego State University
Appointed: 2022

Joseph Cordero brings a decade of experience in higher education to Cate, where he serves as Associate Director of Admissions and Assistant Coach for Boys Varsity Basketball. Before joining Cate, Joseph worked in roles such as Coordinator of Student Activities, Student Outreach Specialist, and Director of Enrollment and Retention, focusing on programs for first-generation college students.

At Cate, Joseph manages relationships with Community-Based Organizations, leveraging his expertise in outreach, recruiting, mentorship, and cultural competence. A basketball coach for 11 years, including nine at Cate, he is passionate about guiding and inspiring students both on and off the court.

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Joseph lives in Ventura with his wife, Laura, and their children, Mila and Luca. In his free time, he enjoys mentoring, public speaking, and spending time with family.

Associate Director of Admission

tim_weir@cate.org / 805-684-4127 x218

BA, Montclair State University
Appointed: 2023

Tim Weir has been a dedicated educator since 1990, spending the past 23 years in boarding schools after a decade in day schools. He has served as Dean of Residence, Athletic Director, and Admission Director at schools on the East Coast, internationally, and the West Coast. A passionate coach and educator, Tim is a two-time NEPSTA Coach of the Year and has coached multiple New England and CIF-SS track champions.

Tim’s professional development includes programs at the Gardner Carney Leadership Institute, Stanley King Counseling Institute, and the Voyageur Outward Bound School. He has also presented on topics such as character education and progressive education at national conferences, including TABS, AISAP, and IECA.

Tim lives on the Mesa with his wife, Christina, who also works at Cate, and their chocolate lab. They’ve raised three boys on boarding school campuses, with their youngest in the Cate Class of 2025.

Director of Admission Operations

lynn_dinning@cate.org / 805-684-4127 x217

Appointed: 2001

Lynn grew up in Carpinteria, where she attended Carpinteria High School, just down the road from Cate. She lived in Louisiana for a short time while her now husband was a commercial diver. After two years, they moved back to Carpinteria and raised their two sons, Ryder ’17, and Gage.

Lynn manages the daily operations as well as maintains the admission database. Oftentimes, she is the first person from Cate to speak with prospective students and their families as she sets up campus visits or clarifies the application process. In addition, she supports enrollment and re-enrollment efforts. Lynn works in conjunction with the Director of Financial Assistance and Enrollment and the Director of Admission.

Assistant Office Associate

hayley_aguilar@cate.org / 805-684-4127 ext. 292

BA, Antioch University

Appointed: 2022

Hayley grew up in Carpinteria and went on to graduate from Antioch University with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts. Hayley is often the first person to speak with prospective students and their families as she sets up campus visits & interviews, and assists families through the application process. In addition, she supports Cate’s Tour Guide Program and Admission Events.

Hayley lives in Ventura with her husband, Joe, and their three children. They can be found on the weekends enjoying the waves at Rincon Beach.