Meet the Staff

~ Updated for 2025/2026 School Year ~

FRONT (Left to Right):  Cassie O'Neil (K), Yaira Liedl (2nd), Laura Ortiz (5th), Belia Chavez (8th), Lauren Johnson (3rd/4th), 

BACK (Left to Right):  Abbey Nazeck (8th Algebra), Tracy Sherrick (Principal), Ashely Cornell (1st), Robert Crutchfield (6th), Michelle Perry (7th), Lori Amster (Art)

MISSING: Cathy Haugen (Bookkeeper), Maria Hernandez (Office Manager), Ralph Moreno (Maintenance), and Teacher Aides Cianna Horn, Alma Hernandez, Irma Hahn

TRACY SHERRICK (Principal)

I was born and raised in Ridgecrest, and have 25 years in education, teaching grades 4-8 Sierra Sands and Saint Ann School. As of 2025, this is my seventh year serving as the principal of Saint Ann School. My husband and I have two children, both graduates of Saint Ann School, and we have one grandchild. When I'm not working, I enjoy traveling, camping, fishing and watching baseball games.

CASSIE O'NEIL (Kindergarten)

I was born in Marion, Ohio and then attended Hope International University in Fullerton, CA, receiving a BA in Psychology with additional units in Early Childhood Education.  In 1985 I moved to Ridgecrest and taught Early Childhood Education for about 10 years before becoming a stay at home mom.  As of 2025, I have been married to Rory for 14 years.  We have four children, Avery, Scot, Chase, and Nora.  Our boxer Penny is also part of our family.  Besides the smaller class sizes and the ability to work more one-on-one with students, I love that we can teach about Jesus and being Christ-like.  We help to create a moral foundation and cultivate a relationship between each child and Jesus.  

ASHLEY CORNELL (1st Grade)

I grew up in Ridgecrest and attended Saint Ann School from Kindergarten through 8th grade. I then went to Burroughs High School and went to Cerro Coso where I earned two Associates in Humanities and Science. I then transferred to Cumberland University on an athletic scholarship where I played volleyball and received a Bachelor's of Science in Child Growth and Learning, while earning my teaching credentials in K-5th grade. After graduating with a Bachelor's Degree, I went back to school for a Masters Degree. I graduated with a Masters in Art of Education with an emphasis and teaching credential in Special Education, Severe to Profound K-12. I taught two years outside of Nashville, TN before moving to teach at Saint Ann School. As of 2025 I will be beginning my seventh year at Saint Ann School. In my free time I love to hang out with my husband, son, and two dogs. I enjoy cheering on the Los Angeles Angels and going snowboarding during the winter months!

YAIRA LIEDL (2nd Grade)

I was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, a town on the northwest side of the island known for its great surfing and beautiful beaches. At the age of 5, my family moved to New York City.  In 2021 I moved to Ridgecrest, when my husband was recruited to work at China Lake.  I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Texas in Arlington and majored in Social and Physical Sciences.  As of 2025, I have 5 years of teaching experience. I have had the privilege of working with pre-kindergarteners, along with 5th and 6th graders.  I have 4 children and my youngest attends Saint Ann School.  I love reading non-fiction and anything related to surgical techniques. When I am not teaching, you can still find me assisting in surgery at Mammoth Hospital or traveling. What I love about Saint Ann School is the holistic approach to education. We collectively pour into the whole person the child is becoming, while still keeping a focus on high academic standards.

LAUREN JOHNSON (3rd/4th Grade)

I grew up in Ridgecrest and received my Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a minor in Human Development from California State University Monterey Bay. I also received my Master's degree in Education from Western Governors University. As of 2025, I have taught for 15 years. I have two children who also attend Saint Ann School.

LAURA ORTIZ (5th Grade)

I was born in Ciudad Guzman, Jalisco, Mexico. At the age of 4, my parents and I migrated to the USA. I grew up in Dietrich, Idaho.  My family and I moved to Ridgecrest from Canyon Country in August 2016.  We moved because of my job that focused on in-house Behavior Intervention for children who are on the Spectrum and/or have Disabilities. This job led me to work with Sierra Sands as a Paraprofessional.  I received an Athletic Scholarship for Cross Country & Track which helped me earn my AA Degree from North Idaho College in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho. I then received another Athletic Scholarship to the University of Hawaii-Hilo which helped me earn my Bachelor Degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science emphasizing in Health & Physical Education.  I have always been in the teaching field in one way or another. I taught at Burros High School in 2019-2020 as a Spanish Teacher. With the pandemic restrictions, I was not able to return so I turned to Saint Ann School. I was a Teacher Aid until May 2023 and then in February 2024 taught Middle School as the Science teacher. Now I am a 5th Grade teacher. My family consists of my husband, 2 boys (as of 2025 age 18, and 13), and I have two Furbabies (also boys), Benji and Bolt. I love running. So much so that I am the Head Coach for the Girls High School Cross Country team. If I am not running I like to read, drink coffee, and spend time with my family. I really like how Saint Ann has always supported me when I needed it. The students and families make my teaching experience worthwhile. I also like that my own child is attending the school which helps establish great moral and life skills. 

ROBERT CRUTCHFIELD (Middle School - 6th)

I was born in New York City but grew up most of my life in California.  I moved to Ridgecrest in the summer of 2024 to teach English. I actually lived in Ridgecrest for a couple of years while my father was an engineer at China Lake.  We were here when President John F. Kennedy visited the base.  I have Bachelor’s degrees in Journalism and Economics from California State University, Long Beach and from the University of Maryland. I have a Master's of Science in Education from Shenandoah University along with a graduate diploma from UCLA to teach English Language Learners.  I like to golf, swim, read, and travel.  One of the best things I like about Saint Ann School is our fantastic students.  As a side, note I spent many years as a teacher and administrator overseas. I was the Founding Head of School of Yangon American International School in Myanmar.

MICHELLE PERRY (Middle School - 7th)

I grew up in Ridgecrest and attended Saint Ann School from Kindergarten through 8th grade and a proud recipient of the Saint Ann School Spirit Award in 8th grade.  After high school, I received an A.A. from Cerro Coso Community College in Arts & Humanities and an A.A. in Behavioral Sciences with a Certificate of Achievement as a Child Development Associate Teacher.  I also graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs with a B.A. in Inclusive Elementary Education with experience working with children in special education and with English language learners.  I enjoy traveling, photography, working out, yoga, camping, off-roading, and watching movies.  I am excited to be teaching at Saint Ann School as the 7th grade teacher.

BELIA CHAVEZ (Middle School - 8th)

Originally from Los Molinos, California, I have lived in Ridgecrest since 2009.  I received a B.A. in Child Development and a B.A. in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Bilingual Education from CSU, Chico.  As of 2025, I have fourteen years of experience teaching the following grades: Kindergarten (with one year in a Dual Immersion Program), 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 6th grade and 9th grade.  My husband Ricardo and I have five beautiful children who keep us busy.  I enjoy spending time with family, unicycling, cooking, watching movies and reading.

Vacant (Music)

Bio here

LORI AMSTER (Art)

Before moving to Ridgecrest, I grew up in Southern CA, then the central coast. After moving to Ridgecrest, I met my husband and continued my education. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Statistics.  A few years after graduating college, we had two children, Bryce and Emma Lilette. I chose and was blessed to be able to stay home with the children until they reached school age. When my son started attending Richmond Elementary School, they were in need of an art teacher and I was asked to take the position. It was a serendipitous request; it turns out I love teaching art! Art is an important part of my family’s and my life. Both of my in-laws were accomplished artists. I have participated in the Sierra Art Guild as well. As a family, we plan many of our vacations around art museums and galleries. It is a privilege to share my knowledge about art and art concepts with the students. The most wonderful part of teaching art is seeing students’ creativity shine through their projects.

CATHY HAUGEN (Bookkeeper)

I received my B.S. degree in Kinesiology from California State University, Fresno.  My husband Chris and I have a son named Miken who is a student at Saint Ann School.  I also have a stepson named Jeff who lives in Massachusetts.  Since 2025, I have been working as Saint Ann School's bookkeeper for 13 years and have previously taught science and physical education for Sierra Sands Unified School District.

MARIA HERNANDEZ (Office Manager)

I've lived in our beautiful Ridgecrest since the early 1990s, and graduated from Burroughs High School in 2005. I met my husband in 2008 and we married at our Saint Ann Church in 2009. We have a beautiful family of six, two boys and two girls. We are a pet loving family and enjoy bike rides in the afternoons. I'm honored to be part of the Saint Ann families here at Saint Ann School. As Office Manager, my goal is to help spread the word that we are here to provide a catholic education to every child regardless of the family's financial status.  We are here to help our families in any way we can. 

PARAPROFESSIONALS

Cianna Horn

Alma Hernandez

Irma Hahn