Meet the Staff

~ Updated for 2024/2025 School Year ~

FRONT (Left to Right): Lauren Johnson (4th), Maggie Cramer (7th), Laura Ortiz (5th), Belia Chavez (2nd), Agnieszka Kasberg (1st)

BACK (Left to Right): Rosa Martinez (8th), Tracy Sherrick (Principal), Rebecca Thomas (K), Ashley Cornell (3rd), Michelle Perry (6th)

MISSING: Cathy Haugen (Bookkeeper), Maria Hernandez (Office Manager), Lori Amster (Art), Jessica Novak (Music), Ralph Moreno (Maintenance), and Teacher Aides Cianna Horn, Alma Hernandez, Irma Hahn

TRACY SHERRICK (Principal)

I was born and raised in Ridgecrest, and have 24 years in education, teaching grades 4-8 Sierra Sands and Saint Ann School. As of 2024, this is my sixth 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.

REBECCA THOMAS (Kindergarten)

My husband and I moved to Ridgecrest from the Los Angeles area in 2004. We were drawn to the area because of our love of the outdoors, the beautiful Sierra Nevada and the Mojave Desert. Some of my passions include learning, teaching, hiking, cycling, writing, photography and art. I pursued my education and training as a Montessori teacher and have been teaching Kindergarten and PreK/TK in the Ridgecrest community since 2004. I have been teaching Kindergarten at Saint Ann School since 2014 and feel blessed to be a part of such a wonderful community! I believe young children have an innate curiosity for life and a love of learning. As a Kindergarten teacher, I strive to recognize the potential in all children, encourage their enthusiasm for learning and ignite a passion for life.  

AGNIESZKA KASBERG (1st Grade)

I grew up in Warsaw, Poland and moved to Michigan at the age of 7. I stayed in East Lansing until I earned my bachelor's degree in Child Development with Elementary Certification from Michigan State University. After completing my internship in Michigan, I moved to California where I taught Kindergarten in Hesperia and then in Visalia. I moved to Ridgecrest in the summer of 2021 and was married in the summer of 2022. I have been teaching at Saint Ann School since the 2021-2022. When I am not teaching, I like to spend my time hiking, reading, working on puzzles and hanging out with my silly cat.

BELIA CHAVEZ (2nd Grade)

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 2024, I have thirteen 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.

ASHLEY CORNELL (3rd 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 on 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 2024 I will be beginning my sixth 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!

LAUREN JOHNSON (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 2024, I have taught for 14 years and will be teaching my 8th year here at Saint Ann. 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 2024 age 17, and 12), 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. 

MICHELLE PERRY (Middle School - 6th)

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 6th grade teacher.

MAGGIE CRAMER (Middle School - 7th)

I was born in Monterey, CA and moved to Ridgecrest in April 2024 with my husband Hunter and our son Fisher.  I attended University of Hawaii and then Cal State University Monterey Bay and received a credential in Single Subject Teaching, Science Specific Program.  As of 2024, I’ve taught for seven years.  I am thrilled to be teaching at Saint Ann School and especially appreciate the morning assemblies and Friday school masses.  When not teaching, I’m enjoying my family and hobbies, such as swimming, water polo, hunting & fishing.

ROSA MARTINEZ (Middle School - 8th)

After living in the Reno area for most of my life, I moved to Ridgecrest in 2019 after being married. While living in the Reno area, I attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where I received a B.S. in Business Administration with emphasis in International Business and a B.A. in French with an Economic Policy minor. As of 2024 I have over 10 years of experience in working with children K-12th grade, mostly in a Catholic environment. With my business management background and youth experience I was able to work as an Administrative Assistant in the Saint Ann Parish Office and assist with youth programs. In May 2024 I graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a M.A. in Urban Education with a concentration in Spanish Language and Culture. During my free time, I like to visit my family in the Reno area and create adventures and memories with my husband and our dog. I am blessed to have the opportunity to combine my love of working with children and sharing my faith as a teacher at Saint Ann School.

JESSICA NOVAK (Music)

I was born in Henderson, Nevada, but spent the majority of my life in New Mexico.  In May 2024 I moved to Ridgecrest.  Also in May of 2024 I received a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Science from New Mexico State University.  With experience leading music groups at a university level, teaching music at Saint Ann School is my first formal position.  In my free time, I participate in the Cerro Coso Community College Band (playing euphonium) and the Desert Community Orchestra (playing percussion). Additionally, I enjoy spending time exploring hiking and running trails around Ridgecrest with my dog, Indie. My bucket list goal is to visit every National Park in the country, starting with those in California. My favorite part of teaching at Saint Ann School is inspiring students to love music, the way I do.  It’s a joy to watch them grow as young musicians and learn fun & creative ways to express themselves.

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 2024, I have been working as Saint Ann School's bookkeeper for 12 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