Meet the Staff

~ 2023/2024 ~

FRONT (Left to Right): Rebecca Thomas (K), Agnieszka Kasberg (1st), Belia Chavez (2nd), Michelle Perry (5th), Stephanie McManus (music)

BACK (Left to Right): Lori Amster (art), Shelbie Firouzi (7th), Rosa Martinez (6th), Tracy Sherrick (Principal), Kim Hammond (8th) 

MISSING: Ashley Cornell (3rd), Cathy Haugen (Bookkeeper), Maria Hernandez (Office Manager), Ralph Moreno (Maintenance), and Teacher Aides Cianna Horn, Yolanda Mondragon, Irma Hahn

TRACY SHERRICK (Principal)

As a Ridgecrest native, I attended Saint Ann School as a child, and I have taught grades 5-8 at Saint Ann and now Principal for the last 18 years. My husband, Vince, and I have two children who both graduated from Saint Ann School, Ashley who teaches second grade at Saint Ann School, and Christopher who graduated from Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky, studying criminal justice. When I'm not working, I enjoy traveling, reading and watching baseball games.

REBECCA THOMAS (Kindergarten)

My husband and I moved to Ridgecrest from the Los Angeles area in 2004.  I pursued my education and training as a Montessori teacher and have been teaching Kindergarten and preschool in the Ridgecrest community for the past fifteen years.  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.  This will be my sixth year teaching Kindergarten at Saint Ann School . . . and I feel blessed to be a part of such a wonderful community.

AGNIESZKA KASBERG (1st Grade)

I grew up in Warsaw, Poland and moved to Michigan when I turned 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 after getting engaged in May of 2021 and I am so excited to be teaching at Saint Ann. 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.  I have twelve 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, and running with our dogs Charlie and Cammie.

ASHLEY CORNELL (3rd Grade)

I grew up in Ridgecrest and attended Saint Ann School from Kindergarten  through 8th grade. After Saint Ann School, l went to Burroughs High School and after graduating attended Cerro Coso Community College for two years. I then transferred to Cumberland University and received my Bachelor's of Science in Child Growth and Learning, while earning my teaching credentials in K-5th grade. After graduating with a Bachelors 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. Previous to Saint Ann School, I taught two years outside of Nashville, TN.  This is my fourth year teaching 2nd/3rd grade at Saint Ann School.

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 2021, I have taught for over 10 years and will be teaching my 7th year here at Saint Ann. I have two children who also attend Saint Ann School.

MICHELLE PERRY (5th Grade)

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 5th grade teacher.

ROSA MARTINEZ (Middle School - 6th)

After living in Reno, NV for most of my life, I moved to Ridgecrest after marriage in 2019. While living in the Reno area, I attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where I received my B.S. in Business Administration with emphasis in International Business and my B.A. in French with an Economic Policy minor. While pursuing my degree, I began my volunteer journey of working with children and youth; assisting, teaching, and eventually coordinating faith formation programs for K-12th grade in the Catholic Church. My volunteer work turned into a job and when I left my parish in 2019, I was the Office Manager and Religious Education Coordinator. My experience helped when I moved to Ridgecrest and was able to work as an Administrative Assistant at the Saint Ann Parish Office as well as assist with some of the youth programs. During my free time, I like to visit my family, spend time with my husband, and our new puppy, practice photography, and go on adventures to as many new places as I can. 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.

SHELBIE FIROUZI (Middle School - 7th)

I grew up in Ridgecrest and taught at Saint Ann School as my first job out of college.  Eighteen years ago I met my husband, who was stationed here at the time, and we set off on a Navy adventure.  I have been lucky enough to teach in school districts throughout the country, meeting different people and children from all walks of life. In 2017 we returned to Ridgecrest for another Navy tour and I am thrilled to be back at Saint Ann School!  I have a Bachelor's Degree in Education and a Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.  I also earned my Masters of Science Degree in Education with a concentration in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. I love spending time with my husband David, our children Matthew and Jacob and our dog Mollie.

LAURA ORTIZ (Middle School - 8th)

Bio Here

STEPHANIE MCMANIS (Music)

With a post-graduate degree in teaching & musicology, I’ve been teaching music for almost 40 years.  Part of that time, I was Head of the Music Department at two high schools and then a principal of a private music school. Besides teaching music at Saint Ann School, I give private music lessons for piano, voice, and recorder and act as the parish music director.

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 Richmond Elementary, the school was in need of an art teacher and stayed at Richmond for 10 years. Art is an important part of my life and my family’s life. Both of my in-laws were accomplished artists. I have participated in the Sierra Art Guild as well. As a family, we plan our vacations around museums and galleries. This is my first year teaching art at Saint Ann School and 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 have a son named Miken who is who is a student at Saint Ann School.  I also have a stepson named Jeff who graduated from Burroughs High School.  I have been working as Saint Ann School's bookkeeper for seven years and have taught science in Sierra Sands Unified School District. 

MARIA HERNANDEZ (Office Manager)

I’ve lived in Ridgecrest since the early 1990s, graduated from Burroughs High School in 2005, and been married to my husband, Alfredo, since 2009.  We have four beautiful children, 2 boys and 2 girls.  Our favorite pet is an iguana, named Igie.  We also have dog, Shadow.  Our favorite hobby is riding bikes and playing in the park as a family.  I’m thrilled to be the office manager of Saint Ann School.

PARAPROFESSIONALS

Cianna Horn

Yolanda Mondragon

Irma Hahn