Faculty & Staff
ADMINISTRATION
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Dr. Melanie Larson, School Leader
Dr. Melanie Larson became Ridgeview College Prep’s School Leader in 2021, its inaugural year. Bringing over 14 years of experience in education, she started with The Leona Group in 2018 as the Curriculum Coach at South Ridge High School. Dr. Larson is a firm believer that all students have great potential and should have access to exceptional education and support. Dr. Larson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, a Master of Arts degree in Secondary Education from Arizona State University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University. Her doctoral thesis focused on the impact of mentoring on high school students. Before joining The Leona Group, Dr. Larson worked at various Phoenix schools with the hope of inspiring students to be lifelong learners. Dr. Larson began her career as a middle school science teacher with Teach for America Phoenix. She then went on to hold positions of Assistant Principal, Academic and Behavior Support Director, and Instructional Coach in Title I Arizona schools. |
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Ms. Juana Romo, Office Manager
Ms. Romo is a graduate of a Leona school, Desert Hills High School. She started her career as an evening receptionist while attending high school. She continued her career with Desert Hills for 11 years working her way as full time receptionist, National School Lunch Program coordinator and attendance clerk. She was given the opportunity to work for Apache Trail High as the receptionist. While there, she was hired as the Office Manager for Apache Trail. She has been there for an amazing 7 years, making this 18 years in education. Ms. Romo holds an Associates degree in Business Fundamentals from the University of Phoenix and is currently in school for her Bachelor's degree in Management. Ms. Romo loves spending time with her two daughters. She enjoys hiking on the weekends and working with resin and her cricut machine to make arts and crafts. |
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Mrs. Lisa Lopez, Curriculum Coach
Mrs. Lisa Lopez became a part of the Ridgeview College Prep family in 2021 and is serving as Curriculum Coach for the school. Mrs. Lopez has over 16 years of experience in education as a master teacher, school administrator, and curriculum, instructional, and assessment specialist. Mrs. Lopez is a lifelong learner with a strong passion for providing an equitable education for all students. She is committed to helping students accelerate in their own personalized learning pathways and supporting them in their unique and extraordinary talents. Mrs. Lopez holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and General Studies from California State University, Long Beach, a Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University, and is currently in the process of her Doctorate of Education. Mrs. Lopez enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new places. She is an avid reader and loves to bake. |
TEACHERS
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Amanda Bailey
English Language Arts Email: amanda.bailey@leonagroup.com Patrick Jackson AVID, Physical Education Email: patrick.jackson@leonagroup.com Jacqueline Kodatt Math Email: jacqueline.kodatt@leonagroup.com |
Lynanne Lasota
Science, Math Email: lynanne.lasota@leonagroup.com Heather Roehl History Email: heather.roehl@leonagroup.com Megan Smith Art Email: megan.smith@leonagroup.com |
