Nicole Darroch
Head of School and Teacher
Mrs. Nicole Darroch is passionate about hands-on learning and supporting the development of problem-solving abilities among her students. Her vision is that Ridge Academy becomes a lighthouse school that leads the way in educational excellence and innovation and Ridge Academy’s light shines bright in the surrounding community for the glory of God.
Nicole holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education from Geneva College, a Master’s in Educational Leadership, principal certification, and is currently a doctoral student at the American College of Education. Nicole has been recognized as an outstanding educator and was awarded the Keystone Award of Excellence for being named a Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year finalist. Beyond certificates and awards, what Nicole holds in the highest esteem are the relationships she has built with students and families throughout her 20+ year career in education.
Nicole and her husband, Brent, have been married for 18 years. They have two amazing kids, three regal cats, and one oversized dog.
Irazema Rodriguez
Spanish Teacher
Mrs. Rodriguez is passionate about elementary education and supporting children’s development in their early school years. Raising three daughters (14-year-old twins and a 9-year-old) has given her firsthand experience in early childhood education.
As a Spanish Teacher at Ridge Academy, she aims to broaden students’ perspectives by integrating family values rooted in traditional Latin Mexican culture, which align with the values of West Ridge Church.
Armed with a Marketing degree from Mexico Valle University in Monterrey, Mexico, Mrs. Rodriguez successfully grew her father’s business through effective marketing and sales strategies. Her diverse professional experiences in family business and various sales and customer service roles have equipped her with a broad skill set that enhances her classroom preparation and teaching.
Mrs. Rodriguez grew up attending the First Baptist Church in Monterrey, Mexico—the first evangelical church established in Latin America. She served for many years as a Sunday School Teacher and later in the youth ministry, introducing digital document control and playing a key role in preparing for the Church’s 150th-anniversary event in 1996.
Originally from Monterrey, Mrs. Rodriguez lived there until 2010, when she moved to the United States following her husband’s job offer. Now a proud U.S. citizen, she has been married to Francisco Rodriguez for 28 years. Together, they have three daughters, Arantza, Angelina, and Ashley, and a Chihuahua named Cookie.
Amy Schaffner
Math Enrichment Teacher
