At Ridge Academy, we believe that strong, Christ-centered leadership is the foundation of a thriving school community. Our dedicated team of educators leads with wisdom, integrity, and a servant’s heart, fostering an environment where students grow in faith, knowledge, and character.
Proverbs 11:14 reminds us, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” With a shared commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth, our staff works together to nurture and equip students to impact the world for God’s glory.
We are pleased to introduce Pastor John Goebbel, the dedicated Lead Pastor of West Ridge Church and the visionary President of Ridge Academy. For over a decade, John has faithfully led West Ridge Church, nurturing a Christ-centered community that now welcomes over 400 people every weekend. His heart for ministry is evident in his unwavering commitment to helping people grow in their faith and live out God’s love within the community.
John’s passion for Christian education inspired the launch of Ridge Academy, where students are equipped not only with academic excellence but also with a deep understanding of God’s truth. His vision is to create a school where children come to know God, grow in their faith, and experience a personal relationship with Jesus. Under his leadership, Ridge Academy is committed to fostering an environment where faculty are not only experts in their subjects but also live out the Love God, Love People values that shape the school’s culture.
Together with his wife, Jennifer, and their four children, John’s life is a testament to the power of faith, family, and service. His leadership continues to impact countless lives, building both a thriving church and a school where the next generation is empowered to live for Christ.
We invite you to learn more about Pastor John’s heart for ministry and the incredible vision behind Ridge Academy in his video message, where he shares the journey of bringing Christian education to our community and the hope of guiding students toward a lifelong relationship with Jesus.
Nicole Darroch
Head of School and Lead Educator
Education & Credentials
- B.S. in Elementary & Special Education, Geneva College
- M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
- Principal Certification
- Doctoral Candidate, American College of Education
Experience
- Over 20 years in education
- Keystone Award of Excellence recipient
- Finalist, Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year
- Known for her strong student and family relationships
Educational Vision
Nicole is passionate about hands-on learning and developing students’ problem-solving abilities. Her deep hope is that Ridge Academy becomes a lighthouse school—one that leads with educational excellence and innovation while shining brightly for the glory of
God.
Educational Focus at Ridge Academy
Nicole brings a commitment to innovative, Christ-centered education. Her leadership is rooted in building relationships, fostering curiosity, and cultivating joy in learning—all while preparing students to shine their light in the world.
Family Life
Nicole and her husband, Brent, have been married for 18 years and have two amazing kids, three regal cats, and one oversized dog.
Amy Schaffner
Math Enrichment Teacher
Education & Credentials
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh
- ACSI Certified Teacher
Experience
- 20+ years teaching K–8
- Experienced in making math hands-on and engaging
- Passionate about integrating faith with academic learning
Educational Vision
Educational Focus at Ridge Academy
Family Life
Gladys Castro
Spanish Teacher
Education & Credentials
- Medical Technologist in Radiology (U.S. accredited)
- Associate Degree in General Studies, Kappa Theta Gamma honor society
- Trained in Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS), University of Chicago
Experience
- 10+ years teaching Spanish, K–12
Educational Vision
Gladys desires for language learning to be both meaningful and inspiring, helping students grow in confidence and curiosity as they connect across cultures.
Educational Focus at Ridge Academy
She integrates interactive methods and storytelling to make Spanish come alive in the classroom.
Family Life
Gladys enjoys time in nature, being with family, and serving in activities that help others come to know Christ.
Nicole Yoder
Pre-K Teacher
Education & Credentials
- B.S. in Engineering with a minor in Mathematics, Geneva College
Experience
- Former electrical engineer
- Mom of 7 children
- Women’s ministry leader at West Ridge
Educational Vision
Nicole loves helping children grow in their understanding of God and in their love for learning. She’s excited to bring joy, creativity, and faith into the Pre-K classroom through discovery-based learning.
Educational Focus at Ridge Academy
Family Life
Nicole and her husband, Keith, have been married for 21 years and are raising seven children (ages 5 to 19). She enjoys the outdoors, family sports, and exploring new trails.
Daniel Stepke
3rd-7th Grade Teacher
Education & Credentials
- B.A in Philosophy with Minors in History and Classical Christian Education, Grove City College
- MA in Philosophy, Duquesne University
Experience
- Taught a for-credit Classics Club in high school
- President of the Philosophy Club at Grove City College
Educational Vision
Educational Focus at Ridge Academy
Daniel aims to bring a rigorous and personable approach to student learning, for both intellectual and spiritual formation. He believes people learn best when they are encouraged by the value of their education and when their teacher is enthusiastic and obviously shows his own passion about learning, and wants to bring students along for the journey that is learning about God and His world.
Family Life
He loves to read books of all kinds, build LEGO sets, and spend time with his wife Leah and their cat S’more.
Tina Koski
Literacy Coach
Education & Credentials
- B.S in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Penn State
Experience
- Over 20 years in education
- Homeschooled children for over 10 years
- Ran a homeschool co-op for 6 years
- Homeschool evaluator
Educational Vision
Tina’s educational vision is to create a dynamic learning environment that meets every student exactly where they are, using personalized accommodations to remove barriers and enrichment to challenge them appropriately. Her approach is built on a foundation of active, hands-on activities and educational games, transforming learning from a passive process into an engaging adventure. Tina hopes to help build life long learners while letting her light shine through teaching.
Educational Focus at Ridge Academy
Tina believes in showing care for every student, creating an encouraging atmosphere where they feel safe and valued. Her goal is to grow the whole child—heart, mind, and character.
Family Life
Tina and her husband, Chris, have been married for 22 years. They have one son and two daughters. They enjoy homeschooling, traveling, and hiking with our two doodles
Michelle Rosenwald
Missions Teacher
Education & Credentials
- Ordained Minister
- Graduate, Dayspring Bible Training Center
- Co-Founder, His Feet International (nonprofit ministry)
Experience
- Over 15 years serving full-time on the mission field
- Cross-cultural ministry among the unreached, the poor, and the persecuted
- Discipleship and teaching of God’s Word in global ministry contexts
- Homeschooling mother of six, with a focus on faith-based education and discipleship
Educational Vision
Michelle carries a deep passion for teaching the Word of God and helping others understand the Kingdom mission and heart of God.
Her life’s work reflects a calling to disciple others—beginning in her home with her children and extending to the nations.
She finds joy in equipping others to live missionally and to share God’s love with those who have never heard.
Educational Focus at Ridge Academy
She loves biblical history and learning the stories of how God has carried people through challenges and seasons of faith.
With a heart full of compassion and purpose, Michelle lives to join God in His mission—both in her home and across the world—bringing hope, discipleship, and the message of His Kingdom wherever He leads.
Family Life
Michelle is a devoted wife and mother who considers discipling her children her first ministry. Outside of teaching and ministry, she enjoys worship dance, health and fitness, and hiking in new places. Her love for travel and exploring new cultures continually deepens her understanding of God’s global heart and fuels her passion for the nations.