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
Irazema Rodriguez
Spanish Teacher
Education & Credentials
- B.S. in Marketing, Mexico Valle University, Monterrey, Mexico
Experience
- Background in business, sales, and customer service
- Lifelong church ministry involvement
- Firsthand experience in early childhood education as a mom of three
Educational Vision
Mrs. Rodriguez is passionate about education and sharing the richness of Latin Mexican culture. She teaches Spanish while reinforcing family and faith-based values that align with the Word of God.
Educational Focus at Ridge Academy
Irazema brings cultural depth and intentional faith-based instruction to the Spanish classroom. She teaches language in a way that reflects family values, faith, and heritage—helping students connect language learning to the heart of who they are.
Family Life
Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, she moved to the U.S. in 2010. She and her husband, Francisco, have been married for 28 years and have three daughters—Arantza, Angelina, and Ashley—and a Chihuahua named Cookie.
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.
Sari Hall
Wellness and Mobility Coach
Education & Credentials
- B.S. in Biology, University of Pittsburgh (2002)
- Doctorate in Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh (2007)
- Certification in Massage Therapy, Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy (2003)
Experience
- Extensive background in outpatient and home health physical therapy
- Transitioned into teaching during COVID to support her children’s learning
- Active volunteer in multiple ministries at West Ridge Church, including food pantry, women’s ministry, and children’s ministry
Educational Vision
Educational Focus at Ridge Academy
Family Life
Sari and her husband love raising their two sons and spending time together biking, working out, and staying active. She also enjoys teaching the 3–6 year old class on Sunday mornings and serving at Vacation Bible School each summer.
Kaitlin Lupo
Dance and Movement Instructor
Education & Credentials
- B.A. in Ballet and Jazz, Point Park University
- Minor in Accounting
- Certified Fitness Instructor
Experience
- 20 years of teaching dance
- Former company member with Bodiography Contemporary Ballet (2012–2017)
- Performed at the Byham Theater and toured nationally
- Trained with top ballet companies including Joffrey Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, and Texas Ballet Theatre
Educational Vision
Kaitlin believes that dance is a powerful form of worship—celebrating God’s most magnificent creation: the human body. She is passionate about helping students discover their strength, creativity, and confidence through movement, while always pointing them back to the Creator.
Educational Focus at Ridge Academy
Kaitlin brings a rich background in professional performance and anatomical knowledge to her instruction. Her classes foster discipline, joy, and worship, helping students learn the power they have in the bodies God has given them and achieve things they never thought possible through dance.
Family Life
Kaitlin and her husband, Ian, have been married for 9 years and have four children together. They enjoy homeschooling, traveling, and running a business as a family. Kaitlin also leads the Called Motherhood ministry at West Ridge Church.