Rick Ornelas, Executive Director
I was born and raised in Southern California and moved up to Auburn after my oldest daughter was born. My wife and I keep busy with our two daughters and our dog. My hobbies include baseball, running, reading, and being a dad.
I played baseball at College of the Desert, and once I was done playing I transferred to San Diego State. My Bachelor's Degree is in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Physical Education. I went to National University for my Master’s Degree in Education, as well as my teaching credential. I have taught many subjects at the middle school level in Auburn and in San Diego and I truly love working with students and families.
I am so fortunate to have landed in such a welcoming community at Harvest Ridge. The staff, families, and especially the students, make this a truly special place.
I was born and raised in Southern California and moved up to Auburn after my oldest daughter was born. My wife and I keep busy with our two daughters and our dog. My hobbies include baseball, running, reading, and being a dad.
I played baseball at College of the Desert, and once I was done playing I transferred to San Diego State. My Bachelor's Degree is in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Physical Education. I went to National University for my Master’s Degree in Education, as well as my teaching credential. I have taught many subjects at the middle school level in Auburn and in San Diego and I truly love working with students and families.
I am so fortunate to have landed in such a welcoming community at Harvest Ridge. The staff, families, and especially the students, make this a truly special place.
Annette Korn, Administrative Assistant
Annette brings many years of experience working in schools from elementary all through high school.
Annette brings many years of experience working in schools from elementary all through high school.
Christina Cowan, Teacher
Originally, from the Bay Area, I moved to the Sacramento area in high school and continued my higher education at CSU Sacramento. After college I travelled and lived for a period of time in England and Los Angeles before moving back to the Auburn area to settle and start my family. I have one beautiful daughter, a very active dog, and quite a few chickens. Also, I enjoy reading, hiking, pretty much anything in the mountains, and travel.
My love of teaching comes from a long line of educators in my family. They are my inspiration for teaching these past 9 years. Within that time I have grown so much as an educator and achieved a Master Degree in Education Technology at CSU Sacramento. My credential program also had a focus on positive classroom culture and targeted literacy strategies. With this background, I am excited to join the Harvest Ridge community to grow and learn with my students and families.
Originally, from the Bay Area, I moved to the Sacramento area in high school and continued my higher education at CSU Sacramento. After college I travelled and lived for a period of time in England and Los Angeles before moving back to the Auburn area to settle and start my family. I have one beautiful daughter, a very active dog, and quite a few chickens. Also, I enjoy reading, hiking, pretty much anything in the mountains, and travel.
My love of teaching comes from a long line of educators in my family. They are my inspiration for teaching these past 9 years. Within that time I have grown so much as an educator and achieved a Master Degree in Education Technology at CSU Sacramento. My credential program also had a focus on positive classroom culture and targeted literacy strategies. With this background, I am excited to join the Harvest Ridge community to grow and learn with my students and families.
Lyndsey Kacalek-Brown, Teacher
Born and raised in Redding, California, I graduated college from CSU Sacramento. I earned two Bachelor's degrees; one in Nutrition and one in Fashion Design and Marketing, along with my Single and Multiple subject teaching credentials and PPS credential and a Masters of Science in Counseling from the University of LaVerne. I began teaching second grade and then was recruited by the company K12 Inc. to work on their curriculum and assessment team, where I helped with lesson plan development and also trained California Virtual Academy teachers to use K12’s online curriculum, which I helped develop. I also served as a high school guidance counselor for six years and then spent the last seven years teaching at Rocklin High School, with my last year spent teaching at the new online virtual campus in RUSD.
I am a very proud mom to my son, Macray, who recently graduated from Rocklin High School and is attending college. My husband Matt and I love to travel, take road trips, spend time at the beach and hang out with friends, family and our yorkie, Charlie. I love music, art, all things design; fashion, interior...you name it! I’m always working on a project or two around my house in my spare time!
I’m excited to be a part of Harvest Ridge Charter School, in this cute, quaint town of Newcastle, with wonderful students, families and staff! It reminds me a lot of my upbringing and childhood days in Redding.
Born and raised in Redding, California, I graduated college from CSU Sacramento. I earned two Bachelor's degrees; one in Nutrition and one in Fashion Design and Marketing, along with my Single and Multiple subject teaching credentials and PPS credential and a Masters of Science in Counseling from the University of LaVerne. I began teaching second grade and then was recruited by the company K12 Inc. to work on their curriculum and assessment team, where I helped with lesson plan development and also trained California Virtual Academy teachers to use K12’s online curriculum, which I helped develop. I also served as a high school guidance counselor for six years and then spent the last seven years teaching at Rocklin High School, with my last year spent teaching at the new online virtual campus in RUSD.
I am a very proud mom to my son, Macray, who recently graduated from Rocklin High School and is attending college. My husband Matt and I love to travel, take road trips, spend time at the beach and hang out with friends, family and our yorkie, Charlie. I love music, art, all things design; fashion, interior...you name it! I’m always working on a project or two around my house in my spare time!
I’m excited to be a part of Harvest Ridge Charter School, in this cute, quaint town of Newcastle, with wonderful students, families and staff! It reminds me a lot of my upbringing and childhood days in Redding.
Patricia Milami, Teacher
I was born in the Bay Area, but was raised in the Sacramento Area. I knew from a very early age that I wanted to be a teacher, and could often be found "playing school". I absolutely love learning, and used to wish I could be paid to be a student. However, I now realize how lucky it is that I get paid for teaching little beautiful minds.
I earned a BA in Liberal Studies with a minor in Science from CSU Sacramento, and after earning my multiple-subject teaching credential I taught 6th grade for 2 years. When my husband and I started a family of our own I left the classroom, but I found a teaching job working with homeschool families that allowed me to continue teaching while still getting to be home mostly full-time. Now with four sweet babies of my own I have the best of both worlds!
I have been a support for home school families for many years, and I am inspired by the dedication and creativity that parents bring into their home as they educate their children. It is an honor to witness the process. Thank you for bringing me into your home; I am so excited to serve you on your family's journey!
I was born in the Bay Area, but was raised in the Sacramento Area. I knew from a very early age that I wanted to be a teacher, and could often be found "playing school". I absolutely love learning, and used to wish I could be paid to be a student. However, I now realize how lucky it is that I get paid for teaching little beautiful minds.
I earned a BA in Liberal Studies with a minor in Science from CSU Sacramento, and after earning my multiple-subject teaching credential I taught 6th grade for 2 years. When my husband and I started a family of our own I left the classroom, but I found a teaching job working with homeschool families that allowed me to continue teaching while still getting to be home mostly full-time. Now with four sweet babies of my own I have the best of both worlds!
I have been a support for home school families for many years, and I am inspired by the dedication and creativity that parents bring into their home as they educate their children. It is an honor to witness the process. Thank you for bringing me into your home; I am so excited to serve you on your family's journey!
Jen Rickards, Teacher
My love for teaching began on my first day of kindergarten. The sight of a freshly decorated classroom, the smell of freshly sharpened pencils and the sound of all my favorite children's songs being played on the record player, were some of the first memories I have of falling in love with education. I knew instantly that the classroom was where I would want to spend my time every day, for as long as I could. I grew up in Sacramento then attended CSUS for my Bachelors in Liberal Studies and my teaching credential. For 18 years, I've taught nearly every grade Kindergarten through 8th grade in the Sacramento area. Truly, I am fascinated by how kids learn and have discovered that there isn't a grade or subject that I don't fall in love with year after year.
My passion for being a mom and teaching led me to Harvest Ridge, where I get to build relationships with other families within our community. My husband and I are honored to get to raise our boys in Loomis. Often it feels like we are living our dreams! When I'm not wiping the hands and faces of my handsome dirt covered boys, I enjoy doing pilates, working in our garden, cooking healthy meals, home design and most of all hosting friends and family at our home. My husband and I also enjoy volunteering with our boys soccer teams, helping at our kids' school, and serving in our church.
Harvest Ridge is such a special place to learn and grow. My heart is full of pride to get to be a part of what makes this school so unique!
My love for teaching began on my first day of kindergarten. The sight of a freshly decorated classroom, the smell of freshly sharpened pencils and the sound of all my favorite children's songs being played on the record player, were some of the first memories I have of falling in love with education. I knew instantly that the classroom was where I would want to spend my time every day, for as long as I could. I grew up in Sacramento then attended CSUS for my Bachelors in Liberal Studies and my teaching credential. For 18 years, I've taught nearly every grade Kindergarten through 8th grade in the Sacramento area. Truly, I am fascinated by how kids learn and have discovered that there isn't a grade or subject that I don't fall in love with year after year.
My passion for being a mom and teaching led me to Harvest Ridge, where I get to build relationships with other families within our community. My husband and I are honored to get to raise our boys in Loomis. Often it feels like we are living our dreams! When I'm not wiping the hands and faces of my handsome dirt covered boys, I enjoy doing pilates, working in our garden, cooking healthy meals, home design and most of all hosting friends and family at our home. My husband and I also enjoy volunteering with our boys soccer teams, helping at our kids' school, and serving in our church.
Harvest Ridge is such a special place to learn and grow. My heart is full of pride to get to be a part of what makes this school so unique!
Lindsey Smead, Teacher
I was born and raised in Auburn, California and have deep ties to the Foothill community. My husband and I keep busy with our 15-year-old daughter who attends Forest Lake Christian School. My hobbies are hiking, camping, boating, traveling, cooking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
I attended CUS Sacramento where I majored in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Public Relations. After becoming a mother, I realized I wanted to follow the tradition of the women in my family, and pursue my passion for teaching. I completed my multiple subject teaching credential and a Master's Degree in Cross-Cultural Education with National University and began my career as a teacher in 2009. I have taught Middle School grades 5-8 and most recently I taught 2nd grade for 5 years. My passion is connecting with students and families and providing encouragement, support, and helping children discover all their passions and talents.
It is an honor to join the Harvest Ridge Cooperative Charter School community and I feel so fortunate to have joined this team. The staff, families, and students make this a welcoming environment that I look forward to serving each day.
I was born and raised in Auburn, California and have deep ties to the Foothill community. My husband and I keep busy with our 15-year-old daughter who attends Forest Lake Christian School. My hobbies are hiking, camping, boating, traveling, cooking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
I attended CUS Sacramento where I majored in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Public Relations. After becoming a mother, I realized I wanted to follow the tradition of the women in my family, and pursue my passion for teaching. I completed my multiple subject teaching credential and a Master's Degree in Cross-Cultural Education with National University and began my career as a teacher in 2009. I have taught Middle School grades 5-8 and most recently I taught 2nd grade for 5 years. My passion is connecting with students and families and providing encouragement, support, and helping children discover all their passions and talents.
It is an honor to join the Harvest Ridge Cooperative Charter School community and I feel so fortunate to have joined this team. The staff, families, and students make this a welcoming environment that I look forward to serving each day.
Rebecca Stanphill, Teacher
I grew up going to local schools right here in our community, attending Newcastle Elementary and graduating from Del Oro High School. I went on to Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and majored in Exercise Science and Athletic Training and took many classes in teaching techniques for my degree. Most recently, I finished my teaching credential through Brandman University. I participated as a member of the charter development committee to create and open HRCCS and feel very passionate about this school and its families. All three of my children have attended Harvest Ridge. I taught grades 3-6 on campus as well as PE for all grade levels, and now very much enjoy my role of Home Study teacher.
I desire to make Harvest Ridge a rich a varied experience for kids and provide opportunities for students to become who they were created to be through their time and experiences with the school. Having families work together to create and support the school environment is such a positive aspect of HRCCS and I believe it’s the best place to be!
I have been married to my high school sweetheart since 1995, and together we love to work on our property and the never ending list of projects, watch our kids grow up in the country and enjoy raising all kinds of animals. I also love to cook and spend any free time I have perusing cookbooks and blogs about country living.
I grew up going to local schools right here in our community, attending Newcastle Elementary and graduating from Del Oro High School. I went on to Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and majored in Exercise Science and Athletic Training and took many classes in teaching techniques for my degree. Most recently, I finished my teaching credential through Brandman University. I participated as a member of the charter development committee to create and open HRCCS and feel very passionate about this school and its families. All three of my children have attended Harvest Ridge. I taught grades 3-6 on campus as well as PE for all grade levels, and now very much enjoy my role of Home Study teacher.
I desire to make Harvest Ridge a rich a varied experience for kids and provide opportunities for students to become who they were created to be through their time and experiences with the school. Having families work together to create and support the school environment is such a positive aspect of HRCCS and I believe it’s the best place to be!
I have been married to my high school sweetheart since 1995, and together we love to work on our property and the never ending list of projects, watch our kids grow up in the country and enjoy raising all kinds of animals. I also love to cook and spend any free time I have perusing cookbooks and blogs about country living.
Janet Sutton, Teacher
Born and raised in Southern California, I moved to beautiful Auburn after college. My husband and I have two boys who have both attended Harvest Ridge. Our family enjoys camping, boating, fishing, and baseball, and I am very content when I can work in my garden.
I earned my Bachelor of Arts from CSU Chico, my teaching credential from CSU Northridge, a Masters in Education from CSU Sacramento, and my Administrative Credential from Brandman University. My classroom experience has included teaching grades Kindergarten through fourth grade, and I worked as an Education Specialist with Home Study students in grades Kindergarten through twelfth grade. I feel so fortunate to have been part of Harvest Ridge from the beginning, and look forward to many years of service to our families.
Born and raised in Southern California, I moved to beautiful Auburn after college. My husband and I have two boys who have both attended Harvest Ridge. Our family enjoys camping, boating, fishing, and baseball, and I am very content when I can work in my garden.
I earned my Bachelor of Arts from CSU Chico, my teaching credential from CSU Northridge, a Masters in Education from CSU Sacramento, and my Administrative Credential from Brandman University. My classroom experience has included teaching grades Kindergarten through fourth grade, and I worked as an Education Specialist with Home Study students in grades Kindergarten through twelfth grade. I feel so fortunate to have been part of Harvest Ridge from the beginning, and look forward to many years of service to our families.