Our Team

As the Principal at Ridge, it is Stacey’s responsibility to foster a culture of Pride, Leadership, and Excellence within our student body through experiences, relationships, and educational opportunities. She partners with the parents and community, as open lines of communication are essential to the success of our students.
 

As the Assistant Principal at Lakota Ridge Junior School, parents can reach out to Josh with any questions they may have about their student’s experience at Ridge. We utilize a team-based approach to continue supporting our Ridge community, so all students feel welcomed, engaged, and empowered to be positive members of our school community.

Melissa Carmichael is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who received her master’s degree from Northern Kentucky University in 2013. She has worked as a school-based therapist for over eight years in various schools in the Greater Cincinnati area. Melissa values the importance of access to mental health support within the school environment and works with students to help them overcome social, emotional and academic difficulties.

Melissa utilizes a variety of modalities in therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy, while also using creative and expressive techniques to individualize treatment for each student. Melissa recognizes the importance of the developmental years of adolescence and will continue to advocate for students to succeed socially, emotionally and academically. 

Melissa likes playing sand volleyball and cheering on Cincinnati sports teams. She loves traveling and has a goal to visit all 30 Major League Baseball ballparks.

As Data Specialist, Mrs. Baker is your direct contact for any attendance-related calls/emails/questions, calling in your student’s absences, checking attendance records, etc. Mrs. Baker can assist with new student enrollment, test scores/report cards, records requests and any changes to your current records/emergency contacts. 

When calling in for attendance call 513-777-9010

Kelly Carstens has worked in public education since 1990. She has an undergraduate degree from the University of Akron and graduate degrees in education and school counseling were from Cleveland State University. In 1990, she began as a first grade teacher in St. Petersburg, Florida.  She continued as a first grade teacher in Lakewood, Ohio, and in 1996, she began my career as a school counselor in Lakewood. The transition from teaching to counseling provided an opportunity to help children become more successful students, work with them to help them effectively deal with a variety of problems, and inspire them to do their personal best in their lives.

Kelly began counseling in Lakota at Independence Elementary in 2009. In 2019, she was certified as a Trauma and Resilience Practitioner Educator. In 2020, she was certified as an Advanced Trauma and Resilience Practitioner. 

In 2021, Kelly began counseling at Ridge Junior School. She feels fortunate to have worked in both the east and west regions of Lakota at two different grade levels. Many experiences as a counselor, teacher, and parent in the district have allowed her to provide supportive care and a comprehensive program.
 

As Secretary, Mrs. Young is the first line of communications for the front office. Her duties include signing students in and out for attendance, assisting with work permit filings and scheduling IEP meetings for students and their families. As Athletic Secretary, Mrs. Young creates athletic schedules for all Ridge sports and inputs/updates final form physicals for all student-athletes.