Minio Maldonado
Elementary Academy Principal

Last spring, Maldonado joined the Ridgeline Academy staff as High School assistant principal. Prior to that he served as a teacher and Dean of Students at Great Hearts Anthem for eight years. 

He is excited to begin his role as principal and brings extensive training and experience to the role. As a resident of Anthem since 2006, he is motivated to continue giving back to his community and the surrounding area.

Originally from New York, he has over 20 years of experience as Director of Operations and Chief Operating Officer in corporate America.

He is married and has two children that currently attend colleges in New York and Kansas.

Playing golf, coaching baseball, reading, and deep sea fishing are some of the hobbies he enjoys in his spare time.

“I believe that today more than ever, our children and their education are vitally important. As principal at Ridgeline Academy, I am looking forward to assisting our students reach their full potential as scholars and as citizens.”

Favorite Quote: “Education is a kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel”—Socrates

James Herrera
Middle School/ High School Academy Principal

For 25 years, James Herrera has dedicated himself to student development and leadership from middle school to high school.

In his past roles, he served as student development coordinator at Yavapai College, and worked to bring Parkview Schools, Inc. from a struggling school into an A-rated institution and boosted enrollment by 35 percent within three years as principal. His staff and students also voted to name a campus building in his honor at Oak Creek Ranch School after serving as their vice principal. He also helped with the development of athletic programs and served as director within the department for nine years.

Fostering educational excellence and supporting student growth drives his efforts in every aspect of his professional journey. He is committed to student development and data-driven decision making. He believes instructional quality achieves positive student outcomes. He has faith in his staff and works with them to build a healthy learning climate.  

He holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University, a Bachelor of Science in History with a minor in Sports Science from Western New Mexico University, and a Secondary Education from Chapman University. 

Favorite Quote: “Donʼt let your talent take you where your character canʼt keep you.”

Ridgeline Alum Hired to Teach Fifth Grade

Faith Godfrey 
Fifth Grade Teacher

A Grand Canyon University alum and a Ridgeline Academy graduate too, Godfrey is excited to return to her former school. She’s spent time stewarding her gift of teaching children on Sundays at her church, and outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time with family and close friends, along with hiking and hunting. 

“I used to be a competitive cheerleader ever since I was young and even cheered at GCU— it was a big passion of mine. Iʼm a lover of the countryside and farm animals and my dream is to have a whole farm house of my own, and put a big family inside. Iʼm so excited to be part of the Ridgeline family again and grow together.”

By Karen Goveia
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