Desert Ridge Principals

Chad Smith was named the new principal at Pinnacle High School this year. Originally from Southern California, he moved to Arizona 2 years ago. In 2007, he became the Assistant Principal at his alma mater, Tustin High School and in 2012, served as principal of South Hills High School in West Covina, California. In 2017, he and his family moved to Arizona, where he became the principal of Pat Tillman Middle School in the Balsz School District in Phoenix. He earned both a Bachelor's of Science and Master's Degrees in Urban and Regional Planning, but decided to change careers in 2002 and earned his teaching credentials from Argosy University. He completed hos Doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2016 from USC.

Jenni Jeras is the Principal of Explorer Middle School and works diligently with stakeholders to provide a stellar experience for students. This includes a focus on instructional leadership, enhancing positive school climate, and leading school improvement initiatives. Before being named Principal, Ms. Jeras was Dean of Students, and then Assistant Principal for Instructional Services at Paradise Valley High School. She also participated in PVUSD's administrative training program (AIM), where she gained valuable insight on district culture and best practices. Additionally during her career, Ms. Jeras has taught English at North Canyon High School, Pinnacle High School, and Shea Middle School. Previous to her work in education, Ms. Jeras served as the Professional Services reporter for the Phoenix Business Journal, and as an Entertainment Consultant for Applause Productions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations from the Walter Cronkite School at Arizona State University, and a Master's in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University.

As principal of Fireside Elementary, Mrs. Shelly Richardson is committed to fostering a positive, safe, and nurturing learning environment in which all students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. She builds positive relationships with teachers, staff, students, and parents to promote respect and collaboration, while fostering a school culture focusing on continuous improvement and innovation, encouraging every student to believe in their potential to strive for excellence.

Prior to this role, Mrs. Richardson served as a principal in Cave Creek Unified School District and an assistant principal in Scottsdale Unified School District and Paradise Valley Unified School District. Her teaching career includes five amazing years teaching at Fireside Elementary. She is honored and grateful to return to Fireside and looks forward to collaborating with the incredible staff, students, and community to continue to build upon all that makes Fireside a special place to be!

Mrs. Richardson graduated from Arizona State University and completed her master’s degree in educational administration leadership at Northern Arizona University.

2018-2019 will mark Ryan Schoonover’s 14th year in education, and his first year in the Paradise Valley Unified School District. He began educating in Kansas, teaching Social Studies and Science for grades 6-8, was an after-school math and reading tutor to students, coached the middle school soccer team, and was the Student Council sponsor. He moved to Arizona in 2012 and became the K-12 Social Studies Curriculum Instructor and Assessment Specialist for Deer Valley School District for 3 years, developing curriculum and assessments for the district, provided professional development to teachers, created lessons for the Arizona Department Of Education and Maricopa Coutry Education Service Agency. He served as Assistant Principal at Canyon Springs STEM Academy in Deer Valley School District, working with students, teachers and parents to help lead the school to an “A” rating from ADE, “A+” designation from the Arizona Education Foundation, and a STEM Certification from AdvancED. He is also a Level 1 and 2 Google Certified Educator and is working towards his Google Certified Trainer endorsement.