Administration

Courtney Haedrich - Principal

Early Life

I grew up in the Bay Area and graduated from Saint Francis High School in Mountain View, Ca.  At an early age I knew I wanted to work with children and was inspired by my former first grade teacher to follow my dream. 

Education and Professional Experience

I graduated with a BA in Sociology from UC Santa Barbara.  I met my husband in Santa Barbara and followed him back to his hometown of Redding.  Upon moving up to Redding, I enrolled in the teacher credentialing program at Simpson University and completed the program in 2004.  I taught first and second grade in Cottonwood before moving to Enterprise Elementary School District in 2014.  I had the pleasure of being a second grade teacher and an Assistant Principal at Boulder Creek.  During my 9 years at Boulder Creek, I completed my Masters of Arts in Education and Administrative Credential from Simpson University in 2016.  I feel so fortunate to serve the staff, students, and families here at Alta Mesa as a principal. 

Life Outside of School

When I am not working, I love spending time with my family, which includes my husband and two teenage sons.  We enjoy everything about being outdoors, going to sporting events, and traveling to new places.  I also enjoy cooking, along with cycling and running.   We truly live in a beautiful spot.  I love exploring the northstate and all the beauty it has to offer.  

 

Maggie Russo - Assistant Principal

Early Life

I was born and raised in Oroville, California, and graduated from Oroville High School. I'm the youngest of four and part of a large, close-knit extended family. The incredible teachers I had growing up inspired me to become an educator and sparked my passion for serving the community.

Education & Professional Experience

I started my college journey at Butte College before transferring to Chico State, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. I later completed a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University Irvine.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching first, second, and fifth grade. My teaching career began at Walden Academy in Willows, CA, and I’ve also taught at North Cottonwood and Evergreen Elementary in Cottonwood, CA. I’m now proud to serve as Assistant Principal at Boulder Creek.

Outside of Work

My husband, Tim, and I were married in 2022 overlooking Lake Shasta—our favorite place. We honeymooned in Iceland, which was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

I'm also a proud dog mom to Poppy, our energetic Belgian Malinois. When I’m not at school, you’ll likely find me out on the boat at Lake Shasta, skiing in the mountains, or working on my golf game. I love spending time with my family and exploring all the natural beauty our area has to offer.

 

Ed Schneider - Assistant Principal

Early Life

I grew up in Southern California, where I learned firsthand that education is a powerful, transformative force for building hope. My mother instilled in me the belief that education was the key to rising above the challenges of poverty and the limitations of growing up in a single-parent household. Her support shaped my commitment to creating opportunities for others through learning and hope. 

Education/Career

My educational journey includes a B.A. in Cross Cultural Studies, a Master’s degree, and an Administrative Credential earned through SCOE. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving students in many roles—from teaching middle school and coaching sports to leading robotics clubs, serving as an adjunct professor, and taking on various administrative roles in elementary and higher education.

I deeply believe in the power of hope where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to discover their unique excellence.

Outside of School

Outside of school, my wife and I, along with our three daughters, love exploring new places and making lasting memories together. In the past five years, we’ve visited 45 national parks and enjoyed countless roadside adventures—always making time to stop at local ice cream and doughnut shops! The stories we collect on these trips continue to ground and inspire us long after we return home.

I’m excited to discover and celebrate the excellence within our community this school year.

It’s a great day to be a Bear!