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Administrators

Name Email Position
Lara  Ricks lricks@egusd.net Principal
Cheryl Cain ccain@egusd.net Vice Principal
Marco Farias mfarias@egusd.net Vice Principal
Nick Freathy nfreathy@egusd.net Vice Principal
Charles Thatch cthatch@egusd.net Vice Principal
Angela Wardlaw awardlaw@egusd.net ASSETs
Buffy O'Neal bloneal@egusd.net School Site Secretary

 

Ms. Lara Ricks

Ms. Lara Ricks
Lara Ricks began as principal at Monterey Trail High School at the start of the 2019-20 school year. Before that she was serving as a Vice Principal at Monterey Trail. Prior to coming to Monterey Trail she taught Spanish, AVID and some PE. She is a graduate of San Diego State University with a Master’s from National University. This year she is overseeing Science, World Language, and Activities. She also holds the EGUSD record for number of emails sent in a single school year.
 

Ms. Cheryl Cain

 
Photo of Ms. Cheryl Cain - Vice Principal
 
Cheryl Cain transferred as a Vice Principal to Monterey Trail High School at the beginning of the 2019- 2020 school year.  Go Mustangs!  Prior to that, she spent 20 years serving our country in the United States Air Force before retiring in 2006.  Her second career in education began as a high school Counselor before setting her sights on an administrative role.  Ms. Cain has been a Vice Principal with Elk Grove Unified since 2008.  Ms. Cain works with student alpha from S-Z and oversees English and Activities. 
 

Mr. Marco Farias

Mr. Marco Farias
Marco Farias supports students with last names that begin with the letter M through R. He oversees the after-school credit recovery program and MT Peer Tutoring Program, and works with the Strategies, Visual and Performing Arts, and Social Science Departments. He loves being a Mustang and is always available for any student who would like some coaching to better themselves.
 

Mr. Nick Freathy

Mr. Nick Freathy
Nick Freathy joined the Mustang family as Vice Principal in 2021-2022. He taught mathematics in middle and high school prior to his work as a Curriculum & Instructional Coach. Mr. Freathy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from CSU, Sacramento, a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction from University of Pacific, and is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. He supports students with a last name that starts with G-L, and oversees the Mathematics, World Language, Counseling, and Facilities departments. Mr. Freathy is a proud graduate of Elk Grove Unified Schools and has three kids, ages 5, 9, and 11. Go Mustangs!
 

Dr. Charles Thatch

Photo of Dr. Charles Thatch - Vice Principal
 
Dr. Charles C. Thatch joined the Mustang family at the start of the 2016 – 2017 school year, as a Vice Principal. He has 32 years of experience working in schools within the state of California and of the 32 years, 26 years have been devoted to Educational Leadership. Dr. Thatch has led within student populations ranging from K – Adult Education and has held positions as a Dean of Students, district level Guidance Administrator, County Office Program Specialist and has led as a School Principal, at all levels and in all populations. Dr. Thatch, Holds a Doctor of Ministry degree in Biblical Exposition, a master’s degree in Educational Management (Tier I & II Credentials) and a master’s degree in School Counseling (Pupil Personnel Services Credential) from the University of La Verne and a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Counseling Psychology from the University of the State of New York. While at Monterey Trail High School, Dr. Thatch has been assigned to the following departments: Special Education, Assessment, VAPA, CTE, Technology, Safety and Security, Business, Health, State Testing and works with students and families with the last names of A-F. Dr. Thatch enters each new day with an enthusiasm, seeking to implement the most effective ways to serve the students, families, and staff members of Monterey Trail High School.  
 

Ms. Angela Wardlaw

Photo of Ms. Angela Wardlaw - ASSETs Coordinator
Ms. Angela Wardlaw started as the Academic Program Coordinator here at MTHS in the beginning of January 2022. She believes that all students should have access to supports and activities during and after school that contribute to physical/emotional/social success and well-being. Before transitioning into Administration at MTHS, Ms. Wardlaw was the Health teacher/CTE Coordinator/Title 9 Coordinator and Cheerleading Coach at Valley High School since 2015. Prior to that Ms. Wardlaw took on roles such as Health teacher/AVID teacher/Cheer Coach and Athletic Director at Franklin High School since 2005. Ms. Wardlaw holds an Administrative Credential from the Sacramento County Office Of Education, a Master’s Degree from the University of San Francisco, and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Oregon State University. Ms. Wardlaw has 2 boys within the Elk Grove Unified School District and is proud to now be a MUSTANG! Her door is always open to students and families. GO MUSTANGS!