Administrators
| Name | Position | |
| Lara Ricks | lricks@egusd.net | Principal |
| Vincent Payne | vpayne@egusd.net | Vice Principal |
| Anahi Perez | avillalp@egusd.net | Vice Principal |
| Charles Thatch | cthatch@egusd.net | Vice Principal |
| Elizabeth Villanueva | evillanu@egusd.net | Vice Principal |
| Buffy O'Neal | bloneal@egusd.net | School Site Secretary |
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.
Mr. Vincent Payne
Vincent Payne started as Vice Principal at Monterey Trail in 2024-2025. He holds an Associate's degree in Social Science from American River College, a Bachelor's degree in Career Technical Studies from CSU, Sacramento, and a Master's degree in Behavioral Sciences Gender Equity Studies from the same institution. In addition to his role at Monterey Trail, Mr. Payne is an Adjunct Professor in the College of Education at CSU, Sacramento. Passionate about family, community, and lifelong learning, He is enthusiastic about contributing to the educational environment and fostering student success.
Ms. Anahi Perez
Anahi Perez joined the Mustang family in 2023-2024 as a Vice Principal. She taught Spanish, Math, and AVID at high school prior to becoming an administrator. Ms. Perez holds a bachelor's degree in World Language: Spanish, a math certification, and Master's in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction from CSU, Sacramento. Ms. Perez looks forward to work in partnership with Monterey Trail staff and families to creat learning opportunities that will prepare students for their path beyond high school.
Dr. Charles Thatch
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. 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.
Dr. Elizabeth Villanueva
Dr. Elizabeth Villanueva joined the Monterey Trail High School team in the 2024-2025 school year as a Vice Principal. Dr. Villanueva is a passionate, caring and committed educator with 23 years of experience serving diverse and underrepresented students and family populations as a Spanish teacher, District Multilingual Literacy Coordinator, interim elementary school principal, and community college adjunct professor. Dr. Villanueva holds a Doctorate Degree in Learning & Instruction with emphasis on heritage language assessment and maintenance from the University of San Francisco, a master’s degree in Spanish and Latin American Culture and Literature from CSU–Sacramento, and a bachelor’s degree and BCLAD Teaching and Administrative Credential from CSU–Stanislaus. Dr. Villanueva is thrilled and honored to be part of the Mustang Community and looks forward to cultivating a student-centered learning environment for their greater success.
