Meet the Counselors
Mr. Eddie Rodriguez (A, C, D)
Email, Phone: 623-376-3017
I'm looking forward to getting to know our MRHS students and families. I started at Ridge in 2023, but overall this is my 18th year in Counseling. Prior to that, I spent 11 years in the classroom teaching 2nd and 3rd grade and middle school ELL. I grew up in the Yuma, AZ area and attended the best college in the state, if not the country - the University of Arizona! My wife teaches 4th grade in DVUSD and our son will be a junior at U of A this year. Bear Down!
Ms. Angela Belnap (E, F, G, H, Department Chair)
Email, Phone: 623-376-3019
I grew up in Glendale, AZ attending Ironwood HS where I participated in the Marching Band for 3 years. Go Flutes! I got my Undergraduate degree from Northern Arizona University in Elementary Education and proceeded to teach middle school math for the next 9 years. While teaching I worked on my School Counseling Master's degree through Capella University. For a brief 4 years, I lived in north Dallas, TX but came home to Glendale to start my career as a high school counselor at Mountain Ridge! I love working as a school counselor helping students figure out a path for their future. A good weekend involves snuggling under a fluffy blanket to read or watch movies.
Ms. Wendi Matthews (M, N, P)
Email, Phone: 623-376-3060
I moved to Arizona in July of 2003 from Northern Colorado. I could see the heat coming off the asphalt but powered through and started my first job as a second grade teacher in the Glendale School District at Melvin E. Sine Elementary. Although Arizona has become my home, I will always be a Colorado girl at heart. I have experience teaching Kindergarten and 2nd grade as well as 7th and 8th grade PE and Health. I took a brief break from teaching for 3 years to stay home with my children and to finish my Master's degree in Counseling from Northern Arizona University. I have been a counselor at Mt. Ridge High School for 12 wonderful years. It has been an amazing experience and such a pleasure to work with such talented and driven students. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my 3 children and 2 cats and exploring all the great things Arizona has to offer. I love our Mt. Ridge community and co-workers and feel privileged to work here.
Ms. Sarah Dyal (J, L, R, T)
Email, Phone: 623-376-3061
I have been a counselor at Mountain Ridge ever since moving to Arizona from Rockford, Illinois in 2017 (goodbye freezing cold weather!). I attended graduate school at Northern Illinois University and completed my master's degree in School Counseling. I truly feel blessed to be at Mountain Ridge and to work with such amazing coworkers, students, and families. Outside of school, I am into sand volleyball, running, paddleboarding, and rock climbing. I also love traveling, especially to places with amazing scenery and hiking. I am grateful to be here, and I love our Mountain Ridge family.
Ms. Lindsay Nelson (B, K, O, U, V, Z)
Email, Phone: 623-376-3062
I am so excited for another great year at Mt. Ridge! This is my 10th year as a National Board Certified school counselor. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from ASU, and then my Master’s Degree in School Counseling from NAU. As you can imagine, I have a constant internal struggle of Sun Devils vs Lumberjacks, but ultimately the pitchfork wins out every time. I love spending time with my family, hiking, baking, and being outdoors. I am an Arizona native, but enjoy heading to Minnesota in the summer to visit relatives. I am grateful to be a part of your student's high school experience and look forward to working with all of my Ridge families!
Ms. Alyssa Heid (Academic Advisor)
I am so excited about starting my first year here at MRHS. I am from Minnesota but have been in Arizona for 17 years, I received my Masters of Education in School Counseling from Grand Canyon University. In my free time, I love being outdoors, going on hikes with my dog, playing golf, and tennis. I am looking forward to supporting all students in their academic journey and social/emotional wellbeing. I will be at Mountain Ridge Tuesday, Thursday and every other Friday.