I am Stephanie Rhinehart, the principal of Santa Cruz Elementary School. I have had the pleasure of working in the Maricopa Unified School District for many years. In addition to being the principal, I have been a TOSA (Teacher on Special Assignment-Assistant Principal) at Santa Rosa Elementary School and Saddleback Elementary School. I have also been the Professional Development Coach for the district as well as an Academic Coach for Santa Rosa Elementary School. These leadership positions as well as my many years as a teacher in the classroom have prepared me for leading Santa Cruz Elementary with success.

I went to college at Miami University just outside of Cincinnati, OH and earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. I also have two Master's Degrees ( Educational Leadership from NAU and Elementary Education: Reading and Literacy from Walden University). I have taught in Michigan, Georgia, Virginia, and Arizona.

Family is super important to me. My dad was in the Air Force for 26 years, so I grew up in many different places. Home has always been where mom & dad are, which is how I ended up living in Arizona. I have two beautiful daughters, a son-in-law, and two adorable dogs. Besides spending time with my family, I enjoy reading, crossword puzzles, traveling, and all things Disney!

I am so excited to be a Santa Cruz Coyote and look forward to serving our staff, students, families, and community.