1st Grade Teachers
One of the most important things to know about your first grade teaching team is that we care deeply about our students and are commited to providing each of them with a high-quality classical education. Your mutual commitment as a parent is key to your child's success. We are grateful for all you do at home! Throughout the year, we enjoy seeing students grow in both knowledge and character, and we're looking forward to a wonderful year of first grade here at Eagle Ridge Academy!
Mrs. Basic
Mrs. Basic is starting her 13th year with Eagle Ridge Academy, her 20th year in education! Mrs. Basic grew up in Ashland, Wisconsin and holds a BS in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. In the first part of her teaching career she taught third and fourth grades in Oshkosh and Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. The Basic family then moved to the Silicon Valley area of California and enjoyed many warm weather years there before settling in Eden Prairie. All three of the Basic children (24y, 20y, 20y) have attended ERA at different points in their education and now attend colleges in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Mrs. Basic's passions are teaching reading, developing relationships with her students and families, helping students develop their character and social skills, and embracing all the needs that students have to be the best versions of themselves. There is no place she would rather be teaching than Eagle Ridge Academy!
Mrs. Herdrich
My name is Stephanie Herdrich and I am so thrilled to be able to teach at Eagle Ridge Academy! I graduated in 2007 from Franciscan University of Steubenville with my Early Childhood Education degree. Since then, I have taught 1st grade, 3rd and 4th grade, as well as prekindergarten. I began teaching 1st grade at ERA in the 2017/2018 school year. When I’m not teaching, I am enjoying time with my husband and five children. William, Ana, Matthew, Eleanor and Theodore. We love spending time with family, going to the zoo, Science Museum, and walks to local parks. Some hobbies of mine are baking, watching movies, and DIY projects. My passion is teaching first graders as I love to watch them learn and grow academically, emotionally, and socially throughout the year. I also place a large focus on character development and love of learning early on so as to assist parents in raising good citizens in our society. I try to create a safe and nurturing environment for my students so they can reach their fullest potential. I am looking forward to a great year!
Mrs. Healy
My name is Laura Healy and I joined Eagle Ridge Academy in August of 2022. I graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2005 with a degree in Elementary Education. Since then, I have taught Preschool, Kindergarten and 1st grade. I am so excited to be teaching at Eagle Ridge Academy and to be able to help my students excel in their learning. I love creating a supportive and fun classroom where my students are excited to learn! When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children, Connor and Charlotte.
Mrs. Senta
Justine Senta is thrilled to be joining the team at Eagle Ridge Academy. She just moved from Kansas City to Minnesota in July and she is very happy to be here! She has been teaching for eight years and has taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade. She is drawn to the mission and vision of ERA and believes that students need to feel safe, seen, and respected in order to reach their full potential. Her priority in the classroom is to help students develop holistically as human beings who model the pillars in all areas of their lives. She is so grateful to be part of the ERA community!
Mrs. Murray
