School Leadership & Staff

Our Leadership

Principal: Kristina Waugh

Kristina Waugh served as the Ann Richards School’s Academic Dean for 10 years before being named Principal in the Spring of 2018. Kristina has been instrumental in developing the school’s innovative curriculum and practices, including the three high school STEM pathways and our MakerSpace. With a 30-year career in education, Kristina demonstrates a passion for designing and implementing creative programming, pushing the Ann Richards School to the forefront of STEM education, leadership development and college readiness. Kristina is a repeat presenter at SXSWedu, National Coalition of Girls’ Schools and the National Project Lead the Way conferences. Kristina is married to an educator, has raised an educator and currently teaching her teenage son how to make his bed.

Assistant Principal, 11th & 12th: Luzvic Backstrom

Luzvic Backstrom is beyond thrilled to be a part of the Stars family. She is from Valencia, Venezuela and came to the United States in 2007 to learn English and go to school. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. She comes from a rich background in music, management, and community building. She began her career in Hattiesburg, Mississippi before moving to Texas. Luzvic was an orchestra director at LBJ Early College and LASA High schools and has over 9 years of classroom experience. Luzvic pursued a Master’s degree at the University of Texas at Arlington in School Administration and became a National Board Certified teacher while teaching at LBJ ECHS and LASA HS. Luzvic served many leadership roles and considers herself a life-long learner. She is passionate about community building and making strong connections between the families and the school. She has been a TMEA region chair for orchestras, mentor for National Board teachers and new teachers to the district, and a curriculum writer among other roles. Her favorite hobbies are watching Netflix with her husband, and playing games with her baby Melinda and her 19-pound calico cat named “Kitty”.

Assistant Principal, 8th, 9th & 10th: Christina Almaraz Ortiz

Christina Almaraz Ortiz has spent the last 24 years serving school communities. Born and raised in San Antonio, her educational pathway began with San Antonio ISD, where she served as a math and Spanish teacher. She earned her master’s degree and began her administrative career with Austin ISD. After serving the International High School, the Early College program, and a single-gender environment, she brings in a sense of community, service, and progress. She values education and the many opportunities it provides individuals, families, and communities. Therefore, her values align with the mission of the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders. She is ready to support our STARS and families through their educational journey. Christina is married to her fun-loving husband and they have one daughter, who currently is working and attending college. They spend quality time with family, friends, and their fur baby, Ripley.

Middle School Director: Isadora Day

Isadora Day may not have started her career as a teacher, but she got to the Ann Richards School as fast as she could. Before she chose to become an educator, she was a reporter for the Austin American-Statesman and the San Antonio Express-News. While at the Express-News, she met Ann Richards and discovered the mission of the Ann Richards School. She was undeniably drawn to Ann, always wanting to keep up with the vision of young women leaders graduating from college. For five years, she was a 4th grade ESL and bilingual teacher and campus leader at Hart Elementary. While teaching, she earned her Master’s Degree in Education Administration and attended the Austin ISD Assistant Principal Pathways Academy. Isadora is thrilled to begin her administration career at one of the best schools in the nation. She has a pug, a dachshund, and a wonderful husband. When she isn’t at school, she is probably kickboxing, camping, cooking, or reading.

2021-2022 Faculty & Staff Contacts