Administration
Rebecca Phillips
Mrs. Rebecca Phillips serves as the principal of Hickory Ridge Elementary School. Prior to joining Hickory Ridge, she taught at Coltrane Webb STEM Elementary for eight years before pursuing administrative roles as Assistant Principal and Principal at Harold E. Winkler Middle School for the last eleven years. These experiences helped shape her commitment to fostering a positive, welcoming school community where students feel safe, challenged, and inspired to grow. Mrs. Phillips values strong partnerships with families, staff, and the broader community to ensure every child thrives academically and socially. She is honored to be part of the Hickory Ridge family and looks forward to a wonderful school year together.
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Chelsey Vesey
Mrs. Chelsey Vesey has served as an Assistant Principal at Hickory Ridge Elementary since October 2023. She has been a public educator in Cabarrus County Schools since 2011. Mrs. Vesey spent most of her career serving the Wolf Meadow Elementary community as a classroom teacher (2nd and 3rd grade), lead teacher, and school administrator. She received a bachelor’s in Elementary Education with a minor in Sociology and a master’s in School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Go Niners! She completed her administrative internship at Concord Middle in 2017.
Outside of school, Mrs. Vesey enjoys spending time with her husband, two kids, fur babies, and extended family. Raised in Raleigh, NC, she is an avid Duke Blue Devil fan. She can often be found spending time with friends, reading a book, or relaxing at a beach, lake, or pool. She looks forward to continuing to serve alongside the Hickory Ridge Elementary community this school year and for years to come as a passionate and dedicated member of The Ridge.
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Kathryn Houde
Mrs. Katie Houde will begin serving as an Assistant Principal at Hickory Ridge Elementary in August 2026, bringing 14 years of experience in education, including five years in Cabarrus County Schools. She began her career in Fairfax County, Virginia and has since served students and staff in both classroom and leadership roles in North Carolina, including at Odell Elementary and Patriots Elementary.
Mrs. Houde is passionate about growing strong learners and kind, confident leaders. She holds degrees from James Madison University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, exploring the outdoors, and making memories at the beach. She is excited to join The Ridge and continue building a culture of learning, leadership, and purpose.
Principal Intern: Angie McClain
Principal Intern: Shirley Genao
Ms. Shirley Genao is honored to serve as a Principal Intern at Hickory Ridge Elementary School while continuing her role as a 3rd Grade English Language Arts teacher. She has worked in education for 14 years, including 10 years as a classroom teacher, with experience in Kindergarten, Spanish Immersion Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and 3rd Grade. Ms. Genao has proudly served the Hickory Ridge Elementary community since 2022.
A first-generation college graduate, Ms. Genao earned her bachelor's degree from Hunter College in Sociology with a minor in African, Puerto Rican, and Latino Literature Studies and her first master's degree in Childhood and Special Education from Touro University. She is currently pursuing a second master's degree in School Administration through the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
As a bilingual educator and school leader, Ms. Genao is passionate about supporting student success, building strong relationships, and partnering with families and the community. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, reading, traveling, and enjoying the outdoors.