Dr. Michelle Collins, Principal
Dr. Collins has dedicated 27 years to the field of education, serving in multiple leadership and teaching roles throughout her career. Since 2013, she has been the principal of Cedar Ridge Elementary, following five years as principal at Cedar Ridge Primary. She also serves as an adjunct professor for Evangel University, teaching in the Master’s Degree Program in Curriculum and Instruction.
Before joining Branson Schools, Dr. Collins was the principal at Forsyth Elementary, where she also taught fourth grade prior to moving into administration. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from College of the Ozarks and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Southwest Baptist University in 2003. She went on to complete both her Specialist and Doctorate degrees at Lindenwood University in 2008.
Dr. Collins is an active member of the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals and the National Association of Elementary School Principals. She frequently presents across Missouri and on national platforms, while also mentoring new school principals across the state to strengthen leadership capacity and support student success.
Passionate about school culture and climate, Dr. Collins can often be found participating in spirit days, dressing up alongside staff and students, and embracing the joy of school life. She enjoys her students now more than ever and believes that building a positive, connected school community is at the heart of effective leadership
Dr. Stephanie Martin, Assistant Principal
Dr. Martin embarks on her second year as the Assistant Principal at Cedar Ridge Elementary, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to her new role. Before stepping into this leadership position, she spent six years as a Special Education Teacher and Special Education Team Lead within the district, where she championed inclusive education and student success.
Dr. Martin's academic journey is marked by a strong commitment to lifelong learning. She earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Ashford University and furthered her expertise with a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University. She completed her Doctorate degree from Trevecca Nazarene University in 2024. Her educational background has equipped her with a deep understanding of both classroom dynamics and the strategic needs of school administration.
An active member of the educational community, Dr. Martin holds memberships with the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP) and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). Her involvement in these organizations underscores her dedication to professional growth and her commitment to excellence in elementary education.