Alliance for Catholic Education
Phoenix
Life in the City
Phoenix is a vibrant city known for its stunning sunsets and its year-round sunshine. As the fifth-largest city in the U.S., Phoenix offers the perfect blend of big city perks and rural, natural beauty. We enjoy easy access to Mexican cuisine, professional sports teams, and a vibrant downtown. Nearby to the Grand Canyon, scenic Sedona, and snowy Flagstaff, Phoenix experiences over 300 sunny days each year!
ACE Phoenix
Tom Betterly
Bourgade
HS Math
Donna Carinato
Bourgade
HS Science
Kate Jensen
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Glendale
4th Grade
Sean Kelley
St. Vincent de Paul
4th Grade
Speedy Laster
St. John Vianney
5th Grade
Hometown
Hazleton, PA
Undergraduate Institution
Saint Joseph's University
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Mathematics - Secondary Education
If you had to pick one word to describe your ACE experience thus far, what would it be? Why?
Boundless. I have experienced a deep and unyielding sense of self-discovery and exploration since beginning ACE.
Hometown
Western Springs, IL
Undergraduate Institution
University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: Biology and Art History
How do you hope to grow in you experience as an ACE teacher?
I hope to grow in my ability to effectively conduct a classroom and create a strong learning environment within my classroom, while also growing in service and learning from my kids as much as they learn from me! I am hoping to embrace being outside of my comfort zone and get to fully immerse myself in a new city and hopefully grow from the new experience!
Hometown
Omaha, NE
Undergraduate Institution
Benedictine College
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Elementary Education and Spanish
What is one of your favorite memories from your first year in ACE Teaching Fellows?
One of my favorite memories from my first year was the All Saint's Day parade. My students and I researched and dressed up as our favorite saints. It was such a joy to see my students get excited about these great role models in our faith!
Hometown
Pittsburgh, PA
Undergraduate Institution
University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: Anthropology and French
Minor: Theology
If you had to pick one word to describe your ACE experience thus far, what would it be? Why?
God-Willed. In this experience, there have certainly been peaks and valleys, yet I am struck by all those moments where God showed me that this is where I need to be. Whether this was in the joy of the students, the laugh of a housemate, or the support from our cohort, I am right where I need to be.
Hometown
Rancho Mission Viejo, CA
Undergraduate Institution
Stanford University
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Public Policy
Minor: Classical Studies
How do you hope to grow in your experience as an ACE teacher?
By spending the next two years as an ACE Teacher, I hope to strengthen my personal relationship with God while also developing professional skills that will serve me well after ACE.