Atlanta
Life in the City
Atlanta is a vibrant, eclectic city where Southern charm meets dynamic urban energy. In neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland and East Atlanta Village, colorful street art, live music venues, and vintage shops showcase the city's creative spirit. The Beltline weaves through some of the best spots for running, biking, brewery-hopping, and open-air food markets. Atlanta's sunny seasons and mild winters encourage you to enjoy its many parks, historical landmarks, and sporting events all year-round. Whether you're drawn to culture, nightlife, or artistic exploration, Atlanta delivers.
ACE Atlanta
Hometown
Grand Rapids, MI
Undergraduate Institution
Marquette University
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Biomedical Sciences
If you had to pick one word to describe your ACE experience thus far, what would it be? Why?
Enriching. The past year has been an experience filled with moments of ups and downs. Each moment I have had the pleasure of going through with my ACE community and school community and have come out stronger because of that. Experiencing each day with these communities has been a blessing that has allowed me to grow in many ways.
Hometown
Naperville, IL
Undergraduate Institution
College of the Holy Cross
Undergraduate Studies
Major: English
Minors: Religious Studies & Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies
What is the one thing that you love most about your ACE school? Why?
I love my students! Teaching high school anywhere is such a special experience as all high school students are living the process of looking for answers, themselves, and an understanding of the world. However, my students in particular live this process with such honesty, openness, and generosity. It is an honor to get to share in their lives, stories, and experiences. Although I am the one in the front of the classroom, they have simultaneously taught me many lessons in forgiveness, resilience, compassion, and joy. Learning alongside them was the best thing I have ever done!
Hometown
Pataskala, OH
Undergraduate Institution
University of Cincinnati
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Medical Sciences
Why did you say "yes" to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE Teaching Fellows?
I love the culture of Catholic schools. It is so beautiful to have a community rooted in the truth of the Gospel, striving for academic success, but more importantly, for sainthood. I said "yes" to ACE because I desire to grow closer to God through participating in these communities and serving my students.
Hometown
Clive, IA
Undergraduate Institution
University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Neuroscience and Behavior
Minors: Compassionate Care in Medicine, Greek and Roman Civilization, & Anthropology
Why did you say "yes" to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE Teaching Fellows?
I strongly believe that I would not have attended Notre Dame, or any college for that matter, if it were not for my 7th/8th and 9th grade English teachers. They taught me the power of education and to push myself. I want to give back to the Catholic school community I have been a part of my whole life and teach the next generation the power of education as well.
Hometown
Columbus, OH
Undergraduate Institution
The Ohio State University
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Marketing
Minor: Non-Profit Management
How do you hope to grow in your experience as an ACE teacher?
I hope to become more patient and gain a broader perspective through my interactions with all of those in my school and ACE community.