Alliance for Catholic Education
Detroit
Life in the City
Living and teaching in Detroit as ACE teachers means being part of a vibrant, resilient city with a deep historical legacy that’s constantly evolving. While teaching and coaching keep us busy, there's no shortage of ways to unwind and explore. From grabbing tacos in Mexicantown to cheering on the Tigers, Lions, Pistons, or Red Wings, Detroit’s food and sports scenes bring the city together year-round. On sunny weekends, you’ll find us walking the Riverwalk, biking through Belle Isle, or trying a new coffee shop. With music venues, historical churches, and cultural gems across the city, the Motor City continues to offer rich experiences both in and outside the classroom.
ACE Detroit
Seamus Dougherty
Christ the King
MS Language Arts
Kinzie Gullikson
St. Clare of Montefalco
4th Grade
Xander Holway
Holy Redeemer
3rd Grade
Ethan Sturm-Smith
Christ the King
4th Grade
Rachel Sweeny
St. Clare of Montefalco
2nd Grade
Hometown
Saint Paul, MN
Undergraduate Institution
Fordham University
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: English & Theology
Minor: Concentration in American Catholic Studies
Why did you say "yes" to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE Teaching Fellows?
I said yes to ACE to join a heritage of Catholic Educators who live for others, like my own teachers over my time in Catholic school, and members of my own family.
Hometown
Warren, MN
Undergraduate Institution
Augustana University
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Elementary Education
Minors: American Sign Language, English as a New Language, & Reading
What is one of your favorite memories from your first year in ACE Teaching Fellows?
One of my favorite memories from my first year in ACE is when my students led their first mass! There were many moments where they stumbled ; however, they were so proud of themselves that it brought me so much joy!
Hometown
Columbus, OH
Undergraduate Institution
Ohio Dominican University
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Psychology
If you had to pick one word to describe your ACE experience thus far, what would it be? Why?
One word I would use to describe my ACE experience is refining. I was put in different situations which tested me and helped me learn more about myself and my need to rely on the Lord. I am also put in a position to help students refine themselves and become the saints they were called to be.
Hometown
Des Moines, IA
Undergraduate Institution
Saint John's University
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Global Business Leadership
Minor: Finance
What is one of your favorite memories from your first year in ACE Teaching Fellows?
My class collected the most candy for the school wide Halloween competition. When it got announced that we won on the morning announcements, some of the loudest cheering I have ever heard followed.
Hometown
Allison Park, PA
Undergraduate Institution
University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Theology
Minor: Data Science
How do you hope to grow in your experience as an ACE Teacher?
I am looking forward to the personal and spiritual growth that I will experience as an ACE teacher. All of the challenges ahead are opportunities for me to become better! My vocation to be an educator is rooted in Christ's own example as Teacher, and I am excited to see the ways I will be called to grow deeper in my faith during my time in ACE.