Alliance for Catholic Education
Oakland
Life in the City
The Fruitvale neighborhood is full of fun shops and restaurants, including some of the best taquerias in the city. ACErs also enjoy their close proximity to San Francisco and Sacramento (home of another ACE community). Established in 2011, this community responds to the needs of the neighborhood's Latino families, who comprise the fastest growing population of the American Catholic Church.
ACE Oakland
Nicole Campbell
Assumption
MS Science
Christopher Cirelli
St. Catherin of Siena
4th Grade
Cam Nash
Cristo Rey de LaSalle East Bay
HS Math
Stephanie Ona
St. Elizabeth
MS Science
Grace Riginos
Holy Names
HS Language Arts
William Tiller
St. Paul
3rd Grade
Hometown
Fairfield, CT
Undergraduate Institution
University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Studies
Neuroscience & Behavior
If you had to pick one word to describe your ACE experience thus far, what would it be? Why?
Life-giving. I am continually in awe of my fellow ACE teachers and the incredible amount of heart and passion that they exude in their everyday work. Additionally, I am constantly filled with love and awe for my students in my classroom as they parse through ideas and form connections with me and with each other.
Hometown
Fairfield, CT
Undergraduate Institution
Boston College
Undergraduate Studies
Major: History
If you had to pick one word to describe your ACE experience thus far, what would it be? Why?
Fulfilling. There has been nothing more fulfilling in my life than being able to come back each day to my fourth graders, regardless of what happened the day before, and sit on my front table and greet them. From holding a fake microphone for me to talk about my weekend on Monday mornings to always taking my pen and putting it behind their ear to imitate me, these kids took me in and showed me the care that only a family could give. I only hope that I provided and will continue to provide the sense of love, joy, and fulfillment they have given me each and every day!
Hometown
Oceanside, CA
Undergraduate Institution
University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Business Analytics
Why did you say "yes" to serving children in Catholic schools through ACE?
I had multiple moments in prayer where God pointed me towards ACE. As college went on, I knew that I wanted to work hard and change lives. Catholic schools became the clearest way for me to use my gifts to glorify the God who gave them to me.
Hometown
Morris Plains, NJ
Undergraduate Institution
University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Neuroscience & Behavior
What are you looking forward to the most in ACE this year?
I'm looking forward to finding my place in Oakland both within the classroom and the general community. I'm looking forward to learning about my students and contributing to their success both in my class and beyond.
Hometown
Charlotte, NC
Undergraduate Institution
Barnard College
Undergraduate Studies
Major: English
Minor: Anthropology
What is one of your favorite memories from your first year in ACE?
December Retreat was one of the highlights of my first year in ACE. Throughout the weekend, I had the opportunity to truly connect with the ACE community and reflect on my first semester. This time together allowed me to consider my growth and how I envisioned the rest of my year.
Hometown
South Bend, IN
Undergraduate Institution
University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Neuroscience & Behavior
Minor: Irish Studies
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 growth. I have grown as a person, teacher, and student because of my fruitful time in ACE