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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

HometownDonna Carinato

Western Springs, IL

Undergraduate Institution

University of Notre Dame

Undergraduate Studies

Majors: Biology & Art History

What is one of your favorite memories from your first year in ACE Teaching Fellows?

One of my favorite memories from my first year of teaching was my students graduation! It was so exciting seeing all they had accomplished and getting to watch them celebrate with one another! 

HometownIsabella Gonzalez

Palm Springs, CA

Undergraduate Institution

Gonzaga University

Undergraduate Studies

Majors: Criminology, Sociology, & Dance (Concentrations in Performance and Pedagogy)

Why did you say "yes" to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE Teaching Fellows? 

I said yes because my undergraduate experience taught me the Jesuit and Catholic values that I strongly believe in, especially the call to serve with and for others. My Catholic education has shaped who I am, and I hope to serve students the same way my teachers and mentors once served me. They supported me, believed in me, and helped me grow academically, personally, and in my faith. Through ACE, I have the opportunity to give back to Catholic education and help create a classroom where every student feels valued, supported, and loved. I see teaching not only as a profession, but as a vocation to accompany young people as they discover their God-given gifts and potential.

HometownHarry Larson

Huntington, NY

Undergraduate Institution

University of Notre Dame

Undergraduate Studies

Majors: Film, Television, and Theatre & Political Science

Minor: Musical Theatre

What are you most looking forward to most as an ACE teacher this year?

I am most looking forward to building a genuine connection and relationship with my students. I am excited for them to bring their own unique gifts and experiences to the classroom, and for their joys and sorrows to become own joys and sorrows.

HometownSpeedy Laster

Ladera Ranch, CA

Undergraduate Institution

Stanford University

Undergraduate Studies

Major: Public Policy

Minor: Classical Studies

What is the one thing that you love most about your ACE school? Why?

My favorite part of my ACE school is its authentic Catholic identity. Guided by the Congregation of Holy Cross, St. John Vianney's Catholic identity permeates all aspects of the school day. It is such a gift to be able to receive the Sacraments with my students!

HometownSean McFarlin

Pittsburgh, PA

Undergraduate Institution

University of Notre Dame

Undergraduate Studies

Majors: Science-Business & Economics

How do you hope to grow in your experience as an ACE Teacher? 

As an ACE Teacher, I hope to grow professionally and in my faith. I hope by taking on the challenge of ACE, and teaching in general, I will learn invaluable lessons of problem solving and growing in difficult situations. I will lean on my new students and community to grow in perspective, patience, and develop my faith. 

Interested in ACE Teaching Fellows?

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