Alliance for Catholic Education
Santa Ana
Life in the City
Santa Ana, California is a vibrant, diverse city in the heart of Orange County. Known for its rich Latino culture, welcoming neighborhoods, and incredible food scene, it offers a strong sense of community and a lively local vibe. From art festivals to taco trucks, Santa Ana blends creativity, tradition, and connection—making it a great place to live, work, and grow.
ACE Santa Ana
Jack Clark
Servite
HS Social Studies
Brendan McKeegan
St. Anne
MS Language Arts
Ellie Poling
Cristo Rey
HS Math
Kathleen Walsh
St. Justin Martyr
MS Math
Shannon Williams
Rosary Academy
HS Language Arts
Hometown
Scranton, PA
Undergraduate Institution
Boston College
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Political Science
Minors: History and Religion & Public Life
What is one thing that you love most about your ACE school? Why?
My school is an all-boys school so the opportunity to connect with and take part in the formation of young men is an invaluable experience.
Hometown
Spokane, WA
Undergraduate Institution
Gonzaga University
Undergraduate Studies
Major: English
Minor: Economics
If you had to pick one word to describe your ACE experience thus far, what would it be? Why?
Electric. At many moments during my ACE experience I have felt electrified by how much I have seen others in my community grow, how I have grown, and how my students have grown.
Hometown
Marco Island, FL
Undergraduate Institution
Georgetown University
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: Mathematics and Government
Minor: Justice & Peace Studies
How do you hope to grow in your experience as an ACE teacher?
I hope to grow in the kind of strength that doesn’t always look like control or composure, but instead looks like staying, listening, and beginning again. I know this year will challenge me in ways I can’t fully anticipate, but I also know that challenge can be holy. I want to grow in the way I see my students, not for who I think they should be, but for who they are and who they’re becoming. I want to become a teacher who leads with both conviction and compassion, someone who creates a space where rigor and relationship go hand in hand. I also hope to grow in my faith by leaning on grace more often, by praying through both exhaustion and joy, and by letting myself be shaped by the wisdom and resilience of my students, my community, and this sacred calling to teach.
Hometown
Chicago, IL
Undergraduate Institution
University of Notre Dame
Undergraduate Studies
Major: Mathematics
Minor: Theology
Why did you say "yes" to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE Teaching Fellows?
I said “yes” to serving as a Catholic school educator through ACE Teaching Fellows because I wanted to respond to God’s call to serve where I felt most needed and to help transform the hearts, minds, and lives of my future students.
Hometown
Lombard, IL
Undergraduate Institution
Saint Mary's College
Undergraduate Studies
Majors: English Literature and Secondary Education
If you had to pick one word to describe your ACE experience thus far, what would it be? Why?
Transformative. Spiritually, emotionally, and academically, I believe ACE has pushed me beyond what I thought was possible. Having a sounding board of experienced teachers and engaging in conversations with fellow members of ACE has been one of the most impactful aspects of the program.