What class(es) do you teach? or programs are you responsible for?
3rd & 4th Grade Language Arts, 3rd Grade Social Studies

Tell us your educational background:
I graduated from Saint Mary's College in the spring of 2020 with a BA in Elementary Education. I am currently pursuing my Masters Degree in Literacy from the University of Dayton through the Lalanne, a teacher volunteer program.

What do you do for fun? Do you have any favorite sports teams?
In my free time I like to read, listen to music, and spend time with my friends. I am a huge Notre Dame football fan-- GO IRISH!

Why did you choose XJA?
I chose XJA for several reasons. One of the reasons being that I was drawn to the opportunity to make a real impact on students in their very first year at a school. There's something special about guiding students through their initial academic experience and helping them build a foundation for the years to come. With this, the mentors and leaders at XJA offer an inspiring environment to aid my growth as a teacher and as a person.

What has been the most rewarding so far?
The most rewarding part of this experience has been seeing the growth of the students- both academically and in their personalities. Watching the students grow in their confidence has been truly inspiring.

What class(es) do you teach? or programs are you responsible for?
Wellness Wednesdays + yoga

Tell us your educational background:
Bachelor of Science at Ohio State University, Masters of Nursing at Xavier University, NBC-HWC(National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach), HN-BC (Board Certified Holistic Nurse)

What do you do for fun. Do you have any favorite sports team

Ohio State Buckeyes! I love to run, do yoga, hang at the pool in the summer with my two boys (3rd and 5th grade) and walk my dog.

Why did you choose XJA

I met with Principal Chandler the week before school started and when he told me the mission of the school, I was immediately excited for the opportunity. I believe in the mission of the school and feel beyond blessed to be welcomed into the XJA community.

What has been the most rewarding so far

Helping our boys manage their health conditions so they can thrive at school and being invited to teach Wellness Wednesdays have been the most rewarding endeavors this school year.

What class(es) do you teach? or programs are you responsible for?
Science

Tell us your educational background: 
I have a Bachelor of Science in Biology from John Carroll University and a Master's of Educational Leadership from the University of Cincinnati.

What do you do for fun? Do you have any favorite sports team? 
I enjoy cheering on the Bengals, Reds, and FCC. I also love to get outdoors and explore with my family, whether we're hiking, biking, fishing, or enjoying a day out in nature.

Why did you choose XJA?
I am grateful to be a part of the founding team of teachers at XJA. The opportunity to be a part of the first years of a school's opening is very special. I also believe in the mission and identity of XJA as a Jesuit Nativity model school.

What has been the most rewarding so far? 
The most rewarding aspect of this school year has been witnessing the strong community we've built together with our teachers, leaders, 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade students, and families.

What class(es) do you teach? or programs are you responsible for?
4th and 5th Social Studies, 5th Language Arts

Tell us your educational background:
I went to Bishop Fenwick High School in Franklin, where I played baseball, soccer and bowling. For college I followed in both my parents footsteps and attended Xavier University and received a Bachelor of Science in Early Education. At Xavier I played club baseball. Through Xavier I had the opportunity to teach and observe at many different schools in the area which included Sycamore, Princeton, Evanston Academy (where I did my student teaching), as well as others.

What do you do for fun? Do you have any favorite sports teams?
I watch a lot of sports, play video games, and spend a lot of time outdoors. I am a Reds, Steelers, Penguins, Columbus Crew, Xavier, Penn State, and Ferrari fan. I watch a ton of soccer from all around the world; I am a big Manchester United and AS Roma supporter. I love traveling and seeing different parts of our world and experiencing different cultures. I have been to many different states and historical landmarks and have left the country once to study in Rome for 5 weeks, where I go to see the Ferrari factory and museum, as well as attend an AS Roma game.

Why did you choose XJA? 
I chose XJA because of the community and the great people who have made the school a possibility. The work that they have put in has been an inspiration. I hope that through XJA I am able to have an impact on the community and the lives of the students that we are working for.

What has been the most rewarding so far?
Working everyday with each of the students has been incredibly rewarding. Each student has taken tremendous strides since coming to XJA and it has been really great to see everyone's hard work paying off. I am super excited to see each of these students continue their growth and to see how much they succeed in their lives.

What class(es) do you teach? or programs are you responsible for?
Religion & Director of Graduate Support

Tell us your educational background:
Undergrad in elementary and middle childhood education from Eastern Ky University, Master's in Educational Leadership from Xavier University, Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership from Xavier University.

What do you do for fun? Do you have any favorite sports team?
I love to spend time with my teenage daughters, I love to hike, camp, travel, read, cook.

Why did you choose XJA?
Through discernment and prayer, I felt called to XJA. I felt called to do something that would have an immediate impact on students' lives.

What has been the most rewarding so far?
To receive a calling is a true gift. To answer that calling is an active prayer saying thanking you for that calling. XJA is my calling from God. I feel it in my heart. Sometimes during morning meeting when I look at the beautiful faces of the 49 boys, my heart is so full, I get tears in my eyes. Working at XJA is a full experience. Sometimes it gets frustrating. That frustration falls away when I watch the boys carry the cross and bible up during Liturgy of the Word. Or I hear them read the Gospel. Or when I see them comfort each other. Or my very favorite thing and the most rewarding.... I get a smile and a hug. That's the answer to my prayers:)

What class(es) do you teach? or programs are you responsible for?
Administrative Assistant

Tell us your educational background:
BGSU Alumni and Masters Degree in Pastoral Ministry from the Athenaeum of Ohio

What do you do for fun? Do you have any favorite sports teams?
Love watching my favorite football, baseball and basketball teams.

Why did you choose XJA?
I chose XJA mainly because the school's mission stood out for me.  A few of the words: Preparing young men to be leaders and "Men for Others" through disciplined academic preparation for life  - while enriching their families and communities.  I am a firm believer that education isn't just about books and grades, it is also about enhancing life.  I have been blessed to be 'chosen' as a staff member for XJA!

What has been the most rewarding so far?
Being involved in the youth education environment and witnessing the dedication of the principal, teachers, staff, parents, students, and volunteers.