Dr. Luke Murray - Headmaster

Dr. Murray received a Ph.D. in Historical Theology, and went on to postdoctoral work at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium). He also has earned a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Ave Maria University, a Masters Degree in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville, and an undergraduate degree in Philosophy from his time discerning the priesthood at Mt. Angel Seminary. He comes to Chesterton Academy after having served most recently as the Berkel Chair of Theology and leading the Institute for Faith and Culture in Lawrence, Kansas, based out of the Saint Lawrence Center serving the University of Kansas. Dr. Murray is passionate about reaching young people with the truth and joy of the Gospel, and forming well-rounded servant leaders able to flourish wherever the Lord leads them.

Ms. Nicole Conroy - Executive Director

With a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Kansas State University, Nicole strives to cultivate Beauty in everything she does. Nicole brings with her an extensive background in education administration and nonprofit management, having previously served as Director of Operations for an inner Kansas City school serving underprivileged students. Originally from Topeka, KS, Nicole received a classical liberal arts education herself and is excited to help others gain the same benefits as she did from her rich educational experience.

Mrs. Debbie Lee - Academic Dean and Humanities

Debbie Lee has been teaching science, math, literature, history, writing, and art in a classical education setting for nine years. Prior to that, she homeschooled four of her five children using a classical curriculum while living in Austria. She and her husband were youth ministers for nine years at a large Roman Catholic Parish before moving to Europe. She has a bachelor's degree in Architecture/Interior Design with a minor in Art. She recently graduated from CIRCE'S Classical Education intensive 3-year Apprenticeship Program receiving her Classical Teaching certificate. Mrs. Lee has been immersed in the Liberal Arts for many years. She loves digging into rich texts with her students, sparking lively discussion, and thoughtful reflection.

**Mrs. Michaela Prezzia - Philosophy & History**
Michaela Prezzia, one of ten children and a native of Massachusetts, attended Ave Maria University in Florida and received her BA with a major in Politics and minor in History. After a three-year stint working for a national, single issue non-profit committed to defeating proposed assisted suicide legislation across the United States, Michaela turned to teaching 9th - 12th grade in the classical tradition for two years. Having benefited herself since middle school from a liberal-arts education, she is convicted that such a form of education has the capacity to change her students' lives as it did her own. She comes to us newly married (formerly Michaela Cheffers), and is excited and gratified to be teaching History and Philosophy at Chesterton Academy.

Mr. David Miller - Ancient History

When Dave heard about the Chesterton Academy of St. Philip Neri, he saw an opportunity to combine his degree in history, past teaching experience, and faith. His graduate degree in management served him well during his years in business but like St. Philip Neri, he had grown tired of it and was ready for a new chapter. He feels blessed to be able to help these devout, intelligent, and industrious students along the way as they begin their lives.

**Mr. Liam Connelly - Latin, Philosophy, P.E.**
Liam Connelly was born and raised in Kansas City. When he was young, he and his family began attending Our Lady of Good Counsel where he soon began serving at Mass as an altar server. While serving, he felt a call from our Lord to join the seminary and to pursue a vocation to the priesthood. After high school, he immediately joined St. Gregory the Great Seminary where he received an undergraduate degree in Philosophy. Later, he joined Kenrick Glennon-Seminary to pursue a Master's Degree in Theology. After five years of discernment, he left the seminary and now teaches Philosophy and Latin at the Chesterton Academy of St. Philip Neri while assisting at Our Lady of Good Counsel.

Mrs. Sujin Yoon - Choir

Sujin Yoon, a native of South Korea, has a deep love for studying, teaching, and performing sacred music. She earned a Master of Music from Westminster Choir College, Princeton, N.J., and a M.M. and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ and Church Music from the University of Kansas. Her principal teachers have been Michael Bauer, James Higdon, and Joan Lippincott. Sujin has been married to her husband Doug for sixteen years and has a twelve-year-old son Evan who loves reading. She enjoys hiking and various forms of sacred art with her family. Currently, She serves as Director of Music for the Novus Ordo and Extraordinary Form liturgies at Christ the King Catholic Church, Kansas City, MO where she offers a Gregorian chant class and directs the Schola Cantorum. She is delighted to teach at Chesterton Academy of St. Philip Neri.

Mr. Adam Gordon - Science & Math

Fides quaerens intellectum. In a sense, St. Anselm's famous line worked in reverse for Adam Gordon. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, he developed a love of the natural sciences as he sought a reasonable account of the world. While studying at Missouri University of Science and Technology, he started to see the beauty of a world centered on God, leading to his falling in love with Jesus Christ and the Church of which He is the head. Following this love, he discerned the priesthood for the Archdiocese of St. Louis at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. Finishing the Philosophy program before discerning out, he left with a desire to educate, combining his background in science with a newfound appreciation of an authentically Catholic, classical approach to education. He looks forward to inspiring wonder toward God's creation and affirming the value of science insofar as it leads students to a deeper understanding and love of God.

**Ms. Sarah LaPlante - Mathematics, Theology**
Sarah LaPlante discovered a love for math at a young age, and has been hooked ever since. While pursuing a degree in Mathematics, she found herself drawn to her Theology classes as well. She pursued both of these passions at Benedictine College and received a bachelor degrees in both Mathematics and Theology, while also gaining an appreciation for the Liberal Arts and embracing the Christ-centered community. She feels grateful to be able to share her passion and integrate the two subjects at Chesterton Academy. Sarah is engaged and will marry her fiance Connor this December.

Ms. Katie Comiskey - Writing

Katie Comiskey received her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and has spent the past seven years as a public school English teacher. She is thrilled to work in an environment in which she is free to integrate her faith with her pedagogy, where instruction is focused not just on academics but in helping students develop richer, more authentic relationships with the Lord. She believes the best education equips the body of Christ to be faithful, mercy-filled ministers of the gospel. Katie works full-time at Desert Stream Ministries, a local healing ministry focusing on relational integration.

Colette McCormack- Operations Assistant

Colette recently moved to Kansas City from Chicago! She received her BA from Thomas Aquinas College and is a high school graduate from Chesterton Academy of The Holy Family in Lisle, IL. During her senior year at Thomas Aquinas College she wrote and defended a Thesis On Femininity: What it means to be woman. She has a great love for Theology and Philosophy and a deep appreciation for the Chesterton Curriculum and Liberal Arts Education! In her free time Colette loves spending time outside, connecting with other young adults, and singing. She moved to Kansas City because her Fiance, James, lives here. They will be getting married in June 2024.

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