Our Model of Education
THE THREE PILLARS
Inspired by Saint Pope John Paul II, we take as our motto Cultura Vitae, the culture of life. We make it our mission to prepare our students to triumph over the materialism and despair that pervade our culture and to accept our Lord's offer to have life and have it abundantly. Our classical curriculum combines a broad, liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on the development of Christian virtues and an appreciation of beauty. Through our Three Pillars Model, we form our students in:
I
INTELLECT
We teach the classics of Western thought from physics to philosophy, and the interrelationship of the great ideas; teaching students not merely what to think but how to think.
II
We help students grow in the four cardinal virtues of prudence, temperance, fortitude and justice, which we believe are the foundation of leadership.
CHARACTER
III
SPIRITUALITY
Our students come to understand and embrace the truth of why they exist: to know God, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world and be happy with Him forever in the next.
Chesterton Academy is named for the great English writer and Catholic convert, G.K. Chesterton (1874- 1936). Chesterton is a model for our school because he exemplified the Catholic faith through a life filled with joy, wonder, and gratitude.
Chesterton was considered one of the world’s most outstanding men of letters in the early 20th century. An accomplished essayist, novelist, and poet, he wrote a hundred books on all different subjects. In 1922, he shocked the literary establishment by converting to Catholicism. He was later eulogized by Pope Pius XI as “a gifted defender of the faith,” and there is presently a popular movement to have him canonized. The school has chosen him for its patron because he not only represents the fullness of faith and reason, but also Catholic joy and common sense.
Chesterton Academy of Albuquerque is part of the Chesterton Schools Network based in Minneapolis. A collaborative venture of the American Chesterton Society and Chesterton Academy, the Chesterton Schools Network aims to inspire and encourage parent-led Catholic schools across the nation. The Network offers consulting services; templates for evaluating interest and operating a school; and the Chesterton Academy curriculum framework.
Our Faculty
Mary Fick -
Humanities
After graduating from the University of Mary with a degree in Theology, Mary Fick was immediately drawn to the classical, Catholic curriculum followed by the Chesterton Schools Network. As someone who experienced the classical model for the first time in high school, she can attest to how life-changing this kind of education can be. As an instructor, Mary is grateful for the opportunity to be involved in a community so intent on forming the whole person, both mentally and spiritually. She looks forward to growing with the students as they strive to better see God’s Truth, Beauty, and Goodness in each other, and in the world.
William Nourse -
Humanities
Mr. Nourse is an ardent follower of the Catholic faith and is a strong supporter of the Chesterton network school model. He has a strong classical background which includes graduate studies in foreign languages and has taught at the high school and collegiate level. He is excited to lead the students spiritually and help our school continue to flourish.
Steven Woodbury -
Choir I, II & Adv.
Steven Woodbury joined the Chesterton Faculty in the 2021 academic year. He is also the Director of Liturgy & Music for St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Rio Rancho. Steven is an accomplished Organist and has established various choirs from singing chant, choral, children's and Contemporary Worship music. During Christmas and Easter Solemn Mass Liturgies he conducts the parish liturgical choir with a full professional orchestra and guest opera vocalist. Steven grew up in Albuquerque where he attended St. Francis Xavier, St. Mary's, and St. Pius X. He received his bachelor degree of Music Education and Organ/choral pedagogy from the University of New Mexico. He is involved with the Archdioceses of Santa Fe in many Liturgical masses including as Cantor/Keyboardist for the Weekly Televised Mass for the shut-ins. His goals for the Chesterton Students is to foster the Basic Fundamentals of vocal choral music and lead the students to experience the art of singing traditional catholic music.
Tania Hake -
Math
Mrs. Hake received her B.S.E. and M.S. degrees in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Florida. She worked for almost nine years as an engineer at Sandia National Laboratories before raising her two daughters, including homeschooling them for a portion of their education. Mrs. Hake has taught a variety of classes for many years in Catholic homeschool co-ops, and taught middle school math for a year at a local Catholic K-8th school. She volunteers as a math tutor for former students. Mrs. Hake believes strongly in the Chesterton School model. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to students' success at Chesterton Academy of Albuquerque, in the context of our beautiful Catholic Faith.
Gene Olona -
Math & Science
Gene and his wife Claire relocated to Albuquerque from Columbia, SC in May 2016. Mr. Olona previously focused on a teaching practice at the college level involved in the instruction of anatomy, physiology, microbiology, nutrition, and pathophysiology to nursing students and students of allied health professions. Since many people in the South struggled with the pronunciation of the name Olona (Oh-loan-a), his students happily refer to him as Dr. O. He has variegated research experience in atomic and nuclear physics, health physics, molecular radiation biology, cervical cancer therapies, and antibiotic resistance in food animals.
Teaching continued at the high school level by teaching high school science at Menaul School. Gene and Claire attend St. Thomas Aquinas Church. He is a knight in the Knights of Columbus.
Candace Langsfeld -
Science
Miss Langsfeld received her B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Biopsychology from the University of Dallas. After graduating, she taught for Great Hearts Academies in San Antonio for four years. While teaching, she coached soccer and cross country and led middle school events for parents and students . She earned her Masters degree in Humanities and Classical Education from the University of Dallas in May 2020 and taught online for Classical Learning Resource Center. When not teaching, she loves to travel, play soccer, rock climb and spend time with her friends and family.
Cynthia Roberson -
Philosophy
Cynthia received a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology and Philosophy from the University of New Mexico. After Mrs. Roberson achieved her undergraduate degree,she interned for the United States Catholic Bishops (USCCB) anti-poverty program, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). Through the USCCB internship, she taught Catholics across the Archdiocese of Santa Fe the subject of Catholic social teaching (CST) and established multiple committee discussions regarding pertinent social justice issues. Mrs. Roberson utilized her bilingual abilities and educated about 300 youths and 40 adults from English and Spanish speaking Catholic communities. It was through her experience with CCHD, that she discovered her passion for teaching. She sought to teach at Chesterton Academy, because she believes Chesterton's classical curriculum and culture is truly designed to instruct and guide our younger Catholic generation into Sainthood."
Rebecca Duman -
Drama
Rebecca Duman is delighted to be a part of the faculty of Chesterton Academy. Born and raised in Albuquerque, Mrs. Duman recognizes the impact her Catholic education has had on her life. She is a strong proponent of classical education and is thrilled by the opportunity to help students along their faith journey. After graduating from Saint Pius X High School, Mrs. Duman attended Eastern New Mexico University where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre and a Master of Education. After returning to Albuquerque, she received a Master of Business Administration from the University of New Mexico. Mrs. Duman is an active member of Our Lady of the Annunciation Church where she coordinates Vacation Bible School and facilitates the Ministry of Moms Support group. She and her husband, John Paul, have three young children.
We are looking for talented Faculty!
Chesterton Academy of Albuquerque seeks to hire talented and dynamic faculty dedicated to the vision and mission of our school. Each faculty and staff member will be required to take an Oath of Fidelity to the Magisterium at the Mass of the Holy Spirit at the beginning of the academic year. In addition to teaching responsibilities, faculty at Chesterton Academy of Albuquerque will participate in the House System, which is designed to promote character and virtue.
If you are interested in working with us and bringing souls to Christ, please send your resume to:
Our Board
Leadership
Veronica Akins | Chairman
JoAnne Medina | Vice Chairman
Sharon Brito | Secretary
Board of Directors
Shawn Akins
Geri Blanco
Art Brito
Janice Pfaff
Stephen Teeters
