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.
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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
William Nourse -
Headmaster
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.
Sandy Cannon -
Dance
Sandy Cannon has been the director of the ABQ Regency Ball for youth since 2016 and is excited to bring the virtue and excellence of that event to Chesterton Academy. Sandy holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees in Elementary Education from the University of New Mexico. In addition to home educating her four children for the last 25 years, she independently teaches classes for youth and adults on a variety of subjects including the US Constitution and history.
Andrea Madrid -
Spanish & Latin
Andrea Madrid graduated from the University of New Mexico with dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Spanish. She is a dedicated teacher who is passionate about Ignatian prayer and inspired by St. Teresa of Calcutta. She has taught in public high school and at Catholic homeschool co-ops since 2010. She is grateful for the opportunity to teach Spanish and History through our Catholic faith at Chesterton Academy. Her favorite scripture verse is Isaiah 41:10.
Jim Lyle -
Philosophy
Jim Lyle earned a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin, an M.B.A. in Finance from the University of New Mexico, and is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Philosophy at Holy Apostles College. Jim has been managing his family business for the last 20 years. He taught high school theology and philosophy for three years at the Cor Ardens Academy and has taught Confirmation at Holy Child Parish in Tijeras for 12 years. He previously served as team lead for the Weekends for the Engaged marriage preparation ministry for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and continues to serve on the team. Along with his wife, Jim gives Theology of the Body and Natural Family Planning promotional talks throughout the archdiocese. He believes that Chesterton's Catholic, classical model can form students who will be able to realize in their lives the words of Pope St. John Paul II: "Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth."
Kylene Molley -
Chemistry & Astronomy
Kylene Molley is thrilled to join Chesterton Academy of Albuquerque to teach chemistry. After earning a B.S. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering from UNM, she worked at Sandia National Laboratories for 11 years, until her 4 th child was born. At that time, she stayed home to care for her family. A strong supporter of incorporating our Catholic faith in all aspects of life, she herself attended Catholic schools throughout her mid school and high school years in Iowa and California and her children were educated in Albuquerque Catholic schools and in homeschool. In her spare time, she loves to garden, raise chickens, and spend time with her family and husband of 35 years, who recently retired from Sandia National Laboratories.
Paul Krause -
Literature & Philosophy
Paul Krause is a graduate of Yale and the editor-in-chief of VoegelinView, an online journal of the humanities. He is the author several books on literature, and excited to teach the love of literature and philosophy to students. A frequent writer on the arts and humanities for numerous magazines, journals, and newspapers around the world, he focuses on explaining the themes of love, forgiveness, and beauty in art, literature, and music.
Dominic Gomez -
Mathematics
Dominic Gomez is a Mathematics Teacher at Chesterton Academy, based in his hometown of Albuquerque. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics with a Minor in Computer Science from Eastern New Mexico University. Dominic is proud to be a graduate of Eldorado High School and currently resides in Albuquerque with his spouse and two children. His passions include logic, mathematics, board games, random trivia, and storytelling. Dominic is deeply committed to nurturing a love for problem-solving and critical thinking among his students, providing them with engaging classroom experiences.
Dr. Maria Benitez -
Biology & Physics
Dr. Maria Benitez holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science from New York University and B.S. in Physics and Applied Mathematics from the University of New Mexico. Her research explored fundamental problems in cancer biology through the lends of DNA damage and repair. She is thrilled to be a part of Chesterton Academy’s Catholic classical education. Dr. Benitez has regularly relied on St. Thomas Aquinas’ intercessions and she says she owes him a solid!
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.
John Melton -
History & Debate
John Melton is a retired aerospace and defense executive who now teaches Theology at The Chesterton Academy of Albuquerque. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Colorado State University–Pueblo and spent fifty years managing complex defense programs with a strategic and ethical focus. His formative years at a Marianist high school instilled in him the values of faith, service, and community, which
guided his return to the Catholic Church in 2015.
In 2020, John completed a Master of Arts in Theology from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, deepening his understanding of Scripture and Church teaching. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in American History to further enrich his interdisciplinary approach to education.
John lives with his 12-year-old rescued Weimaraner, Samantha—affectionately known as Sammie—whose quiet companionship brings peace and perspective to his days.
Lauren Albonico -
Drama
Lauren Dusek Albonico has been working as a theatre artist and teacher in New Mexico since 2011 when she completed her M.A. in Theatre Education & Outreach from UNM. Before that she received her B.A. in Drama from Washington University in St. Louis (her hometown) and also studied at Shakespeare's Globe in London. She directed UNM's Theatre Classes for Young People program for 10 years before it closed in 2020. She still directs and does scenic design with The Vortex Theatre and Albuquerque Little Theatre. She and her husband have five sons and are grateful to live here in ABQ in relationship with his extended family and also surrounded by a thick Catholic community. She has always sought an understanding of God through the art of theatre: finding and shaping moments of Truth and Beauty in conjunction with both peers and students.
Peter Blain -
History & Philosophy
Peter was born and raised in Albuquerque. He was homeschooled using a classical curriculum. He earned a degree in history from the University of Dallas. He has taught at a Catholic, classical school. In addition, he taught as an education assistant and as a substitute teacher in public education. In his free time, he enjoys singing and hiking. He looks forward to teaching at Chesterton Academy.
Kristi Convissor -
Literature, History, & Theology
Ms. Convissor is pleased to join the faculty of Chesterton Academy. She holds a degree in education from the University of Portland. She taught for 12 years in a local archdiocesan Catholic school and strongly believes in the importance of a Catholic education. Ms. Convissor teaches Sacramental Preparation for First Penance and First Eucharist at Risen Savior, also participating in Vacation Bible School and the church choir. She owns two cats and one dog. Her favorite saint is mother Mary, whose unwavering support and intercession has brought her this far.
Alison Robbenhaar -
Art & Art History
Alison Robbenhaar
Theresa Sanchez -
Math & Spanish
Mrs Sanchez graduated from UNM with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Education and minoring in Mathematics. This is her 14th year as an educator; she’s beginning her second year here at Chesterton. She is married with four children, three step- children and three step- grandchildren. One of her children currently attends Chesterton as a sophomore. She really believes in the Chesterton model of education and is honored to have the opportunity to help form young minds for Christ as a member of its staff. She currently teaches Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Statistics and Spanish 1.
One of her father’s quotes that forever resonates with her and guides her through life is, “When we’ve breathed our last breath here on earth, nothing will matter but how we appear to God!”
Barry Reinholz -
Theology
Barry Reinholz, Jr. hails from Ohio and holds a Masters of Theological Studies from
Saint Meinrad School of Theology. While he is grateful for his day job at Sandia National
Labs, he is especially excited for the opportunity to teach and catechize, reconnecting to
his former work in parish ministry with middle school and high school students. In regard
to teaching at Chesterton, he hopes to follow his daughters’ advice to not use too many
words.
Our Staff
Mark Ballard -
Executive Director
Adela Brito -
Business Assistant
Rebecca Duman -
Social Media
Tania Hake -
Academic Dean
Laurie Kiehne -
Front Office Coordinator
Amylee Udell -
School Operations + College/Senior Guidance
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.
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If you are interested in working with us and bringing souls to Christ, please send your resume to:
Our Board
Board of Directors
Andrea Aiello
Matthew Brito
Joseph Ryan
Andrew Sanchez
Karen Taylor
Stephen Teeters
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