Faculty

Dr. CJ Newburn, Head of School, Board Member, Scripture, Coach, Projects, Humane Letters

Computing Technologist; Distinguished Engineer and Principal Architect for High-Performance Computing — Strategy, Roadmap, Community Building, NVIDIA. Leads the Storage-Next effort to create new drives for AI. Ph.D. in Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. Over 100 patents. Academic conference and workshop organizer. International and keynote speaker.

Dr. Amy Newburn, Head of Curriculum, Science and Math, Board Member

Home Educator, Ballet Instructor. 20 years of teaching experience. Physical Therapist for 14 years. Doctor of Physical Therapy from University of Utah, DPT, COMT Masters in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University

Trish Lewis, Math, Physics, Board Member

BA in Biology and Mathematics, Augustana College Masters credits in Secondary Ed, Rockford College 20 years of teaching experience; Tutor Family business Owner and Accountant

Celeste Dal Pra, Literature, Science, Advisory Board Member

Teacher with 35 years of experience. BA in Education and Special Education, Marymount University

Dr. Tony Dal Pra JD, Scripture and Theology, Advisory Board Member

Business owner. Teacher and Youth Minister for 10 years. BS in Business, Notre Dame University MS in Real Estate and Urban Development, American University Juris Doctorate, George Mason University School of Law

Jennifer Ambrose, Art, Scripture, and Theology

Business Owner, Account and Head Decorator, Ambrose Christmas Store. Retreat leader and religious education teacher over a period of over 40 years. Has a deep heart for people and a love of learning. Accomplished artist in multiple media.

Teresa Ambrose, Literature and Math

Over 23 years of teaching experience. Occupational Therapist.

Erin Bowden, Literature

Erin Bowden: BA from Trinity International University in History Secondary Education, M.Ed. in International Education from Framingham State University. International school teacher in China and Taiwan. Lived in Asia for fifteen years. Since 2020, homeschool teacher, children's ministry volunteer, and TimberNook camp volunteer. Lover of learning, cooking, nature, and travel.

Carol Burke, Humane Letters, Literature and Composition

Many years of teaching experience including: Annunciation Classical Catholic Co-op-9-12th grade Literature, History, Composition, Director; Hallstrom Homeschool Cooperative-Composition; Emmaus Academy- 9-10th grade Literature, Composition, History, Fine Arts, and 12th grade SeniorThesis; freelance editor and reporter for 20 years Bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Journalism-University of Wisconsin, Circe Classical Institute Apprenticeship program, 2017-present; Mother to 8 grown children who we homeschooled over a period of 28 years.

Dr. Tony Dal Pra JD, Scripture and Theology, Advisory Board Member

Business owner. Teacher and Youth Minister for 10 years. BS in Business, Notre Dame University MS in Real Estate and Urban Development, American University Juris Doctorate, George Mason University School of Law

Julie Danielewicz, Math, Literature, Art, Creativity

A homeschool educator for 20+ years to four children, prioritizing God, family and creative/critical thinking.

Jonathan Danielewicz, Projects

Seasoned IT leader with over 20 years of experience in business and process analysis, IT strategy, and digital transformation. Proven track record of transforming complex business needs into cost-effective and innovative technical solutions that drive productivity and generate revenue.

Liz Drog, English and Science

BS NIU in Med Tech with minors in Chemistry, Biology, English. Post-grad certificate in Genetics. Mercy Health for 30 years in Biochemistry and Genetics, teaching NIU interns and new hires. Teaching experience in Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology.

Katy Hopkins, Literature and Latin

BA in English Literature, medieval concentration, Northern Illinois University. Homeschool teacher, private Latin and writing tutor.

Cecelia Jelinek, Spanish

Masters in Theology, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Bachelor’s in Geology and Geosciences, Texas A&M University. Teacher, more than 10 years at Marian Central High School. Native Spanish speaker, worked in Hispanic Ministry for the last 15 years at parish and diocesan levels.

Jenny Lucido, Spanish

BA in Special Education/LD from ISU, Masters in Special Education NIU 34 years of teaching experience

Laura Meyer, Science

Registered Nurse practicing for 20 years. Mother of 5 children. Participated in public, private, and homeschooling. Runs a small greenhouse business. Raises and sells livestock. A 4-H Cloverbuds leader for several years. Enjoys plants, animals, camping and family time.

Penny Muldowney, Math

BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin. Masters in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Worked in the engineering field until becoming a stay at home Mom of four. Managed rental properties for over 30 years. Private math tutor since 2016.

Dr. Amy Newburn, Head of Curriculum, Science and Math, Board Member

Home Educator, Ballet Instructor. 20 years of teaching experience. Physical Therapist for 14 years. Doctor of Physical Therapy from University of Utah, DPT, COMT Masters in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University

Dr. CJ Newburn, Head of School, Board Member, Scripture, Coach, Projects, Humane Letters

Computing Technologist; Distinguished Engineer and Principal Architect for High-Performance Computing — Strategy, Roadmap, Community Building, NVIDIA. Leads the Storage-Next effort to create new drives for AI. Ph.D. in Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. Over 100 patents. Academic conference and workshop organizer. International and keynote speaker.

Kim Neyer, Literature, Composition, Yearbook

BA in English with a Writing Emphasis from University of Wisconsin - Whitewater. Ran a portrait photography business for 7 years. Mother of 3 and home educator since 2015. Has been a youth leader at her church for over 10 years.

Tony Pondelick, Projects

DeVry Technical Institute, computers and electronics. Jack of all trades with 37 years in the automation business, where he invented and custom-built thousands of parts, including with 3D computer-aided design. Designed, built, remodeled houses.

Elissa Sullivan, Math, Logic, Music

BA in education, Concordia University Wisconsin (education, music, math, Lutheran doctrine). Mother of 4 in public, private and homeschool situations. Private piano teacher. Church worship leader. Women’s Bible study leader. Dog foster family.

Felipe Tilca, Math, Spanish, Projects

BS Mechanical Engineering. Taught math and technology for four years. Sr Business Systems Analyst for Abbott/Abbvie. Experience with artificial intelligence and related tools, biopharmaceutical, quality assurance, conformance, production engineering, construction management.

Kim Zierke, Art

B.S. in Art Education and have taught K-8th grade Art for 20 years in both public and parochial schools. Dabbles in many art mediums.

Michaela Ambrose, RN

Registered Nurse OSF Nursing School, 2019

Kirsten Belh, Math, French, and PE

French and Junior Math Teacher. Home educator since 2010; ESL instructor online for 4 years and Rockford University for 2 years; YMCA Group Fitness Instructor. Directed and tutored Classical Conversations for 6 years. B.A. in French from Middlebury College in Vermont. Kirsten spent two years living in the Paris region, 3 months in Switzerland, and 5 months in Quebec. She returns to vacation in Quebec with her family every chance she gets.

Emily Warmoth, PE

RVC/Rockford College- Nursing RVC/University of Phoenix BS Education 15 years' teaching experience 10 years as a nursing assistant

Brian Belh, History and Coaching

Brian serves as Pastor at Providence Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Rockford, IL. Th.M., Westminster Theological Seminary M.Div., Columbia Biblical Seminary B.A., Cedarville College CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults), ILSC, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Kirsten Belh, Math, French, and PE

French and Junior Math Teacher. Home educator since 2010; ESL instructor online for 4 years and Rockford University for 2 years; YMCA Group Fitness Instructor. Directed and tutored Classical Conversations for 6 years. B.A. in French from Middlebury College in Vermont. Kirsten spent two years living in the Paris region, 3 months in Switzerland, and 5 months in Quebec. She returns to vacation in Quebec with her family every chance she gets.

Dr. Allan Carlson, History/Advisor

Ph.D. in Modern European History, Ohio University. Author of 15 books and numerous articles on subjects including family, religion, and social politics. Former President of several think tanks. Former Distinguished Visiting Professor of Politics and History at Hillsdale College. Currently, John A. Howard Senior Fellow for The International Organization for the Family.

Toni Cermak, History, Math, Drama, Art, Latin

Degree in Theater and Set Design. Taught drama and religious education. Youth minister. Drama director, acting coach and set designer for several drama productions.

Louise Doherty, Spanish

Fluent in Spanish, studied 8 years, lived in Barcelona, Spain. BA in Spanish from U of IL. Spanish interpreter. Hosts a Meetup group at a coffee shop for practicing Spanish. Loves to travel. Homeschooled 25 years as a mother of four. Taught Spanish for several years at high school and grade school levels.

Amy Drog, Science and Geography

Worked as a Physical Therapist at Rockford Memorial Hospital, Van Matre, Mercy Hospital. Taught science at Annunciation Coop. Homeschool mother of three. Masters of Science and Bachelors of Science in Physical Therapy, University of Evansville

Benjamin Keoseyan, Humane Letters, Composition and Literature

Mr. Keoseyan is a Historian of Ancient Philosophy, Classics, and Literature. He has a passion for teaching the humanities, and is especially fond of the classical and medieval periods. B.A. in Hispanic Studies, with minors in Creative Writing and Philosophy, summa cum laude, Pepperdine University M.A. in Philosophy, Northern Illinois University, in progress.

Trish Lewis, Math, Physics, Board Member

BA in Biology and Mathematics, Augustana College Masters credits in Secondary Ed, Rockford College 20 years of teaching experience; Tutor Family business Owner and Accountant

Jenny Maragia, Choir and Drama

Involved musically in church/youth ministry consistently since the age of 13. In training to become a concert pianist until the age of 15 when she decided to branch off into the studies of various genres of music including jazz, blues, and gospel under the tutelage of local professionals. Began playing and singing locally during high school and also began teaching privately and in groups. In college, studied Christian ministries and missions and also led worship for a local church. In 2009, founded Studio 3 and has retained a robust teaching schedule since 2012 offering both piano lessons and vocal coaching. Single mother of 4 and a veteran homeschooler of 14 years. Known for creative teaching methods and the unique performance opportunities she creates for her students. At the heart of Jenny’s work is emphasizing the importance of creative and engaging performance as a necessary and beneficial part of the performing arts and Christian ministries. Currently serves as the Director of Music Ministry at Old Stone Church in Rockton, IL.

James Marck, Music

Artistic Director, Kantorei. Co-Directed mixed a cappella, VP of Dramatic Crossroads Opera Organization, Choirmaster, Mendelssohn Chorale, Camerata Emanon, Executive Board of American Guild of Organists (Rockford Chapter), Rockford Rhythm. B.S. in Music Composition, Bradley University. ACDA, ASCAP.

Dr. Marjorie Haney Schafer, History, English/Advisor

Co-owner of Round Barn Fiber Mill, Inc.; teacher, writer, and editor. Taught English and Religious Studies at the college level for 7 years; homeschooled for 5 years; and taught religion, history, and English for 4 years in a homeschool co-op setting. M.A. and Ph.D. in Literature, University of Dallas. M.A., in Religious Education, Gannon University. B.A. summa cum laude in History, French, and Philosophy/Religion, Hillsdale College.

Savannah Schaffer, English

Private Tutor and Freelance Educator Aerospace Quality Manager, Rockford ID Shop

Julia Spinnie, Math and Science

Adjunct Professor, Rock Valley College Taught at Emmaus Academy, tutored at WyzAnt B.S. in Geology, Minors in Mathematics, Chemistry Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, IL M.S. in Geology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX

John Tuttle, Literature, Composition, and History

BA in Journalism & Mass Communications and Theology from Benedictine College Has written for over two dozen Christian and secular publications; book contributor Communications Coordinator for Diocese of Rockford's Life and Family Evangelization Office Two years teaching at OLSHA

Carl Armato, Coach

Former Huskie Assistant Coach, Rockford Public Schools Athletic Director, and Northern Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame Member for Basketball

Brea Balzer, PE Coach

Long-term teacher and home schooler

Terry Bomkamp, Coach, Projects

Owner, Emmaus Adventures, led 130 high-adventure wilderness, backpacking and float trips, including for youth groups and scouts. People of Praise Action Advisor for Rockford Branch. Teaches Back Country Cooking, Food Safety. Semi-retired General Manager from 37 years in the Hospitality Industry.

Jenny Dallio, Volleyball Coach

BS Quincy University in Elementary Education, played volleyball. Coached volleyball 12 years, including at Boylan, Winnebago and Rockford Volleyball Association. Officiated 9 years with IHSA, 7 years with USAV. Taught for 3 years at Holy Family.

Sarah Landerholm, Literature, Soccer Coach

BA in English from Loras College Member of the US 3rd-ranked soccer team from Rock Valley. Licensed coach, U.S. Soccer Federation. Former coach and Technical Director for the Bruce Samlan Soccer League.

Dr. Brad Reynolds JD, Golf

Gesmer & Reynolds Law Firm Juris Doctorate, University of Iowa College of Law, High Distinction Avid golfer