Faculty & Staff
Jed Crook, Headmaster, History 09 & 10, Theology 09, Euclidean Geometry, Biology
Mr. Crook holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Mount St. Mary’s University and a master’s degree in Dogmatic Theology from Holy Apostles College. After a few years in retail banking, he began teaching in 2015. Mr. Crook founded Chesterton Academy of the Annunciation in 2023. A native Marylander, he grew up on a farm on the Eastern Shore. He and his wife, Kristin, have four children, and they consider it a special blessing to be part of the Church in the area surrounding Mount St. Mary’s.
Kristin Crook, Literature 10, Debate, Drama
Kristin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in education and a minor in theology from Mount St. Mary’s University. She has worked in Catholic, classical secondary education since 2011, teaching history, literature, writing, and theology. She spent several years developing curricula and loves helping students learn to express themselves clearly and thoughtfully. When not in the classroom, Kristin enjoys homeschooling, crafting, reading.
Dr. Christopher Anadale, Philosophy 09 & 10
Dr. Anadale received his Ph.D. in Philosophy from Emory University in 2005. He has taught at Mount St. Mary’s University and Seminary since 2009. Previously he taught philosophy full time at Conception Seminary College and Georgia State University. He lives in Emmitsburg with his wife and children. He is excited to help Chesterton Academy students develop the intellectual side of their faith.
Dr. Owen Phelan, Latin
Dr. Phelan received his Ph.D. in History from the University of Notre Dame. He has taught at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary since 2006. He has also taught at Valparaiso University and the University of Michigan. He lives in Fairfield, PA with his wife and children. He is excited to help instruct Chesterton Academy students in Latin.
Eileen Lohrmann, Theology 10
Mrs. Eileen Lohrmann has a Bachelor's degree in Theology and a Bachelor's degree in Mental Health/Human Services from Franciscan University of Steubenville. She helped found Christiana Homeschool Academy in 2001 and served as a history teacher there for 23 years. She has also taught several high school theology classes from her home in Sykesville for homeschoolers. She has been homeschooling for the last 27 years with her 6 children. Presently, she and her husband Mark have 5 adult children, one teenager who will be attending Chesterton, and 4 grandchildren. She is so thankful to God and excited about teaching Theology this year.
Kyle Ambrose, Algebra 1 & Physics
Mr. Ambrose received his Master’s degree in Secondary Math Education from the University of Connecticut in 2013 and has taught a variety of math classes since leaving college. He loves all things math and science and is excited for his first year at Chesterton! He also tutors for the SAT and the ACT and has always loved taking tests. When he’s not working, he can be found spending time with his wife and daughter or playing golf.
Amy Ambrose, Music & Choir, Literature 9
Mrs. Ambrose earned her Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Philosophy with a concentration in Comparative Religious Studies from James Madison University. At an early age, she began singing in her parish children’s choir as an elementary student and continued as a Mass cantor through high school. She credits her father with teaching her to love music from all different times and genres. Through his encouragement, she studied piano, accordion, and violin growing up. Amy also enjoys freelance writing and is currently a regular contributor for Springs in the Desert. Reading the Odyssey in high school sparked her love for literature and eventually led her to study philosophy in college. This year she is so excited to encourage the students at Chesterton to deepen their critical thinking and discussion skills, as well as their appreciation for music.
Peter Ferguson, Art
Mr. Ferguson earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2013, specializing in painting and illustration. He is presently pursuing a Master’s degree in Sacred Arts through Pontifex University. Passionate about the interplay between Catholic theology and art, Mr. Ferguson finds Chesterton Academy an ideal place to explore and share this dynamic. He looks forward to contributing to and celebrating the rich tradition of art with his students.
Joe Palkovic, Physical Education
Mr. Palkovic earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland in 2006, minoring in Political Science with coursework in Secondary Education. He was raised in Maryland, where he was a varsity athlete in three sports, and a collegiate athlete in Track and Field. He has been a police officer since 2007, and part-time instructor at the Frederick Police Academy since 2013. He also coaches youth soccer. He is married with four children and is excited to share his love for sports and an active lifestyle with the students at Chesterton.
Monica Nellies, Administrative Assistant
Monica Nellies previously worked at the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Emmitsburg, MD, where she provided administrative support and coordinated visitor relations. She demonstrated exceptional time management and organizational skills. Monica looks forward to applying these skills to enhance our operational efficiency as our Administrative Assistant. Her commitment to supporting our staff and students is evident in her attention to detail and proactive approach to problem-solving
Chesterton Academy of the Annunciation, a classical high school in the Catholic tradition, employs talented and dynamic teachers who promise to teach faithfully, according to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. All teachers have bachelor’s degrees, and some have advanced degrees. They have demonstrated excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, and possess a track record of contributing to the vision and mission of an apostolic and educational enterprise. Teacher to student ratio is estimated at 1:12 for the 2024-2025 academic year, with the exception of music, art, and physical education, where the ratio is 1:20. All faculty and staff have security clearance and training in accordance with COMAR 13A.09.09.