Staff
Rocco G. Galizio | Founder & Headmaster
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Rocco Galizio has a long history in both teaching and formation. Upon graduating from the University of Notre Dame in 2007, he fell in love with the educational charism of the Congregation of Holy Cross and entered a period of discernment. Leaving the seminary to seek his true vocation elsewhere, he went on to work at Holy Cross College in the Campus Ministry and Residential Life Offices before moving back home to his native Akron, Ohio, where he worked with students from pre-school to eighth grade programs. During this time, he discovered the writings of GK Chesterton through his local Chesterton Society chapter, and was introduced soon thereafter to the Chesterton Schools Network. Realizing the need for such an apostolate in his own community, Rocco gathered like-minded families and individuals to help bring Classical Catholic Education to the greater Akron area.
Mary Karcher | Dean of Women
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Mary Karcher graduated from Kent State University in 2022 with her Bachelor’s in both Psychology and Art. In her studies, she learned about the unique qualities of the human being and how the image of God is imprinted in the most fundamental parts of our thinking. Similarly to G. K. Chesterton, Mary pursued an art degree that included training in sculpture, drawing, and painting, which has fostered her great appreciation of beauty. In addition, Mary enjoys reading on various subjects ranging from the inner workings of the nervous system to the great writings of doctors of the church. Her free time is spent volunteering with Catholic young adult groups including the ITE Project in Akron and Lisieux in Canton. She also enjoys spending time with her seven siblings and making art that glorifies God.
Brooke Roberts | Matron of Admissions
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Brooke Roberts prefers the quieter, greener spaces of the world, particularly her garden, where she fosters a slower pace, cherishing good food and cheer among her favorite people. Her childlike curiosity, Tookish spirit, and affinity for reading have led her on many adventures both in imagination and across many countries. With degrees from Kent State University in English Literature and German Literature and over twenty years of teaching experience, she excels in guiding students to an appreciation of classical literature while developing their self-expression, critical thinking skills, and wit, all to the glory of God.
Claire Olds | Teacher
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In imitation of St. Therese of Lisieux, Miss Olds has a passion for finding God’s Hand in the little moments of everyday. She graduated from Walsh University in 2023 with a degree in Middle Childhood Education, a minor in Theology, and a goal of sharing the richness of the Catholic Faith with her students. When she is not teaching, Miss Olds enjoys spending time with her loved ones, spending time in God’s creation, and working on creative writing projects.
Judy Schwager | Music
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Judy Schwager is a graduate of Saint John’s University (Collegeville, MN) and Bowling Green State University (Bowling Green, OH) with degrees in Liturgical Music and Music Education. She has in the past been a church music director. Currently Judy's areas of musical interest are choral/vocal instruction, Gregorian Chant, liturgical chanting in any rite, and spreading the truth that everyone can learn to sing! Outside of church and school music work, Judy enjoys hiking in the Metroparks, drinking coffee and plain water, learning about the spiritual and artistic traditions of cultures from around the world, snuggling with her cats, and exploring the intersection of spirituality with daily lived experience rooted in art, music, and a sense of the miraculous.
Jim Mellody | Mathematics
Marty VanDevere | Mathematics & Sciences
Diane Mellody | Drama
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Watching young people transform on stage into their roles, gaining confidence, self esteem, and finding the gifts they never knew they had is why Mrs. Mellody is a director. Before retiring, she directed St Francis de Sales teens in Spring plays and musicals for twenty years. After "retiring", she began directing students at Chesterton Academy and St. Thomas More in Spring and Fall plays. It seems God had other plans, and it is with great joy that she is here.
Carey Steele | Theology
Terry Tolson | Executive Director
Claire Carano | Assistant to the Headmaster
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Claire Carano is an Akron native with a love for what is old yet timeless – dead languages, books with gold filigree, Baroque and choral music, handcrafted works of art, and most especially the Mass. She earned her associate of science in 2015 and her BA in Chemistry with a minor in Classical Studies in 2018 from the University of Akron. She gained nearly ten years of experience in administrative work in various educational and parochial settings before joining the staff at Chesterton Academy of Akron.
Rev. Matthew Pfeiffer | Pastor of St. Paul Parish
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Father Pfeiffer was ordained on May 16, 2009 by Bishop Richard Lennon. Serving first as the parochial vicar at Saint Sebastian, and then Saint Augustine before being assigned as the pastor of Saint Paul in February 2014. A member of the local Chesterton Society, he has also been a major supporter for bringing a Chesterton Academy to Akron, Ohio.
Board Members
Rocco Galizio | President
Terry Tolson | Vice President
Michael Saltis | Secretary
Ivan Ortiz | Board Member
OTHER BOARD MEMBERS:
Christine Ortiz | Board Member
Rev. Matthew Pfeiffer | Board Member