Staff
Rocco G. Galizio | Founder & Headmaster
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.
Luke Joyce | Dean of Men
Lucas Joyce graduated from Hillsdale College in May of 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Mathematics with a Minor in German. Raised in a cradle Catholic family in the Cleveland Area, he was homeschooled through the eighth grade. His interest in Classical Education began when he attended The Lyceum, a Classical Catholic Preparatory School in South Euclid, Ohio. There he fell in love with the Great Books and experienced a renewed love of his Catholic Faith through both the Roman and Eastern Rites of the Church. Wishing to continue his Great Books education, Luke enrolled at Hillsdale College in August of 2020. After four years of active participation in the Catholic Community and the Music program and writing a senior thesis on the politics of Tolkien and Dante, he was hoping to return to Northeast Ohio to remain close to family. When the opportunity arose to teach at a classical Catholic school in Akron, he jumped at the opportunity and is truly grateful to be working in such a wonderful faithful institution. Luke's hobbies include reading the works of Dante, Tolkien and Frank Herbert, ballroom dancing, downhill skiing and engaging in philosophical discussions on topics ranging from Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologica to Denis Villeneuve's Dune.
Mary Karcher | Dean of Women
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 | Literature
Brooke Roberts is a bit like a hobbit, cherishing good food and cheer among her favorite people. She prefers the quieter, greener spaces of the world, particularly her garden, where she fosters fairy life and a slower pace (though she lacks a beard and magic). Despite not having an affinity for maps, her childlike curiosity and passion for reading have led her on many adventures. Though she hasn’t slain a dragon, her Tookish spirit has led her to travel broadly. With degrees in English Literature and German Literature from Kent State University, and over twenty years of teaching experience, Brooke excels in guiding students through classical literature and helping them develop their self-expression, critical thinking skills, and wit, all to the glory of God.
Judy Schwager | Music
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. Her areas of musical interest are choral/vocal instruction, unaccompanied choral music and liturgical chanting, children’s music education, and spreading the truth that everyone can learn to sing. Outside of church music work, Judy is a bartender at a local microbrewery, takes film photos on her mom’s old Minolta, and enjoys time with her family and three cats.
Claire Carano | Assistant to the Headmaster
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. Claire’s passion for classical education began from a young age, stemming from her homeschool roots, her experiences singing sacred music in various choirs from the age of seven, and the eclectic literature that she immersed herself in throughout her youth. Her wonder at the natural world inspires her devotion to St. Francis of Assisi and a love for wandering in the Metroparks with her husband, and it fuels the joy she finds in taking care of her dog and gardens. To quote her favorite author JRR Tolkien, she fancies herself “a Hobbit in all but size.”
Gina DeFilippo | Marketing Assistant
Gina DeFilippo infuses Chesterton Academy of Akron with a vibrant mix of creativity and expertise as their Marketing Assistant. Her uniquely creative background, which spans music, photography, videography, and graphic design, along with her Catholic faith, fuels her dynamic approach to enhancing the academy’s presence. From her days as a recording artist, where she spearheaded marketing campaigns, developed a large social media presence, and orchestrated graphic design, Gina brings a wealth of experience in creating compelling content. Her creative vision and marketing acumen are dedicated to amplifying the academy’s voice and connecting with its community in meaningful ways.
Rev. Matthew Pfeiffer | Pastor of St. Paul Parish
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
Vincent Ortiz | Treasurer
Michael Saltis | Secretary
Greg Beatty | Board Member
OTHER BOARD MEMBERS:
Marilou Saltis | Board Member
Christine Ortiz | Board Member
Rev. Matthew Pfeiffer | Board Member