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Queen of Heaven Academy's instructors, many of whom have over 10 years of online teaching experience, teach from a Catholic perspective nurturing the desire of students to know and live the Catholic faith in all areas of life. QHA instructors are experienced in the use of multiple online instructional techniques, and they are adept at using tools available through internet conferencing software to present the curriculum to students whether they are enrolled in a school, at home, or in a co-op.
Foreign Language - Latin
Mrs. Andrea AllenB.A. and M.S.W. University of Pennsylvania
A native of Southern New Jersey, where she still resides with her family, Andrea has worked with women and children in crisis off and on since 1990, and has taught Latin since 2003. Andrea worked full-time in the pro-life movement from 2011-2014, while continuing to tutor and teach part-time. Andrea is very excited to return to work with the Academy staff.
Mr. Keith BerubeEnglish, Religion, Language Arts
MA Theology Franciscan University of Steubenville; BA Theology Franciscan University of Steubenville
Mr. Berube holds a B.A. in Theology, a minor in Philosophy, and an M.A. in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is currently studying toward a doctorate in Dogmatic Theology with an emphasis in Mariology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary. He has been at Queen of Heaven Academy for 3 years and teaches Mariology, senior high school Theology, junior and senior literature, and progymnasmata. He has been a professor at Christ the Teacher College since 2013, teaching Theology and writing. His book, Mary, the Beloved, is due to be published by Enroute Books and Media by the end of August 2016. Mr. Berube and his wife Pamela reside in Ohio with their five home-schooled children and a veritable zoo of pets. With a family, teaching, studying, fixing the house, and writing Mr. Berube’s spare time is limited, but he finds time for extracurricular essentials such as eating bacon, sleeping, playing croquet, enjoying the outdoors, and the indispensable acts of drinking coffee in the morning and tea in the afternoon.
Mrs. Pamela BerubeLanguage Arts
B.A. Franciscan University
Pamela Berube has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Franciscan University of Steubenville. She has taught for a local Catholic school as well as an online academy. She is the wife of another Queen of Heaven teacher, Keith Berube. When Pam is not home-schooling their children (ages 16, 13, 11, 8), snuggling with 8 month old Liliana and running the home she can be found cooking Italian food, eating chocolate, or—more rarely—attempting to take a nap.
Mrs. Jean BlockMath, Logic
B.A. Benedictine University; B.S. Benedictine University; M.A. University of Pennsylvania
Mrs. Block graduated from Benedictine University with undergraduate degrees in Mathematics and Psychology. After teaching Upper School Mathematics at The Hackley School, she went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Secondary Education (Mathematics) from the University of Pennsylvania. She proceeded to teach high school math in both public and private schools until she moved into school administration as the Director of Technology at The Kent School. After the birth of her third child, she started homeschooling her older children and in the evenings she taught mathematics to college students at a local university. Mrs. Block, her husband, and their six children reside in north central Wisconsin on their family farm, Morning Star Meadows, named after Our Lady. They raise heritage breeds of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, geese and rabbits. Mrs. Block and her children, three of who are QHA graduates and three of whom are current QHA students, are all looking forward to an exciting new school year.
Mrs. Marie DalyLanguage Arts
B.A. Thomas Aquinas College
After graduating from Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, CA, with a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts, Mrs. Daly taught geometry and Latin to high school students at a small Catholic school in Southern California. Upon the birth of her first child, Brendan, in 2001, she ended her formal classroom teaching and began to tutor students of all ages in math, grammar, Latin and science. Mrs. Daly joined the Regina Coeli Academy faculty in 2001, and teaches English Composition. Marie and her husband, Jon, live in Southern California.
Mrs. Meg FlynnHistory, Government
B.A. Bates College (English); M.A. Harvard University (History); J.D. University of Connecticut School of Law
Mrs. Flynn happily joined the faculty of Queen of Heaven Academy in August, 2014. Prior to this, she taught at a Catholic high school in California and practiced law, first as a prosecutor and then as a public defender in Connecticut. Motherhood is by far her favorite career, living with her sons Liam and Patrick, ages 13 and 18, in rural Massachusetts.
Mrs. Dana HeiseReligion, History, Language Arts
B.A. Ashford University
Dana Heise is a mom of 4. Her son, James, is in the Air Force, while John, Rachel, and Rosemary are at home. She has a degree in Organizational Management from Ashford University. She has several years of experience as an elementary school teacher, and is looking forward to another year in the elementary and junior high programs with Queen of Heaven Academy. Dana and her family have two cats, two goats, and two dogs, and she likes to take to the trails in her spare time.
Dr. Bern HeteMath
B.A. University of Akron; M.S. University of Akron; Ph.D. Penn State
Dr Hete holds BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Akron, and a PhD in Bioengineering from Penn State. His Masters research included development of artificial heart prototypes and his PhD research revolved around many aspects of medical ultrasound tissue characterization. Upon graduation, he has worked at a company building various technologies related to mechanical ventilators, as well as various types of other medical diagnostic and treatment devices. He was also a principle in 2 technology startups, which involved innovation of a small animal pulse oximeter and development of special optical techniques for early cancer detection. Dr Hete lives with his wife and 7 children on a small farm north of Pittsburgh, PA where he raises organic beef and eggs.
Dr. Mitchell Kalpakgian - DeceasedEnglish
B.A. Bowdoin College; M.A. University of Kansas; Ph.D. University of Iowa
The son of Armenian immigrants who escaped from the genocide in Turkey, Mitchell Kalpakgian was born in Milford, Massachusetts, in 1941 and graduated from Milford High School in 1959. He earned his B.A. in English from Bowdoin College in 1963, his M.A. in English from the University of Kansas in 1965, and his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in 1974. He taught at Simpson College (Iowa) for thirty-one years, at Christendom College (Front Royal, Virginia) for two years and at Magdalen College (Warner, New Hampshire) for two years. From 2007-2009 he was a visiting professor of Humanities at Wyoming Catholic College in Lander. He currently teaches part-time at The College of Saint Mary Magdalen as well as at Mount Royal Academy and New England Classical Academy. He was married to the late Joyce Narsasian and is the father of five children. He has written six books: The Marvellous in Fielding's Novels (University Press of America, 1980), The Mysteries of Life in Children's Liteature (Neumann Press, 2000; to be republished by Saint Benedict Press), An Armenian Family Reunion (Neumann Press, 2004), The Lost Arts of Modern Civilization (Neumann Press, 2009; to be republished by Saint Benedict Press), Modern Manners: The Poetry of Conduct and The Virtue of Civility( Neumann Press, 2011), and The Virtues We Need Again (Crossroad Publishing, 2012). He is a contributing editor and regular contributor to New Oxford Review and writes articles for Saint Austin Review. He also does articles for the Seton Magazine (www.thesetonmagazine.com), Truth and Charity Forum (www.truthandcharityforum.com), and The Civilized Reader. He reviews books for Homiletic and Pastoral Review and The Wanderer. He has been a guest speaker at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Homeschooling Conference in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Daniel KoubaLatin
B.A. College of St. Thomas More; M.A. University of Dallas
A native of Texas, Mr. Daniel Kouba earned his B.A. in Liberal Arts from The College of Saint Thomas More (Fort Worth) and his M.A. in English from the University of Dallas. He has taught for over sixteen years at the Middle School, High School, and Collegiate levels, primarily in the subject of Latin, but also including English, History, Philosophy, and other Classics-related courses. In addition, he currently holds his teaching certification in the state of Texas for Secondary Latin 6-12 and Secondary English 8-12, and he has completed training and instruction for AP Latin. In previous years, his studies have included travels to Rome and Greece, during which he has had the opportunity to visit many sites that pertain to the study of Latin, ancient Classical cultures, and the holy Catholic Church. At the present time, Mr. Kouba resides in rural East Texas with his lovely wife and children. Besides spending time with his family and managing a small family farm, he enjoys music, reading, and outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, and canoeing. It is his hope to lead students to a deeper love of learning and, ultimately, to a deeper love of God, who is the source of all that is good, true, and beautiful.
Dr. Gwen Linde Math, Science
PhD University of Nevada
B.A. Drake University
Dr. Linde holds a BA in Paleontology from the University of California, Berkeley, a Masters of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, an MS in geology from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a PhD in geology at the same university. She retired from the US Air Force as a full colonel after a 26 1/2 year career as a pilot, staff officer, and commander. She has taught at the high school and college level, as well as in Air Force technical and flying training. Dr. Linde lives in Sparks, Nevada, where she is an adult catechesis instructor at her parish, and she enjoys flying her airplane, hiking, skiing, and rescuing cats.
Mrs. Katie MeckleyMath
B.A. Thomas Aquinas College
Katie Meckley was reared in Helena, Montana. As a junior in high school, she excelled in Calculus classes at Carroll College. Katie studied liberal arts at Thomas Aquinas College, and graduated in 2010. She worked for three years at Financial Education, a nationwide webinar training company, where she facilitated the production of over 200 webinars a year. Katie enjoyed putting her technical and mathematical skills to use teaching Prealgebra in an online environment. She currently lives with her husband and one-year-old daughter in Irving, Texas.
Mr. Mark MesichMath
B.S. Math University of Waterloo, Canada
Mr. Mesich earned his Honours Bachelor of Mathematics, with a major in Computer Science and a minor in Combinatorics and Optimization from the University of Waterloo, Canada. He has spent his career in the software industry, working in many environments from large companies to small start-ups, developing everything from financial systems to video games. He currently works as a Senior Software Engineer at Nvidia but enjoys the opportunity to share his love for math by teaching with Queen of Heaven Academy as well. Mr. Mesich is a transplanted Canadian who currently lives in Round Rock, Texas with his beautiful wife and five of their seven home-schooled children. His oldest child is following in his footsteps studying Computer Science and Mathematics at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas, while his second oldest is a film student at John Paul the Great Catholic University in San Diego, California.
Mrs. Maria ModelskiScience, History, English
B.A. St. Mary College of Madonna University, B.A. Madonna University, MAT University of Great Falls
Mrs. Modelski is proud of the fact that she has taught in 4 states (Montana, Iowa, Virginia, and Michigan), and now teaches in so many more through Queen of Heaven. In addition to her major (Sacred Theology) and minor (Biology) courses of study at Madonna University, Mrs. Modelski also completed the Catholic Integrated Core Curriculum (a rigorous, classical program that integrated history, literature, philosophy, and theology). Afterwards, Mrs. Modelski participated in the LUMEN program at the University of Great Falls, which allowed her the opportunity to teach at St. Labre Indian School while working on her MAT and additional BA in English. Mrs. Modelski then taught for 3 years in her home state of Iowa before accepting a position in northern Virginia. Then, after accepting a marriage proposal, Mrs. Modelski became Principal of a small, independent high school in the Roman Catholic tradition in Michigan.
She now enjoys teaching for Queen of Heaven Academy, practicing micro-agronomy (a.k.a. gardening), and raising her daughter with her husband in northwestern lower Michigan. They are expecting their second child in December.
Mr. Nick ModelskiHistory, English
B.S., Madonna University
A proud graduate of Madonna University, Mr. Modelski not only studied Psychology (his major) and English (his minor), but also took courses in broadcast and cinema arts and went through the Catholic Integrated Core Curriculum program (a rigorous, classical program that integrated history, literature, philosophy, and theology). After graduating, he completed a year of National Service through the Americorps VISTA program (a federal program focused on ending poverty) working with college freshman at his alma mater to instill a sense of civic responsibility and encourage college completion. Mr. Modelski continued his work with young adults at the Golconda Civilian Conservation Center in southern Illinois for four years before moving back to Michigan. He has also taught high school courses in Psychology, Digital Media, Philosophy, and American Literature.
Mr. Modelski currently serves as the Program Manager for Baraga Radio, an EWTN and Ave Maria radio affiliate serving northern lower and eastern upper Michigan. Mr. Modelski lives in the "Water, Winter Wonderland" of northwestern lower Michigan with his wife and daughter. They are expecting their second child in December.
Mrs. Jacqueline MolitorScience, Math
B.A. Chemistry and Natural Science, College of Saint Benedict; M. Ed. Secondary Education, St. Mary’s University
Mrs. Jacqueline Molitor grew up in Minnesota where she began her teaching career at Brooklyn Center High School. Mrs. Molitor and her husband, Erich, then moved to Michigan where they were blessed with 5 beautiful children. While homeschooling her children, Mrs. Molitor has taught science classes and tutored in homeschool cooperatives. She was also employed at the Chippewa Nature Center as an educator for 10 years. Mrs. Molitor has also served for 15 years as a catechist in various parishes in MN and MI. When not teaching science, Mrs. Molitor can found outside exploring God’s creation with her family.
View a video and meet Mrs. Molitor
Mr. Herb MosherEnglish
B.A. Bates College; M.A. University of Kansas; M.Ph. University of Kansas
Herb Mosher was born in Quincy, Massachusetts, and received a liberal arts education at Bates College in Maine. He subsequently earned a Master of Arts in English and a Master of Philosophy in English Literature at the University of Kansas. The recipient of numerous awards for excellence as a student and a professor, Mr. Mosher taught English composition, literature, and interdisciplinary studies for many years prior to his career as director of development at a variety of institutions. For the past three decades, Mr. Mosher has helped raise funds for schools, hospitals, and economic development programs—among them, Tuskegee Institute, the Menninger Foundation, Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services, and the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Mosher has contributed countless hours to improving health services, substance-abuse programs, and educational opportunities for Native Americans in New Mexico.
Mrs. Katie O’BrienMath, History
B.A. Bridgewater State College
M.Ed in Mathematics Education, Lesley CollegeMrs. O'Brien has taught at several Catholic schools in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. She and Dr. Steve O'Brien live in Ware, Massachusetts and have been homeschooling their children for 12 years. Their oldest, Margaret, who attended Regina Coeli Academy, will be attending Becker College in the pre-veterinary program. Their three other children, Patrick, Brendan, and Stephen, all take classes with Queen of Heaven Academy. In her spare time (what little there is) she enjoys spending time with her loveable pitbulls Daphne, Finbar, and Bridget. The O’Briens hope to someday open their own pitbull rescue.
View a video and meet the O'Briens
Dr. Steve O’BrienHistory
Ph.D History, Boston College
Dr. O'Brien is the author of Blackrobes in Blue: the Naval Chaplaincy of John P. Foley, which is listed as a resource for Catholics in the Armed Forces at CatholicMil.com. Dr. O'Brien has published extensively in such periodicals as Our Sunday Visitor, Columbia, the Boston Pilot, Military, Cobblestone, academic journals and other popular periodicals. He also writes regularly for The Latin Mass Magazine, providing biographies of Catholics who have fought for what they believed right, often against terrible odds.
View a video and meet the O'Briens
Mrs. Deanna PierreMath, Science
B.S. Texas A&M University, Industrial Engineering; MBA, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Deanna was born and reared in San Antonio, Texas. After completing her studies at Texas A&M University, she worked for five years in the Civil Engineering Squadron at Offutt AFB, NE and then for four years in the Environmental and Restoration Management Squadron at Kelly AFB, TX. She is grateful for her vocation as wife and mother, being married to her college sweetheart Lloyd for almost 30 years and blessed with five children. Deanna began online teaching for Catholic educational programs in 2013.
Mrs. Christen PirochHistory, Literature
B.A. University of Ottawa; LL.B. (J.D.) University of Ottawa
Mrs. Piroch was born and reared in Canada, where she earned bachelor of arts and bachelor of laws degrees from the University of Ottawa. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 2000. She has resided in six Canadian provinces and has worked for the Canadian Treasury Board Secretariat, Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs, and a Canadian Member of Parliament. For several years, she engaged in prolife work for Human Life International and the Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute at the United Nations in New York and the International Criminal Court in Rome. Mrs. Piroch’s most rewarding job began when she married her husband in 1999 and started a family. She began homeschooling in 2003 and enjoys educating her five daughters and three sons, ages 4 months to 20. She maintains an avid interest in U.S. history and politics, and loves gardening, cooking, and all things Celtic. She resides with her husband and family in Dayton OH.
Mr. Joseph PirochComposition
B.S. Franklin & Marshall College; M.A. University of Virginia; M.A. Air University
Mr. Piroch has been a professional writer for the federal intelligence community for 25 years. In positions with the US Departments of Justice and Defense, he has written and edited hundreds of analytical papers and programmatic reports for a wide variety of audiences, including the White House, National Security Council, Congress, Secretary of Defense, and US Attorney General. Active in Catholic circles as well, he has prepared correspondence to chanceries, Roman dicasteries, and the media. Having seen firsthand the critical need for superior writers in the workforce, he derives great satisfaction from developing composition skills in young writers. Mr. Piroch holds Master’s Degrees in International Relations and Military Operations from the University of Virginia and the USAF's Air University, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and Government from Franklin & Marshall College. His avocations include classical music, spiritual reading, liturgical rubrics, baseball, and bridge. A native of western Pennsylvania, he now resides in Ohio with his wife, Christen, and eight homeschooled children.
Mrs. Donna ProcherLanguage Arts, Composition
Peterborough Teachers’ College
Mrs. Procher has classroom experience at the elementary level, and in ESL. She homeschooled her children from grades six through 12. She also had the privilege of teaching a child with special needs for 12 years, a most rewarding experience that forced her to plumb deeper depths of educating. She is a contributor to the book, The Measure of My Days (Justin Press), a collection of Catholic essays, meditations and stories about suffering, dying and death. As well, for 10 years, she appreciated the opportunity to teach Baptism Preparation to young parents in her parish. She lives in Innisfil, Ontario with her caring husband, Michael. Together, they very much look forward to visits with their children, and seven grandchildren who range from the ages of seven years—down to two months. She likes writing, opera, playing golf, singing in choirs, and going to daily Mass – not necessarily in that order.
Mrs. Mary RobinsonScience
B.S. Millersville University
Mrs. Robison began her teaching career at the Dominican Campus in Nashville, Tennessee, instructing alongside the Dominican Sisters. After her work at the campus, she taught biology at Battle Ground Academy before getting married and moving to Virginia to teach science. After the birth of her first child, she and her husband, Gerry, moved back to their native state of Pennsylvania to raise their family, eventually settling on a farmette in central Pa. She has spent the last 10 years using various curriculums to homeschool their children. It was at the wonderful news of baby number 11 that someone turned the Robinson family onto QHA. As a third year QHA parent, Mrs. Robinson is honored to be teaching at QHA and looks forward to making biology come alive for her students.
Mrs. Marilyn TeitloffScience
A.S.N. - Western Kentucky University
Mrs. Teitloff has a multi-faceted teaching career that combines educating patients and families in the medical field, home educating her own children, and teaching online. She is the product of 12 years of Catholic education – from 1st grade through 12th grade and strongly believes in the benefit of a sound Catholic education for all Catholic (and non-Catholic) children. She received her RN from Western Kentucky University and since then has worked in various medical settings – hospitals, public health, and Geriatrics (one of my favorites). She is currently a school nurse in the Catholic high school in Paducah KY. Marily and her husband of 33 years, Randy, have 4 children – all of whom have also received and are still receiving Catholic education.
Mrs. Elizabeth ThompsonEnglish, Math 7
B.A. The University of Western Ontario; B. Ed. Nipissing University
Mrs. Thompson graduated from the University of Western Ontario, Canada, with a degree in French Language and Literature. As part of her studies, she spent a year at Université Laval in Quebec City. Mrs. Thompson has taught a variety of subjects – including elementary classroom, Core French, Music, ESL and school Band – and she has taught in a variety of locations – including Quebec City, Ontario, British Columbia and South Korea. Until the birth of her first baby, she directed her parish and school choirs and was a leader of parish summer camps. Mrs. Thompson and her husband Michael currently reside in Lakefield Ontario, Canada, with their children Blaise, Theresa, Catherine, Ian, Benedict and Samuel. Mrs. Thompson is 10th of 13 children. She and her husband are aunt and uncle to more than 100 nieces and nephews!
Dr. John VelasquezSpanish
Universidad Libre, Barranquilla, Colombia, MD.
Dr. Veläsquez is from Cali, Colombia where he practiced as a Family Physician. He graduated from a Military High School and then started Medical School at age 16, at the Universidad Libre in Barranquilla. He holds a degree in Surgery and Medicine. He practiced there for several years before deciding to move to the United States. He moved to Connecticut where he met his wife, Katie (Señora Velásquez, former QHA Spanish Teacher). There he taught Spanish at Yale University Medical School and also worked as a Medical Interpreter at Yale-New Haven Hospital. John (not Juan) Katie and their three boys moved back to Colombia in 2012 until 2016 where John practiced medicine again. In 2016, he and his family and their two Colombian cats decided to move to Peterborough, Ontario, Canada where Katie is originally from. Here in Canada, as an International Medical Graduate, John has been pursuing the competitive medical certification process. In his free time, John loves to listen to Colombian music, dance salsa and meringue, and take to the trails in the area. And while doing all this, he loves to make his students, friends and family laugh with his sense of humor.
Father Bouchard
Religion - Philosophy - QHA Spiritual AdvisorFr. Bouchard FSSP is a member of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter. Since his ordination in May of 2000, Father has worked to further catholic education alongside his role as a parish priest. In addition, he is the Spiritual Director and co-founder, with Mother Mary Francis, of the Missionary Sisters of Saint Francis of Assisi. Father has been with the Academy for 5 years and his straightforward approach to teaching the Faith is grounded in Thomistic theology and philosophy.