Faculty & Staff
Dr. Dan Guernsey, Ed.D. - Headmaster
Dr. Guernsey is a graduate of the Saint Ignatius Institute (a classical great books program) at the Jesuit University of San Francisco where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in English. He holds a Master’s degree in English from U. C. Berkeley, and a Master’s degree in school administration from CSU Fresno. He earned his Doctorate in Education at Eastern Michigan University, specializing in educational leadership. He has 17 year's experience working in Catholic schools, both nationally and internationally, from kindergarten to graduate school, as a teacher, consultant, principal, dean, and president. He serves on the board of the National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools, (NAPCIS), which provides consulting and accreditation services for more than 150 independent Catholic schools across the nation. He has also helped develop Ave Maria Missions, a sponsorship program which provides scholarships for the poor to attend Catholic schools in Honduras and in the United States. Dr. Guernsey speaks widely on the topic of Catholic education and is the author of Adoration, Eucharistic Texts and Prayers Throughout Church History, (Ignatius Press, 1995).
Dr. Jon Beane, Ph.D, - Academic Dean - Math and Humanities Instructor Grades 9-12
Dr. Beane completed undergraduate studies in Mathematics and Philosophy at Roosevelt University in Chicago and then earned a Masters Degree and a Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame. Ten years of his career was spent teaching at Trinity School in Minnesota, a highly regarded 7-12 grade classical academy. His strong background in math, philosophy and linguistics has been put to use over the years by teaching a variety of courses for grades 7-12, including Humanities, Theology, Mathematics, Latin, Greek, and French. Dr. Beane has also taught Philosophy and Freshman Writing Seminar as an adjunct professor at Notre Dame. He brings a wealth of practical teaching experience at the high school level as well as years of thoughtful experience in developing and implementing a classical education.
Mr. Marc Snyder, M.A. - Science Instructor Grades 5-12
Mr. Snyder earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Florida Atlantic University. He then earned a Bachelor of Philosophy degree from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, Italy while exploring a possible vocation to the priesthood. Discerning his call was to the married life, he pursued a teaching career and secured his Professional Educator’s Certification from the state of Florida in Biology 6th-12th grades and Elementary Education K-6th. He has six year's experince teaching science in Catholic schools at the middle and high school levels. He recently completed a Master of Science degree in Education from Nova Southeastern University and is now in Doctoral Studies.
Mr. Clayton Tucker, B.A., - Latin 7-12, Logic, & Math 5-7
Mr. Tucker earned his Bachelor of Arts from Montreat College in North Carolina. He was a founding faculty member of Veritas Christian Academy where he worked for 10 years teaching Latin, Math, Logic and History. He now brings his professional experience and love for Latin to the founding of this classical school.
Mrs. Linda Fox, B.A., - Grade 2
Mrs. Fox graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ohio Dominican College with degrees in Theology and English as well as a teaching certificate. She has taught high school Theology and served as an assistant Director of Religious Education. Both homeschooling and catechetical work in a parish setting have kept her busy prior to her teaching at the Donahue Academy.
Mrs. Cynthia Snyder, M.A. - Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Snyder graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, as well as a Certification in English as a Second Language. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Primary/Pre-Kindergarten Education from the University of Miami. She lived in Spain where she attended La Universidad Autonoma de Madrid and received certification in the Spanish language. She has 11 year's experience teaching Catholic schools in Pre-primary through second grade. A native Floridian with a Colombian and Cuban background, she speaks both English and Spanish fluently. Her love for language and travel is complimented by a love for art which she incorporates in her classroom.
Miss Christine Spenik, M.Ed. - Grade 1
Miss Spenik graduated from the University of Florida where she earned a Master of Education degree in Elementary Education. She has experience teaching kindergarten and first and second grades and holds certification in English as a Second Language as well. Additionally, she has been teaching dance to young children since she was just 15 years old and is delighted to see this beautiful art continue at our school. She has enjoyed teaching catechism and sacramental preparation at the parish level. Her desire to impart virtue in light of the Catholic faith, combined with her passion for teaching reading is complimented by her sincere love for young children. She is a native of Naples, Florida and is excited to be part of the mission of Ave Maria.
Sister Mary Margaret O.P., M.A. - Grade 3
Sr. Mary Margaret entered he Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in 2001. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from Thomas Aquinas College in California, as well as a Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification from Easter Michigan University. She is currently working toward her Masters Degree in Liturgy from the Unvieristy of St. Mary of the Lake in Chicago. She is a native of Denver, Colorado where she has taught at a diocesan elementary school as well as schools run by her Order in Michigan.
Sister Joseph Maria O.P., B.A. - Grade 5, 6, 7, 8 Theology; Grade 8 Humanities; Grade 11, 12 Spanish
Sr Joseph Maria earned her Bachellor of Arts in Spanish with minor in Sociology from St. John Fisher College in Rhode Island. She earned her teaching degree from Eastern Michigan University.
Sister Theresa Benedicta, O.P., M.A. - Grade 12 Humanities; Grade 9-12 Theology
Sister Theresa Benedicta earned her Bachellor of Science in elementary education from Eastern Michigan. She also Thomas Aquinas college in California. She also earned a Masters degree in Philosophy from the Catholic University of America. She earned her teaching credential from Eastern Michigan Unviersity. Sister has written and hosted the Catechetical series "Truth in the Heart" on EWTN.
Mrs. Kathy Guerra, B.A., - Grade 5-7 Grammar, Grade 5-6 Humanities
Mrs. Guerra grew up in Massachusetts and earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Williams College, majoring in Political Science with a concentration in History. She taught grades 6-9 at an independent boarding school before moving to Florida. Her professional experience includes teaching History, Geography, and Government, as well as tutoring international students in Grammar and Math. Her other interests include politics, sports (Red Sox Fan!) and baking--especially when she gets to enjoy these with her family.
Sr. Maria Elena & Sr. Catherine SHM - Spanish Grades 1-5
Sr. Maria Elena (left) holds a degree from Universidad Castille la Mancha in Cuenca, Spain in Education. She has worked with the Order in Spain, Rome and Equador as well as the US. She joined her Order, Hogar de la Madre (Home of the Mother) in 1995.
Sr. Kathryn (right) earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Literature from Ave Maria University in Naples and is a native of Augusta, Georgia. She has been with the Hogar de la Madre sisters since 2006.
Miss Jennifer Klucinec , B.A., - Grade 4
Miss Klucinec graduated from Magdalen College with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and also has a Catechetical Degree. She has over 15 years of teaching experience in Catholic schools where she has taught grades K - 8, with a specific love for teaching Religion, English Grammar and History. She has recently moved to Naples from the Chicago area, but was born in Pittsburgh and grew up in Dallas. She is also a sports enthusiast as well as a musician.
Mrs. Denise Chmielowski , B.S., - Grade 11,12 Physics
Mrs. Chmielowski graduated with honors from Drexel University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. After working in industry for six years in Pennsylvania, she left her interesting career to raise a family and homeschool her children. Her three youngest now attend Donahue Academy, and she's is thrilled to be part of this wonderful mission by imparting knowledge to the juniors and seniors. Aside from the sheer fun she has solving physics problems, Mrs. Chmielowski also enjoys pursuing a black belt in karate and studying French.
Miss Krystalyn Gates, B.A., Art 1-12, Math 5, College Counselling
Miss Gates is a Franciscan Univeristy graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. A Florida certified art teacher, she has also worked in Montesorri education as well as being a teacher in a learning disabled class. Additionally, she has also worked as a camp counselor and apologetics coach.
Mrs. Janet DeLiso, B.A., - 7th Humanities; Admissions Director
Mrs. DeLiso earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from Governor's State University in the Chicago area where she grew up. Mrs. Deliso was a Technical Sergeant in the Illinois Air National Guard for nine years working as an electronics mechanic. She is very involved in 4-H and the Collier County Fair. She and her husband Vito have lived in Naples since 1994 and have four children.
Mrs. Melissa Steele B.A., - Music Grades 5-12
Mrs. Steele studied vocal performance and opera for nine years before transferring to Ave Maria University in 2007 to complete a Bachelor of Arts in sacred music. She has five year's experience teaching piano, voice, and music theory, as well as coaching children's choirs. She is an avid performer and has been on stage many times in musical theatre, choral, and dance productions.
Mrs. Kathy Dittus, B.A., - Music Grades K-4
Mrs. Dittus graduated from the College of New Rochelle with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Secondary Education. Following graduation, she worked as an actuarial assistant in Insurance Services Office in New York City. She has participated in many liturgical groups in parishes and has led children's choirs and contemporary groups in several parishes. She has enjoyed sharing her love for children and music in Vacation Bible Schools and Children's Liturgy of the Word. She taught music at Pinecrest Academy in Georgia during the 1993-1994 school year. She enjoys singing, playing guitar and composing music. Her song "Come to Me" is featured on a CD of the Messages of Medjugorje produced by the Mary our Mother Foundation.
Mr. Jim Carletta, B.A.,- Physical Education Grades 1-12
Mr. Carletta earned his Bachellor of Arts in Finance from St. Cloud University in Minnesota. He is a Youth Fitness Specialist who in addition to teaching PE, coaches boys basketball and football.