Nathaniel Beckman is the first headmaster of the Chesterton Academy of St. Joseph. He received his B.A. in Liberal Arts from Thomas Aquinas College, an M.S. in Mathematics from Old Dominion University, and is finishing a second master’s in the History of Philosophy through Holy Apostles College and Seminary. For the last decade, he has worked in secondary and post-secondary education both in the U.S. and as a missionary in Central America. He and his wife are currently living out their vocation as foster and adoptive parents in Dayton, OH.

To serve my family and bring as many people to heaven as possible; that is my greatest aspiration.

 Although a North Carolina native, Alaina graduated from Wright State University with a Bachelor’s in Marketing in 2018. She has over 7 years' experience in marketing and 3 in fundraising. During her time in college and since, she has truly come to love the Dayton area and community. She lives in Xenia with her beloved husband, John, and their daughter Anastasia. She has a passion for marketing, fundraising, and creating unique Spotify playlists.

Frederique Doepker is the school's office manager. 

Fatima graduated from Purdue University and is now residing in Dayton with her husband, Rob, and daughter, Lucia. Fatima has a background of service in youth and young adult ministry. She enjoys learning about the saints and likes to share about her friendship with St. Therese of Lisieux. She enjoys baking, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her family.

Dr. Burton teaches Science, Math, and Latin at Chesterton Academy. He is from Miamisburg, Ohio, just south of Dayton. During the 2022-2023 academic year, he taught courses on philosophy and mathematics at Yale University as a Lecturer. He completed his PhD in philosophy with a specialization in logic at Yale in July 2022. While doing his PhD, he was a member of the 10th cohort of Lilly Graduate Fellows. In 2017, he graduated summa cum laude from Pepperdine University with a B.A. in philosophy and economics. His hobbies include crossword puzzles, sudoku, abstract strategy games, programming, reading nonfiction, and watching movies. He is excited to teach at a joyful Catholic school.

Born and raised in southern California, Emmie Fryling herself enjoyed attending a classical high school, converting to the Catholic Church in large part because of that formation. While in California, she received a B.S. in Mathematics from Biola University. And after relocating to Ohio, Emmie also received an M.A. in Philosophy from Franciscan University, finishing in the summer of 2024. Some of her favorite pastimes include reading and writing, taking long walks, and hosting dinner parties with friends. Emmie is delighted to teach at the Chesterton Academy of St. Joseph and hopes to foster joy and academic excellence in the classroom.

Maria Hess graduated from Wright State University Magna Cum Laude with two Bachelor of Music degrees in Music Education and Vocal Performance. While in college, Maria was an active member of the Opera Theater and was a winner of the Concerto-Aria Night Competition at Wright State University in early 2020. She has been a member of Schola Cantorum Daytonensis at Holy Family Catholic Church since 2015. Maria is excited to share with her students not only her knowledge of Gregorian Chant, but how music is a beautiful reflection of the history of the Church and the world.

Besides Chesterton Academy, Maria works for The Lorenz Corporation, a music publishing company which has been in Dayton, OH since the late 1800s. She also teaches piano and voice lessons from her own private studio. When she is not working, Maria enjoys dabbling in many different hobbies. Her most recent endeavors include hanging in her hammock, sewing, and being a part of several small singing groups.

Dr. Lafferty teaches Theology, Philosophy, and History. He has great love for the history of the Catholic Church and Marian devotion. Received into the Church in 2010, he has since completed a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology at Duquesne University, a M.A. in Historical Theology at Saint Louis University, and a M.A. in Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas. He also holds a B.S. in Computer Science. Dr. Lafferty has previously taught Scripture and theology courses to undergraduates and is excited to be part of a community that integrates learning and the Faith.

Benjamin Sisson teaches History and Literature. He studied ecology at Montana State University, where he met his wife, Kayla, and experienced a reversion to the faith. Subsequently, he served four years as an Army Officer at Fort Richardson, Alaska. In between school and the military, Mr. Sisson has worked on several wildlife studies throughout the northern Rocky Mountains. He enjoys time in God's creation with his family and friends as well as reading. Since leaving the Army, he has been working towards a M.A. in Theological Studies through Christendom College. He is excited to participate in the CASJ community and to joyfully share his passion for the Catholic intellectual tradition.

Melissa Stange is a design and art history graduate of Mount St. Joseph University. She and her husband, Jacob, moved to Dayton following college. They reside in Huber Heights with their five children. 

Melissa enjoys creating and teaching art as a way to cultivate participation in God's beauty. In her resting time, she enjoys sewing, sketching, painting, and time with family and friends. 

Matt Young teaches Latin, Biology, and Literature at Chesterton Academy. A native of New Orleans, he earned his Bachelor's degree in 2016 from the University of Alabama, where he majored in English Literature and Latin. He moved to Ohio in 2018 where he served the Archdiocese of Cincinnati as a VIA Missionary alongside his lovely wife, Emily. Together they have two wonderful daughters, Maria and Sophia, as well as an infant son. He has various interests including watching college football, learning about strange animals, and gaming of all varieties. Mr. Young is beyond excited to share his love of learning with the brilliant minds at Chesterton.