Faculty & Staff
“Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another.”
- G.K. Chesterton
Meet Our Headmaster
-
Wesley Hardin
A classical education leader with nearly a decade of experience in teaching, instructional leadership, faculty formation, school culture, and operations within classical and liberal arts schools.
He believes education should form the whole person—mind, heart, and character—cultivating a love for truth, goodness, and beauty while helping students discover their God-given purpose and vocation. He is passionate about building strong faculty and school cultures rooted in mission, virtue, joyful learning, and a commitment to human flourishing.
As Headmaster, he looks forward to partnering with families, faculty, and the Chesterton community to form young men and women of faith, virtue, wisdom, and purpose.
Meet Our Faculty & Staff
-
Dr. Robert Gervasini
DEAN OF ACADEMICS, LATIN, THEOLOGY
Dr. Robert Gervasini is a graduate of Providence College with an M.A. and Ph.D. in Philosophy from The Catholic University of America, he has taught courses in philosophy, Western Civilization, ethics, and Ancient Greek. He is passionate about forming students through the wisdom and beauty of the classical tradition.
-
Mr. Henry Jefferson
DEAN OF STUDENTS, HISTORY
Mr. Jefferson is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, he has a passion for medieval history, Ancient Greek philosophy, and the Great Books. A lifelong musician and fluent German speaker, he is excited to share his love of the humanities, music, and classical education with his students.
-
Mrs. Abigail Tardiff
LITERATURE, PHILOSOPHY
Mrs. Tardiff brings 12 years of experience teaching high school English, Theology, and Philosophy. She holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts and an M.A. in Philosophy and regularly edits manuscripts for Ignatius Press. As a mother of seven, she is passionate about classical education and forming students through the study of philosophy and literature.
-
Mary DeSilva
HISTORY, LATIN, THEOLOGY, MUSIC
Ms. DeSilva brings a passion for classical education, literature, and the formation of the whole person to Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope. A graduate of Wyoming Catholic College, she has taught English Language Arts and music and has experience teaching students from kindergarten through high school. She is excited to help students pursue the Good, the True, and the Beautiful.
-
Mr. Thaddeus Gotcher
LITERATURE, PHILOSOPHY, LATIN, THEOLOGY, MUSIC
Mr. Gotcher brings a passion for music, language, and the Great Books. After studying music composition at Lawrence University, he went on to study the classical tradition and deepen his faith at Thomas Aquinas College. He is excited to share his love of learning with the Chesterton community.
-
Mr. Jerry Magaña
LEAD TEACHER OF MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE
Mr. Magaña brings a passion for mathematics and the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty. After working as a network engineer, he earned a master’s degree in Mathematics from Arizona State University. He is excited to share his love of mathematics and learning with his students.
-
Mr. Gregory Maynard
PHILOSOPHY, MATHEMATICS, LATIN
Mr. Maynard is a graduate of Thomas Aquinas College, he studied theology, philosophy, mathematics, natural science, literature, and history through the Great Books tradition. He is passionate about helping students see the unity of all disciplines and discover the wonder of God’s creation through an integrated pursuit of truth.
-
Dr. Miriam Leonardi Gervasini
ART
Dr. Miriam Leonardi Gervasini is a graduate of the Università degli Studi in Milan with a Ph.D. in Art History from the Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa. As a highschooler, she attended the Artistic Liceum, developing her passion for drawing and painting. She is enthusiastic to share her love for Art, the Humanities, and Faith with her students.
-
Meghan Casey
MATHEMATICS, DRAMA, SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Mrs. Casey holds a degree in Mathematics from The Catholic University of America. Before marrying and moving to Rhode Island, she taught at a Catholic high school in southern New Jersey. She is delighted to join our community and to share her God-given talents as she helps our students prepare for whatever comes next.
-
Renee McInnis
SCIENCE & ADMISSIONS COORDINATOR
Mrs. McGinnis earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from Dartmouth College and her Master of Science in Molecular Biology from the University of Texas. A mother of six with over 30 years of teaching experience, she lives a life of joy, faith, and charity and brings that same spirit to her students.
-
Michael Casey
MISSION ADVANCEMENT
Michael Casey is a longtime Rhode Island resident and father of five. He holds a B.S. in Resource Development and an MBA from the University of Rhode Island and brings extensive experience in business leadership and community service. He is passionate about helping families access a strong Catholic and classical education for their children.
-
Michelle Arpin
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT & RECEPTIONIST
Michelle Arpin is a Rhode Island native and graduate of Rhode Island College, she brings experience in administrative and customer service roles. A devoted Catholic, Michelle is excited to support the Chesterton community and help create a welcoming environment for students and families.
-
Elizabeth Mongno
MARKETING
Mrs. Mongo is a graduate of Providence College, where she studied Theology and the Humanities. She is passionate about sharing the faith and the gift of classical education with the Rhode Island community.
-
Felix Arias
FACILITIES
Mr. Arias brings years of experience in facilities management to his role. He is enthusiastic about maintaining and continually improving our campus as a place of beauty for the Chesterton community.