Yaneli Almonte-Arias serves as Director of School Operations at Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope. She brings more than 16 years of experience in education, operations, and leadership, and holds a B.S. in Event and Sport Management from Johnson & Wales University. A practicing Catholic and mother of two, Yaneli is passionate about creating a safe, welcoming school community where every student is known and supported.
yalmonte@chestertonri.org
Michelle Arpin serves as an Administrative Assistant and Receptionist at Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope. 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 Catholic environment for students and families.
marpin@chestertonri.org
Robert Baxter serves on the Facilities team at Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope. A Warwick native and Fairfield University graduate with degrees in History and Economics, Robert has been active in his parish as a lector since 2017. He and his father helped restore the school building during Chesterton Academy’s early years, and he continues to support the school through its daily upkeep.
rbaxter@chestertonri.org
Michael Casey serves on the leadership team at Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope. 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.
mcasey@chestertonri.org
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.
Mrs. Casey serves as a mathematics teacher at Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope. A graduate of The Catholic University of America with a degree in Secondary Education Mathematics, she has taught Algebra I and Geometry at a Catholic high school in New Jersey. She is passionate about helping students build confidence and a genuine appreciation for
mathematics.meghancasey@chestertonri.org
Dr. Robert Gervasini serves as Academic Dean at Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope. 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.
rgervasini@gmail.com
Mr. Gotcher teaches at Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope, bringing 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.
tgotcher@chestertonri.org
Mr. Jefferson teaches Humanities and Music at Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope. 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.
hjefferson@chestertonri.org
Mr. Magaña teaches at Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope, bringing a passion for mathematics and the liberal arts. After working as a network engineer, he earned a master’s degree in Mathematics from Arizona State University and taught at a classical academy in Phoenix, where he met his wife. He is passionate about forming students through the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty.
jmagana@chestertonri.org
Mr. Maynard teaches Humanities, Mathematics, and Sciences at Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope. 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.
Mr. Mattias serves as a music teacher at Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope, bringing extensive experience as a musician, composer, organ builder, and pipe organ technician. A graduate of Bishop Hendricken High School, he has served as a parish music director and organist for many years. He is passionate about sharing the beauty of music and the Catholic faith with his students and community.
bmattias@chestertonri.org
Mrs. Abigail Tardiff teaches at Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope, bringing 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.
atardiff@chestertonri.org
As Headmaster of Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope, he brings 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—through a love of truth, goodness, and beauty. He is passionate about building a joyful, mission-centered school community that helps students grow in faith, virtue, wisdom, and purpose.
