Gia Smith
St. Ambrose Academy is delighted to welcome Gia Smith, a new history and religion teacher, to our team this year! Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Gia recently graduated from […]
Laura Zimmerman
Mrs. Laura Zimmerman is a tremendous asset to the St. Ambrose Academy community as a Learning Coach supporting students and faculty in countless ways! Together, with her husband Chuck, Laura […]
Joy Valladares-Cormier
As a cradle Catholic, Joy’s first experience with a classical Great Books-style class in high school had a significant impact on her faith. The class began to broaden her understanding […]
Ahrom Thompson
Initially tasked by her parents to check out St. Ambrose on behalf of her high school brothers, Ahrom Thompson ended her tour of the school with an offer to teach […]
Jen Spangler
With two sons flourishing as Guardians, Jen has seen the transformative power of a faith-based education firsthand. “Through them,” she reflects, “my faith has been enriched by wonderful personal discoveries, […]
Graham Smith
Graham holds a BS in physics, a BS in philosophy, an MS in physics, an MS in Electrical Engineering, an MA in philosophy, and a JD degree. He worked briefly […]
Dr. Mary Skemp
Dr. Mary Skemp is a true asset to St. Ambrose! A long-time Latin and English teacher, Mary has previously served as our Dean of Students and college counselor. In addition […]
Jess Sheridan
St. Ambrose Academy welcomes Jess Sheridan to our faculty! Jess brings a dynamic background in science and a deep love for the Catholic faith to her new role as the […]
Bret Sherfinski
Welcome Mr. Bret Sherfinski! St. Ambrose Academy is excited to welcome Bret to the faculty as our new Calculus II teacher. A Madison native and graduate of Edgewood High School, […]
Stacey Sanders
We are delighted to welcome Mrs. Stacey Sanders to the St. Ambrose Academy faculty as a Religion teacher this year! While new to our team, Stacey is a familiar face […]
Susie Polus
Born and raised Catholic, Susie was blessed to have a wonderful family, including two older siblings in whose footsteps she followed to UW-Madison. There, she earned an undergraduate degree in […]
Ben Pike
St. Ambrose Academy welcomes Ben Pike to our team as a new math teacher! Originally from Waunakee, Ben attended public schools in the area (with his twin sister!) before pursuing […]
Frank Perham
Prior to coming to St. Ambrose Academy, Frank’s professional experience includes being a Licensed Clinical Counselor with a practice history in the supportive management of longer-term psychiatric illnesses. After retiring […]
Clara Paloucek
Since joining the team, Clara has been excited to lean into our school’s emphasis on “deepening students’ faith, teaching traditional values, using classical methods, and forming the whole person.” Each […]
Michelle Nilsson
Michelle brings a wealth amount of experience in catechesis and evangelization to our school, having been engaged in parish, Diocesan, and Catholic apostolate work since the early 2000s. Born and […]
Dr. Constance Nielsen
Dr. Constance Nielsen has been with St. Ambrose since its founding and served in various roles throughout the years as Dean of Faculty and Head of Curriculum in addition to […]
Quinn Myers
After receiving an undergrad in chemistry and biochemistry from Drake University and her master’s of secondary education from UW-Madison, Quinn Meyers enjoys sharing her knowledge and love of the physical […]
Michael Kwas
Dean of Academic Success and history and science teacher Michael Kwas has been with St. Ambrose for over a decade. In spring 2023, he won statewide recognition through the annual […]
Dr. John Joy
Dr. John Joy first joined the St. Ambrose faculty as ninth-grade religion teacher before taking on the role of Dean of Faculty. Before this, John was the Director of Evangelization […]
Rhea Dricken
Welcome, Ms. Rhea Dricken! Rhea Dricken joins the St. Ambrose Academy staff with a passion for faith, formation, and fostering joy in young people. A native of Kewaskum, WI, Rhea […]
Scott Schmiesing
Though initially drawn to St. Ambrose Academy as a place to send his children for junior and senior high, Scott Schmiesing ended up becoming principal! He served as principal of […]
Aaron Roser
After first moving from his home state of Illinois to Arizona, Aaron, his wife Avarie, and their two young children now call Wisconsin home. Before taking the position of Assistant […]
Joel Kurth
Finance Director Joel Kurth has been with St. Ambrose for four years, starting as a part-time teacher and moving to management last year. Originally from Wisconsin, Joel and his wife […]
Fr. Jared Holzhuter
St. Ambrose warmly welcomes Fr. Jared Holzhuter as our new chaplain! Fr. Jared, a Janesville native, attended UW-Madison where he received a bachelor’s in English. He attended Sacred Heart Major […]
Angela Hineline
As Director of Enrollment and Retention, Angela Hineline values being the first point of contact when a family is searching for a great school, knowing that St. Ambrose is a […]
Julie Draves
A native of Neenah, WI, Julie first came to Madison where she earned a B.S. in horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has held positions in landscape design and […]
Joseph Draves
Joe Draves is passionate about offering young people a complete education that can be a refuge and oasis in the world, one that corresponds to the way they’ve been created […]
Ivonne Blahnik
In her role as our administrative assistant, Ivonne enjoys welcoming all school visitors, serving as a reachable and friendly resource to all those who come – in person or via […]
Carolyn Averill
Carolyn Averill brings a unique perspective to her role as advancement director. As a convert to Catholicism, Carolyn understands the experience of being on the outside of a community looking […]
John Scudder
St. Ambrose Academy is thrilled to welcome John Scudder as our new Head of School! In this new role, John will provide faith-based leadership, maintain effective classical educational programs, and […]
Dr. Geoffrey Ludvik
Latin and history teacher Dr. Geoffrey Ludvik is a biblical archeologist who’s passionate about making history relatable to his students in order to get them excited about it too. Geoffrey […]
Dr. Denise Ludvik
The talented Dr. Denise Ludvik is eager to share with her students her passion for learning the intricacies of how living organisms work, down to the smallest details of God’s […]
Emily Kwas
Emily brings many gifts to the St. Ambrose classroom! Emily is a graduate of UW-Madison with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a vocal emphasis. During her undergraduate years, […]
Sadie Kemna
A native of McFarland, Sadie returned to the Madison area after earning her bachelor’s degree at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota with majors in mathematics, secondary (5-12) education, […]
Courtney Jablonski
Courtney Jablonski is excited to be joining the St. Ambrose Academy community, bringing her passion for art education and a deep commitment to Catholic formation. Originally from a dairy farm […]
Liz Frias
In addition to her current role as Learning Coach, Liz also previously worked as the school secretary for three years before departing to raise her two young children. She and […]
Cherity Foat
Originally from Northwest Illinois, Mrs. Foat earned a dual bachelors in Spanish and Latin American Studies with an emphasis in Political Science from Rockford University. She continued at the University […]
Anne Cerjak
Welcome Ms. Anne Cerjak! Anne joins the faculty of St. Ambrose Academy as a Grammar and Religion teacher. She is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville with a Bachelor […]
Patrick Carey
St. Ambrose science and math students are often treated to carefully crafted, personalized curriculum from longtime science and math teacher and St. Ambrose founding member Patrick Carey. Through careful observance […]
Stephen Brooks
Though a New York native, Stephen has spent most of his adult life in Wisconsin. After completing his bachelor’s degree in philosophy at Haverford College, Stephen pursued graduate school work […]
Andy Bergquist
Welcome Mr. Andy Bergquist! Originally from Sun Prairie, Andy Bergquist joins the St. Ambrose Academy faculty this fall with a heart for Christ-centered education and a love for learning. A […]
Katie Behrens
Katie Behrens has taught English and grammar at St. Ambrose for over a decade. She also previously served as the Director of Student Activities and is currently the Director of […]
Gabriel Arango
Welcome Mr. Gabriel Arango to St. Ambrose Academy! Gabriel joins the faculty of St. Ambrose Academy with a deep love of learning and a desire to share the joy of […]