Academics

Tess Akers, M.S.O.P.T., M.A.

Teacher | Science Department

B.A. Wilmington College (French & English Lit | Psychology)
B.S. Quinnipiac University (Physical Therapy)
M.S. Quinnipiac University (Orthopedic Physical Therapy)
M.A. Middlebury College (French)

Teaching Experience: 12 years

Ms. Aker's Bio

Jason Alderuccio

Teacher | Theology Department

B.A. Western Connecticut State University (Fine Arts | Music)
M.A. (exp. 2025) Holy Apostles College and Seminary (Theology)

Teaching Experience: 17 years

Sean Bannon

Teacher | Science Department

B.A. Assumption College (Education, History)

Teaching Experience: 5 years

Briana Bradford, M.S. `12

School Counselor | Department of Counseling

B.A. University of New Haven (Psychology)
M.S. Southern Connecticut State University (Counseling)

Counseling Experience: 4 years

Dawn Burbage, M.A.

Chair | English Department

B.A. Western Connecticut State University (English | Writing)
M.A. Western Connecticut State University (English Literature)

Teaching Experience: 27 years

Dominic Carini, MSEd, CAS `72

Teacher | Social Studies Department

B.A. University of New Haven (Political Science)
MSEd Southern Connecticut State University (Social Studies Education)
CAS Southern Connecticut State University (6th Year - Education and Supervision)

Teaching Experience: 41 years

Godfather to the Director of the Science Academy.

Chris Ciarleglio, Ph.D. `00

Director | Science Academy @ Holy Cross
Teacher | Science Department
Instructor | Johns Hopkins University
ECE Affiliate Faculty (Biological Sciences) | University of Connecticut

B.A. Swarthmore College (Biology | Ancient History)
Ph.D. Vanderbilt University (Neuroscience)
Postdoctoral Fellow | Vanderbilt University
Fox Postdoctoral Fellow | Brown University

Teaching Experience: 21 years

Dr. Ciar's Bio

Dan Creem `12

Teacher | Science Department

B.A. Swarthmore College (Neuroscience | Philosophy)

Teaching Experience: 5 years

Caroline Flaminio, M.S. `79

Chair | Health & Wellness Department

B.S. Southern Connecticut State University (Physical Education | Health)
M.S. Southern Connecticut State University (Physical Education)

Coaching certified
American Heart Association CPR Instructor

Teaching Experience: 40 years

Duane Gereski

Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Engagement | Holy Cross High School

Doreen Kiefer-Kopecky, MFA

Teacher | English Department
Adjunct English Faculty | CT State College - Naugatuck Valley
ECE Affiliate Faculty (English) | University of Connecticut

B.A. Castleton University (American Literature | History, Comm.)
MFA Norwich University -Vermont College (Creative Writing, Poetry)

Teaching Experience: 18 years

Sean Kienle, M.A.

Teacher | English Department

B.A. Central Connecticut State University (English)
M.A. St. Joseph's University (Special Education)

Teaching Experience: 22 years

Erik Lanese, M.A., LAT/ATC

Chair | Science Department

B.S. Central Connecticut State University (Allied Health)
M.A. University of Bridgeport (Educational Leadership)

Teaching Experience: 22 years

Sean Lewis, M.A.

Chair | Music & Performing Arts Department
Adjunct Professor of Music | CT Community Colleges (NW Campus)

B.M. Keene State College (Music Education)
M.A. Central Connecticut State University (Educational Leadership)

Teaching Experience: 32 years

Frank Lombardo, M.A. `85

Teacher | Mathematics Department

B.A. Connecticut College
M.A. Central Connecticut State University

Teaching Experience: 31 years

Anthony Lucia `14

Teacher | Science Department

B.A. Post University (Biology)

Teaching Experience: new!

Jodie McGarrity, M.Ed. `93

Director | Department of Counseling
Director| International Program

B.A. University of Connecticut (Sociology)
M.Ed. University of Massachusetts - Amherst (Higher Education Administration)

Nick Nave

Maintenance Supervisor | Holy Cross High School

Kathleen Partin`93

Director of Finance | Holy Cross High School

Karen Pellegrino, M.A.

Director of Enrollment Management | Holy Cross High School

B.A. Boston College
M.A. Boston College

Thomas Pellegrino, J.D., Ph.D.

President | Holy Cross High School

B.A. Fairfield University (Politics)
J.D. Syracuse University College of Law
Ph.D. University of Connecticut (Educational Administration)

Thomas J. Pompei, M.A.

Principal | Holy Cross High School

B.A. Boston College (English)
M.A. University of Bridgeport (Educational Leadership)

Teaching Experience: 26 years

John Rodriguez, M.A. `99

Chair | Social Studies Department

B.A. Central Connecticut State University (History | Philosophy)
M.A. University of St. Joseph (Curriculum and Instruction)

Teaching Experience: 12 years

Patrick Russell

Director of Major & Planned Gifts | Holy Cross High School

Nora Sanabria

Teacher | World Languages Department

B.S. Universidad Distrital Francisco Jose de Caldas (Spanish Language and Literature)
PG Universidad el Bosque (Educational Counseling and Human Development)
Special Ed. Cert. Post University

Teaching Experience: 30 years

Concetta Scarfone, MBA (HCM/GM)

Teacher | World Languages Department
Adjunct Professor of Italian | Fairfield University
Adjunct Professor of Spanish | University of Bridgeport
ECE Affiliate Faculty (Italian) | University of Connecticut

B.A. Central Connecticut State University (Natural Sciences - Specialization in Medical Technology)
MBA University of Phoenix (Specialization in Healthcare and Global Management)

Teaching Experience: 15 years

Consigliere to the Director of the Science Academy.

Ms. Scarfone's Bio

Rosanne Shea, M.F.A.

Chair | Art Department

Adjunct Professor of Art | CT State Community College - Naugatuck Valley
Director of Education | Board of Green Planet Films

B.F.A. University of Connecticut
M.F.A. Vermont College

Teaching Experience: 40 years

Lori Talevi, MSEd, SYC

Teacher | Theology & English Departments

B.A. Central Connecticut State University (English | Philosophy)
MSEd Central Connecticut State University (Administration & Supervision)
SYC Southern Connecticut State University (Educational Leadership)

Teaching Experience: 40 years

Consigliere to the Director of the Science Academy and to the Principal.

Melissa Torrance, MSEd `93

Teacher | Science Department
ECE Affiliate Faculty (Physics) | University of Connecticut

B.S. Bucknell University (Chemistry)
MSEd University of Bridgeport (Secondary Education)

Teaching Experience: 25 years

Brian Walker, MBA `95

Chair | Business & Technology Department
ECE Affiliate Faculty (Physics) | University of Connecticut

BBA Siena College (Accounting)
MBA Post University

Teaching Experience: 24 years

Catherine Xeller, M.S.

Assistant Principal | Holy Cross High School

B.A. Southern Connecticut State University
M.S. Southern Connecticut State University