Faculty & Staff

Mr. Finke graduated from Xavier University with a bachelor’s degree in classical languages. He joined Chesterton Academy in 2018 and in addition to teaching he is the Dean of Men.

A founding faculty member of Chesterton Academy, Mr. Ahlquist has played a role in developing the school’s curriculum in history, philosophy and literature. He received his bachelor’s from Christendom College double majoring in theology and philosophy, graduating magna cum laude.

Mr. Lechner received his bachelor’s in Catholic studies and English from the University of St. Thomas. He joined Chesterton Academy in 2018.

Miss Bormes is a founding faculty member at Chesterton Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and received a master’s degree in Catholic studies from the University of St. Thomas. In addition to teaching, she is a popular author, speaker, and radio host. She is also an Engagement Specialist for Chesterton Academy.

Mr. Charmoli is a graduate of Chesterton Academy Class of 2012. He attended the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND receiving a bachelor’s degree in social studies education and completed his student teaching experience in Lima, Peru. Mr. Charmoli joined the faculty at Chesterton Academy in 2016.

Dr. Chastek graduated from Thomas Aquinas College, received an MA from Claremont Graduate University, and a Ph.L. and Ph.D. from the Pontifical University of Thomas Aquinas in Rome (The Angelicum). He joined the faculty of Chesterton Academy in 2010. Dr. Chastek is also our humanities department head.

Mrs. Lei is a graduate of Wyoming Catholic College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. She received her master’s in art history at the University of St. Thomas. She joined the faculty in 2013.

Mrs. Hertelendy has a Bachelor of Arts in both Italian and Chinese, as well as a Master of Arts in Chinese. She joined our faculty in 2018, and teaches Italian to our juniors and seniors.

Mrs. Hirl holds a Bachelor of Science degree magna cum laude in honors mathematics and secondary education from the University of Notre Dame as well as a master’s degree in education from St. Catherine’s University in St. Paul. She serves as the Department Head for Math and Science, the Dean of Women and full-time math and science instructor. She joined the faculty at Chesterton Academy in 2011, and after a four-year break returned in 2021.

Mr. Berke is a graduate of University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he earned his bachelor’s degree in biological sciences. Before joining our faculty, he served and taught at Chesterton Academy as a Teach for Christ missionary.

Mrs. Berke is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas where she earned her bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics and a minor in statistical mathematics. In 2018, she served at Chesterton Academy as a missionary with Teach for Christ. Mrs. Berke joined Chesterton Academy as a faculty member in 2019.

Mrs. Ahlquist is a founding member of Chesterton Academy and helped develop the fine arts curriculum at Chesterton. She received her bachelor’s from Carleton College majoring in music. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Ahlquist also serves as our fine arts department head.

Mr. Jones developed the fine arts curriculum upon joining the faculty in 2012. He has a master’s degree in fine art, and is an award-winning painter in regional, national, and international competitions. He is also a member of the both the Oil Painters of America and the National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society.

Mr. Chalmers earned his bachelor’s in music and history from St. Olaf College, and Masters of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Mr. Chalmers is the Director of Choirs.

Mrs. Metzinger joined the Chesterton Academy fine arts department in 2018. She studied music at Queensland University of Technology with a major in classical voice and a minor in jazz voice. She is the Dean of Student Life, Assistant Choir Director, Assistant Drama Teacher, Assistant Athletic Director and Safe Environment Coordinator.

Father Sandquist was ordained in the spring of 2017. He is a member of the Companions of Christ, a fraternity of diocesan priests and seminarians in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. In addition to serving as our chaplain, he is the Parochial Vicar at Holy Family Catholic Church in St. Louis Park.

Mr. Olley joined our staff in 2018. He oversees all fundraising, public relations, and community outreach for the school. Mr. Olley holds a Master of Arts in education from Viterbo College.

Mrs. Basgall joined Chesterton Academy in July 2017 as the Director of Admissions and Enrollment. Prior to coming to Chesterton she was the Admissions Director at Ave Maria Academy for ten years. She received her bachelor’s in family and child development from Virginia Tech.

Mrs. Rost came to Chesterton in the Fall of 2019 through the Hopkins school distirct to provide college counseling services. She has been a school counselor with the Hopkins School District since 2000. Mrs. Rost holds an M.Ed. in counseling psychology from Boston University.

Mr. Peterson joined Chesterton Academy in fall of 2018 as a business manager. He has worked the majority of his career in the business services industry. Mr. Peterson holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Minnesota State, Mankato and a masters in business from the University of St. Thomas.

Mrs. Rogers joined Chesterton Academy in 2017 as Director of Operations. Prior to this she worked for twenty years at the Church of St. Raphael Catholic in many capacities.

Mr. Steeves is our volunteer Athletic Director. He has also been the head coach of our men’s soccer team for the past several years.

Mr. Cantillon is a graduate of Conception Seminary College with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. He also holds a master’s degree in theology from Ave Maria University. He is the Donor Data Specialist. Prior to joining our staff, he served at Chesterton Academy as a Teach for Christ missionary.