The third cohort of DIA Fellows has concluded and six Catholic school professionals undertook very interesting initiatives. On behalf of their respective schools, the Fellows projects seek to further the mission focus and formation opportunities. In the past two issues of The Cenacle, we profiled four of the 2023 candidates. Meet the final two 2023 Fellows.
Ann Fallon
Ann Fallon is the Principal of St. Albert the Great Academy in Auburn, New York. Prior to being a school leader, Ann homeschooled her eight children and then served at Tyburn Academy by teaching, fundraising, developing a middle school program,working with teacher formation and retreats, and volunteering as a Board member. Her passion for catechesis has been strengthened through formation in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and leadership certificates from Aquinas College. She holds a BA from the University of Denver.
Ann’s DIA Fellowship project will focus on marketing and rebranding Catholic elementary education in her community.
Sam Rockford
Sam Rockford is Director of Educational Programming at St. James Academy in Lenexa, Kansas. He graduated from University of Kansas with BSE in Secondary Math and English, and an MA in Teaching and Leadership. In 2017 Rockford was a Kansas Finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. In 2020 he received the Jedel Excellence in Math Education Prime Award Recipient. Sam is married with three kids and enjoys lawn care, gardening, reading, and playing guitar. His favorite verse is Romans 5:1-5.
St. James Academy is in the beginning stages of a new program called Rhetoric and Media Arts. The aim of this program is to harmonize the classical roots of rhetoric with the technical side of media while doing so with a Catholic Worldview. The project will focus on developing and executing the curriculum.
On behalf of the DIA Schools Collaborative board of directors, we extend gratitude to six Catholic education professionals who shared their passion, expertise and especially their time to mentor our 2023 Fellows. The mentors for 2023 were:
Father Randy Sly
Tommy Curtin
Phil Consuegra
Tom Cole
Deborah Nearmyer
Patrick Reidy
2024 Fellowships Applications Now Open. Be a change-maker in your school or diocesan community! Consider how you can infuse the faith and elevate the formation of your colleagues through a project that provides both personal and professional satisfaction. Apply now to take part in the 4th Cohort of DIA Fellows! Learn more here.