Lindsey Miller
1. What was your ACE Site/ school/ grade level/ subject taught?
I taught 4th grade at Transfiguration Parish School while living in St. Petersburg, FL as a member of ACE IV.
2. In general, how would you describe your ACE experience?
I profited greatly from my time in ACE, most notably through the relationships I formed with my housemates, other ACErs, and my students. Although it was undoubtedly one of the most challenging and difficult times in my life, especially in light of the death of my brother, it was also one of the most rewarding and fulfilling times as well. Certainly, a highlight was meeting my husband, and I am also grateful that my ACE experience gave my life a direction professionally that I may have not otherwise taken.
3. What have you been doing since you graduated from ACE?
After graduating from ACE, I taught fifth and sixth grade language arts at St. Anthony de Padua School in South Bend, Indiana for one year. After that, I moved to Salt Lake City, Utah to engage in doctoral studies at the University of Utah. I received my Ph.D. in school psychology last May and currently work part-time as a contract school psychologist in the Pittsburgh area. I married a fellow ACE IV graduate, Pete Miller, in July 2001, and we have two boys, Michael (age 3) and Mark (age 2). Our third baby is due in July.
4. How have you stayed connected to ACE?
I have attended a number of ACE retreats in South Bend and maintain contact with other ACE graduates through email and phone. Pete and I also make it a point to stop in the ACE office whenever we are in South Bend visiting his family. I also enjoy reading ACE emails and newsletters in an effort to keep up with what is currently happening in ACE and to remain informed about the lives of old friends.
5. What are the ways in which you continue to serve Catholic education?
As a school psychologist intern, I worked at Holy Family Institute, a Catholic institution that serves children with behavioral disorders. I also taught summer school classes at a Catholic K-8 school in Salt Lake City while living there.
Jim Ernster
1. What was your ACE Site/ school/ grade level/ subject taught?
ACE 4
Our Lady Perpetual Help
2nd Grade; Self-Contained
2. In general, how would you describe your ACE experience?
Anytime you have the likes of Bill Gibbs, John Ericksen, Ted Lefere and Ted caron in your cohort, things will be interesting…Overall it was a tremendous experience both during the summer and at my site in Dallas. I was tremendously blessed with fantastic roommates both years which helped us all survive the chaos that is teaching in ACE. Also, it was truly wonderful to observe the culture that surrounded our school and how they embrace their church and school community.
3. What have you been doing since you graduated from ACE?
After ACE I began teaching 7th grade at St.Francis Elementary in my hometown of Brainerd, MN. I taught there for 2 years before I accepted a position teaching Special Education in the public school system. I have been here that past 6 years and enjoy it a great deal. We are a small, highly specialized EBD and LD school and it gives me great satisfaction to works with this challenging population.
While teaching here I also met my lovely and enchanting wife, Jenny, and we have been married for 4 years now. When we were married, Jenny already had two girls, Alayna and Jessie and we have since added 2 more, Grace and Cassie. Alayna is now 12, Jessie is 8, Grace is 3 and Cassie is 2. Cassie is currently in the house destruction business and we are willing to rent her out to families whose house is too neat and cleanJ
4. How have you stayed connected to ACE?
Staying connected with ACE is a challenge being that I am so busy with Family teaching, coaching, etc. I keep in contact with Michelle Lavigne, my former roommate, and she generally gives me some info on former ACErs.
5. What are the ways in which you continue to serve Catholic education?
My serving of Catholic Education, right now, is limited to my sending Grace to Saint Francis and helping out there whenever possible. Would we like to do more, absolutely; do I see that happening, unsure at this point.