Faculty & Staff
Teachers at Cardinal Kung Academy come from diverse academic disciplines and classroom experiences—and they share a love for their subjects and a passion for teaching. Each faculty member signs a Statement of Faith and an Oath of Fidelity, reflecting our commitment to the Catholic faith every class, every day.
Dr. Alexander Miller
PrincipalA.B., Philosophy and Theology — Georgetown University
M.A., Early Christian Studies — University of Notre Dame
M.A., Christian Near Eastern Studies — The Catholic University of America
Ph.D., Theology — Fordham University
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Dr. Miller earned his AB magna cum laude with a double-major in Philosophy and Theology from Georgetown University, an MA in Early Christian Studies (jointly sponsored by Classics and Theology) from the University of Notre Dame, an MA in Christian Near Eastern Studies from The Catholic University of America with a major in Syriac and minor in Coptic, and a PhD in Theology from Fordham University, specializing in patristic theology. Dr. Miller has worked in parish ministry in Manhattan, published several academic articles on ancient and modern theology, and has taught courses in Classics, Philosophy, and Theology at Notre Dame, Fordham, St. John’s University, and SUNY Purchase.
Father Joseph Gill
CHAPLAIN | theologyB.A. — Franciscan University of Steubenville
M.A. in Theology — Mount St. Mary’s University
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Fr. Joseph Gill completed his undergraduate studies at Franciscan University in Steubenville, OH, and his graduate studies in Theology at Mount St. Mary's University, Emmitsburg, MD. He serves as the pastor of St. Jude Parish in Monroe, Connecticut.
Mr. John Carrigan
Director of Guidance and Student SupportB.A., Secondary English Education — University of Connecticut
M.A., School Counseling — Fairfield University
Certificate of Advanced Studies, School Administration and Supervision — Fairfield University
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Mr. John Carrigan earned a BA in Secondary English Education from the University of Connecticut, MA in School Counseling, and holds a Certificate of Advanced Studies in School Administration and Supervision from Fairfield University.
Mr. Emil Bantea
Latin | Ancient HistoryM.A., English Philology — State University of Moldova
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Mr. Emil Bantea received his Masters Degree from the Department of English Philology at the State University of Moldova Republic. His studies included coursework in applied linguistics, with a focus on issues of language acquisition, bilingualism, and the teaching of foreign language. Coming to the U.S., he decided to pursue a career in teaching high school Latin. A lifelong language learner, Mr. Bantea was drawn to Latin, a common language for intellectual discourse across Europe. He taught the core subjects of a Bilingual Education program and Latin and Language and Culture courses in CT public schools for over 20 years. At CKA, Catholic and Classical go together and not a small number of students pray in another language in addition to Latin. Mr. Bantea is passionate about teaching at a school that guides students from Aristotle to Christ with joyful wisdom and is thankful to be working alongside the dedicated faculty at the Academy.
Ms. Emma Barnes
Middle School HumanitiesB.A., History — University of Connecticut
B.A., German — University of Connecticut
M.Phil., Judaism and Christianity in the Graeco-Roman World — University of Oxford
D.Phil. (in progress), Theology and Religion — University of Oxford
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Ms. Emma Barnes was pursuing a DPhil in the Faculty of Theology and Religion at Oxford University when she discerned a call to teach in a Catholic middle school, returning to her roots in Connecticut. Ms. Barnes earned BAs in History and German from the University of Connecticut, and an MPhil with distinction in Judaism and Christianity in the Graeco-Roman World from Oxford. At UConn, she spent one year abroad at the Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg and also began her study of ancient Greek and biblical Hebrew.
Mrs. Liliana Benischek
EconomicsM.I.A., International Affairs — Columbia University
B.A., International Relations and Economics — University of Guadalajara
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Mrs. Liliana Benischek is a practitioner with more than 20 years’ experience in diplomacy, policy formulation and programme management at international and national levels, including working for the United Nations and the Government of Mexico, covering issues of economic development, aid effectiveness, and United Nations’ reform. Her academic experience includes teaching Macroeconomics and Political Economy for undergraduates at the University of Guadalajara. Mrs. Benischek holds a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from Columbia University, and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Economics from the University of Guadalajara.
Mr. Nicholas Botkins
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Mr. Nicholas Botkins is the Choirmaster and Organist at the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist in Stamford. In his work leading youth choirs and advanced chant courses, Mr. Botkins has also developed the skill of teaching Latin to younger students. In addition to teaching Music classes at Cardinal Kung Academy, Mr. Botkins also directs the schola cantorum, which began as an extracurricular activity for CKA’s young men and has become an audition-only music class for young men and women. The schola cantorum sings at weekly school Masses and special events, like the annual Lessons & Carols.
Mr. Regan Bradley
science B.S., Physics — State University of New York at Albany
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Mr. Regan Bradley holds a B.S. in Physics from the State University of New York at Albany. Mr Bradley's pursuit of teaching was maintained alongside previous employment in the financial and healthcare management sectors by tutoring students in math and the sciences at the high school and collegiate levels.
Mr. Michael DeFelice
Director of Admissions | Literature | TheologyB.A., Philosophy and Classics — Georgetown University
M.A., Theology — Dominican House of Studies
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Mr. Michael DeFelice studied Philosophy and Classics at Georgetown University, where he received the Philosophy Department’s Ryan Medal. He recently completed a Masters Degree in Theology from the Dominican House of Studies (Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception) in Washington, DC. Before coming to CKA, Mr. DeFelice worked as the Conferences and Development Coordinator for the Thomistic Institute at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC.
Mrs. Jennifer Docherty
Literature | Grammar & RhetoricB.A., English Literature — Mount St. Mary’s University
M.A., English Literature — King’s College London (University of London)
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Mrs. Jennifer Docherty holds a B.A. and an M.A. degree in English literature from Mount Saint Mary’s University, Maryland and King’s College, University of London, respectively. She is a veteran English and literature teacher, having taught in private schools in London, UK and in the U.S.
Mrs. Lauren DeFelice
DIRECTOR of Operations | physical educationB.S., Architecture — The Ohio State University
M.S., Sports Management — University of New Haven
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Ms. Lauren Doyle holds a B.S. in Architecture from The Ohio State University and a M.S. in Sports Management from the University of New Haven. After most recently working in large events management, she was delighted for the opportunity to bring her skills and talents to classical education at Cardinal Kung Academy.
In addition to working at CKA, Ms. Doyle also leads youth ministry for several local Stamford parishes and volunteers regularly at St. Cecilia’s Church and in planning events for the Stamford young adult community.
Mr. Alexander Furey
MS Literature & THEOLOGY | HS MathB.A., Applied Mathematics — University of Connecticut
M.S., Mathematics — University of Connecticut
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Mr. Alexander Furey graduated with a B.A. in Applied Mathematics and a Masters in Mathematics from UConn. Similar to some of the other faculty at Cardinal Kung Academy, he was on his way to pursuing a Ph.D. before discerning a call to teach in his home state of Connecticut. He became interested in the classical and Catholic roots of Cardinal Kung Academy, especially its emphasis on close reading, critical thinking, and sound moral formation.
In addition to his academic interests, Mr. Furey spent much of his childhood, high school, and college years singing in several select choral groups. Some of these groups specialized in contemporary choral music, others in sacred music, including polyphony and chant. This formation had a profound impact upon Mr. Furey, both musically and otherwise.
Mrs. Geraldine Galasso
MATHEMATICSB.S., Mathematics and Education — SUNY Stony Brook
M.B.A. in Finance — Adelphi University
M.S., Education — University of Bridgeport
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Mrs. Geraldine Galasso holds a B.A. in Mathematics and Education from SUNY Old Westbury, an MBA from Adelphi University, and an M.S. in Education from the University of Bridgeport. Before coming to CKA, Mrs. Galasso was a member of the faculty of Our Lady of Fatima in Wilton, CT, for twenty years. There she specialized in teaching middle school mathematics, individualizing instruction for students of all ability levels. She also started a student "Millionaire's Club," a finance-based after-school program for students to study and apply investment skills. Mrs. Galasso is passionate about teaching in a Catholic school where she can share her faith and help her students see how the Catholic faith can help them navigate the academic and social challenges of middle school and high school.
Ms. Kelsey Gilmore
ARTM.F.A., Painting — Western Connecticut State University
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Kelsey Gilmore is an Artist and Painter from Northport, NY. She is currently living and working in South Salem, NY. Her artistic practice includes paintings, works on paper, and prints. She received her MFA in Painting at Western Connecticut University in 2022 and has shown her work Nationally ever since. She received an Artful Visual Arts Initiative Grant to study in Rome in 2022, and was a part of the Rome Art Program. Her work explores the convergence of figuration and abstraction, while hinting at themes of nature, spirituality, and art history. She works from observation and memory, collecting colors, shapes, and light while intuitively painting onto the surface. Kelsey is passionate about using art as a tool to teach people how to problem solve, grow and think creatively.
Dr. Alexandra Kimball
Literature | HistoryB.A., Liberal Arts — St. John’s College
Ph.D., Victorian Literature — Columbia University
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Dr. Alexandra Kimball earned a BA in Liberal Arts at St. John’s College, Annapolis, MD, and then a Ph.D. in Victorian Literature from Columbia University. She left her life as an academic and university professor of Victorian literature to return to her roots as a general reader, writing for The Hudson Review (where she also serves also an Advisory Editor), The New Criterion, Barnes & Noble Review, and The Wall Street Journal.
Ms. Alison Masson
HISTORYB.A., Politics — Washington and Lee University
M.A., Curriculum and Instruction — Boston College
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Alison earned a BA in politics from Washington and Lee University with minors in Education and Poverty Studies. She continued her education with the Urban Catholic Teacher Corps at Boston College, where she earned an MA in Curriculum and Instruction. Before coming to CKA, Alison taught history and psychology in the Archdiocese of Boston and worked extensively with a retreat ministry in the midwest.
Mrs. Alexandra McLaughlin
MS DramaB.F.A. — New York University, Tisch School of the Arts
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Mrs. Alexandra McLaughlin is an alumna of New York University’s, Tisch School of the Arts, where she earned her B.F.A. Her extensive theater experience spans Off-Broadway productions, film, television, and commercials. She is delighted to bring her deep passion for exploring human nature through character development and expressive performance to the middle school students at Cardinal Kung Academy.
Mr. Kyle MacDonald
dean of formation | college admissions B.A., English and Psychology — Vanderbilt University
M.A., Secondary Education — University of Notre Dame
Ed.D. (in progress), Educational Administration — University of Mary
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Mr. Kyle MacDonald holds a B.A. in English and Psychology from Vanderbilt University and an M.A. in Secondary Education from the University of Notre Dame. He is also currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Administration through the University of Mary. Over the past 10 years, Mr. MacDonald has served as an English and theology teacher, campus minister, college counselor, and director of guidance at Catholic schools in New York and Denver, Colorado.
He was initially drawn to Cardinal Kung Academy for its reputation as an authentically Catholic community and its mission of forming the whole person within the classical liberal arts tradition. It is a joy for him to get to know each of the students and support them in the cultivation of virtue and the pursuit of truth. The Voyage of Life series of paintings by Thomas Cole serves Mr. MacDonald as a continual reminder of this lifelong adventure and its ultimate fulfillment in God.
Mr. Jack O’Hara
MS & HS LIteratureB.A., English — Georgetown University
M.B.A., Finance — New York University
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Mr. Jack O’Hara was an English major at Georgetown University and later earned an MBA with a Finance concentration at New York University. His career begins and continues on the same note. His first job out of college was teaching English to 8th graders at St. Albans School in Washington DC. What followed was decades in finance in the NYC area. Now Mr. O’Hara has returned to his roots as a Literature teacher, for both middle and upper schools, at Cardinal Kung Academy.
Mr. Daniel Orazio
LATIN | ANCIENT LITERATUREB.A., Classical Philology — University of Dallas
M.A., Classics — Tufts University
Licentiate, Christian and Classical Literature — Pontifical Salesian University (Rome)
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Mr. Daniel Orazio earned a BA in Classical Philology from the University of Dallas and an MA in Classics from Tufts University. After seven years in Boston, six of them spent teaching Latin in the public high schools of Newton, Mass., where he apprenticed under master Latin teacher Alice Lanckton, Mr. Orazio moved to Italy to pursue a License in "Christian and Classical Literature" from the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome. In August of 2023, he returned home to Fairfield County, excited to teach Latin and Ancient Literature at Cardinal Kung Academy. During spare moments he may be found working on his thesis, a study of the Latinity of the letters and other documents pertaining to the Jesuit Mission of Marilandia (Maryland).
Mr. Jeffrey Padilla
MATHEMATICS | History | physicsB.A., English — Williams College
B.A., History — Williams College
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Mr. Jeffrey Padilla earned a BA in English and in History from Williams College in Williamstown, MA. He returns to his liberal arts background and to teaching after years in business finance and pharmacology.
Mrs. Megan Powell
mathematicsB.S., Mathematics — Wake Forest University
M.A., Teaching — Johns Hopkins University
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Mrs. Megan Powell earned a BS in Mathematics from Wake Forest University and a MA in Teaching from John Hopkins University. She has wide and diverse experience teaching experience, varying from an inner-city public school in Baltimore to independent schools in Manhattan and Greenwich, CT.
Mrs. Kristjana Underhill
Dean of faculty | History B.A., Philosophy — Yale University
M.A., Social Studies — Columbia University
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Mrs. Kristjana Underhill holds a BA in Philosophy from Yale University and a MA in Social Studies from Columbia University. She brings close to twenty years teaching experience in local high and private classical schools.
Mrs. Christina Watkins
Business ManagerB.S., Accounting — Lehigh University
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Mrs. Christina Watkins has a B.S. degree in Accounting from Lehigh University, where she also earned minors in Music and British Literature. She took courses at Harvard University in Expository Writing and Arthurian Literature. She was a C.P.A. and worked in the past at Arthur Andersen & Co. as an auditor and at Southern Connecticut Newspapers as Senior Accountant. Mrs. Watkins has nine children, all of whom she homeschooled. She belongs to Saints Cyril and Methodius Church in Bridgeport, where she also sings in the choir.