HEADMASTER, MATH TEACHER, AND LATIN TEACHER

John Cardwell is a veteran teacher and Central Oregon local with over two decades of experience in education. His professional background in independent private schools and public schools, in addition to his efforts in homeschooling his own, has provided John with a wealth of experience and a unique lens that has led him to a firm belief in the power of the Chesterton Academy mission and vision. John is excited to share his passion for the truth, beauty, and wisdom of the Catholic faith, as well as his love for Classical Christian education and the opportunity to help students grow academically, spiritually, and in character and virtue. He lives in Bend with his wife Julia (also an educator) and four wonderful children: Johnny (14), Anna (12), Joseph (7), and Cecilia (3).

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND SCIENCE TEACHER

Nicole Murphy is a veteran educator with 24 years of experience who will fulfill the executive director and science teacher role at Chesterton Academy. Nicole and her husband Bryan have lived in Bend since 1995. They have three grown children and two grandchildren. Nicole received her Bachelor's Degree in Biology and Health from the University of Oregon where she competed in x-country, track, and cheerleading. Nicole completed her Master's in Education at Portland State University in 1994. Nicole taught at Bend Senior High for eighteen years and at Pilot Butte Middle School for two. She also coached cross-country, track, and cheerleading at the high school level. While at home with her three children, she taught Religious Education for twelve years at St Francis. Nicole will finish this school year at Bridge Charter Academy as the Science and Health Subject Area Specialist. She enjoys horseback riding in beautiful Central Oregon and spending time with her growing family. After working many years in public education, Nicole is looking forward to combining her faith and passion for teaching while being part of the Chesterton team.

HUMANITIES TEACHER

Douglas Burk was born on a dairy farm in Central Oregon nearly fifty years ago.  There he learned to celebrate time and God's creation.  After a military enlistment and a history degree at Portland State University, he would return to it--the farm of his youth--with his lovely wife Erin and raise five children.  There the seasons tumbled into years and he watched his children grow and begin to make families of their own.  Having kept himself busy throughout those years reading deeply in Church history, theology, philosophy,  literature, and Chesterton (the maestro himself) he is eager to share his learning with a new generation and help point the way to the new Eden.

Choir

James is an American composer and Professor of Music at Central Oregon Community College, where he directs choral and vocal studies. His works—praised for their energy and emotional depth—have been performed across the U.S. and internationally in Europe, South America, and beyond. Since 2017, Knox has built a diverse catalog of commissioned works, including large-scale choral-orchestral settings, chamber music, and festival premieres. Knox’s global career includes serving as Visiting Professor at the University of London, Guest Maestro at the Conservatorio di Musica “Arrigo Pedrollo” in Italy, and residencies with leading Estonian choirs. He has also worked as a vocal coach, clinician, and performer throughout Europe. Mentored by renowned conductors and composers such as Robert Sund, Joseph Flummerfelt, María Guinand, Alice Parker, and Simon Carrington, Knox remains a vital force in the Pacific Northwest, blending teaching, conducting, and composing into a distinguished career in the choral arts.