Jed Crook, Principal, Theology

Mr. Crook holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Mount St. Mary’s University and a master’s degree in Dogmatic Theology from Holy Apostles College. After a few years in retail banking, he began teaching in 2015. Mr. Crook founded Chesterton Academy of the Annunciation in 2023 (now Annunciation High School). A native Marylander, he grew up on a farm on the Eastern Shore. He and his wife, Kristin, have four children, and they consider it a special blessing to be part of the Church in the area surrounding Mount St. Mary’s.

Kristin Crook, Vice Principal, Literature 11/12, Debate, Drama, Art History

Kristin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in education and a minor in theology from Mount St. Mary’s University. She has worked in Catholic, classical secondary education since 2011, teaching history, literature, writing, and theology. She spent several years developing curricula and loves helping students learn to express themselves clearly and thoughtfully. When not in the classroom, Kristin enjoys homeschooling, crafting, reading.

Dr. Christopher Anadale, Philosophy 9, 10, and 11/12

Dr. Anadale received his Ph.D. in Philosophy from Emory University in 2005. He has taught at Mount St. Mary’s University and Seminary since 2009. Previously he taught philosophy full time at Conception Seminary College and Georgia State University. He lives in Emmitsburg with his wife and children. He is excited to help students develop the intellectual side of their faith.

Dr. Owen Phelan, History 11

Dr. Phelan received his Ph.D. in History from the University of Notre Dame.  He has taught at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary since 2006. He has also taught at Valparaiso University and the University of Michigan.  He lives in Fairfield, PA with his wife and children.   

Dr. Isaac Mills, Chemistry

Dr. Isaac Mills comes to Annunciation High for his first year as Chemistry teacher. He holds a Ph.D in Chemistry from Carnegie Mellon and is also an Associate Professor at Mount St. Mary’s University. He and his wife Amanda live in Emmitsburg with their five children.

Kyle Ambrose, Algebra I and II, Geometry & Pre-Calculus

Mr. Ambrose received his Master’s degree in Secondary Math Education from the University of Connecticut in 2013 and has taught a variety of math classes since leaving college. He loves all things math and science and also tutors for the SAT and the ACT and has always loved taking tests. When he’s not working, he can be found spending time with his wife and daughter or playing golf.

Amy Ambrose, English 9, Debate

Mrs. Ambrose fell in love with critical thinking, riddles, and deep conversation as a freshman in her high school English class. This eventually led her to study philosophy in college. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Philosophy with a concentration in Comparative Religious Studies from James Madison University where she worked to translate a Greek artifact in the Madison Art Collection. In her free time, she enjoys practicing calligraphy, reading, and hanging out with her family.

Joe Palkovic, Physical Education

Mr. Palkovic earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland in 2006, minoring in Political Science with coursework in Secondary Education. He was raised in Maryland, where he was a varsity athlete in three sports, and a collegiate athlete in Track and Field. He has been a police officer since 2007, and part-time instructor at the Frederick Police Academy since 2013. He also coaches youth soccer. He is married with four children and is excited to share his love for sports and an active lifestyle with students.

Erica Delp, Marketing & Development Associate

Erica holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Youth Ministry and a minor in Communication Studies from Eastern University and a Master of Science degree in Human Services/Non Profit Management from Capella University. She has worked in the non profit sector and faith based institutions since 2006, directing programs, managing ministries and educating. She is currently the Education Programs Coordinator at the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton where she enjoys managing and developing historical, educational and creative arts programs. She is excited to help others learn about the dynamic education offered at Annunciation High School.

Annunciation High School, a classical high school in the Catholic tradition, employs talented and dynamic teachers who promise to teach faithfully, according to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. All teachers have bachelor’s degrees, and some have advanced degrees. They have demonstrated excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, and possess a track record of contributing to the vision and mission of an apostolic and educational enterprise. Teacher to student ratio is estimated at 1:12 for the 2025-2026 academic year, with the exception of drama, choir, art history, and physical education, where the ratio is 1:20. All faculty and staff have security clearance and training in accordance with COMAR 13A.09.09.

Annunciation High School admits students of any race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.