Jed Crook, Headmaster, Theology 10, Theology 11/12,

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, 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.

Susan Anadale, History & Literature 10

Mrs. Anadale earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy from Salisbury University. She has been a homeschool educator to her own four children for the past 18 years and has previously taught logic, philosophy, and sewing in the homeschool community. She lives in Emmitsburg with her husband and their youngest children. She has a passion for educating the whole child and looks forward to sharing her love of literature and fascination with history with the students at Annunciation High School. 

Dr. Owen Phelan, Latin I and II

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.

Susan Sucher, Biology

Susan Sucher is an experienced home educator of all grades over the last twenty years. She has a deep love for math and science, as well as bioethics. Susan and her husband, Greg, live in Eldersburg, MD and are members of the St. Timothy's Ordinariate Parish in Sykesville, MD.

Eileen Lohrmann, Theology 9

Mrs. Eileen Lohrmann has a Bachelor's degree in Theology and a Bachelor's degree in Mental Health/Human Services from Franciscan University of Steubenville.  She helped found Christiana Homeschool Academy in 2001 and served as a history teacher there for 23 years. She has also taught several high school theology classes from her home in Sykesville for homeschoolers. She has been homeschooling for the last 27 years with her six children. Presently, she and her husband Mark have six children and five grandchildren.

Kyle Ambrose, Algebra I and II, 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, History & Literature 9

Mrs. Ambrose earned her Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Philosophy with a concentration in Comparative Religious Studies from James Madison University. Amy also enjoys freelance writing and is currently a regular contributor for Springs in the Desert. Reading the Odyssey in high school sparked her love for literature and eventually led her to study philosophy in college. This year she is so excited to encourage the students deepen their critical thinking and discussion skills.

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.

Monica Nellies, Administrative Assistant

Monica Nellies previously worked at the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Emmitsburg, MD, where she provided administrative support and coordinated visitor relations. She demonstrated exceptional time management and organizational skills. Monica looks forward to applying these skills to enhance our operational efficiency as our Administrative Assistant. Her commitment to supporting our staff and students is evident in her attention to detail and proactive approach to problem-solving.

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.