Welcome from the Board

Parents, it is our joy to welcome you and your children to the Agnus Dei Family!

When God gifted us parents the ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ souls of our children, He also made us their primary educators and tasked us with guiding them to Him. What a daunting task, when put into the context of eternity! Daunting, yes, but so worthy of our energies and time for “All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the prosperity of your children.” (Isaiah 54:13)

Agnus Dei Academy was born out of the deep, abiding love for our children, and of dedication to raising those children (*as tasked!) with the gift of faith. We recognize that each of our children is unique and irreplicable, all possessing gifts that no one else has. Agnus Dei’s classical curriculum will assist parents in guiding their children to develop their God-given gifts and form their whole person - “Strong in mind. Strong in body. Strong in spirit.”

Our ultimate goal is to graduate free-thinking, Catholic Christians who are joy-filled and live a life centered on their relationship with Christ and His Blessed Mother.

We look forward to knowing and supporting you and your family as we all navigate this journey. “The world is thy ship, not thy home.” - St. Therese of Lisieux

Mission

Agnus Dei Academy is an independent, private, classical academy taught in the Roman Catholic tradition established to assist parents in the intellectual, moral, and spiritual formation of their children.

Agnus Dei Academy offers a challenging academic curriculum that is steeped in the classics and offered in fidelity to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.

At Agnus Dei Academy we provide an academic environment where students learn that faith and reason are inseparable. It is our sincere mission to prepare our students to be leaders in service to God, His Church and humanity.

2025-26 Staff

Mrs. Holly Clements

Director and Curriculum Coordinator

Mrs. Clements grew up in Buckeye, Arizona. Received her Bachelors of Science in Ag Economics and a Masters of Science in Ag Education from the University of Arizona. Began teaching in Yuma in 2008. She and her husband Mike were married in 2010 and have been blessed with four children. She taught for five years at Arizona Western College as a Professor of Ag Sciences before deciding to teach part-time for the UA and stay home with her children full-time. She began homeschooling in 2019 and founded the academy to assist other homeschool families.

She has a passion for agriculture, science, apologetics, and experiential learning.

Mrs. Mary Slater

3rd grade Tutor

Mrs. Dena Swift

6th-8th grade Tutor

Mrs. Swift grew up in Lake Camelot (Mapleton), Illinois. Received a Bachelors of Elementary Education from Illinois State University and a Master's of Curriculum and Instruction from Capella University. Began teaching in 1995 in public, private, and tutoring facilities. She and her husband married in 1997, spent twenty years in the Marine Corps, then retired in Yuma, Arizona. They have two grown boys, one currently a financial analyst and one in college studying Biology with a pre-med emphasis. She homeschooled her two boys for twelve years while tutoring privately for other homeschool families. She enjoys learning, traveling, and collecting books and rocks. She joined Agnus Dei Academy as a tutor in 2023 and is dedicated to its mission of assisting homeschool families.

Mrs. Maricela Kussey

1st-2nd grade Tutor

Born and raised in Yuma, Arizona. Received her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University. Has been in education for 23 years and retired from the Diocese of Tucson in 2024. She is married to her husband Joe and they have three grown children and six grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading spiritual books, and hanging out with friends and family.

Ms. Nina Beltran

4th-5th grade Tutor

Ms. Beltran has 20 years of teaching experience, ranging from preschool to high school in various settings, including public schools, Catholic schools, and homeschool co-ops. She holds an A.A. in Business Administration, a B.A. & M.A.ed in Elementary Education. She has lived in Michigan, Ohio, Washington, and various cities across Arizona. She and Ivan have two adult daughters and a son. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, crocheting, and reading.

Her goal is to help each student realize their full potential.

Mrs. Evangeline Torres

K-1st grade Tutor

Mrs. Torres earned her Bachelor's degree in Literacy, Learning, and Leadership from the University of Arizona in 2015. Most recently, she completed her Master's in Secondary Education (emphasis in STEM) from Grand Canyon University. Eva taught kindergarten at St. Francis of Assisi School for eight of her nine teaching years. She and her husband, Rogelio, are proud parents to a six-year-old boy and a 3 year old girl.

She believes a child's success is built on collaboration and she's committed to working closely with parents to make a wonderful experience for their children.

Ms. Sam Martinez

Music Director,

Piano and Choir Tutor

Mr. Joshua Martinez

Choir Tutor

Early Childhood Education

Parent led preschool co-op designed for ages 3-4.

Younger siblings welcome to participate.

Lead parents:

Gina Cowell and

Sarah Fitschen