Board of Directors
OFFICERS OF THE BOARD
Dr. Michael Ferri, President
Patrick Bentley, Treasurer
John Carswell, Secretary
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
Kristi Bentley
Teresa Ferri
Fr. Jayd Neely
Tristen Palko
Josh Rush
Michael & Teresa Ferri
Michael and Teresa Ferri have been married for more than 20 years and have 9 children and a granddaughter. They met while studying the classics at Thomas Aquinas College in California. Mike is a Vanderbilt-trained psychiatrist and is the founder and medical director of InSight Recovery & Wellness in Franklin TN. Teresa is a home educator and a veteran curriculum advisor. They were founding board members of the St. Thomas More Schola homeschool cooperative in Franklin. They are parishioners of St. Mary of the Seven Sorrows. Mike is a captain at the Fraternus chapter at Church of the Nativity in Spring Hill, where he participates with his sons. They raise beef cattle on a farm in southern Williamson County.
Dan Strasser
Our board President, Dan Strasser, is a devoted Catholic, husband and father. He entered this world through the intercession of St. Jude and continues to trust in Christ’s abundant mercy and our heavenly Father’s endless love.
Born and raised in a dairy farming family, Strasser’s love and appreciation of God’s creation developed quite early in life. As a youth, he was very involved in 4-H, FFA, and Young Farmers & Ranchers, receiving national honors in all three organizations. Dan earned his Bachelors Degree in Agricultural Education at The University of Tennessee at Martin where he now serves on the advisory board for the university. Throughout his career, he has served as director of market development for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture where he worked with Pick Tennessee Products and the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program.
In 2013, he took a role with Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation where he now serves as Director of Special Programs and oversees the organization’s leadership development and education efforts, including Ag in the Classroom, Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership, and Young Farmers & Ranchers.
Church of the Nativity in Thompson’s Station is home parish for Dan and his wife Cara, who are blessed to be raising their six children on the Chapel Hill, TN farm where Dan grew up. Dan and Cara are excited to welcome a son-in-law soon with their oldest daughter’s marriage in 2025. He offers daily prayers for the families, faculty, supporters and future of Chesterton Academy of the Incarnation.
Michael & Teresa Ferri
Michael and Teresa Ferri have been married for more than 20 years and have 9 children and a granddaughter. They met while studying the classics at Thomas Aquinas College in California. Mike is a Vanderbilt-trained psychiatrist and is the founder and medical director of InSight Recovery & Wellness in Franklin TN. Teresa is a home educator and a veteran curriculum advisor. They were founding board members of the St. Thomas More Schola homeschool cooperative in Franklin. They are parishioners of St. Mary of the Seven Sorrows. Mike is a captain at the Fraternus chapter at Church of the Nativity in Spring Hill, where he participates with his sons. They raise beef cattle on a farm in southern Williamson County.
Patrick & Kristi Bentley
Patrick and Kristi Bentley are parishioners of St. Philip Catholic Church, and they live in Franklin with their six children. Patrick has a doctoral degree in Political Science from Vanderbilt University, and works as a marketing director for a technology manufacturer. Kristi taught in Catholic schools until they started having children and continues to teach their kids at home, and she and Patrick serve on the board of St. Thomas More Schola homeschool cooperative. At St. Philip, Patrick serves on the Parish Pastoral Council, and Kristi is trained in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and helps teach Confirmation and RCIA. In 2009, while Kristi was working for Father John Sims Baker at Vanderbilt Catholic, she and Patrick started the Three to Get Married engaged couples retreat to support him in preparing couples for marriage, and they continue to coordinate this ministry that now finds its home at St. Mary of the Seven Sorrows, hosting two weekend long retreats each year at Camp Marymount. Patrick is a Captain and Finance Officer in the Fraternus chapter at Nativity, where he participates in this ministry with his sons.
Patrick & Kristi Bentley
Patrick and Kristi Bentley are parishioners of St. Philip Catholic Church, and they live in Franklin with their six children. Patrick has a doctoral degree in Political Science from Vanderbilt University, and works as a marketing director for a technology manufacturer. Kristi taught in Catholic schools until they started having children and continues to teach their kids at home, and she and Patrick serve on the board of St. Thomas More Schola homeschool cooperative. At St. Philip, Patrick serves on the Parish Pastoral Council, and Kristi is trained in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and helps teach Confirmation and RCIA. In 2009, while Kristi was working for Father John Sims Baker at Vanderbilt Catholic, she and Patrick started the Three to Get Married engaged couples retreat to support him in preparing couples for marriage, and they continue to coordinate this ministry that now finds its home at St. Mary of the Seven Sorrows, hosting two weekend long retreats each year at Camp Marymount. Patrick is a Captain and Finance Officer in the Fraternus chapter at Nativity, where he participates in this ministry with his sons.
John Carswell
John is a digital marketing specialist who has lived in the Nashville area since 2008. A former submarine officer of the US Navy, he grew up in Louisville, KY.
He is a parishioner at St. Mary of the Seven Sorrows, where he serves as a catechist for 7th through 9th grades.
He has been married to Greta for 23 years, and they have three children, one a graduate of and one a current student at Chesterton Academy of the Incarnation.
John Carswell
John is a digital marketing specialist who has lived in the Nashville area since 2008. A former submarine officer of the US Navy, he grew up in Louisville, KY.
He is a parishioner at St. Mary of the Seven Sorrows, where he serves as a catechist for 7th through 9th grades.
He has been married to Greta for 23 years, and they have three children, one a graduate of and one a current student at Chesterton Academy of the Incarnation.
Gino Bulso
In thirty-eight years as a trial lawyer, Gino has litigated civil cases of every stripe. Gino has represented clients multiple times before the Tennessee Supreme Court, including in the ground-breaking case of Turner v. Jordan. In addition to his work before the Tennessee Supreme Court, Gino has handled numerous cases in the Tennessee Court of Appeals and in the United States Courts of Appeals. He has been continuously listed in The Best Lawyers in America for commercial litigation since 2008.
Since November 2022, Gino has served as a member of the Tennessee General Assembly, representing Williamson County residents in State House District 61. He has also served for the last three years as Chairman of the Tennessee Supreme Court’s Advisory Commission on the Rules of Practice and Procedure.
Gino Bulso
In thirty-eight years as a trial lawyer, Gino has litigated civil cases of every stripe. Gino has represented clients multiple times before the Tennessee Supreme Court, including in the ground-breaking case of Turner v. Jordan. In addition to his work before the Tennessee Supreme Court, Gino has handled numerous cases in the Tennessee Court of Appeals and in the United States Courts of Appeals. He has been continuously listed in The Best Lawyers in America for commercial litigation since 2008.
Since November 2022, Gino has served as a member of the Tennessee General Assembly, representing Williamson County residents in State House District 61. He has also served for the last three years as Chairman of the Tennessee Supreme Court’s Advisory Commission on the Rules of Practice and Procedure.
Fr. Jayd Neely
Fr. Jayd Neely was born in Iowa and grew up in Oklahoma City. He was raised Methodist, but eventually became Catholic his freshman year of college. Fr. Neely graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1998 with a degree in Philosophy and a minor in History of Science. Later, he spent several years with the Discalced Carmelite Friars before becoming a seminarian for the Diocese of Nashville.
After completing his seminary studies at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Fr. Neely moved to Tennessee. He was ordained to the priesthood in June of 2012 and was assigned as the Associate Pastor of the Cathedral of Incarnation for four years. He began his term as Pastor of St. Mary’s Church in August of 2016.
Fr. Jayd Neely
Fr. Jayd Neely was born in Iowa and grew up in Oklahoma City. He was raised Methodist, but eventually became Catholic his freshman year of college. Fr. Neely graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1998 with a degree in Philosophy and a minor in History of Science. Later, he spent several years with the Discalced Carmelite Friars before becoming a seminarian for the Diocese of Nashville.
After completing his seminary studies at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Fr. Neely moved to Tennessee. He was ordained to the priesthood in June of 2012 and was assigned as the Associate Pastor of the Cathedral of Incarnation for four years. He began his term as Pastor of St. Mary’s Church in August of 2016.
Tristen Palko
Tristen Palko, CFRE, is an accomplished nonprofit leader with extensive experience advancing mission-driven organizations through major gifts, strategic fundraising, and donor engagement. As Mission Advancement Officer for the Augustine Institute, she manages a national portfolio of high-net-worth donors, secures transformational gifts, leads high-impact donor communications, and established the organization’s planned giving program. Her previous roles include Vice President of Development and Development Director at the Patients’ Rights Action Fund, where she drove nationwide fundraising strategy, cultivated major donor relationships, and oversaw high-level campaigns. She also served in key development roles at Habitat for Humanity, building comprehensive fundraising programs and strengthening community partnerships.
She holds a Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management from the University of Notre Dame, certification in planned giving from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, but her most treasured graduation was from RCIA (OCIA) to convert to the Catholic faith. Tristen was recently married, celebrating her wedding this past May. She enjoys English horseback riding, playing with her French bulldog, and spending weekends hiking with her husband. Deeply committed to the beauty and tradition of classical education, she is excited to help Chesterton Academy thrive within the rapidly growing Catholic community of Nashville.
Tristen Palko
Tristen Palko, CFRE, is an accomplished nonprofit leader with extensive experience advancing mission-driven organizations through major gifts, strategic fundraising, and donor engagement. As Mission Advancement Officer for the Augustine Institute, she manages a national portfolio of high-net-worth donors, secures transformational gifts, leads high-impact donor communications, and established the organization’s planned giving program. Her previous roles include Vice President of Development and Development Director at the Patients’ Rights Action Fund, where she drove nationwide fundraising strategy, cultivated major donor relationships, and oversaw high-level campaigns. She also served in key development roles at Habitat for Humanity, building comprehensive fundraising programs and strengthening community partnerships.
She holds a Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management from the University of Notre Dame, certification in planned giving from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, but her most treasured graduation was from RCIA (OCIA) to convert to the Catholic faith. Tristen was recently married, celebrating her wedding this past May. She enjoys English horseback riding, playing with her French bulldog, and spending weekends hiking with her husband. Deeply committed to the beauty and tradition of classical education, she is excited to help Chesterton Academy thrive within the rapidly growing Catholic community of Nashville.
Josh Rush
Josh Rush is the owner of 1531 Creative, a creative studio serving mission-driven organizations through storytelling and design. A Catholic convert raised in the Baptist tradition, his journey of faith has profoundly shaped both his personal life and professional work. He is a parishioner at Church of the Nativity in Spring Hill, Tennessee, where he is active in Jail Ministry.Josh has been married to his wife, Christi, for 20 years. Together they are committed to a life rooted in the sacraments, hospitality, and a shared love of learning and adventure.
Josh Rush
Josh Rush is the owner of 1531 Creative, a creative studio serving mission-driven organizations through storytelling and design. A Catholic convert raised in the Baptist tradition, his journey of faith has profoundly shaped both his personal life and professional work. He is a parishioner at Church of the Nativity in Spring Hill, Tennessee, where he is active in Jail Ministry.
Josh has been married to his wife, Christi, for 20 years. Together they are committed to a life rooted in the sacraments, hospitality, and a shared love of learning and adventure.
Erin Van de Voorde
Erin Van de Voorde is CEO of West of Perfection, a leadership development company where she coaches and trains high-achieving professionals at all levels of their career. Her approach is informed by her diverse experience in project management, strategic planning and human formation in the political, legal, nonprofit, and higher-ed industries. She spent her early career in public policy and project management in Washington, D.C.
Often finding herself at the beginning phases of multiple start-ups, Erin enjoys the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship. She serves on the Board of Advisors at the Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship at The Catholic University of America. Erin holds a Bachelors degree in political science from Ave Maria University and coaching certifications from multiple programs. Her favorite city is Krakow, Poland where she lived for nearly 3 years. You’ll find her traveling on adventures with her husband and 4 boys.
Erin Van de Voorde
Erin Van de Voorde is CEO of West of Perfection, a leadership development company where she coaches and trains high-achieving professionals at all levels of their career. Her approach is informed by her diverse experience in project management, strategic planning and human formation in the political, legal, nonprofit, and higher-ed industries. She spent her early career in public policy and project management in Washington, D.C.
Often finding herself at the beginning phases of multiple start-ups, Erin enjoys the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship. She serves on the Board of Advisors at the Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship at The Catholic University of America. Erin holds a Bachelors degree in political science from Ave Maria University and coaching certifications from multiple programs. Her favorite city is Krakow, Poland where she lived for nearly 3 years. You’ll find her traveling on adventures with her husband and 4 boys.
Dan Strasser
Our board chairman, Dan Strasser, is a devoted Catholic, husband and father. He entered this world through the intercession of St. Jude and continues to trust in Christ’s abundant mercy and our heavenly Father’s endless love.
Born and raised in a dairy farming family, Strasser’s love and appreciation of God’s creation developed quite early in life. As a youth, he was very involved in 4-H, FFA, and Young Farmers & Ranchers, receiving national honors in all three organizations. Dan earned his Bachelors Degree in Agricultural Education at The University of Tennessee at Martin where he now serves on the advisory board for the university. Throughout his career, he has served as director of market development for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture where he worked with Pick Tennessee Products and the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program.
In 2013, he took a role with Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation where he now serves as Director of Special Programs and oversees the organization’s leadership development and education efforts, including Ag in the Classroom, Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership, and Young Farmers & Ranchers.
Catholic Church of the Nativity in Thompson’s Station is home parish for Dan and his wife Cara, who are blessed to be raising their six children on the Chapel Hill, TN farm where Dan grew up. Dan and Cara are excited to welcome a son-in-law soon with their oldest daughter’s marriage in 2025. Chairman Strasser offers daily prayers for the families, faculty, supporters and future of Chesterton Academy of the Incarnation.