Faculty Directory

Michele McCoy - MA, JD
Head of School

Welcome to the Chesterton Academy of St. Finbar. As Head of School, I wanted to introduce myself. My passions are children and education. My teaching career began unexpectedly while I was practicing law, when a friend asked me to teach an undergraduate law course. I found teaching to be a natural and enjoyable pastime. Over 29 years of teaching, I noticed concerning issues in the US education system, particularly in critical thinking and writing. This realization fueled my passion for education and led me to homeschool my four children and teach other children in my community subjects like Latin, composition, literature, and U.S. Government. With a background in Classical Studies, Religion and Theology, and American Jurisprudence, I enjoy sharing my knowledge with young minds. In late 2023, I was humbled to be offered the position of Head of School for The Chesterton Academy of St. Finbar. Understanding the value of a Classical Education, I accepted the role. With the academy set to open in Charleston in Fall 2025, I look forward to working with Charleston’s high school students in their pursuit of the good, the true, and the beautiful through a rigorous classical education. Excelsior!

  • Dr. Laura Camacho, MBA, PhD - Debate Teacher

    Laura Mixon Camacho, PhD, is a renowned executive communication strategist specializing in Executive Presence. Drawing from extensive research into luxury brand messaging, political persuasion, and neuroscience, she crafts personalized strategies that help high-performing professionals connect, engage, and inspire to drive business success and foster a positive workplace culture.

    Before opening her firm in 2009, Laura spent 9 years teaching communication courses at East Carolina University and College of Charleston. She has a BA degree in Economics and Spanish from Sweet Briar College, an international MBA from University of Dallas and a PhD in Communication Studies from Regent University. Her research covered the political rhetoric of former Venezuelan president, Hugo Chavez.

    Her thought leadership has been featured in prominent publications such as Forbes.com, The Southern C, Lionesses of Africa, and Training Industry. As an author, Laura has written the Cultured Communication Workbook and The Practical Guide to Effective Communication, both lauded for their practical insights into mastering communication. Additionally, her podcast, Speak Up: Develop Your Executive Presence, is recognized as the #2 communication skills podcast globally and ranks in the top 2.5% of all podcasts worldwide.

    Laura’s impressive client list includes top-tier companies such as ABI, Bosch, Comcast, Google, Nestlé, Medtronic, and the Society of Women Engineers, among many others.

  • Math & Science

    Bio coming soon.

  • Fine Arts

    Bio coming soon.

  • Humanities

    Bio coming soon.