Preparing for Easter: A Virtual Lenten Retreat for Teachers and Catechists

Jose Gonzalez joined the team at Sophia Institute for Teachers in 2014 after more than 10 years as a Catholic high school teacher. In addition to teaching, Jose has experience working in parish and diocesan ministry. Jose has been leading Workshops in over 60 dioceses for more than 8 years, and contributes regularly to our teacher's guides and digital instructional resources. He has a BA in theology with a concentration in religious education from Franciscan University of Steubenville, and an MA in evangelization and catechesis from the Augustine Institute. Jose and his wife, Mary Beth, have four children.

Dr. Ben Akers is an Assistant Professor of Theology and Assistant Dean for Student Life at the Augustine Institute in Denver, Colorado.  He served for six years as the Director of the Denver Catholic Biblical School and Catechetical School in the Archdiocese of Denver helping grow it into the largest and most comprehensive diocesan Bible Study program in the United States.  He has also taught as an adjunct instructor at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary and St. Francis School of Theology. He attained a Master’s degree in Scripture while working as a campus missionary for FOCUS at the University of Denver and the University of Colorado (Boulder) (2001-2004).  He went on to study and work in Rome, Italy directing a study abroad program for Christendom College.  While in Rome, he attained a Licence degree in Sacred Theology (STL) from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) where he also earned his doctorate in Sacred Theology (STD). He and his wife Heather are blessed with three wonderful daughters and a son.​