Ally Monteiro ’15 is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of the Chestnut Hill College community. Following the heartbreaking loss of dear friend and classmate David Zukauskas in a tragic car accident, Monteiro’s path was altered. She was originally set to graduate as a member of the class of 2007, but her friend’s death left her feeling lost and uncertain about her future, causing her to pause her education for a few years.
In her time away from school, Monteiro began working at a daycare, starting her journey into early childhood education. This experience helped her realize her desire to go back and finish her degree. “I had the time to move forward and knew the best way to honor Dave and myself was to live out the mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph,” says Monteiro.
In 2010, Monteiro returned to Chestnut Hill College as a student in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. She credits CHC’s academic leaders, including Cecelia Cavanaugh, SSJ, Ph.D., former dean of the School of Undergraduate Studies and Elaine Green, Ed.D., former dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies and current PHMC grant coordinator, who helped her navigate returning to her studies.
“I worked with Sister Cecelia in creating a flexible schedule for Ally with supportive advising and continual reassurance,” says Green. “Working with Ally was always a pleasure. She is a warm, caring, and compassionate individual who joined with us to make plans so that she was able to achieve her academic goals.”
When Monteiro returned to CHC, this time she discovered a sense of belonging that had eluded her before. For the first time, she found herself deeply connected to the teachings of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. The concept of dual relationships—both with one another and with God—resonated deeply with her. It inspired a desire within her to create spaces where everyone feels welcomed and valued. This desire led her to become an Associate of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, a commitment that allows lay people to share the values and spirit of the congregation through their commitment to living out the Sisters’ mission in their daily lives.
“I was able to participate in Spirits on Fire and that is when I truly took in, with deep breath and intention, the scope of what our Sisters have laid before us. The more I get to work with different SSJs in sponsored ministries, I continue to feel the deepening of this call,” Monteiro says.
Monteiro is profoundly grateful for the support she received at CHC, noting, “it has always been more than just a school to me; it is a sanctuary where I found my calling and purpose.”
For her, CHC is a remarkable place that fosters community and connection, offering a supportive environment where everyone can find their path.
“It was here that I first learned the value of ‘holding space’ for others,” she reflects, emphasizing how this principle has continued to guide her work in various capacities throughout her career.
After completing her degree in human services in 2015, Monteiro accepted a position at Norwood Fontbonne Academy, where she dedicated nine years to nurturing young minds. Starting in the pre-primary program, she eventually transitioned to teaching middle school social studies, STEM, and religious studies.
“The impact of faith-based education is immense,” Monteiro explains. “It allows students to connect their academic learning with their personal growth and spiritual development.”
Her commitment to empowering students later led her to serve as campus minister at Archbishop Wood High School. In this role, she fostered vulnerable discussions around faith formation, creating an environment where students felt safe to explore their beliefs. Her goal was to help them take ownership of their learning and spiritual journeys, emphasizing the importance of personal connection to their faith.
In 2024, Monteiro transitioned to her current role as volunteer manager at Face to Face Germantown, a nonprofit providing meals, legal services, health support, and social assistance to neighbors. Monteiro’s work focuses on creating intentional opportunities for service within the community. Drawing on her experiences at CHC, she strives to connect volunteers with the needs of guests, aiming to cultivate genuine relationships that transcend traditional service models. She works diligently to ensure that volunteers understand the deeper context of their efforts, emphasizing reflection and formation. By creating opportunities for volunteers to connect with the guests they serve, she fosters a culture of empathy and understanding. According to Monteiro, “it’s about making genuine relationships and truly listening to the needs of our guests.”
At Face to Face, Monteiro manages a robust network of over 1,400 volunteers, striving to align their skills and passions with the needs of the community. This includes exploring creative partnerships with local organizations and schools, aiming to develop a cohesive approach to service that benefits both volunteers and guests. “This approach is all about creating authentic connections,” she says. “It’s not just about helping; it’s about understanding and listening to the needs of those we serve.”
Her work at Face to Face also encompasses a range of initiatives, including fostering partnerships with local institutions like Chestnut Hill College, St. Joseph’s University, and Villanova. By enhancing service-learning tracks, she aims to deepen students’ understanding of community needs and their role in addressing them.
This fall, Monteiro welcomed a team of CHC students who volunteered at Face to Face during the Leaders Engaged in Service (LENS) program, which engages incoming students in meaningful service experiences, helping them build a foundation for lifelong commitment to community service. One of those students, Lizzy Figiel ’27, expressed her admiration for Monteiro’s work ethic. “Throughout my service at Face to Face, I could feel Ally’s passion and determination. She set high standards and kept an organized work system,” Figiel says.
Looking ahead, Monteiro is excited to launch a teen leadership service cohort aimed at empowering young leaders to engage actively with their communities. Her vision includes creating a network of Face to Face ambassadors, encouraging students to foster a culture of service and connection in schools across the region.
With her heart set on empowering the next generation of leaders, Monteiro continues to carry forward the values instilled in her during her time at CHC, a place that has been “more than just a school” to her.
“I can go back there when I’m lost, and it’s a magical place,” she smiles. “When I think CHC, I think support and I hope that everyone can find their own version of what CHC provided me.”
– Jaime Renman and Faith Kellermeyer