Holy Cross Academy
(PreK-8th)
Forming Saints, Scholars, and Leaders
Meet the Team
Megan Doughtery
Favorites
-Spending time with family
-swimming
-games
-movies
-museums
AJ Phan - Administrative Assistant
Contact Info:
Bio:
I’m excited to join the Holy Cross Academy family this year as a third-grade teacher!
I’m a Fredericksburg native and attended St. Mary’s throughout my childhood. Before coming to Holy Cross, I worked for Fredericksburg City Schools as a Health and Family Engagement Specialist. I earned my degree in History from Virginia Commonwealth University.
I’m also a proud mom to my son, Phil, who will be in third grade this year! Outside of school, I love spending time with my family, Phillip and Phil. We enjoy visiting museums, swimming, going to water parks, watching movies, and playing games together.
Forming Saints, Scholars, and Leaders Since 1998
Cheryl Stevens
Favorites
- Beach
- Running
- Family Time
- Watching my son play baseball
Cheryl Stevens - 3rd Grade Teacher
Contact Info:
Experience & Accomplishments:
I am excited to return to Holy Cross Academy and to begin the 2025-2026 school year, as a Third-Grade teacher. This is my sixth year at Holy Cross Academy, returning for my fourth year as a Third-Grade teacher. I am certified as a teacher through the Virginia Catholic Education Association.
Prior to joining Holy Cross Academy, I was a career Marine, serving 20 years as a Criminal Investigations Officer, with specialized training in child abuse prevention and investigative techniques and juvenile crimes. I am a 2019 graduate of Excelsior College, Summa Cum Laude, with a liberal arts major, with an area of focus in criminal justice.
My volunteer experience includes Holy Cross Academy Running Club coach, Vacation Bible School crew leader, Second-Grade classroom assistant, and Chapter Captain, Team Red, White, and Blue.
I am the proud mother of Holy Cross Academy 5th grade student and 4-2 Scholar Award recipient, Murdoch, and a loving wife to my husband, Joshua, of 15 years. We were so blessed to have shared the convalidation of our marriage with many school families last school year.
I love the beach, running, spending time with my family, and watching Murdoch play baseball.
I look forward to returning to the Holy Cross Academy family this year.
Forming Saints, Scholars, and Leaders Since 1998
Mary Sanger
Favorites
Mary Sanger - 2nd Grade Teacher
Contact Info:
Experience & Accomplishments:
I look forward to returning to the Holy Cross Academy family this year.
Forming Saints, Scholars, and Leaders Since 1998
Allison Gardner
Favorites
- Running
- Teaching
- Disney
Allison Gardner - Preschool Director
Contact Info:
Experience & Accomplishments:
Hello! My name is Allison Gardner. I am the Preschool Director, and the 5-day PreK class teacher. This is my first year as the director, but my third year at HCA Preschool. Before HCA, I taught at Ferry Farm Baptist Preschool. I love teaching 4-year-olds and getting them ready for kindergarten. I truly believe God put me on this earth to work with preschoolers!
My parents were both active-duty Marines, so I grew up all over! I was born in Okinawa, Japan and lived in 8 houses before high school. My life goals growing up were to go to William and Mary, teach kindergarten, and have daughters to take to Disney world! I went to high school in Stafford, VA and graduated from Colonial Forge High School. In high school, I played trumpet and twirled flags in the color guard for the marching band. I then followed my dreams to The College of William and Mary, where I graduated in 2010.
I have been happily married for 11 years to Michael Gardner. We have three amazing daughters together and they all attend HCA. Elizabeth is in fifth grade, Margaret in third grade, and Gabriella in kindergarten. Continuing my path to follow my dreams, the girls have been to Disney World many times. Luckily, my little sister (and best friend, Angie) lives in Florida and works for Disney, so we get to visit both often. We also have three dogs: Penny, Polly and Wil.
I grew up in the Baptist church and taught 1st Grade Sunday School at Mount Ararat in Stafford, Va. I became interested in the Catholic Church in 2012 when I met my husband, Michael. We began attending mass together and I fell in love. We were married in the Catholic Church in 2014. I went through RCIA and became Catholic in 2018. My Confirmation Saint is Saint Dymphna of Ireland. Dymphna is the patron saint of those suffering from mental and emotional distress, nervous disorders, anxiety and depression.
In my spare time, I love to read and run. My New Years Resolutions this year is to read 100 books and run 500 miles. I am currently on track (a little ahead in miles) to meet my goals! I look forward to working with everyone and having an amazing school year!