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Biography

June 17, 2026 By Geralyn Rea

Gabriel Milano, MTS

AQUINAS WRITING ADVANTAGE

LIVE and Recorded Course Instructor

Gabriel Milano, MTS

Gabriel Milano, MTS, is a fantasy author, curriculum developer, educator, and public speaker. He studied philosophy and theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville and later received his Master’s in Theology in Marriage and Family from the John Paul II Institute in Washington, DC. Mr. Milano taught theology to High School students for two years at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School in Easton, MD, and served as a youth minister for one year at Saint Agnes Catholic Church in Arlington, VA. A member of the Catholic Speakers Organization, he has spoken professionally since 2010 for NET Ministries, The Culture Project International, and the Theology of the Body Evangelization Team (TOBET) Inc. He now speaks in person and online through his company, Estel Speaking, on meaning, purpose, stories, Theology of the Body (TOB), and the Catholic faith. Mr. Milano has published five storybooks through TOBET and is best known for his Aria’s Adventures fantasy book series for middle-grade students, found at estelpublishing.com. Mr. Milano lives in Connecticut, where he enjoys hiking, windsurfing, reading fantasy novels, and watching great movies like The Lord of the Rings with his family.

Here at Aquinas Writing Advantage, Mr. Milano teaches in the 11 series fiction writing courses.

Meet Mr. Milano

Learn with Mr. Milano

Check the current LIVE catalog to see Mr. Milano’s LIVE course offerings and sign up for his courses.

Filed Under: Biography Tagged With: AWA LIVE Instructor, AWA Recorded Course Instructor

May 29, 2026 By Geralyn Rea

Ryan Starrett, MA, ThM, MTS

AQUINAS WRITING ADVANTAGE

LIVE and Recorded Course Grader

Ryan Starrett, MA, ThM, MTS

Mr. Ryan Starrett earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in History from the University of Dallas with a Medieval and Renaissance Studies Concentration, a Master’s of Theology from the University of Dallas, a Master’s of History from Adams State University, and a Master’s of Theological Studies from Spring Hill College.

After teaching seven years at a Catholic School in north Texas, he returned home to Mississippi where he has taught at his Catholic alma mater for the past ten years. When he’s not teaching, Mr. Starrett enjoys reading, writing, playing sports, and adventuring with his family.

Ryan Starrett is the author of a dozen history books and one novel. He is currently working with his friend and co-author, Josh Foreman, on another work of history celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Ryan and Josh’s work can be perused at foremanstarrett.com.

Mr. Starrett grades the Middle School 7/8-Series writing courses with Aquinas Writing Advantage.

Meet Mr. Starrett

Filed Under: Biography Tagged With: AWA LIVE Instructor, AWA Recorded Course Instructor

May 29, 2026 By Geralyn Rea

Reilly Starrett

AQUINAS WRITING ADVANTAGE

LIVE and Recorded Course Instructor

Reilly Starrett

Mr. Reilly Starrett is a proud graduate of a Catholic K-12 education and holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Philosophy and a minor in Anthropology from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. He has extensive experience working with ESL learners in Chinandega, Nicaragua (2008, 2009); Kathmandu, Nepal (2012); and Denver, Colorado (2015). Since 2019, Mr. Starrett has lived in Yokohama and Tokyo, Japan, as an English Conversation and Essay Writing teacher for students of all ages, from preschool through adult. He also helps English as a Second Language (ESL) students improve their proficiency in writing, reading, listening, and speaking. Additionally, Mr. Starrett guides students in preparing for English proficiency tests such as the TOEIC, Eiken, and IELTS. He has also been a teacher with Aquinas Writing Advantage in 2022-2024 and 2026. When not teaching, Mr. Starrett loves reading and spending time with his family. Mr. Starrett teaches as both an Instructor Access and LIVE course instructor for the 10 Series courses.

Learn with Mr. Starrett

Check the current LIVE course catalog to see Mr. Starrett’s course offerings and sign up for his courses.

Filed Under: Biography Tagged With: AWA LIVE Instructor, AWA Recorded Course Instructor

May 28, 2026 By Geralyn Rea

Rebekah Sotillo

AQUINAS WRITING ADVANTAGE

Recorded Course Instructor

Rebekah Sotillo

Rebekah Sotillo earned her Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, and was commissioned as a Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy. While in the military, she drove the aircraft carrier, USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72), across the Pacific Ocean to port in locations such as Guam, Manila, and Japan. After driving aircraft carriers, she studied to become a meteorologist for the Navy.

With over nine years of leadership experience as a Naval Officer, she works as a Leadership and Interpersonal Communication Instructor for AWA. One of her favorite pastimes is mastering the art of sourdough bread baking. A native of Southern California, she loves the outdoors and spends most of her weekends hiking. Mrs. Sotillo is the Instructor Access one-on-one mentor/grader for Leadership and Interpersonal Communication.

Meet Mrs. Sotillo

Learn with Mrs. Sotillo

Check the current Recorded Course catalog to see Mrs. Sotillo’s course offerings and sign up for her courses.

Filed Under: Biography Tagged With: AWA Recorded Course Instructor

May 28, 2026 By Geralyn Rea

Natalie Meyer Schira

AQUINAS WRITING ADVANTAGE

Middle School Writing Specialist
LIVE Course Instructor

Natalie Meyer Schira

Miss Natalie Meyer Schira proudly serves as a teacher of middle school English and writing. She graduated from Saint Mary’s College Notre Dame in 2012 with a major in English Literature and a minor in secondary education.

Since then, Miss Schira has dedicated herself to Catholic education, joyfully serving nine years teaching English in a Catholic high school in Iowa. Miss Schira has also been featured in publications and with awards and recognition for teaching and inspiration.

With a love of language and teaching, she is committed to cultivating students’ academic and emotional development and using her teaching credentials to collaborate with and support families and students. Miss Schira’s greatest loves include Christ, commas, communication, caffeine, and her beloved Chicago Cubs while living a life grounded in faith, joy, and opportunity.

To quote one of her favorite pieces of wisdom from her mother, “When life gives you hold music, dance.” Here at Aquinas Writing Advantage, Miss Schira is beginning her sixth year as a LIVE course teacher for the 6/7 and 7/8 Series middle school writing courses. She is also the Middle School Writing Support Specialist.

Meet Miss Schira

Learn with Miss Schira

Check the current LIVE catalog to see Miss Schira’s LIVE course offerings and sign up for her courses.

Filed Under: Biography Tagged With: AWA LIVE Instructor, Middle School Writing Specialist

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