Welcome New Faculty

We are thrilled to welcome our newest members of Team SBA! Please join us in a warm welcome for these excited and experienced educators joining our SBA Faculty.

John Paciga - Upper Level Part-time Music Teacher

Mr. John Paciga is a professional musician, educator, and producer with a Master’s in Commercial Composition & Arranging from Belmont University. A Yale graduate, he directed the renowned a cappella groups the Whiffenpoofs and the Spizzwinks(?), leading international tours and recording projects. Since moving to Nashville, he has performed with a variety of artists and cover bands and co-founded Hometowne Music Group. He has been teaching voice and piano at SBA since January 2024.

 

Kate Cunningham - Librarian

With five years of experience in a busy elementary school library, Kate brings extensive knowledge of children’s literature, instructional support, and daily library operations. She has a strong background in digital literacy and technology, including device troubleshooting, web development, and website management. A graduate of Boston College and longtime Nashville resident, Kate is passionate about creating a welcoming and engaging library environment that supports students, teachers, and the wider school community.

Irenelis Ramirez - Spanish Teacher

Ironelis Ramírez de Bland holds a Bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages with a major in English from Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD) in the Dominican Republic. She brings over 10 years of experience as an ESL teacher in both private preschool and elementary settings, along with 4 years of experience at the public high school level. Ironelis is currently pursuing her Master’s in Teaching and Education through Utel University’s online program and, most recently, spent two years teaching at First Presbyterian Church of Nashville Preschool.

Paige Skinner - Jr. High Teacher

Paige is an experienced English Language Arts educator with a master’s degree in Secondary English Education from Vanderbilt University and a bachelor’s degree from Belmont University. She has taught grades 7–11 in both New York and Tennessee, developing engaging, inclusive lessons and preparing students for state exams. Known for her open-minded and innovative approach, Paige incorporates student feedback, multimedia tools, and culturally relevant content to foster meaningful learning experiences.