Teachers

Though not originally from the Northeast, Ms. Finlay Cushen enjoys living in Massachusetts and teaching at St. Benedict Classical Academy. She "hopes to foster a love of learning in my students so that they can appreciate the beauty in the world God has created." Her hobbies are baking, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Finlay has her B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Franciscan University of Steubenville and her M.A. in Education from Providence College. fcushen@stbca.org

kelliffe@stbca.org

Mrs. Emily Ortiz says, "The most important thing in my life is my Catholic faith, so I am thrilled to begin this new chapter at Saint Benedict's where I can combine my love for learning with my Catholic faith. I am most excited to get to know my first-graders and all of the Saint Benedict Classical Academy community." Emily has her B.A. in Philosophy and English Communication from Salve Regina University. eortiz@stbca.org

Ms. Bella Schmitz spent two years teaching second grade in Sacramento, CA, as part of the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) teaching fellowship program through the University of Notre Dame. Ms. Schmitz earned her undergraduate degree in the Program of Liberal Studies, as well as her Master's of Education from the University of Notre Dame. Isabella says, "I have a love for teaching and a passion for nurturing students’ hearts in addition to minds. At SBCA, I am excited to combine my background in classics, theology, and philosophy with my experience in early education. I am especially struck by the school’s [...]

Ms. Ellie Packer grew up in Connecticut and most recently served as a Totus Tuus Missionary in Vermont. Ms. Packer loves to sing and play guitar, drink coffee, and be outside as much as she can. Ms. Packer says, "I am so excited to teach your children in a passionately Catholic environment!" Ellie has her B.A. in Early Childhood Education and her B.A. in Psychology from Bridgewater State University. epacker@stbca.org

Ms. Katharine Simia grew up in Oklahoma and Wisconsin as one of eight children and received a classical education.  Ms. Simia has a deep appreciation for literature, especially Shakespeare, and was involved in the drama productions during her time at university. She says, "My parents fostered an abiding love for the Catholic faith, as well as a deep appreciation for discovering truth through faith and reason. I am so eager to work at St. Benedict Classical Academy and encourage children to experience the joy of learning by discovering the True, the Good, and the Beautiful!" Katharine has her Bachelor's Degree in [...]

Mrs. Michele (Shelly) McAvoy has been an elementary school teacher since 2008. Mrs. McAvoy has both her Bachelors of Science in financial management and Masters of Arts in Teaching from Quinnipiac University. Mrs. McAvoy is originally from Milford, Connecticut where she taught for five years in Kindergarten, Grade 3 and Grade 4 before moving to Massachusetts in 2013. Since moving to Massachusetts, she has taught fifth grade in Milton, and first, second, and third grade in Norwood. Mrs. McAvoy also has many years of experience tutoring in elementary math and enjoys helping to run Vacation Bible School camp at St. Thomas [...]

Mrs. Katie Boren says, "What I love the most about SBCA is that it strives not only to create an environment where young people can learn about great historical figures and the lives of the saints, but it is also a place that encourages students to be active participants in their education, not simply passive listeners." She is looking forward to creating medieval castle models with her fourth grade students this year. In her spare time, Mrs. Boren loves running and spending time with her husband and four daughters. Katie has her B.A. in English from Anna Maria College, M.A. in [...]

Inspired by the classical liberal arts tradition, Mrs. Morris is honored to grow with her students in wisdom and virtue through encountering The Good, The True, and The Beautiful in the rich world of classical education. She is particularly excited to "learn from the lives of the saints, travel to ancient Egypt and Greece, and explore the enduring excellence of classical literature with her students this year!" Gabrielle has her B.A. in Philosophy from The Catholic University of America. Gabrielle lives in Natick with her husband and daughter. gmorris@stbca.org

Mrs. Jill Kerr brings over twenty years of experience as a teacher, coach, and tutor to Saint Benedict Classical Academy. Mrs. Kerr says, “For the last seven years, I have taught and coached a number of SBCA graduates and witnessed how spiritually and academically prepared they are for the next level. Five of my six children have attended SBCA, and I am a huge believer in the SBCA faculty and in the power of a classical education. For the past five years, I have witnessed the positive impact a Saint Benedict education has made in the lives of my children and [...]