classical teacher at whiteboard

Faculty, Staff & Board

One of the strongest assets that makes Paideia Academy so special is our Christian leadership. Our administration, faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees share a vision of classical, Christ-centered education and a commitment to the students and their success.

When hiring faculty, we look beyond a teaching credential. Our first priority is to find teachers of strong Christian faith who are passionate about their subjects and love learning themselves, and who, in turn, inspire students to learn. In tandem with these aptitudes, we seek teachers capable of teaching in the classical Christian model. All of our teachers receive continual training in classical and Christian education methods as well as other ongoing education in their particular field of study. Many of our current teachers have advanced degrees allowing us to offer dual enrollment, and others continue to pursue graduate studies.

Doug Carr Admissions Director

DOUG CARR

head of school

MEd, Educational Leadership, Northern Arizona University; BA, Elementary Education, Arizona State University. Serving Paideia Academy since 2019.

“I am thankful and humbled to be part of the godly and talented staff at Paideia Academy. God has really blessed this community and I delight in serving my co-workers and the families of Paideia. Over the past 20+ years, I have worked as a teacher and in various administrative roles, and I am particularly grateful to share the wonderful things being done here at Paideia with the greater Knoxville area. Assisting parents in their efforts to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord is a great joy. Seeing and hearing our teachers proclaim Christ as they teach the subjects they love to the students they love is a wonderful daily reminder of why Paideia Academy exists. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know so many families and helping them get settled here at Paideia Academy, alongside my family – my wife, Janet, and children, Hudson, Cooper, Morgan, and Brennan.”

AMY HAMILL

school of grammar dean

MEd, emphasis on Teacher Leadership, Grand Canyon University; BS, Early Childhood and Elementary Education, University of Alabama at Birmingham. Serving Paideia Academy since 2015.

“I am very excited to be a part of the Paideia family. My teaching background includes six years as 4th grade teacher at Evangel Classical Christian School in Birmingham, Alabama, where I received a lot of classical training. I also worked at Providence Classical Academy in Shreveport, LA, where I taught 5th grade and had the privilege to be a lead teacher and serve other teachers as well as students. Through God’s sovereignty and graciousness, He moved us here where I am excited to continue my ministry in classical education. I look forward to many wonderful years!”

DEENA PARKS

pre-k & kindergarten teacher

MA, Holistic Education and BS, Bible and Interdisciplinary Studies, Johnson Bible College; Endorsement in English as a Second Language. Serving Paideia Academy since 2018.

“My husband Jerry and I have two lovely daughters. I taught in public schools for ten years in Knox County, Lenoir City, Oak Ridge, and Raleigh, NC, as well as a year in a private school in China. After I had my first child, I took time off from formal teaching, but continued teaching preschool-aged kids at Bible Study Fellowship for several years. I have also enjoyed being a substitute teacher and room mom at Paideia. I am so excited and privileged to be able to teach the youngest learners here. I pray God would use me to plant and water seeds of His truth in little hearts and watch them continue to grow. ‘Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water…not bothered by the heat or drought…they never stop producing fruit’ (Jeremiah 17:7-8).”

SARAH GARBER

kindergarten teacher

AS, Marketing. Serving Paideia Academy since 2017.

“For almost 10 years, I homeschooled our 4 sweet daughters. Through these years I have loved learning about different educational models, attending workshops, thumbing through and choosing curriculum, modifying lesson plans, volunteering and working in different co-ops, reading countless books to my children, teaching daily lessons, and most of all raising up our children in the love and nurture of our Good Lord. Recently, I was involved in teaching in a local classical Christian co-op. The learning curve on classical Christian education has been eye opening and enriching for my entire family. Unexpectedly, the Lord changed our course and moved us to Paideia. Paideia has lined up wonderfully with our educational values and love for the Lord. The family atmosphere and Christ-centered lives are apparent throughout. Each one of my girls has grown and thrived here.”

HEATHER CROOM

first grade teacher

MS, Special Education, and Teaching Credential, Cal State University Fullerton; BA, Liberal Studies, Chapman University. Serving Paideia Academy since 2022.

“It is such a blessing to teach at Paideia. I have over 17 years of teaching experience in grades K-8. My husband Trevor and I have been married for 14 years and have three children; Leah, Emilie, and Bradley, who also attend Paideia. The Lord recently led us across the country to this amazing school. I am so excited to be able to teach children in a Christ-centered environment. My prayer for my students is for them to grow in the love and knowledge of our savior, Jesus. When I am not teaching, I love to spend time with my family in the beautiful outdoors of East Tennessee.”

ASHA HARRINGTON

second grade teacher

MS, Clinical Psychology, Vanguard University; BA, Liberal Studies, Southern California College. Serving Paideia Academy since 2023.

“I began my career journey as a Kindergarten teacher, then worked as a therapist for 11 years with children, teens, couples, families, and people with severe mental illness. I simultaneously taught psychology for almost a decade at the university level. My husband Mark and I have two daughters, Aaleyah and Savannah. We joined the Paideia community in 2017 when my oldest daughter started Pre-K. Classical, Christ-centered education has been an incredible blessing and gift to our whole family. What a joy that God has opened the door for me to return to the classroom! When I’m not teaching I love to cook, spend time with my family, go on adventures, and relax at the beach.”

KRISTY CSIDER

third grade teacher

BA, Psychology, Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, CA. Serving Paideia Academy since 2023.

“I have always had a heart for children and training them up in the way of the Lord. I met my husband, Art, in college, and we got married my junior year. Having our children, Tovi, Malachi and Ramey, started my wonderful journey of motherhood and intermittent homeschooling. In 2020, our family felt called by God to move to Tennessee, so in a huge leap of faith we sold our home and moved our family of five across the country in a very short time-frame. In addition to my homeschooling experience, I have worked for preschools and most recently served as a Kindergarten teacher for Heart Christian Academy. I am so excited to answer God’s call to serve this year as the 3rd grade teacher. Our family looks forward to joining such a welcoming family of fellow Christ followers.”

SARA LANGFORD

fourth grade teacher

BS, Elementary Education, Tennessee Tech University. Serving Paideia Academy since 2021.

“My family has been blessed to be a part of the Paideia community for several years, so is a joy and an honor to step into teaching here. I have 8 years of elementary teaching experience. Most recently, I served as the director of children’s ministry at my church. My heart’s desire is to partner with parents in helping their children to know and serve Christ as they grow in their knowledge of Him. My husband,JJ, and I have been married 21 years and have three children, Carter, Isaac, and Evelyn. We are originally from middle TN, but we have called Knoxville home since 2006 (our blood runs orange!) We love taking full advantage of living in beautiful East Tennessee. Our family enjoys camping, biking, and hiking. When not in the classroom, I enjoy reading a good book, watching football, and cheering for my kids in their various sports activities.”

ARTHUR CSIDER

fifth grade teacher

BS, Kinesiology, Vanguard University. Serving Paideia Academy since 2023.

“My desire is to honor God in all I do. I am extremely blessed that I get to be a part of something where we all share that same common goal. I hope and pray that I can make a difference in the lives of staff, students, and families. I enjoy being able to fellowship together knowing that our joy is based on the sacrifice that Jesus made for each and every one of us. I am married to Kristy and have three children, Tovi, Malachi and Ramey. I have always had a strong desire to teach and be around kids and have an extensive background teaching in both public and private Christian schools. I also have coached baseball, basketball, football, and softball, and worked as both an EMT and CPR/First Aid instructor.”

STEPHEN PARDUE

sixth grade teacher

MDiv, Christian Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (in progress); BA, Classics, University of Tennessee. Serving Paideia Academy since 2023.

“I was born and raised in Knoxville, TN and graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Classics. I met my wife Beth working at an after-school ministry here in Knoxville called Thrive. We currently live in Fountain City with our son Charlie and dog Annie. I love good coffee, reading, hiking, camping, and the Vols! I became passionate about both classical Christian education and teaching while teaching at a classical Christian school in Louisville, KY for the first two years of our marriage. God has blessed me with many great teachers throughout my life (the most important of which have been my parents). Each of these teachers have taught me, in their own unique way, that learning is a precious gift from God and that its ultimate purpose is to help us to fear, know, love, and glorify God. I’m honored to partner with parents and my fellow teachers and administrators at Paideia to share this gift with the next generation.”

TAMMIE ATTEBERRY

teacher’s aide

Attended Southeastern Illinois College, Child Psychology, and Rend Lake College, Early Childhood Development; awarded CDA from the state of Illinois. Serving Paideia since 2021.

“I am very excited and thankful to be part of the Paideia community. For 20 years, I worked as a preschool teacher and afterschool supervisor. I was the Owner and Operator of The Red Caboose Daycare & Learning Center, where I had the opportunity to service hundreds of families in our community. I have been blessed to be in Knoxville to watch my grandkids grow up. I have 4 wonderful grandchildren who attend Paideia Academy. It is a privilege to now be working with these amazing teachers who are sharing God’s love with their students.”

BETH ANN BERTRAM

teacher’s aide

MS, Agriculture in Food Science, University of Tennessee; BS, Agriculture, University of Tennessee. Serving Paideia Academy since 2015.

“I am privileged to support the teachers who will educate each child in this classroom through the exemplification of Christ’s love. It is my purpose to seek God and to be a resource in His provision, and I am honored to serve His children. I worked as a food scientist overseeing the research and development of new food products for 17 years and worked as a substitute teacher before coming to Paideia. My husband Max and I have three boys – Josh, Alex and Magnus.”

TRACEY CARRIN

latin

BMusEd, minor in Sign Language Interpreting, East Carolina University. Currently a student of the Great Books Master’s Program at Memoria College. Serving Paideia Academy since 2021.

“I began learning about classical education in 2004 as I educated my children at home. One thing I have learned through classical education is that God glorifies Himself through words. I seek to guide my students in this love of words and reading and learning, and all the wonderful ways God shows Himself to us through the order and beauty of His world. ‘For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).’ Some of the good works God has enabled me to do include roles as a band director, sign language interpreter, Latin teacher at a classical school, and a homeschool teacher. I’m so thankful to now find my place serving your children here at Paideia Academy.”

DANA FROULA

latin

BA, Sociology and Psychology, Eastern Kentucky University. Serving Paideia since 2020.

“I’m married to Paul and our son, Andrew, has attended Paideia since Kindergarten.  We believe wholly in a Christ-centered education.  It’s truly my joy to have served as a volunteer mom at first, then as a substitute teacher, and then to become a Latin teacher here.  My journey at Paideia is truly a testimony of never knowing or expecting where God will take a person, but enjoying the ride. Praise be to God!”

CATHY TANNER

science

Serving Paideia Academy since 2011.

“During our family’s homeschooling years our goal was to provide a Christ-centered education for our daughter. In 2008, we were ready to seek the aid of a school with the same aim, and in His kindness the Lord directed us to Paideia Academy. Its emphasis on a Christ-centered, covenantal, and classical education appealed to us immediately, and our family enthusiastically joined this precious community. Over the next three years I served frequently as a substitute teacher and experienced the unique blessing of having an inside glimpse of the environment in which our daughter was growing academically and spiritually in knowledge and grace. Since joining the staff I have tremendously enjoyed the privilege of shepherding, teaching, and learning along with our students for the ever-increasing glory of our Savior Jesus Christ!”

DAVID LEACH

school of logic & rhetoric dean

BA, Psychology, with teaching certification in secondary Mathematics, University of Tennessee. Serving Paideia Academy since 2018.

“Lover of Jesus, husband to Melanie and father to Caleb and Aidan (Paideia Academy class of 2016). I have spent the last 24 years mentoring and teaching children and young adults in various capacities including church and camp ministry and classroom teaching. Seeing young people step into their identity as beloved sons and daughters of God is one of my deepest desires. In light of that, I am excited that the integrated approach of classical education flows with my own style of teaching which centers on making connections from any subject to how our creator has shown His love for us through order, beauty and creativity. I love adventures of all kinds, and when not at school you might find me paddling, rock climbing, leading worship or roasting my own coffee.”

GRAHAM AVERITT

omnibus • rhetoric • dean of westminster hall

BA, Communication Studies, minor in Religion, Samford University. Serving Paideia Academy since 2023.

“John 3:30 says, ‘He must increase, but I must decrease.‘ This verse is a constant reminder for all believers to remember that this life is not about us; rather, it is meant to be used to glorify our wonderful God. This assurance takes all the pressure off us, freeing us to worship our God with undivided devotion. Walking in the freedom that Jesus brings, I have discerned that God has called me into the ministry of education. I am joyfully and eagerly joining Paideia after a year of teaching Literature and Grammar at a classical Christian school in Alabama. My wife, Merrin, and I are thrilled to be in the Knoxville area, but we are even more excited to meet all of the Paideia families and to experience what we know is such a godly, unified culture. As I step into the classroom this year, I yearn to know and love my students well, and my main goal for them is to ‘taste and see that the Lord is good’ in whatever they are studying and wherever they may go. On a lighter note, my interests include reading great books, playing all kinds of sports (except baseball, sorry), enjoying the great outdoors, writing, and adventuring with my lovely wife.

KRISTAN BRANT

science • dean of nicene hall

MS, Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Tennessee; BS, Geological Sciences, San Diego State University. Serving Paideia Academy since 2022.

“For the past nine years, I’ve been obtaining degrees in geology. I have a significant passion for the Earth and the blessings that God has given us here; it rocks! I originally intended to pursue a career in that field but found during graduate school that wasn’t my calling. I felt the need to teach, and specifically to be a mentor, for the next generations to come. While finishing my degree, I was a substitute teacher and was looking for a school where community and passion were displayed among the students and families. God blessed me with the opportunity to teach science at Paideia Academy, which provided exactly what I felt was missing from my career, namely Christ. I feel so blessed to be here and am delighted to help guide the next generations of Kingdom builders. My husband, Damian, stepson Draven, and I are ready to immerse ourselves into the Paideia family fully.”

JANET CARR

curriculum coordinator • omnibus

MS, Human Nutrition and Dietetic Internship, University of Alabama; BS, Family and Consumer Science Education, minor in Composite Science, Bob Jones University. Serving Paideia Academy since 2019.

“Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him! For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm. Psalm 33:8 – As my journey as a classical, Christ-centered educator continues, it is a joy to be back in the classroom engaging with students in the realms of chemistry and astronomy. My 20+ years of teaching experience spans the spectrum of age as well as venues including homeschool, classroom, and the online environment. It is a privilege to be a part of this growing Paideia community. In addition, I am blessed to be a wife and mother. Doug and I have four full-of-life children: Hudson, Cooper, Morgan, and Brennan. Throughout the school year, my prayer is to lead our students to recognize truth, discover goodness, and behold beauty in all of God’s creation.”

AARON GENTRY

humanities department head • omnibus • logic • junior thesis & senior seminar • dean of heidelberg hall

MA, Christian Education and MDiv, Reformed Theological Seminary; BA, Humanities, Belhaven University. Serving Paideia Academy since 2020.

“I have been teaching in classical Christian education for the past 17 years, and I am very excited to be teaching at Paideia. I have a passion for helping students understand the importance of ideas and worldview. My goal is to have all of my students express with C.S. Lewis, ‘I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.’ I can think of no greater calling than helping to prepare the next generation to live as faithful believers, modeling Christ-like behavior with confidence and winsomeness. The fact that I get to do all of this in the scenery of East Tennessee with my wife and two kids is just a bonus!”

JARED ILES

math • dean of athanasian hall

BS, Math (with an emphasis in education), The Master’s University; AA, Biblical Studies, New Tribes Institute in Wisconsin. Serving Paideia Academy since 2023.

“I am very excited to finally be teaching at a classical Christian school where I can truly speak into the lives of the students. I view proper math education to be important, and all learning should be done in light of eternity. I taught 7-12 grade math in Oregon for several years and am excited to move to Knoxville and start putting down roots.”

Pamela Kilburn

PAMELA KILBURN

college & career advisor

MEd, Guidance Counseling & Curriculum Instruction, Lincoln Memorial University; BA, English, University of South Carolina. Serving Paideia Academy since 2023.

“I’ve gotten to spend the past twelve years working with students in Christian education, most recently as a career advisor. I really enjoy getting to help students figure out who they are and why that matters. My biblical worldview fundamentally shapes and distinguishes my perspective on this, and I love exploring these ideas with students. My goal is to help them see their work as their ministry and to encourage them to rise to the challenge of doing all things to honor God and bless others (Colossians 3:17). I feel similarly excited about how classical education uniquely equips students to accomplish this goal. I’ve observed firsthand how students at Paideia are truly set apart in their ability to think for themselves, their capacity to put their knowledge, thoughts, and ideas into practice, and their ability to connect with the people around them in deeply meaningful ways. I’m so excited to get to be part of this important process in their lives.”

DANIEL STEWART

greek • latin • grammar • dean of augsburg hall

BS, Biblical Studies, Moody Bible Institute; AS, Biblical Studies, New Tribes Bible Institute; Diplom in Evangelische Theologie, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen. Serving Paideia Academy since 2019.

“Having followed Christ for many years now, it is a privilege to be able to serve the Gospel and the next generation at Paideia Academy. My lovely wife Cathrin and I are thankful to have been blessed with our three children: Clara, Caleb, and Samuel. I began my Biblical training many years ago, but my classical training was rounded out most recently as we studied abroad in Germany. I love students; languages: German, Latin, Greek, Hebrew, English; and the Word of God. We are thankful to have been brought into the Paideia community and look forward to serving all those who God brings our way.”

ELIJAH TAFAO

omnibus • rhetoric • logic • dean of apostles’ hall

DMin (ABD), Gateway Seminary; MDiv, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary; MA, Intercultural Studies, Union University; BS, Biology, California Baptist University. Serving Paideia Academy since 2022.

“I was trained in ministry at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in the San Francisco Bay Area. I’m passionate about the people of God growing in their relationship with God and maturing as followers of Jesus. I long for students to be able to discern God’s voice in order for them to know Him deeply and join Him in what He is doing in the world. I am married to Stacey and we have two children: Olivia and Isaiah. When I’m not teaching I love to work out with my buddies at F3 and travel with my family.”

BRITTANY TUTEN

science

BS, Microbiology, University of Tennessee. Serving Paideia Academy since 2023.

“My family and I love Paideia and its community and have enjoyed being a part of this lovely school for the past few years. My husband, Forrest, and I have three children who are students here, Annie Cate, Ford, & Markham. Upon graduating from UTK in Microbiology, I had plans to attend PA school, but the Lord called me in a different direction to college ministry. I loved my time working in college ministry, walking alongside students as they navigated living for Christ in the midst of college life. I’m honored that I now get to walk alongside high school students while teaching them about God’s wonderful creation through Biology. I pray that the students will grow in their awe & knowledge of God as we dive into studying this beautiful life He created with such design & purpose.”

MELANIE LEACH

fine arts director • theatre teacher

BA, Communications, University of Tennessee. Serving Paideia Academy since 2013.

“I am delighted to shepherd the growing Upper School theatre program at Paideia Academy. My heart is to teach our students to be effective storytellers and use their creative gifts to God’s glory.”

JOANNA CRISWELL

music

Serving Paideia Academy since 2023.

JANICE FANCHER

art

Art Academy of Cincinnati and Cleveland Institute of Art, Ohio. Serving Paideia Academy since 2015.

“I’ve been teaching art in a Christian school, homeschooling co-op, private lessons or in an after-school program at public schools for more than 30 years. My first passion is investing in each student’s walk in their relationship with Jesus Christ. My second passion is to teach the ‘how to’s’ of creating beautiful art. I’m very excited and thankful to be a part of the Paideia school family.”

LAURA LINDSAY

music

MSc, Spiritual Guidance and Care/Mental Behavioral Health, Carson-Newman University; BM, Music and Religion, Carson-Newman University. Serving Paideia Academy since 2018.

“What a joy to be part of the Paideia family! I feel blessed to be able to share my love of music with students of all ages through private lessons and in the general classroom. My heart’s desire is to see God glorified in all that we do as children of God and to instill a love of music in the next generation. We read so much from the Scriptures about praising God with instrument and song; this will come to life as we experience and learn about music in our world during the school year. My husband and I reside in Knoxville and are both leaders in various music ministries in the area.”

DORIS MORELAND

chorus

BS, Music Education with Minor in Voice, UT Chattanooga. Serving Paideia Academy since 2023.

“I am excited to be able to be God’s instrument in helping to build a choral program for 5-11th grades. My vision is for these precious ones to go to a deeper level of loving our Lord through using the instrument of voice. I was born in Johnson City, TN, graduated college from UT Chattanooga and went with my hubby to seminary in Louisville, KY. After that we moved to the DC area for 7 years and then came back to East Tennessee. In all of those years, at one time or another, I’ve taught music from preschool through high school in private and public schools, as well as church settings. I started singing before I talked, and when a day in the life of elementary school ended, I would come home and play school. The Lord has a wonderful way of letting us enjoy our passions even from the youngest age. My husband Mark and I have two grown children who live nearby with their families. I enjoy hiking, biking, walking, reading and singing. We are also highly involved serving in and outside of our local church. On Saturdays you will find us at a baseball or soccer field rooting on our grandsons, where we are, of course, wearing orange.”

JESSIE OSTROWSKI

band

BM, Music Education, Grove City College. Serving Paideia Academy since 2019.

“I have had the privilege of starting Paideia’s band program, a program that is focused on discipleship, musical excellence and music ministry.  As a high school and college musician, I was deeply inspired by my high school band director and consequently pursued a degree in Music Education. As a high school and college musician, the Lord providentially opened doors of opportunity for me to work under some of the country’s top band conductors at state and national honors bands. I view all of these experiences as a deposit that was entrusted to me by the Lord to be invested into my students. After teaching band and general music from 2001-2009, I took a break from teaching to become a mother to George, Lily, Charlie and Rosie, and now I am following the Lord’s leading as I return to my passion of teaching band. My goal is to develop kingdom musicians who are fully equipped as both classically-trained musicians and also as artists who are capable of creating their own music as they play by ear. My other passions are for women’s ministry, tennis, and healthy living.”

CANDACE HALE

head of operations

Harding University, Liberal Arts. AS, Radiologic Technology, Daytona State College; Advanced Certification in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR), ARRT. Serving Paideia Academy since 2010.

“It is a joy to provide business and operational support to the Paideia community each day! My husband, Kyle, and I, are especially grateful for the gift of a Christ-centered, classical education that God has provided for our son, Cory (Class of 2015), through the wonderful faculty and staff of Paideia Academy.”

KRISTIN MONGE

athletic director • PE teacher

BS, Business and Marketing, University of Phoenix. Serving Paideia Academy since 2018.

“I started my career in the insurance field. As my husband and I began having a family, I felt God giving me a desire to work with children. I taught at a preschool program for three years, volunteered at a homeschool co-op, taught children’s Sunday school classes, and substituted at my boys’ schools regularly. I thought I understood ‘classical education,’ until I found Paideia Academy. I was impressed at the level of the students’ knowledge and by their passion for learning how history, literature, and science are connected to the Bible. I wished that I had the privilege of this type of classical education in my life! Teaching at Paideia has been both a blessing and privilege to me. I love the relationships I get to build with the students and their families. My desire is to help foster a love for learning and a greater appreciation of the God who is woven through each of our lessons. My husband Jeff and I have three boys who all attend Paideia Academy as well: Peyton, Brayden, and Dawson.”

SARA DEEL

school of logic & rhetoric administrative assistant

MS, Nursing and BA, Psychology, University of Tennessee; Board Certified Nurse Practitioner. Serving Paideia Academy since 2020.

“My husband, Stephen, and I have six children: Ella, Harper, Lola, Annalise, Vivian, and Bennett. Before my children reached school age, I spent six years as a Nurse Practitioner with Hope Resource Center in Knoxville, TN. With a desire for an education centered on Christ, we began our homeschooling journey with my first Kindergartner. Several years later, we began to look at Christian schools to partner with for our older children. As our family explored options for Christian schools in the area, we fell in love with the classical education at Paideia that truly keeps Christ as the center of everything and decided to enroll all six! I am thrilled to be a part of the Paideia community both as a faculty member and as an attending family.”

JESSICA GRAY

assistant office manager

BA, Anthropology with a specialization in Archaeology, Mississippi State University. Serving Paideia Academy since 2019.

“My family dove headfirst into classical Christian education through homeschooling when my son went into fourth grade. It was amazing to watch the world expand for him and to help him grow in an understanding that all knowledge is intertwined and that Christ is the center of it all. When we moved to Knoxville in the fall of 2016, we were so excited to find Paideia and have the option of a five-day classical school. I have enjoyed being a part of the Paideia community; first as a volunteer, then as a substitute, and now working in the office and with our homeschool umbrella community.”

LINDSEY KANT

school nurse • volunteer coordinator

ASN, Roane State Community College. Serving Paideia Academy since 2018.

“In 2005, I began my career in nursing at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in the inpatient surgery department. Over the years, I have worked in every area of the surgery specialty from pre-op, to operating room, to post-op and recovery. When our children began attending Paideia in 2017, I joked with our headmaster that one day when Paideia hired a nurse I wanted it to be me. Little did I know what the Lord was doing! In 2019, I began volunteering as a school nurse two days a week. Since then, it has become more and more evident that a full-time nurse was needed (thank you global pandemic)! The Lord has provided an opportunity for me to serve full-time in this capacity as well as coordinating our volunteer efforts around campus. My husband Matt and I have 4 children: Annie, Ruby, Mabel, and Sam who all attend Paideia. Our family enjoys complicated (nerdy) board games, good food, camping, cheering for our kids on the sideline of their sporting endeavors, and any other fun things that come our way. We are members of Basswood Baptist church and love being part of the Paideia community. I am so thankful to be working with such an amazing staff and to be doing what I love where my kids are every day!”

SARAH ODOM

communications administrative assistant

BA, Business Management, Taylor University. Serving Paideia Academy since 2022.

“My first experience with classical education was through the Classical Conversations homeschool co-op group, which we were involved in for several years. When we began looking for more full-time support, we enrolled the kids at Paideia Academy and are so thrilled we did. My husband Luke and I have 3 children: Zoe, Jude, and Ezra. As of 2020, we are new to the Knoxville area, transplants from Wheaton, IL. My work experience prior to motherhood: I was a Facility Manager over a group home for the disabled and an Administrative Assistant at a large church in the Chicago suburbs. On the weekends, I enjoy being a water aerobics instructor at the YMCA and exploring beautiful Tennessee with my family. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to use my gifts in the school office and be a part of this unique community of believers.”

JESSICA TUTEN

front desk administrative assistant

BS, Special Education-Modified, Tennessee Tech University. Serving Paideia Academy since 2022.

“I’m beyond grateful to be a follower of Christ and His provision in my life continues to leave me in awe. My husband, Boyce, and I have three children: Briggs, Eliza, and Wren. We have been a part of the Paideia family since my oldest began pre-k in 2015. It has continued to be a blessing each and every year. It’s a gift knowing that my children are loved and viewed through the lens that Christ has set before us. I’m excited to come alongside the families of Paideia and serve them in the same kind, gracious, and loving way that our family has been served during our time here. My prayer for my family and all the families of Paideia is: ‘For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith-that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have the strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.’ Ephesians 3:14-19”

AIDAN LEACH

facilities manager

BA, Architectural Studies, Birmingham-Southern College. Serving Paideia Academy since 2023.

“As a Paideia Academy Alumni (Class of 2016), I am excited to serve my alma mater and to be back on campus. In addition to my college degree, I commissioned as an officer in the Tennessee Army National Guard, where I currently serve in the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Leah, and our two dogs.”

RANDY SADLER

chairman

Serving Paideia Academy since 2004.

“Shannon and I have been blessed with almost 30 years of marriage and five children, John, Samuel, Emily, Claire and Anna. John is a Paideia graduate and a graduate of Covenant College. Samuel is a Paideia graduate and a graduate of Union University. Emily is a Paideia graduate and just started her junior year at Union University. Claire is a Paideia graduate and just started her freshman year at Johnson University. And Anna is a junior at Paideia. We are members of Christ Presbyterian Church. I work in captive insurance, helping business owners own their own insurance company, and Shannon pours her energy into blessing family and friends. We regularly thank the Lord for Paideia Academy and the wonderful staff, teachers, friends and families that He has brought into their journey on this terrestrial ball.”

BOB ARRITT

Serving Paideia Academy since 2022.

“I’m from a family of educators, and before coming to Paideia, I served six years as a board member for another private Christian school. I have been a regular Sunday school teacher and served as a deacon overseeing the adult education classes. My family and I presently attend Basswood Baptist Church. My wife, Rochelle, and I have been married for 22 years and have three daughters at Paideia: Elisabeth, Abbie, and Anna Leigh. We were drawn to Paideia for the Christ-centered, classical curriculum; since then, we have been blessed by the many great families in the school community. I am employed as an Electrical Engineer but have been known to guest lecture at Paideia from time to time. I look forward to continuing the mission of equipping the school and families in providing a classical education with a Biblical worldview.”

CHARLES CLAPP

Serving Paideia Academy since 2004.

“I work as a utilities engineer and am an elder at Christ Presbyterian Church where we have been members for many years.  My wife, Tisha, and I have six children: three who have gone on to college and beyond and three who are still attending Paideia. We have been a part of the school since its inception and are so grateful for both the unique education our kids have received and the godly teachers who have imparted it to them.”

TIM MCILRATH

Serving Paideia Academy since 2018.

“I am an Anesthesiologist at Parkwest Medical Center, and my wife Tara is a full-time homemaker, part-time massage therapist/exercise instructor. We have four children: Eric, Amy, Paul, and Benjamin. Our family attends Fellowship Church Middlebrook. Having been at Paideia for 12 years, what we like best about the school is the Christ-centered community. I appreciate serving on the board to lead by example for my own children and other families as well. Investing in a godly legacy and giving our children a firm foundation in truth is a top priority for our family.”

ADAM WOLDT

Serving Paideia Academy since 2022.

“My wife Laura and I and our kids, Elijah and Eden, moved to Knoxville in 2017 when I received a call to serve as Pastor at The Point Knox. Since then, Ezra joined the family. We discovered Paideia online prior to Elijah entering Pre-K and are now beginning our fifth school year here. As native Midwesterners, our family loves the abundant mountains and trees of East Tennessee. Camping, hiking, sitting by a fire, and playing board games are a few of our favorite family activities. In 2022, we purchased an old fixer-upper, so much of our free time currently includes watching instructional videos to learn how to rebuild a house, swing a hammer, and admit our own construction deficiencies. From our initial visit, we quickly fell in love with the intentional, Christ-centered formation of Paideia. As a board member, I enjoy working with parents and the faculty to discover new ways to improve and enhance our mutual partnership in this journey of discipling our kids.”