Career-expert Educators

We are proud to have a talented staff that is highly trained and qualified in various art specialties, ensuring that students receive top-notch instruction. 

Each teacher brings a wealth of experience and a strong background in their specific area. A couple of examples:

Gabriel Gordon is in his 3rd year of teaching Orchestra at Syracuse Arts Academy. He also plays the violin, and conducts with Ballet West, Chamber Orchestra Ogden, The New American Philharmonic, The Nova Chamber Series, The Intermezzo Chamber Series, and other Ballet and Symphony Orchestras across the country.

Similarly, our band teacher, Tim Whipple, an accomplished musician in his own right, performs with his own bands, enriching the curriculum with real-world expertise and passion.

Missy Warwood is a committed special education teacher with over 8 years of experience, inspired to enter the field to advocate for her son with Down syndrome. She passionately supports her students and works diligently to ensure that every child receives the education they deserve. Her personal journey fuels her dedication to fostering inclusive and empowering learning environments

Aimee McNabb is a dedicated first-grade teacher at SAA, having joined the institution in its second year. She holds a degree in elementary education from the University of Montana, graduating magna cum laude, and has obtained her ESL certification through the Davis School District. With 20 years of experience, she has devoted her entire career to teaching first grade. All three of her children graduated from SAA. Mrs. McNabb pursues her passion for art through her photography business, McNabb Photography, which specializes in weddings and elopements. Her work has been featured in various publications.  

Gwen Merrill, M.Ed., consistently strives to improve her teaching practice to more fully engage students and prepare them for the future. As a mother of six, she understands the challenges faced by parents and honors the individuality of students. 

Kylin Long is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist with a passion for helping others communicate effectively. While graduating from Brigham Young University in 2016, she taught English in Madrid, Spain, served a mission in Romania/Moldova, and traveled the world. She earned her Master’s degree at Northern Arizona University while working in the Weber School District.

Shila Schneider  has been working in the education field for 20 years.  A teacher for 17 years, an  instructional coach for 1, and is in her second year of administration. Shila is a life-time learner with two masters degrees to show it.  

Synda Whipple has been teaching Social Studies for 15 years.   Synda has a Master's Degree in Curriculum Development and is passionate about history and all of the amazing things we can learn about today by looking backward.

 Laura Bayn has been with Syracuse Arts Academy since the first building opened in 2006.  She is an accomplished vocalist/instrumentalist who brings a background in music therapy, theater arts, and years of performance experience to the classroom. Outside of school, she directs musicals and performs in various capacities out in our community. 

What do you get when you combine an artist, musician, scientist and former college professor? Doc Nichols, the singing and drawing science teacher at SAA Jr. High. who has 20+ years of teaching and integrating all things arts and science. 

Brittany Walker,  our Visual Arts Specialist, has been doing her own art since she was a kid and has taken many art classes throughout the years. Working with a variety of mediums and creating many different projects she brings that knowledge and enthusiasm for art into the classroom. 

Heidi Stone, M.Ed., is a dedicated English teacher with a master's degree in Learning and Technology. She seamlessly integrates technology into her classroom, using it to enhance student's educational experiences and prepare them for future success. Heidi is a strong advocate for project-based learning, encouraging her students to utilize technology in hands-on projects that foster collaboration and real-world skills. With over 10 years of experience in education, she has developed a curriculum for a multi-million-dollar ESL company and holds teaching endorsements in history, educational technology, and English as a Second Language. She has served on multiple Utah educator committees and is a peer editor for the Utah Council of Teachers of English Magazine. 

Roxanne Shipman is in her 16th year of teaching 4th grade.  She has received the Teacher of the Week award for the State of Utah. She was also chosen to be on the state committee for the Common Core for Language Arts.