Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Living Lovett
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meredyth Cole: Lovett Defined | 22 Oct 2026 | 00:39:28 | |
S10E7 Head of School Meredyth Cole returns to the Living Lovett podcast for the Season 10 finale. Associate Head of School Jessica Sant and Meredyth Cole reflect on the school's evolution during its Centennial year. After becoming Lovett's Head of School in 2018, Meredyth discusses the intentional work of clarifying the school's identity and strengthening its organizational systems while staying true to founder Eva Edwards Lovett's vision of whole child education. The conversation explores how Lovett has remained committed to its Episcopal roots, prioritized relationships between students and faculty, and made decisions that serve students over societal pressure. Meredyth paints a beautiful picture of how Lovett is charting its course for the next hundred years. Learn more about Lovett's Centennial celebration here: https://www.lovett100.org/ Living Lovett is the award nominated podcast hosted by Jessica Sant. Find Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Billy Peebles: 15 Years Leading Lovett Managing Growth, Diversity, and Financial Aid Expansion | 21 Oct 2026 | 00:40:55 | |
S10E6 Heads of School Week continues on the Living Lovett podcast. Billy Peebles sits down to reflect on his 15-year tenure as head of school at the Lovett School from 2003 to 2018. Billy was at the helm when Living Lovett host and Associate Head of School Jessica Sant first joined Lovett, making this conversation particularly poignant. Peebles describes inheriting a strong foundation from his predecessor and adapting his leadership style to serve a much larger institution than he had previously led. Billy discusses the importance of staying connected to teaching throughout his administrative role, particularly his ninth-grade religion elective, People of the Book, which allowed him to know students across their high school years. This conversation offers insight into the leadership philosophy and collaborative approach that shaped Lovett during a period of significant growth and transformation, and how stewardship works in practice in a community like the Lovett community. Learn more about Lovett's Centennial celebration here: https://www.lovett100.org/ Living Lovett is the award nominated podcast hosted by Jessica Sant. Find Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Jim Hendrix: From JOE to American Studies | 20 Oct 2026 | 00:29:55 | |
S10E5 Some of the most essential experiences of Lovett started under the tenure Jim Hendrix (Head of School, 1991-2003.) The four days in the Pisgah wilderness at the end of junior year (fondly known as JOE); the distinctive American Studies program; Siempre Verde; and what's now known as the Learning Lab all had their start during these years. It's Heads of School Week on the Living Lovett podcast. Dr. Hendrix joins Jessica Sant, Associate Head of School at The Lovett School to talk about his 50 years in education, and to learn about Dr. Hendrix's experience at Lovett. Generous with credit and quick with a story, Jim reminds us that a school's best traditions often start with a bold idea and someone willing to support it. Learn more about Lovett's Centennial celebration here: https://www.lovett100.org/ Living Lovett is the award nominated podcast hosted by Jessica Sant. Find Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Grounded in Connection: Christina Dahabreh, Graduate of Lovett's Centennial Class | 15 Oct 2026 | 00:36:29 | |
S10E4 When Christina Dahabreh arrived on the riverbank as a sixth grader, she had to adjust: harder classes, new expectations, and new classmates who were not yet friends. But then, just seven years later, Christina received the Eva Edwards Lovett Founder's Medal, our highest honor for a senior. She also left behind a legacy of clubs that hadn't existed before, a class that felt like family, and a clearer path for the girls coming behind her. This season of the Living Lovett podcast is celebrating Lovett's Centennial. Christina Dahabreh, a member of the Class of 2026, joins Jessica Sant, Associate Head at The Lovett School, to talk about what life was like at Lovett, and what it means to graduate in Lovett's Centennial year. Christina has firsthand experience in the power of a whole child education, and shares her insights on resiliency, success, and creating opportunity. Today, Christina is a first-year student at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Listen to Christina's graduation speech here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZp7kPni1it/ Learn more about Lovett's Centennial celebration here: https://www.lovett100.org/ Living Lovett is the award nominated podcast hosted by Jessica Sant. Find Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| It Will Be the Heart of Our School: Rita Anne Rollins Hall at Lovett | 08 Oct 2026 | 00:28:36 | |
S10E3 A new building is taking shape in the heart of Lovett's campus, named for one of our own. Rita Anne Rollins, the eldest child of Randall and Peggy Rollins, was a member of the Class of 1972, whose years at Lovett were cut short. Her brother and sisters, Pam, Tim, and Amy, all went on to graduate from Lovett, and through their generosity, Rita Anne's name will rest at the center of our campus in the place where generations of students will gather, learn, and grow. Lovett's Chief Advancement Officer Matt Gould joins Jessica Sant, Associate Head of School and host of Living Lovett, to discuss how a transformational gift makes Rita Anne Rollins Hall possible. Matt and Jessica also talk about what philanthropy does for a school like Lovett, and how families can get involved.
Living Lovett is the award nominated podcast hosted by Jessica Sant. Find Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| What Was Life Like at Little Lovett? | 02 Oct 2026 | 00:35:39 | |
S10E2 Some friendships start on a playground. The Little Lovett friendship of Fontaine Draper and Alan Elsas began on a first-grade stage, with one classmate in rabbit ears and the other playing the rabbit's mother. Now, just over 70 years later, Fontaine and Alan join Associate Head of School Jessica Sant on the Living Lovett podcast to offer a tour of what Lovett was like when it was under the leadership of Eva Edwards Lovett. As Lovett celebrates 100 years, this conversation will revisit the days of the long, low white schoolhouse on West Westley; flower walks and birdwatching; strict student government meetings; and a picture of Eva Edwards Lovett from the perspective of young students. With a lifelong friendship full of warmth and affection, Fontaine and Alan are fantastic tour guides of Lovett's early days. Learn more about Lovett's Centennial celebration here: https://www.lovett100.org/ Living Lovett is the award nominated podcast hosted by Jessica Sant. Find Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Our School Bears Her Name: Eva Edwards Lovett | 24 Sep 2026 | 00:47:36 | |
S10E1 Who is Eva Edwards Lovett? When we talk about whole child education, we are describing her approach to teaching. Every day on this campus, in classrooms, on the fields, and along the river, we live out ideas she set in motion a century ago. And yet for many of us, Eva Edwards Lovett remains a name we know far better than the woman behind it. Season 10 of Living Lovett is here, and as we celebrate the Lovett Centennial, Dr. Wade Morris (Chair, Upper School History Department) joins Associate Head of School Jessica Sant to answer the critical question, who is Eva Edwards Lovett? This episode explores Mrs. Lovett's life; her beliefs about how children learn and grow; the story of the school's founding; and the ways her influence still shapes daily life at Lovett one hundred years later. You will leave this episode with a greater understanding of our founder and our school, and with a deeper understanding of how we became distinctly Lovett. Learn more about Lovett at 100 here: https://www.lovett100.org/ Living Lovett is the award nominated podcast hosted by Jessica Sant. Find Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| You Are Lovett | A Conversation with LPA Co-Presidents | 12 Mar 2026 | 00:38:09 | |
S9E6 What does meaningful parent partnership look like when it's working? In the Season 9 finale of Living Lovett, host Jessica Sant sits down with Lovett Parent Association (LPA) co-presidents Alice Sheets and Malvika Jhangiani: two busy parents who will tell you that saying yes before you're ready turned out to be one of the best decisions they made. Alice and Malvika reflect on what surprised them most about leading the LPA, how CliftonStrengths gave them a common language before they'd spent a single hour working together, and how practicing difficult conversations shaped the way they showed up all year long. They talk about what it meant to put their names on Lovett's first-ever parent engagement survey, the listening sessions happening across campus this spring, and why they believe the most powerful thing a parent can do is both make their voice heard and trust the process. They also have a message for every Lovett parent who's been on the fence about getting involved but maybe thought they were too busy or weren't sure their skills could be useful. More about Lovett Parent Engagement here: https://www.lovett.org/community/parent-engagement Living Lovett is the award nominated podcast hosted by Jessica Sant. Find Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Seen and Known: How Lovett Is Reimagining Employee Recognition | 26 Feb 2026 | 00:39:33 | |
S9E5 What would it mean for every person on a school campus—the teacher, the department chair, the custodian, the grounds crew—to end the year knowing that someone truly saw them? Not through a trinket or a mass email, but something personal, specific, and lasting. It turns out the answer might be as simple as a handwritten note—and at Lovett, a team of colleagues decided to find out. In this episode of Living Lovett, host Jessica Sant sits down with Vanessa Boone, K–5 Design and Engineering teacher in the Lower School Innovation Lab, and Dr. Lindsay Samson, Middle School Department Chair for World Languages, who together co-chair Lovett's 26-person Employee Engagement Working Team. This year, that team set out to answer a question many organizations never think to ask: How do our people actually want to be recognized? They surveyed the community, dug into the data, and built something real around what they found. You'll hear Vanessa and Lindsay unpack the meaningful difference between recognition and reward, what surprised them in the pulse survey results, and how a brainstormed idea became a schoolwide campaign connecting parents, faculty, and staff. This episode brings home how recognition and engagement help make Lovett the place that it is. Living Lovett is the award nominated podcast hosted by Jessica Sant. Find Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Leading with Purpose: Chelle Wabrek on School Leadership and Community | 19 Feb 2026 | 00:41:31 | |
S9E4 What does it look like when a leader pours herself fully into a place — and leaves it fundamentally better than she found it? In this episode of Living Lovett, Jessica Sant sits down with Associate Head of School Chelle Wabrek to celebrate seven years of growth, impact, and deep investment in The Lovett School community. Chelle reflects on what drew her to Lovett, what she learned about herself through unexpected leadership roles, and why she believes the most important thing a leader can do is slow down and have more conversations. She shares how working alongside Head of School Meredyth Cole shaped her approach to leadership, what it has meant to teach seniors in the Ethical Leadership class, and how her time here has prepared her to step into her new role as Head of School at Mary Institute and Country Day School in St. Louis. Listen to Ethical Leadership students Will and Ford on Living Lovett here: https://sites.libsyn.com/401270/site/finding-their-voices-two-lovett-seniors-on-trust-freedom-and-leading-with-integrity Living Lovett is the award nominated podcast hosted by Jessica Sant. Find Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Leading Through the Unexpected: Josh Moore on Resilience and Growth | 12 Feb 2026 | 00:32:28 | |
S9E3 What does it take to lead when the path forward isn't what you planned? In this episode of Living Lovett, Josh Moore '15 shares his journey from Lovett student to serving as President of the Black Alumni Council and being an Account Manager at Lockton Companies—a path shaped by unexpected setbacks, bold choices, and the confidence to say yes even when he wasn't sure he was ready. Host Jessica Sant sits down with Josh to explore how his Lovett experience prepared him not just academically, but with the mindset that helped him navigate new communities, lead teams, and ultimately find his way back to serve the school that shaped him. Josh also reflects on his decision to attend Hampton University, an HBCU, and how that experience deepened his understanding of himself and what it means to lead. This episode not only contains lessons for current Lovett students about finding and fulfilling opportunities to lead, but what it's like to stay connected to the Lovett community a decade on and how a Lovett education can impact a person throughout their life. Learn more about Alumni activities at Lovett: https://www.lovett.org/alumni Living Lovett is the award nominated podcast hosted by Jessica Sant. Find Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Finding Their Voices: Two Lovett Seniors on Trust, Freedom, and Leading with Integrity | 05 Feb 2026 | 00:41:15 | |
S9E2 What happens when you remove the performance pressure and simply let two students explore each other's leadership journeys? In this episode of Living Lovett, you'll hear something different—seniors Will Byrne and Ford Tedder interview each other as part of their Ethical Leadership class, an assignment that asks them to reflect on their values, struggles, and growth as leaders. Host Jessica Sant sets the stage by talking with both students about the Ethical Leadership class—a distinctive senior course facilitated by Lovett Head of School Meredyth Cole, Associate Head Chelle Wabrek, and Coach Orien Harris. Then the conversation shifts to Will and Ford as they take turns interviewing each other, unscripted and unpolished. You'll hear Will and Ford explore what it means to lead by example rather than by volume, the power of improvisation in jazz and in life, and the profound lessons they both have learned across their time at Lovett. Will shares his journey of discovering faith at Lovett and becoming a section leader in the rhythm section of Ellington Jazz Ensemble. Ford reflects on his path from quiet presence to head swim captain and inaugural varsity water polo state champion. Their honest conversation about struggle, growth, and whole child education offers a window into how Lovett develops young leaders—not through lectures, but through lived experience, meaningful dialogue, and the freedom to become their full selves. Stay until the end to hear both students answer the question we ask every guest: What does Living Lovett mean to you? Living Lovett is the award nominated podcast hosted by Jessica Sant. Find Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| The People Make the Place: Getting to Know Lovett's Admission Team | 29 Jan 2026 | 00:46:34 | |
S9E1 Curious about what really happens behind the scenes in Lovett's admission process? In this Season 9 premiere of Living Lovett, you'll hear directly from the people who welcome families into our community every day: Dr. Tim Pitchford (Senior Director of Admission and Financial Aid), Virginia French (Lower School Associate Director), Jack Parrish (Middle School Associate Director), and Carolina Clark (Admissions Associate). As the application deadline approaches, host Jessica Sant sits down with the entire team to explore the questions families are asking—from what matters most in an application to how Lovett's whole child approach shows up from the very first interaction. They share what makes Lovett's process distinctive: a genuine commitment to knowing each child and family beyond test scores and transcripts, looking for consistency across every element of the application rather than isolated moments in time. You'll hear about the professionals who choose to work with middle schoolers because they love that age, the power of having educators leading admission conversations, and what Virginia, a Lovett lifer, means when she says this place "shines brightest when things are hard." Regardless of where your Lovett journey may be starting, this conversation offers an honest look at how we welcome families—and why being seen, known, and loved from the moment you step on campus isn't just a tagline, but a lived experience. Learn more about Admission at Lovett here: https://www.lovett.org/admission Living Lovett is the award nominated podcast hosted by Jessica Sant. Find Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Finding Higher Ground: Dr. Donna Hicks on Dignity, Conflict, and Compassion | 13 Nov 2025 | 00:41:24 | |
S8E9 One value, dignity, has the capacity to build bridges during disputes, build stronger communities, and honor other human beings. The power of dignity is what brings Donna Hicks, PhD to this season finale of Living Lovett. Dr. Hicks is an expert in international conflict resolution, and discusses with host Jessica Sant the profound role of dignity in resolving conflicts and building stronger communities. Drawing from her global experience and her influential books, Dr. Hicks explains how dignity is an inherent human value that, when upheld, can heal divisions and foster growth, especially in educational settings. Dr. Hicks shares stories of teaching dignity to children, the importance of recognizing and addressing dignity violations, and the distinction between dignity and respect. The conversation highlights practical strategies for parents, educators, and leaders to create cultures of recognition and compassion, emphasizing that dignity work is a slow, ongoing process that requires presence, self-reflection, and a commitment to higher ground. More about Donna Hicks, PhD: https://drdonnahicks.com/ Discover Dr. Hicks' books: https://drdonnahicks.com/#books We thank you for the incredible feedback from this season of Living Lovett. Planning is already underway for our next season. Stay tuned! Listen to award nominated podcast Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Beyond the Data: How Lovett Parents Are Championing Whole Child Success | 06 Nov 2025 | 00:45:30 | |
S8E8 How does the parent perspective fit in with The Lovett School's partnership with Challenge Success? Three parent leaders join Living Lovett host and Chief Engagement Officer Jessica Sant to discuss their experience volunteering for the Challenge Success initiative, and the importance of community, intentionality, and partnership between families and the school. Christopher Cooper, Bliss Stone, and Aimee Connolly have a variety of relationships with Lovett: they are parents of grads, and current students; one is even an alumnae and trustee. Regardless of how many ties they have to Lovett, each parent is committed to Lovett serving students in the best way possible for generations to come. If you are interested in how much impact parents have on how Lovett approaches whole child education and how Lovett is delivering on its values, this episode is for you. Mentioned on the episode: Listen to some student participants of Challenge Success, including the "I Wish" exercise: https://sites.libsyn.com/401270/the-students-of-challenge-success-at-lovett Listen to award nominated podcast Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Our Students are Known at Lovett | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:42:50 | |
S8E7 Students don't just attend Lovett, they are known by teachers and staff; they are appreciated for who they are and who they are growing to be. Meredyth Cole, Head of School, joins Chief Engagement Officer Jessica Sant for a reflective conversation on Lovett's core values and educational approach. Together, they discuss the importance of clarity and intentionality in defining who Lovett is as a community, emphasizing the school's commitment to nurturing the whole child: intellectually, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Meredyth shares insights on what it means to be an independent Episcopal school, the significance of honoring dignity and diversity, and the value of fostering resilience and authentic self-knowledge in students. The conversation also explores the partnership between families and the school, the challenges and rewards of letting students experience "healthy failure," and the enduring impact of strong relationships and community connection. Listen to award nominated podcast Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Handling Digital Devices in Healthy Ways for Students and Families | 23 Oct 2025 | 00:52:55 | |
S8E6 The challenges and opportunities of parenting and educating children in a technology-saturated world are significant. Family counselor Teddi Bair joins Chief Engagement Officer Jessica Sant to talk about the impact of screen time on children's development, the importance of modeling healthy technology habits, and the need for emotional connection between parents, educators, and kids. Drawing on research, personal experience, and professional practice, Teddi and Jessica highlight the value of community, open dialogue, and supportive parenting approaches. The discussion emphasizes that small, intentional changes with screens and other digital tools, such as being present, setting boundaries, and fostering resilience can make a significant difference in children's well-being. Learn more about Teddi Bair and her counseling in Atlanta, GA: https://www.teddibair.com/ Listen to award nominated podcast Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Data Driven Engagement: How Clifton Strengths is Impacting Lovett's Culture | 16 Oct 2025 | 00:42:41 | |
S8E5 Janet Gibbon, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Gallup, joins Jessica Sant, Chief Engagement Officer at the Lovett School, discuss our multi-year partnership focused on enhancing engagement and well-being across the Lovett community. Using Gallup's data-driven tools, including the Q12 employee engagement survey and the Clifton Strengths assessment, the experiences of students, staff, and parents have been assessed to identify areas of improvement and spotlight successes. The episode highlights the school's journey from post-pandemic challenges to building a culture of transparency, intentionality, and personal growth. By leveraging strengths-based development and comprehensive feedback from all stakeholders, Lovett has fostered a more engaged, self-aware, and collaborative environment, setting a model for holistic educational success. Listen to award nominated podcast Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| How Teen Gambling Addiction Starts and Why Parents Miss It | 09 Oct 2025 | 00:37:05 | |
S8E4 In this episode, recovering gambling addict and speaker Saul Malek shares his personal experience with gambling addiction, describing how a casual bet in college escalated into a serious problem that affected his finances, relationships, and academic life. Saul discusses the increasing accessibility and normalization of online gambling among young people, the role of social media and peer influence, and the unique vulnerabilities of adolescents. He offers insights for parents and educators on recognizing early warning signs, fostering open conversations, and creating supportive environments that prioritize wellness over punishment. His conversation with Lovett Chief Engagement Officer and Living Lovett host Jessica Sant emphasizes the importance of proactive education, community support, and providing healthy outlets for competitive energy, ultimately highlighting hope and resilience in recovery.
Listen to award nominated podcast Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Raising Confident Eaters: Expert Advice on Food, Family, and Development | 02 Oct 2025 | 00:45:05 | |
S8E3 Colleen Dieselhurst a registered dietician with extensive experience in both acute and primary care joins Chief Engagement Officer and Living Lovett host Jessica Sant to talk about eating and nutrition for our kids. The discussion spans the challenges of feeding children and teens, from toddler food fears to the nutritional demands of puberty. Colleen shares practical strategies for involving kids in meal preparation, managing busy schedules, and recognizing signs of disordered eating. The conversation also covers the impact of social media on body image, the importance of family meals, and how parents can foster a positive food environment even if they lacked healthy models growing up. Have more questions for Colleen? Colleen's profile on the Piedmont Pediatrics is here. Listen to award nominated podcast Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Substance Use Among Students: What Do Parents Need to Know? | 25 Sep 2025 | 00:50:25 | |
S8E2 While the landscape of adolescent substance use continues to evolve, parents who stay informed and engaged have more power than they realize to guide their children toward healthy choices. Dr. Brian J. Dew, Department Chair of Counseling and Psychological Services at Georgia State University, joins Living Lovett host and Chief Engagement Officer Jessica Sant to discuss substance use trends, risk factors, and the importance of education and parent involvement at Lovett. In addition to offering practical information for parents navigating challenges, the conversation covers Dr. Dew's unique perspective and professional journey, including his familiarity with issues of substance use at independent schools. Listen to award nominated podcast Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Faith and Flourishing at Lovett | 18 Sep 2025 | 00:47:18 | |
S8E1 At Lovett, we believe that when students are seen, supported, and valued for who they are, remarkable things happen. This kind of thriving requires more than excellent teaching: it requires intentional collaboration across every aspect of student life. Lovett's newly formed Faith and Flourishing Team embodies those values, and the members of this team are our guests on the Season 8 premiere of Living Lovett. Rev. Colin Brown, Lovett head chaplain; Sarah Friedman, Director of School Counseling; and Dr. Allison Wynn, Lovett's new Director of Belonging share with Lovett Chief Engagement Officer Jessica Sant how their partnership creates a comprehensive support system rooted in our Episcopal identity and commitment to honoring the dignity of all of us. Listen to award nominated podcast Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Season 8 of Living Lovett Starts Next Week | 11 Sep 2025 | 00:01:34 | |
S8E0 Kicking off next week: it's Season 8 of Living Lovett! For seven seasons, we've brought you stories from the Riverbank. Now, in Season 8, Lovett's Chief Engagement Officer Jessica Sant brings together inspiring experts to tackle the topics that matter most: substance awareness, digital wellness, healthy relationships with food, and creating environments where every child can thrive. Through reliable information, practical tools, and trusted perspectives, Season 8 seeks to connect the Lovett community with reliable information and perspectives that will leave you feeling energized and equipped. Because while parenting isn't simple, you absolutely have what it takes, and you're not doing it alone! Season 8 starts next Thursday! Listen to award nominated podcast Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| From Lovett to Hollywood: Slater Nalley Takes the Stage on American Idol | 03 Apr 2025 | 00:29:08 | |
S7E8 BONUS - Thousands audition... Millions vote... Could it be a Lovett senior who wins?? Lovett's own Slater Nalley is a current contestant on American Idol. He joins us on this bonus episode of Living Lovett with upper school English and American Studies teacher Michele Davis to recount their unique story of bringing the song Traces of You to the American Idol stage. It all started in 10th grade with Michele's support for Slater's struggles and evolved into a touching collaboration after Michele shared the tragic story of her son Carter. Slater transformed Michele's poem about Carter into a heartfelt song, Traces of You, which led them to an unforgettable experience on American Idol in Nashville. They discuss the process, the emotional impact, and the invaluable lessons in empathy, character, and faith they have experienced at Lovett with Chief Engagement Officer and Living Lovett host, Jessica Sant. Slater reflects on the importance of teacher support throughout his time at Lovett, while Michele emphasizes the significance of fostering creativity and empathy in education. Both share their deep gratitude and mutual respect, showcasing the powerful bond that has marked their journey. è Click here to vote for Slater Nalley on American Idol: https://idolvote.abc.com/ è Read the article about Slater in the Lovett News: https://www.lovett.org/about-lovett/news/news-detail/~board/news/post/slater-nalley-25-is-headed-to-hollywood Living Lovett is an award nominated podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant.
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| Let Your Life Speak: Alisha Fisher, New Head of Middle School | 27 Feb 2025 | 00:35:57 | |
S7E7 Middle school is a time of tremendous growth, discovery, and transition. An exciting yet challenging period when young people begin to define who they are beyond their families. For parents and educators alike, finding the right balance between support and independence makes the middle school years both rewarding and complex. Alisha Fisher, the new Head of Middle School at Lovett, shares her vision for cultivating a vibrant middle school on this season finale of Living Lovett, hosted by Jessica Sant, Lovett's Chief Engagement Officer. Living Lovett is an award nominated podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Diving Deep at Lovett: The Reynolds' Journey in Ecology, Marine Biology, and Botany | 20 Feb 2025 | 00:37:59 | |
S7E6 Meet Dr. Jennifer Reynolds and Alex Reynolds, two noted educators at The Lovett School. Jennifer, the ninth-grade dean and marine biology program leader, shares her passion for ocean life, cultivated from childhood and seasoned through extensive academic and professional experiences. Alex, who oversees the Siempre Verde program in Ecuador and teaches biology and botany, illustrates his journey from a life-changing ecology study to becoming a key figure in conservation education. Speaking on this episode of Living Lovett with Jessica Sant, Chief Engagement Officer, the Reynolds discuss their unique science programs that offer students immersive experiences in marine biology and cloud forest ecology, emphasizing the importance of long-term data collection, conservation, and real-world applications. Both educators highlight the significance of fostering a lifelong love for learning and meaningful student relationships, making Lovett an exceptional environment for education. Learn more about Siempre Verde here: https://www.siempreverde.org/ Living Lovett is an award nominated podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Play Ball: Roney Eford and the Unifying Power of Lovett Sports | 13 Feb 2025 | 00:40:55 | |
S7E5 Sports and athletics can play a critical role in student life, from skill development, learning resilience, to unifying friends, family, and the entire community. Roney Eford Director of Athletics and Physical Education at The Lovett School joins Chief Engagement Officer Jessica Sant to discuss Roney's first months at the school and to share his vision for the future. Highlighting the excitement and interpersonal bonds formed during various athletic contests, the discussion touches on the engagement of families and the shared experiences of students. The sense of community and unity fostered through sports is celebrated as a significant aspect of school life, whether on the field or cheering from the stands. Roney even shares his thoughts on club sports plus the real story about college athletics (and criteria for families to consider.) Living Lovett is an award nominated podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| From Kindergarten Carpool to Lovett's Graduation Stage: Thirteen Years at Lovett | 06 Feb 2025 | 00:42:52 | |
S7E4 Kalen Waterman '25, completing his final year as a Lovett "lifer," joins his mother Shivana, a dedicated school volunteer, for a heartfelt conversation about their thirteen-year journey in the Lovett community. Speaking with Jessica Sant, Chief Engagement Officer at The Lovett School, the mother-son duo reflect on how their Lovett experience has shaped not just Kalen's education, but their entire family dynamic. When choosing a school for five-year-old Kalen, Shivana was drawn to Lovett's whole child philosophy, which deeply resonated with their family values. Throughout their time at Lovett, mother and son reflect on how their expectations and relationship with the school have evolved, highlighting the importance of community and personal growth. Kalen offers insight into his academic experience and the opportunities for exploration that have defined his time at Lovett, while Shivana shares how the school has influenced her approach to parenting. Both Watermans discuss their involvement with Challenge Success, a school-wide initiative focused on student well-being and balanced achievement. Their perspectives on managing academic pressures while maintaining personal growth offer valuable insights for current and prospective families considering Lovett. Their story embodies the school's commitment to fostering not just academic excellence, but also strong character and lasting community connections. è Listen to the Living Lovett episode about Challenge Success here. Living Lovett is an award nominated podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Over Distance, Through Decades: Lovett Values 25 Years Later | 30 Jan 2025 | 00:44:35 | |
S7E3 What does it look like to carry your school's values with you when life leads you thousands of miles from home, even decades into the future? Two Lovett alumnae, Wade Morris '00 and Megan Kota Morris '00, have pursued careers in education, currently serving at United World College, an international boarding school in Moshi, Tanzania. Nearly 25 years on, The Lovett School experience has had a notable impact on these two Lovett grads— on their careers, relationships, and even life experiences. Wade and Megan talk with Lovett Chief Engagement Officer Jessica Sant about what their years at Lovett mean to their lives today and possibly for their family in the future.
Listen to award nominated podcast Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant.
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| Clarity and Confidence: An Open Conversation about Financial Aid at The Lovett School | 23 Jan 2025 | 00:45:15 | |
S7E2 Alisa Evans, founder and CEO of Mission Enrollment, joins Lovett Chief Engagement Officer Jessica Sant to have an open, clear, stigma-free discussion about financial aid. Many myths and misconceptions surround the financial aid process. On this episode, Alisa and Jessica cover financial aid details including the application timeline, budget planning, and decision-making in financial aid. Alisa emphasizes the importance of approaching the financial aid process with calmness, clarity, and confidence and reassures families about how a realistic tuition payment is determined. Additionally, Alisa underscores Lovett's unique commitment to providing supplemental support, ensuring all students have access to educational experiences. The episode also touches on the procedural confidentiality and advises families on how to handle changes in financial circumstances. Alisa concludes with encouraging words, stressing the long-term benefits of investing in an independent school education. Listen to Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Myths vs. Reality: The Lovett School Admission Facts Revealed | 16 Jan 2025 | 01:10:17 | |
S7E1 How does Admission work at The Lovett School? You may have heard rumors or myths (often shared by well meaning people) but in this season 7 premiere of Living Lovett, you're going to hear directly from some of the people involved in the Admission process, ready to debunk myths and misconceptions, providing reliable Lovett Admission information to prospective families and current Lovett families alike. This conversation provides insights into how Lovett selects students as well as how the mission of the whole child education shows up in Admissions. Prospective families will get an understanding of how the process works; current families will understand deeper how Lovett values are woven into every aspect of the school's administration. è More information about Lovett Admission here: https://www.lovett.org/admission Listen to Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Navigating Phone-Free School: Parent Perspectives and Experiences | 31 Oct 2024 | 00:41:45 | |
S6E8 Creating a balanced relationship with technology is part of nurturing the whole child experience, and Lovett's phone-free policy is a big step in that direction. For families, this policy has highlighted the power of the family-school partnership by uncovering new ways to connect and rethink how devices impact daily life, fostering healthier digital habits for students of all ages. Host Jessica Sant, Chief Engagement Officer at the Lovett School speaks to three parents from the Lovett community - Atira Goodwin, Lou Izquierdo, and Kerry Izard. The parents share their experiences and advice on adjusting to Lovett's phone-free school policy. The discussion covers the impact on students and families, the challenges and benefits of limiting smart device usage, and the importance of modeling healthy tech behaviors. This is the season finale episode of Living Lovett, Season 6. Thank you for another great season! Listen to all the past episodes of award nominated podcast Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Educating for Impact: How Lovett Brings History and Civic Engagement to Life | 24 Oct 2024 | 00:42:25 | |
S6E7 History and social studies classrooms at Lovett aren't just spaces where memorizing facts and dates occur—they are where students begin to understand the world and their role within it. Through historical analysis, classroom discussions, and immersive learning experiences, our faculty design environments where students feel empowered to explore, question, and connect. Dr. Jeff Turner, Chair of the Upper School History Department and American Studies teacher, and Kai Parham, teacher of Global Issues, Civics, and Civic Leadership in the middle school join Chief Engagement Officer Jessica Sant on this episode of Living Lovett to outline the unique ways our history and civics teachers engage students in critical thinking and real-world applications. Jeff and Kai offer parents insights into the classrooms of Lovett as well as practical topics to introduce ideas to kids. Listen to award nominated podcast Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant.
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| Phone-Free School Days: Fostering Mindful Tech Habits at Lovett | 17 Oct 2024 | 00:51:11 | |
S6E6 Some were skeptical; some were excited. News of Lovett's phone-free policy brought up a lot of questions before the roll-out this Fall. Now that Lovett's no phone policy is the rule of the school, we've invited some key players onto Living Lovett to discuss the rationale of the new policy and get a progress report on how things are going with students and staff. Three of our counseling pros join Chief Engagement Officer Jessica Sant on the show—along with Head of School Meredyth Cole—to share where the idea of the phone policy came from as how the policy is impacting each of Lovett's divisions. In addition to talking about going phone free at Lovett, counselors Maggie Wise (Lower School), Lyvelle Simms (Middle School), and Dr. Brenda Wall (Upper School) offer practical and tactical tips for parents handling technology with their children—regardless of age. If you have questions of your kids and the influence tech has on them, this episode is sure to provide insight and information. Learn more about counseling at Lovett: https://www.lovett.org/community/school-counseling Listen to award nominated podcast Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Building the Emotional Toolkit for Kids: Strategies for Parents and Schools | 10 Oct 2024 | 00:45:22 | |
S6E5 On this week's episode of Living Lovett, Tricia Thornton '90, a Lovett alumna, licensed professional counselor, and registered play therapist, reflects on her journey from being a "14er" to becoming a mental health professional. In her conversation with Chief Engagement Officer Jessica Sant, Tricia examines how her time at Lovett instilled values like hard work and integrity, shaping her career path. Tricia also highlights her work supporting families and children, particularly those dealing with anxiety and anger, and offers practical advice for parents and schools on fostering emotional well-being. She stresses the importance of balance, emotional awareness, and meaningful connections in a child's development. Her book, Blessing from Fear, provides valuable insights for parents and caregivers, exploring the root causes of fear and advocating for a nurturing and supportive approach to children's emotional needs. Tricia Thornton Therapy: https://www.triciathornton.com/ Blessing from Fear on Amazon: https://a.co/d/5gEhP6I Listen to award nominated podcast Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| A Legacy of Learning: Connecting Generations at Lovett | 03 Oct 2024 | 00:35:47 | |
S6E4 At Lovett, education is more than just academics—it's about creating lasting connections between students, families, and the generations that came before them. Joni Janis, a current Lovett grandparent, former Lovett parent, and former middle school teacher who dedicated 32 years to shaping students' perspectives on history and the world around them joins Chief Engagement Officer Jessica Sant on this episode of Living Lovett. From her groundbreaking curriculum changes to her leadership in the "Connecting Generations" program, to sharing what it's like to have children and grandchildren at Lovett, Joni discusses how all these various roles come together to form a unique perspective. Listen to award nominated podcast Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| The Lovett Mission Starts in the Admission Office | 26 Sep 2024 | 00:38:01 | |
S6E3 The importance of intentionality can be seen in every part of The Lovett School—including the Admission Office. Melinda DeMaria, Head of Enrollment Management, joins Chief Engagement Officer and Living Lovett host Jessica Sant to discuss Melinda's vision as she comes into this new role at Lovett. The conversation also touches upon the significance of financial aid, the student admission process, and what makes a Lovett education unique. Current and prospective families will find this episode educational and illuminating. Start the process - Learn more about Lovett Admission here: https://www.lovett.org/admission LAST CALL! VOTE FOR LIVING LOVETT in the Women in Podcasting Awards, Education category! Click here: https://womeninpodcasting.net/living-lovett-stories-from-the-riverbank/ Listen to Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Spiritual Growth is Part of the Lovett Education | 19 Sep 2024 | 01:08:01 | |
S6E2 One of the most important aspects of a Lovett education is the emphasis on spiritual growth and ethical understanding. From chapel, to more advanced religious studies, to learning how to have meaningful discussions about faith and belief, Lovett students are consistently encouraged to develop a deeper sense of self and the world around them. This holistic approach to faith and character development is woven into the fabric of the Lovett experience, led by a dedicated team of chaplains and educators. On this episode of Living Lovett, meet Reverend Colin Brown, Lovett's new Head Chaplain and welcome back Sandra Switzer in her role as K-12 Religion Curriculum Coordinator. Host and Chief Engagement Officer Jessica Sant speaks to Colin and Sandra about how spiritual development happens at Lovett. There's still time to vote! VOTE FOR LIVING LOVETT in the Women in Podcasting Awards, Education category! Click here: https://womeninpodcasting.net/living-lovett-stories-from-the-riverbank/ Listen to Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Lovett for a Lifetime | 12 Sep 2024 | 00:53:51 | |
S6E1 One of the most lasting influences shaping our alumni community is the lifelong impact of a Lovett education. From their earliest days in the lower school to their growth as leaders in their fields, Lovett graduates carry with them the values, experiences, and relationships that define their journey. Mary Louise Kelly — Lovett Aluma and NPR's All Things Considered host joins us on the Season 6 premiere of Living Lovett. A member of the class of 1989, Mary Louise takes us through her 13-year journey at Lovett, including pivotal moments that sparked her passion for writing and storytelling, to life lessons learned from legendary Lovett teachers.
Listen to Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Season 6 Coming Soon AND Special Announcement | 29 Aug 2024 | 00:01:13 | |
S6E0 VOTE FOR LIVING LOVETT in the Women in Podcasting Awards, Education category! Click here: https://womeninpodcasting.net/living-lovett-stories-from-the-riverbank/ School is back in session and so is Living Lovett for Season 6. This fall, we'll explore the changes happening at Lovett; engage in important discussions about communication and student development; and hear from special guests with unique insights into a Lovett education. But first: Living Lovett is nominated for a Women in Podcasting Award in the Education category. Please take a minute and vote for Living Lovett here: https://womeninpodcasting.net/living-lovett-stories-from-the-riverbank/ Episode one of the new season is out soon! We can't wait to bring you another set of episodes, sharing Lovett stories from the riverbank. You can listen to all past episodes of Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| It's More Than a Podcast: Engagement at Lovett | 09 May 2024 | 00:53:24 | |
S5E8 If you are a Living Lovett audience member, you've heard the title "Chief Engagement Officer" in every episode. But what are the responsibilities of that role? What does Jessica Sant do (besides serve as our podcast host)? Meredyth Cole, The Lovett School's Head of School hosts this episode of Living Lovett and turns the tables on usual host Jessica Sant. How did the Office of Engagement come to be? What other departments of Lovett are covered by the office? How did this podcast start? What does it say about Lovett as a school to work so intentionally to engage with parents, families, and even Lovett employees? You'll learn all this and more on this special bonus episode. (Our podcast producer even pops in to talk about the show.) - Learn more about Leadership at Lovett on our website: https://www.lovett.org/about-lovett/leadership - Read about the Office of Engagement: https://www.lovett.org/community/engagement - Listen to Meredyth Cole's previous interview on Living Lovett: Link to the Episode We hope you enjoyed this special bonus episode! Listen to all episodes of Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| The Board Chair's Perspective: Navigating Change and Upholding Tradition | 14 Mar 2024 | 00:29:24 | |
S5E7 What is best for Lovett? There is one group of people at our school who must answer this question every day. While everyone involved in our community obviously has an interest in our success, The Lovett School's Board of Trustees is charged with ensuring that what is best for Lovett is actually realized. As we wrap up season five of the podcast, there is no better way to introduce you to the work of our trustees than by sharing a conversation with Lovett's board chair, John O. Knox. John O. (Lovett Class of '88) joins Jessica Sant, Chief Engagement Officer on this episode of Living Lovett and explains what role the Board of Trustees serves for our school, and shares insights about how the long-term, strategic vision of Lovett is developed and carried out. As this is John O.'s final year serving as Board Chair, we are grateful for this opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved over the years, and celebrate John O.'s contribution. Learn more about the Lovett Board of Trustees on our website's Leadership page: https://www.lovett.org/about-lovett/leadership That's a wrap on Season 5! (But stay tuned for a special episode, coming soon.) Listen to all episodes of Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Academic Learning Center: Walking Alongside Parents and Students | 29 Feb 2024 | 00:25:19 | |
S5E6 Things have come a long way for students with learning differences, and at The Lovett School, the Academic Resource Center exists to walk alongside students and parents alike to support the learning styles of all our students. Whether a child has a learning difference diagnosis; or is struggling in a particular area of school; or is not making progress in a way they'd like—the Academic Resource Center is equipped with staff and skill building techniques designed to help students achieve. Carrie Stafford, Director of the Academic Resource Center joins Jessica Sant, Chief Engagement Officer on this episode of Living Lovett. Carrie describes how the center serves as a support network for the Lovett community—meeting students and families where they are, and explains how students learning needs are assessed and addressed. Are you enjoying Season 5 of the podcast so far? Listen to all episodes of Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Philanthropy at Lovett: Why Giving Matters | 22 Feb 2024 | 00:30:07 | |
S5E5 The generosity of The Lovett School community has unquestionably shaped our near 100-year history. Driven to deliver on the Lovett promise, giving has always been key to supporting critical needs like student financial aid, campus enhancements, and teacher salaries. In fact, philanthropy is the cornerstone to Lovett's excellence and ensures our school fulfills its mission for all students we enroll. On this episode Courtney Ferencik, Senior Director of Development joins Jessica Sant, Chief Engagement Officer on Living Lovett to share the role Development and fundraising plays at our school. From what the annual fund is, to endowments, to what is learned through a spirit of giving, Courtney and Jessica's conversation is informative and forward-focused on Lovett's next 100 years. Reach out to Courtney by email: courtney.ferencik@lovett.org Make a contribution to The Lovett School: https://www.lovett.org/support We are thrilled to bring you Season 5 of the podcast! Listen to all past episodes of Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Lovett Upkeep: Maintaining the Riverbank | 15 Feb 2024 | 00:23:42 | |
S5E4 Did you know that The Lovett School is considered to be a 24/7 facility, 365 days a year? All the activity at our school—including students in classrooms; athletes using sports facilities; play across our beautiful setting; and more—mean that every part of our grounds, every building must be maintained. One of the people who makes sure Lovett is running smoothly all day, every day is Scott Russo. On this episode of Living Lovett, Scott, a Maintenance Tech talks to Chief Engagement Officer, Jessica Sant. Listen to this episode to get a sense of what goes into making Lovett run, and learn how Lovett values extend to Scott and his colleagues. We are thrilled to bring you Season 5 of the podcast! Listen to all past episodes of Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Our Educators Aren't Only in Classrooms | 08 Feb 2024 | 00:20:11 | |
S5E3 A position like an office manager is critical in any organization. While the title may suggest a focus on administrative tasks, the Lovett Upper School Office Manager's responsibilities extend far beyond. On this episode of Living Lovett, you'll meet Kelly Scott. In addition to working in the Upper School as an administrator, Kelly also oversees a sophomore advisory and sponsors several (!) student groups. Kelly discusses all these roles with Living Lovett host (and Lovett Chief Engagement Officer) Jessica Sant. We are thrilled to bring you Season 5 of the podcast! Listen to all past episodes of Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Peek Behind the Curtain: Meet Lovett's CFO and COO | 01 Feb 2024 | 00:39:58 | |
You might have seen their signatures on a Lovett communication; you may have caught their names mentioned when Meredyth Cole offers school-wide updates, but the truth is many parents never meet Lovett's Chief Financial Officer or Chief Operations Officer—in spite of the fact that both roles are critical to keeping Lovett running smoothly and efficiently 365 days a year. On this episode, you'll meet John Mongelli, CFO and Gray Kelly, COO at The Lovett School. John and Gray speak with Living Lovett host Jessica Sant, Chief Engagement Officer, and share how each of their respective roles contribute to the individual student experience at our school. - Learn more about the Georgia GOAL Scholarship program, mentioned on the episode: https://www.goalscholarship.org/ We are thrilled to bring you Season 5 of the podcast! Listen to all past episodes of Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Demystifying Lovett's Admission Process | 25 Jan 2024 | 00:35:13 | |
S5E1 One of the most influential forces shaping our community is The Lovett School's admission team. The five-person team are responsible for guiding prospective families on a journey that begins before the Lovett application is completed and extends beyond graduation day for a student. At Lovett, a special emphasis is placed on making the enrollment process not just seamless but also relatable, warm, and kid-centered; our admission officers extend a uniquely personal touch to navigating the complexities of what can feel like a daunting process. Gopi Shammas, Director of Enrollment (and Lovett Class of '95 alumna) joins Lovett Chief Engagement Officer Jessica Sant on the Living Lovett Season 5 premiere. If you've ever wondered what the acceptance rate is at Lovett or how acceptance decisions are made, this episode answers those questions and more. More about Admission at Lovett: https://www.lovett.org/admission Meet the Admission team: https://www.lovett.org/admission/admission-team We are thrilled to bring you Season 5 of the podcast! Listen to all past episodes of Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Go Behind the Scenes at Lovett | Season 5 premieres soon | 11 Jan 2024 | 00:01:21 | |
S5E0 For four seasons, Jessica Sant, Chief Engagement Officer at The Lovett School has brought you stories from the riverbank. The response has been nothing short of tremendous. Now, as we prepare to bring you Season 5 of Living Lovett, we are speaking to a variety of the people who make Lovett thrive as an organization. From admissions, to administration, to maintenance, we'll bring you some stories that you may never have heard before. Season 5 launches January, 2024. You can listen to all past episodes of Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||
| Growing the Whole Child: Nurturing Spiritual Formation in Kids | 02 Nov 2023 | 00:28:12 | |
S4E7 At Lovett, cultivating faith and spirituality in our students is foundational to the whole-child philosophy. Our mission extends beyond academics to honor the significance of developing a child's inner being—including learning about God, faith, belief, and spirituality. On the Season 4 finale episode of Living Lovett, Jessica Sant, Chief Engagement Officer has a conversation with Lovett's Interim Lower School Chaplain Rev. Ashley Carr. How do we talk to young children about faith and God? What can be expected of chapel for the Lower School students? How do pancakes relate to belief and belonging (listen to the episode to find out.) Jessica and Ashley discuss how Lovett talks about God and even have some tips for how parents can continue the conversation at home. Find Living Lovett on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Visit The Lovett School website Lovett.org for more information. Lovett is on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Email host Jessica Sant. | |||