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 Mic...
Apr 03, 2025•29 min•Season 7Ep. 8
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 Je...
Feb 27, 2025•36 min•Season 7Ep. 7
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...
Feb 20, 2025•38 min•Season 7Ep. 6
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 e...
Feb 13, 2025•41 min•Season 7Ep. 5
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 ...
Feb 06, 2025•43 min•Season 7Ep. 4
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 experience...
Jan 30, 2025•45 min•Season 7Ep. 3
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 co...
Jan 23, 2025•45 min•Season 7Ep. 2
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 m...
Jan 16, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 7Ep. 1
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 commu...
Oct 31, 2024•42 min•Season 6Ep. 8
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 Globa...
Oct 24, 2024•42 min•Season 6Ep. 7
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 sha...
Oct 17, 2024•51 min•Season 6Ep. 6
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 dealin...
Oct 10, 2024•45 min•Season 6Ep. 5
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 th...
Oct 03, 2024•36 min•Season 6Ep. 4
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 episod...
Sep 26, 2024•38 min•Season 6Ep. 3
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 e...
Sep 19, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 6Ep. 2
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...
Sep 12, 2024•54 min•Season 6Ep. 1
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 Podcas...
Aug 29, 2024•1 min
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...
May 09, 2024•53 min•Season 5Ep. 8
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....
Mar 14, 2024•29 min•Season 5Ep. 7
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. C...
Feb 29, 2024•25 min•Season 5Ep. 6
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 ...
Feb 22, 2024•30 min•Season 5Ep. 5
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, ...
Feb 15, 2024•24 min•Season 5Ep. 4
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 ...
Feb 08, 2024•20 min•Season 5Ep. 3
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 Lovet...
Feb 01, 2024•40 min•Season 5Ep. 2
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 com...
Jan 25, 2024•35 min•Season 5Ep. 1
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 epi...
Jan 11, 2024•1 min
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? W...
Nov 02, 2023•28 min•Season 4Ep. 7
S4E6 Lovett students are encouraged to explore, question, and critically engage with a wide range of perspectives. Within our school walls, our teachers ensure students maintain an equitable and open-minded stance working to promote independent and critical thinking. The absence of a singular perspective in the classroom allows learners to form their own opinions, ultimately preparing them to become informed and responsible citizens who can actively participate in the diverse and ever-evolving g...
Oct 26, 2023•53 min•Season 4Ep. 6
S4E5 Creative expression is an integral part of the whole child education. Whether a student is articulating thoughts, new ideas, or feelings, being able to write, or speak, or tell stories are skills all of our students require. On this episode of Living Lovett, Jessica Sant, Chief Engagement Officer speaks with two faculty members who are known for their storytelling superpowers: Jonathan Newman and David Silverman. Jonathan is a twenty year veteran of Lovett’s Upper School English Department ...
Oct 19, 2023•52 min•Season 4Ep. 5
S4E4 For kids, motivation is the guiding light on their learning journey. It's the inner spark that ignites their curiosity and fuels a desire to grow. When students are motivated, they not only perform better academically but they also develop essential life skills such as resilience, determination, and self-discipline. On this episode of Living Lovett, Jessica Sant, Chief Engagement Officer speaks with Chelle Wabrek, Associate Head of School at Lovett. Chelle is a 25-year veteran of independen...
Oct 12, 2023•39 min•Season 4Ep. 4
