Living Lovett

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.         Saul Malek will be speaking at Lovett in January 2026         Learn more about Saul at his website: https://www.saulmalek.com/         Watch Dr. Timothy Fong discuss Understanding the Gambling Brain on YouTube 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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.    

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Learn more about Lovett Alumni Expeditions here: https://www.lovett.org/community/lovett-alumni-expeditions Read Wade's book, Report Cards: A Cultural History: https://a.co/d/0bim4lk   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.   

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.

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.

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.

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.