LS-MS faculty staff appreciation chairs HS faculty staff appreciation chairs Faces of the PA

FACES of the Parent Association: Faculty and Staff Appreciation Committee

Now, this is a stacked roster if we’ve ever seen one! Some of these amazing women have been volunteering for over 10 years, and all are particularly excited for this role, as they get to treat the educators of their beloved children. This committee has been showering faculty and staff across both campuses with love this year – and just sent them home delicious, freshly made pasta dinners.

Lower/Middle School Reps

Ari Dowdy (Chris)
Colin (‘31)
 
Fun Fact About You: I’m a great trivia partner in the extremely important Pop Culture category. 
Favorite Part About Volunteering on this Committee: This is absolutely the best committee to volunteer for and so fun to co-chair. I love being able to give back to our incredible teachers and staff members. They do so much for our kids and having an opportunity to give back in small ways is very fulfilling. 
# Years Volunteering with the PA: I’ve volunteered for various committees since my son was in kindergarten and I Co-Chaired Tiger Night last year. 
 
Kristin Paine (Carter) 
Palmer (’30), Fite (‘31) 
 
Fun Fact About You: I am a native Floridian, and I have lived and worked in some pretty disparate places, from teaching in South Africa to working in Hong Kong. I’m happy to have settled in my husband’s hometown of Nashville with our two kids and our third child, a crazy hound dog.
Favorite Part About Volunteering on this Committee: Food is my love language, and I truly enjoy finding creative ways to present it - I love a theme! - but the real joy in this role was being able to give back to our teachers and staff who have given our children and families so much, especially during these challenging past two years. 
# Years Volunteering with the PA: 3 (with the Faculty & Staff Appreciation Committee and also as a Room Parent).
Ali Simpson (Mike) 
Charlie (‘29), Parker (‘31), Penny (‘34) 
 
Fun Fact About You: Thanks to the many years I spent as a media planner in NYC, I have photos with the casts of many canceled Prime Time TV shows.  If you’re curious what the casts of The Office, Desperate Housewives, or Lost were wearing to their fall Upfront parties, I’m your girl. 
Favorite Part About Volunteering on this Committee: Meeting so many parents, teachers, and faculty members!  Being a new Ensworth parent last year was a challenge. But I feel so much more connected to the school this year largely because of my involvement with this committee.  
# Years Volunteering with the PA:  This is my first, but I’m looking forward to volunteering for many years to come. 


High School Reps

Leanne Bottorff (Chad) 
Kate (‘24), Millie, (‘30) 
 
Fun Fact About You: I refuse to give up my concession stand job for Super Saturday.  
Favorite Part About Volunteering on this Committee: Working with a fantastic team and even more seeing the excitement of the F/S when they are surprised by the special treats and/or celebrations. This includes a treat bar, birthday treats, and a holiday party. They are so appreciative of everything.
# Years Volunteering with the PA: 10+!
 
Sarah Alldredge (Eric)
Henry (‘22)
 
Fun Fact About You: I began a small, charcuterie business during Covid, love Pugs, and although I grew up in the Boston area, many say I have a southern accent.
Favorite Part About Volunteering on this Committee: Being on the High School campus and getting to know everyone better.  Parents of students attending the Frist Campus have minimal opportunities to be on-site and this experience has been so fun.  Really enjoyed getting to know both Katie Dunn and Betsy Pylkas better.
# Years Volunteering with the PA: Somewhere between 1 and 13.  I think there may have been a year or two I wasn't working on the PA, but it's hard to keep track.
Heather Wright (Danny)
Howell ‘24, Betsy ‘26

Fun Fact About You: My first two years after college, I taught middle school through Teach For America in the Baltimore City Public Schools
Favorite Part About Volunteering on this Committee: Treating our fabulous faculty and staff and working with the other co-chairs. 
# Years Volunteering with the PA: 10+!
Jodie Lawton (Hal)
Harrison ‘22, Renee ‘24, Grant ‘28

Fun Fact About You: Our family moved to Nashville during the pandemic. We love being back in the south. I am an artist with a focus on portraiture, textured abstracts, and recently painted a hallway of graffiti in our home.
Favorite Part About Volunteering on this Committee: I enjoy getting a sneak peek of the High School students during the day. It feels wonderful to give back to the fabulous teachers that inspire our children. 
# Years Volunteering with the PA: I have always been a member of the PA at my children’s school. This was my first year as a co-chair for the High School.
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