Ensights Magazine
Parent Profile: Jessica Baba
The Parent Association chose to profile three Ensworth parents who are building our community one smile at a time.
Where did you grow up and what brought you to Nashville?
I was born and raised in the Los Angeles area. I lived and worked in the Bay Area and Washington, D.C. (including a stint at NCIS) during my undergrad years and graduated from law school in San Diego. I moved to Nashville because I was tired of the beach and mild winters. Actually, I moved because Damon (Mr. Jessica Baba) was moving back home after we graduated from law school and I thought I’d try it out. Fast forward (how many years later?!), and I’m still here!
I was born and raised in the Los Angeles area. I lived and worked in the Bay Area and Washington, D.C. (including a stint at NCIS) during my undergrad years and graduated from law school in San Diego. I moved to Nashville because I was tired of the beach and mild winters. Actually, I moved because Damon (Mr. Jessica Baba) was moving back home after we graduated from law school and I thought I’d try it out. Fast forward (how many years later?!), and I’m still here!
Why did you choose Ensworth for your son Paxton?
We did extensive research on the schools here. We even attended the high school open houses (and got a lot of strange looks when people found out our “prospective student” was five years old). In the end, Ensworth was the clear leader in its dedication to innovative education. We loved that the school as a whole always looks forward and is constantly searching for ways to improve, no matter how large or small. Another important factor was the strength of community—from the very beginning, we saw the support system, from the admissions process to the current parents that offered to answer questions, as well as faculty/admin responsiveness.
We did extensive research on the schools here. We even attended the high school open houses (and got a lot of strange looks when people found out our “prospective student” was five years old). In the end, Ensworth was the clear leader in its dedication to innovative education. We loved that the school as a whole always looks forward and is constantly searching for ways to improve, no matter how large or small. Another important factor was the strength of community—from the very beginning, we saw the support system, from the admissions process to the current parents that offered to answer questions, as well as faculty/admin responsiveness.
Why do you share your time and talents volunteering with the PA?
I think our PA reflects the vitality of the support system of Ensworth and the school community’s dedication to helping provide the best experience possible for all of our children. The level of parent involvement in any school is a great indicator of the strength of the school’s dedication to helping children reach their fullest potential both inside and outside the classroom. For our family, that means I try to offer my time and energy (what little I have left after the two-year-old!) as a volunteer because that means being a part—small, but a part, nonetheless—of the school where my son will spend a majority of his educational years.
I think our PA reflects the vitality of the support system of Ensworth and the school community’s dedication to helping provide the best experience possible for all of our children. The level of parent involvement in any school is a great indicator of the strength of the school’s dedication to helping children reach their fullest potential both inside and outside the classroom. For our family, that means I try to offer my time and energy (what little I have left after the two-year-old!) as a volunteer because that means being a part—small, but a part, nonetheless—of the school where my son will spend a majority of his educational years.
What is your goal as Chair of the LS/MS New Parent Support Committee?
My goal is to facilitate a smooth and pleasant transition into the school year not just for the students, but the parents as well. We want every new family to feel welcome and comfortable right off the bat. It is our hope that the committee can serve as a reliable resource and networking system for all of our new families.
My goal is to facilitate a smooth and pleasant transition into the school year not just for the students, but the parents as well. We want every new family to feel welcome and comfortable right off the bat. It is our hope that the committee can serve as a reliable resource and networking system for all of our new families.
Besides volunteering at Ensworth, in what other ways do you give back to your community?
Prior to full-time parenting, I worked on pro bono legal cases, including some for various local non-profits. I also previously served as a K-9 Search and Rescue (SAR) handler for a team that volunteers for the local SAR squad. We used to air-scent train deep in the woods at various parks throughout Nashville with two German Shepherds, a Belgian Malinois, and a Labrador Retriever.
Prior to full-time parenting, I worked on pro bono legal cases, including some for various local non-profits. I also previously served as a K-9 Search and Rescue (SAR) handler for a team that volunteers for the local SAR squad. We used to air-scent train deep in the woods at various parks throughout Nashville with two German Shepherds, a Belgian Malinois, and a Labrador Retriever.
As a working mother and tireless volunteer, how do you strive to maintain a healthy and balanced life?
I think “strive” is a really good way to put it—I never feel like I’m quite there! I think the most important (and difficult) way I’ve learned to attempt balance in my life is to try to stay in the present. Everything moves at light speed now. Basically, we blink, and our Tiger bag-toting kindergarteners are grown. So, while I do my best to plan and stay on top of *everything* possible, I also stop to smell the roses (in our garden) once in a while. And do crafts. So many crafts.
I think “strive” is a really good way to put it—I never feel like I’m quite there! I think the most important (and difficult) way I’ve learned to attempt balance in my life is to try to stay in the present. Everything moves at light speed now. Basically, we blink, and our Tiger bag-toting kindergarteners are grown. So, while I do my best to plan and stay on top of *everything* possible, I also stop to smell the roses (in our garden) once in a while. And do crafts. So many crafts.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
Random facts are my favorite! I’ve baked and decorated cakes for two weddings and officiated one; I love watching drifting and used to help in the pit with Paxton (my brother-in-law drives Pro2); I have twenty-five hens (for eggs only!), and I celebrate Japanese and Persian New Year.
Random facts are my favorite! I’ve baked and decorated cakes for two weddings and officiated one; I love watching drifting and used to help in the pit with Paxton (my brother-in-law drives Pro2); I have twenty-five hens (for eggs only!), and I celebrate Japanese and Persian New Year.
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Red Gables Campus (K–8)
Frist Campus (9–12)
Ensworth is a coeducational, kindergarten through twelfth grade, independent day school.