Ensights Magazine

Stabler family

Meet the Stabler Family

Editorial Staff
Get to know Ensworth's New Head of School and his family.
What drew you to work in education, and specifically independent school education?
I have always loved work where I can connect with people and be part of growth. I think that the best schools are all about the people. Close relationships and a commitment to know students individually allow us to provide personalized programs and help young people become the very best versions of themselves. I love this work and find it immensely fulfilling. Working in schools can be exhausting, but it provides so much energy for me and my family. 
 
Who is a teacher or coach who had the greatest influence on you, and why?
I had a 4th grade teacher named Wynne Harkless who was one of my all-time favorites. He had high expectations for students and pushed us beyond what we thought we could do. Simultaneously, he provided consistent support and demonstrated a belief that we could meet the challenges he put in front of us. This balance of high expectations and high belief in students’ abilities is at the core of my educational philosophy today. I think that when students know we have real faith in them and we are willing to work alongside them, they are willing to work harder and stretch themselves in ways that bring about growth. 
 
What is a memorable moment/favorite memory from your career in education?
Most of my favorite memories involve moments where sustained hard work leads to a breakthrough. One of the very first of these moments was early in my teaching and coaching career at the US Rowing National Championship. A boat we had been coaching for three extra weeks into the summer qualified for the finals with six other boats, and with about a minute left, the gap between first and last was just a few seconds. This group had fallen just short of the medals two years running and pulled off an amazing sprint to win a silver medal. I was so proud of them. Though the win eluded them, they broke through a years-long barrier and performed at the highest level they had ever achieved. 
 
What is your favorite aspect of your job as an educator/school administrator?
This one is easy: the people. I am a people person at my core and I truly love the communities that form in schools at every level. I consider it a privilege to see students grow into thriving talented adults and to work alongside other educators who are part of that growth process. As a dad, I want my kids around adults who pour into them, and as a teacher, I get a front row seat to watch so many incredible educators, coaches, and school staff do that work for our students.  
 
What attracted you to this opportunity at Ensworth? 
Ensworth exemplifies the qualities that I think great schools require. It is committed to educating the whole child and to inspiring continuous growth and improvement for all members of the community and for the institution. Finding this combination in a city that I love made this opportunity a dream come true for me and my family. 

For Prentice, Rhymes, Pace, Ramsay, & Bennett

What excites you most about joining the Ensworth community?
Ramsay: Eating lunch in the cafeteria, especially dessert and hamburgers! 
Pace: Meeting new friends
Bennett: Living next door to the playground, going to games and shows 
Rhymes: Having a place where our whole family can get connected and join a warm, welcoming community 
Prentice: Being at a place that is committed to growing in all areas of school life: academics, arts, athletics, community, and more
 
What does your family enjoy doing in your free time?
Ramsay: Play on the playground, swim, ride bike
Pace: Ride bike, play with Legos, read books 
Bennett: Follow Pace and Ramsay around, play with stuffed animals, eat!
Rhymes: Painting, time with close friends, family dinners 
Prentice: Being outdoors and on the water: fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, camping
 
 
Joy is an integral part of the experience at Ensworth. What brings you joy?
Ramsay: Surprises! Celebrating holidays and birthdays by decorating the table, making confetti bags, and writing notes
Pace: Sniffy the stuffed monkey, making new Lego creations
Bennett: Running and being chased, tickling, ice cream
Rhymes: Family, creating art, meals with friends 
Prentice: Family, moments of rest and restoration in nature, building communities where people can thrive.
Back

Share This Article

List of 4 news stories.

Red Gables Campus (K–8)

Nashville, TN 37205
(615) 383-0661

Frist Campus (9–12)

Nashville, TN 37221
(615) 301-5400
Ensworth is a coeducational, kindergarten through twelfth grade, independent day school.