Beth with her husband Jim (also an employee at St. Luke’s School), Will (11) and Anna (15).
Our latest Meet a Mom is Beth Yavenditti, a mother of two from Ridgefield. For Beth, her job is a true family affair. She serves as Director of Global Education at St. Luke’s School in New Canaan, where her husband also works and their two children attend. Read more to find out what Beth loves about the area, her children’s school and what she thinks “keeps life interesting.”
Please tell us about your family.
My husband Jim and I have two children, Anna (15) and Will (11).
Where do your children go to school?
Both go to St. Luke’s School in New Canaan. It’s a secular (not religious) private school for grades 5-12. Anna is in 10th grade and Will is in 6th. Both my husband and I have worked at St. Luke’s for many years. It’s wonderful to be there as a family.
When did you move to Ridgefield and what led you to settle here?
We moved to Ridgefield in December 2010. We wanted to be closer to work and loved the town and all it has to offer—great opportunities for our kids, things to do, and it is charming.
What are your favorite family activities in the area?
Hiking at Weir Farm, Halloween trick-or-treating on Main Street, and dinners at Prime Burger.
What is your role at St. Luke’s School, and how long have you been there?
I have worked at St. Luke’s for 18 years and currently serve as the Director of Global Education.
What is the best part of your job?
This is tough. There are so many great things. I love traveling with my students. It’s so much fun to experience the world with them, see things through their eyes, and when they use their foreign language skills and their faces light up because they realize that they can do it, it’s amazing. We place an emphasis on preparing students for the world beyond SLS or college and seeing them off the Hilltop, learning to work with and collaborate with peers from all over is rewarding. I also enjoy being in the classroom. My students are so curious. It is contagious and their questions keep me thinking.
I also just love the community at St. Luke’s. My family and I start our day by walking across the Be Kind Plaza and my students thank me after each class—even when I give a ton of homework! I appreciate that we all believe strongly in creating a community that is warm, inclusive, and welcoming.
Beth and Jim with Will (11) and Anna (15) visiting the Grand Canyon.
Name one thing people would be surprised to know about you.
The longest I have ever lived in one place is Ridgefield!
When you need “me time,” what are your favorite ways to escape?
I love to read or take a walk with my dog.
What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom?
Tried and true words of wisdom that I hear frequently: Don’t forget to put on your own oxygen mask first.
Any words of wisdom for living life well?
Explore the world—there is so much to see and appreciate both near and far. I love taking the chance to get out of my routine and comfort zone when I can. I love meeting new people and experiencing new things. Keeps life interesting!
We like to support local businesses. What are your favorite places in the area to:
Have dinner: Prime Burger is a family favorite or Southwest Cafe.
Grab a drink with friends: Tequila Escape
Have a date night: Tough one. So many good options that we tend to rotate.
Spend time together as a family outdoors: Weir Farm
Grab coffee: Tusk and Cup
Workout: Pure Barre Ridgefield