Congratulations, Krissie Betbeze, for celebrating 20 years at St. Cecilia Academy! Mrs. Betbeze leads school Counseling and is a current SCA parent. Her favorite part of being at St. Cecilia is watching girls grow in confidence in their abilities, as well as being able to integrate faith into counseling.

We asked Mrs. Betbeze to share her background and thoughts about her time as a SCA staff member.

“I moved around a lot growing up, including living in Houston, Dallas, and Wichita,” she explained. “From seventh grade on, I lived in St. Louis.” Vanderbilt University brought her to Nashville for her undergraduate degree, and she stayed. She earned a BS in Secondary Education and English with a minor in French, returning to Vanderbilt to attain her MS in Curriculum and Instructional Leadership. Mrs. Betbeze continued her education, receiving an MSSW in Clinical Social Work from the University of Tennessee and gaining her board certification as an LCSW, which means she can privately practice in the state.

Before St. Cecilia Academy, she worked for the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, but she knew she wanted to transition to a school environment. She said that working at a school combined several things that interested her: empowering girls, school communities, and counseling. Mrs. Betbeze stated, “While I had a pretty good idea that I would like working here, I had no idea when I started what a blessing the Dominican Campus would be for my family and me!”

When asked what she likes best about working at SCA, she mentioned her colleagues, the students, and faith. She cited that being with smart, dedicated, fun co-workers to achieve a shared mission is rewarding. She enjoys seeing the girls grow during their years at St. Cecilia. “It’s an honor to play a small part in their growth and to see them become more confident and secure in their abilities and values,” she explained. “I also like being able to integrate faith into counseling.”

Some of her favorite events each year are the talent show, lip sync during Spirit Week, and graduation. A memorable moment was when the faculty and staff did a flash mob during a pep rally. “It was great to have such fun with colleagues and to surprise the students,” Mrs. Betbeze said.

She mentions St. Cecilia is a special place for girls where you make friends, have engaging conversations with teachers, become excited about your faith, test your interests, and have fun. She describes a St. Cecilia girl as curious, caring, and determined. “She is driven by values rather than by popular culture, chief among them truth and love,” she said. “By the end of your time here, you will still be genuinely you but will have grown in confidence and ability. You will always be a St. Cecilia girl!”

Mrs. Betbeze continued, “I never dreamed 20 years ago how much the Dominican Campus would influence my life. Not only have I grown in faith and as a person because of working here, but my children have benefited from attending Overbrook and (for the girls) St. Cecilia. I am so grateful to every teacher, administrator, colleague, friend, and parent who has wrapped us in Dominican love over the years!”

In her free time, Mrs. Betbeze enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, reading, swimming, walking, and observing nature. She explained, “I find joy in the ‘little' things in life, like a joke shared with friends, spotting an owl on a hike, going to the symphony or a Broadway musical, or playing the piano.”