Meet &Nashville Member, and CEO of Communities in Schools TN, Meredith Benton. CIS is a statewide nonprofit organization that surrounds students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. They do this by having a staff person in 42 schools across the state to provide intensive case management and school-wide supports to ensure students and families have what they need to succeed. Join us in getting to know more about Meredith and her personal passion and interests in education:
What’s something we don’t know about you?
I was on every continent before my 30th birthday and even eloped in Antarctica. I’ve been to 49 states and hope to visit my final one this year – North Dakota.
What inspires or motivates you to get out of bed?
Knowing that our work is improving lives and addressing broken systems.
What is one thing you can’t live without?
Having my next adventure planned.
Where do your brightest ideas come from?
They often come when I’m meditating or driving my car. My grandmother was a Grammy-nominated songwriter who recorded her lyrics while driving around the state. I think I got it from her!
How do you spark your creativity when you’re feeling in a rut?
I engage with my 12 year old daughter. While I am very left-brained, she is one of the most right-brained people I know who excels in theater, singing, and visual art.
Where is your favorite place to decompress & unwind?
On the yoga mat or hiking around Radnor Lake. I’ve completed several long distance hikes (Milford Trek, Inca Trail, Camino de Santiago) and took it up because it was a practice about the journey rather than the destination. I’m training now to take my daughter to do the Porto Route of the Camino this summer.
When do you feel your best, and what do you do to stay in good vibrations?
I feel my best when I am experiencing something new. To stay in good vibrations, I try to get 8 hours of sleep, practice yoga 3-4 times a week, get a few hours in at the gym lifting weights or hiking in a park, and enjoy quality time with my family and friends.
Why did you choose Ampersand Studios as your workspace?
My team chose Ampersand because we loved the location and the sense of community in the space. We love the amenities provided and the proximity to so much our city has to offer.
Thank you for all you do for the Nashville community, Meredith! We enjoyed getting to know and the work you and CIS do in supporting the next generation by providing education to our youth.
