43 Questions with Ms. Betters

Charlotte Nelson '23 ~ September 2021

As we welcome everyone back to a new school year, we are also welcoming new students and faculty. One of our newest additions to the Nardin community is our new President, Ms. Betters. Although she has had a chance to meet many students and parents, she has yet to meet everyone. Hopefully, this quick look into her life will help our students learn more about our new leader. Inspired by Vogue’s 73 Questions (I came up with 43), I asked Ms. Betters a series of questions to get to know more about the 26th President of Nardin Academy.

Charlotte Nelson: How is your day so far?

Ms. Sandra Betters: Great! Every day is filled with new opportunities. The exciting part of each day is getting to sort through all life offers to find the best pieces to pick up and run with.

CN: What's your morning routine?

SB: French press coffee, followed by taking our dog out quickly, and a walk to work from the Nardin House.

CN: What is your favorite part of your day?

SB: Greeting students in the morning at Nardin’s main entrance. It is a great way to meet students and parents. Many faculty members also drop by to chat.

CN: What are you most excited for this school year?

SB: Learning about and being a part of the traditions at Nardin.

CN: What is your favorite book?

SB: The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway is undoubtedly my favorite classic, followed by the Harry Potter series as a more contemporary pick-- honestly, I love reading, so the list of "good reads" is endless.

CN: Do you have any hobbies?

SB: Yes! I like to garden, really anything on the water or water related (kayaking, going to the beach), and, in a perfect world, cooking and dining with friends and family.

CN: What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends?

SB: Spending time with my daughter, Charlotte, enjoying life at a little bit of a slower pace, walking, and discovering new places.

CN: Do you have any pets?

SB: I have a ten-year-old dog named Charlie and he’s a bichon frise-- the chillest member of our family.

CN: Who is your biggest inspiration?

SB: My family, I would have to say.

CN: Why is that?

SB: They do a lot to help other people.

CN: How long have you worked in the education field?

SB: My whole adult life, so nearly twenty-five years.

CN: Where is your happy place?

SB: The beach or the lake. Anything on the waterfront. Anywhere I can relax with a good book or spend time with friends and family.

CN: Why did you decide to go into education?

SB: I wanted to help children and their families by creating better ways for them to have an equitable place to learn and grow.

CN: Was there a specific moment or event that really defined that passion for you?

SB: When I was living in England and discovered that my original career path wasn’t as service centered.

CN: What college did you go to for your undergrad degree?

SB: St. Bonaventure University. Goooo Bonas!

CN: What was your major?

SB: Elementary Education.

CN: What was the best part about being there?

SB: Being part of the community, making friends, service opportunities.

CN: Where did you go for your masters degree?

SB: The College of Saint Rose.

CN: What degree did you earn?

SB: School Administration.

CN: What was that experience like?

SB: I was a working adult, so it was a completely different experience from my undergrad.

CN: You’re now working toward your doctorate degree, right?

SB: Yes, I’m a doctoral candidate.

CN: Where are you doing that?

SB: American University.

CN: What is your focus for that?

SB: Education Policy and Leadership.

CN: How's that going?

SB: Great, graduating in 2022!

CN: Do you have anything planned for after you complete your dissertation?

SB: Celebrating that it's finished!

CN: Speaking of celebrating, what's your favorite vacation you've been on?

SB: Travelling throughout Europe and special trips each year to the Cape with my daughter.

CN: How did you hear about Nardin?

SB: A professional colleague.

CN: What's your favorite thing about Nardin?

SB: Everyday is different, given the four different schools and the wide variety of students’ ages. Also, working with professionals who are committed to Nardin.

CN: What is your most memorable moment from your childhood?

SB: Spending time in Saranac Lake with my family.

CN: You grew up in the area, right?

SB: Yes, Batavia, New York.

CN: What's it like being back in Western New York?

SB: A lot has changed, so it's very different from the place I grew up. It’s exciting to experience the vast development and opportunities available in WNY. Living here again has been great so far.

CN: What does a typical school day look like for you?

SB: Greet students upon arrival, a variety of meetings between community members, other school leaders, and Nardin’s leadership team, and spending time throughout the building.

CN: What kind of music do you like to listen to?

SB: Country music.

CN: Who’s your favorite artist?

SB: Eric Church.

CN: What's your favorite holiday and why?

SB: Memorial Day because it’s the beginning of summer.

CN: What’s the best thing about being a mom?

SB: You get to watch your kid learn new things and grow up to help other people.

CN: What's your favorite way to be creative?

SB: Cooking or baking.

CN: What are your favorite foods?

SB: Pizza, seafood, and a really good burger.

CN: What are your favorite TV shows of all time?

SB: Gilmore Girls and Mad Men.

CN: What’s your favorite Disney character?

SB: Merida, the protagonist in Brave.

CN: How would you describe your fashion style?

SB: Professional and classic, not trendy.

CN: How do you stay motivated?

SB: Surrounding myself with really good teams so we motivate each other.

CN: Any advice for aspiring educators?

SB: Education has changed a lot. Be ready to work in a space that is very different from when you were in school. The work is hard, but one would be hard pressed to find work that is more rewarding.

Title Photo: Bowery Image Group