Shining a Light on. . .. Beth Odom

As our Director of Dominican Catholic Identity, Mrs. Beth brings light and joy to our campus every day. In her role she has one big goal: to help everyone, young and old, to see the face of Jesus in each person they meet. Take a minute to get to know Mrs. Beth a little better!

How long have you worked at SAA-SDS?

This year is my 4th year at SAA-SDS.

How would you describe your role here at SAA-SDS?

I have the BEST job on campus because I get the opportunity to lead others to Christ. I minister to all students, PK2-12, and to our faculty and staff.

Can you tell us a little about your background?

I was born and raised in Memphis. I have been involved in the Catholic School system ever since I graduated from the University of Memphis. I am serving my 23rd year in Memphis Catholic Schools

Tell us a little bit about your family. What is it like to be the parent of an SAA student?

I have been married for 26 years to Matt Odom and we have 3 beautiful children, Emily (22), Thomas (18), and Cecilia (12). Matt is a Civil Engineer, Emily a RN, Thomas is a student at CBU, and Cecilia is in 7th grade at SAA.

It is so fun to be here on campus with Cecilia! It is a gift to be around to see all her accomplishments. I also love to be able to help plan the events as she grows in her spiritual journey. I cannot imagine a more loving community for my child to grow up in.

What do you hope to accomplish in your job?

My main goal in my job is to help everyone, young and old(er) to see the face of Jesus in each person they meet. It is a privilege to be able to help people fall in love with Christ. Every person is on a different spiritual journey, but we are all trying to reach the same goal-Eternal Happiness. I love to get to be a part of that!

What do you enjoy most about your job/what are your favorite parts of your job?

To name what I enjoy most about my job is difficult because there are so many things. However, I love my time in worship with the students and all educators; Mass with US and LS/Junior High, Liturgy of the Word with the ECC, and all our special events like Retreats and Adoration. 

Are there any projects you are involved in/working on right now that you are particularly excited about?

I am very excited about the Day of Peace and Caring with the Upper School. We are really trying to reach the broader community this year. Also, my student-led retreats are amazing! The Upper School Retreat Team helps me lead all the Lower School Retreats. Not only do I love them there, but the Lower School students LOVE also having the girls there. It’s a win win!!!

What is the most important life lesson you want students to learn?

God loves each and every one of us, and we should learn to love like Him!

Can you describe the importance of the Dominican Pillars-Study, Prayer, Community and Service-in the daily activities at our school?

We incorporate the Dominican Pillars into everything we do here at SAA-SDS. The Pillars help us to be the best version of ourselves that we can be, so we can set the word on fire!

What are you most grateful for?

This is another very hard question to answer! I am most grateful for God! My faith gets me through every day. I am also so grateful for my family who always supports me. We are so very close. I love my job and I am very grateful that I can come to work and talk about God and His love for us all.

What are your interests outside of the classroom? What are you particularly passionate about?

I love to pray…from the time my eyes open in the morning to when they close at night I am in complete dialogue with God. I believe in the power of prayer. I love to be on the bow of a boat, sizzling in the sun! It’s my happy place!