Cara Woods
Director of Alumni & Development
P'24, '30
“I am honored to be a part of the Renbrook community, both as a member of the Leadership Team, and as a current Renbrook parent. I look forward to connecting and building relationships with the extended Renbrook family, including current parents, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, and friends.”
“The moment I stepped foot on campus, it felt like home. Everyone I met was genuine and warm and I instantly became excited about getting to know the whole Renbrook community. Additionally, the school is at a pivotal time in its history and I look forward to playing a key role in helping to execute Renbrook’s strategic priorities through fundraising and friend raising.”
Cara grew up in West Hartford and she is thrilled to be at Renbrook and working in her hometown. She and her husband spent several years in southern CT before moving back to West Hartford in 2013, and they are loving raising their three daughters here. Cara earned her BA in Psychology and Law, Jurisprudence and Social Thought from Amherst College where she was the captain of the lacrosse team. She has more than 16 years of development experience in Connecticut Independent Schools having previously worked at Loomis Chaffee, New Canaan Country School, Ethel Walker, and most recently as Director of Advancement at The Cobb School.
Cara joined the Renbrook community in July of 2021. In her role as Director of Alumni & Development, Cara oversees all of the school’s alumni and development programs, working closely with Head of School Matt Sigrist, trustees, staff, and volunteers to motivate, educate, and inform the community of Renbrook’s philanthropic goals and priorities.
When not at work, Cara can be found spending time with her husband, Brandon, their three daughters, Annie, Charlie, and Molly, and shih tzu Winston. She is an early bird working out in the wee hours of the morning (bootcamp, lifting, running, you name it!), and enjoys entertaining and cooking for family and friends on the weekends, checking out the latest restaurants and food trucks in the area, and coaching her girls’ lacrosse and basketball teams.
What is your favorite part of your job working in Development?
“Without a doubt, my favorite aspect of my job in Development is building deep, meaningful relationships with people and figuring out ways I can best connect their interests and passions with Renbrook.”
