| |
Class Notes
This area is reserved for network members
to give short blurbs on what they did after SSA,
and what they are doing now.
Sisters[return
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After SSA, Sr. Shawn Conrad took a two year sabbatical,
worked for the Colorado Rockies Baseball team, and then started
teaching again. She is currently teaching middle school math, science
and religion at Notre Dame Catholic School in Denver, CO.
After Sr. Benita Coffey left the Academy in June 1995, she
had a six month sabbatical. During that time she attended an Elderhostel
in Atlanta, GA, had her annual vacation and spent two months living
at Benet Hill Monastery in Colorado Springs. Since 1999, Sr. Benita
has been "Subprioress" of the Chicago Benedictine community. She
really loves her work and living "at home". She grew up in Chicago
and most of her family is there. Drop by for a visit!
Sr. Louise Eggen is currently living in Washington, MO. She
works as the Manager of the Pastoral Care Department of a small
hospital in town. Sr. Louise lives about 45 minutes west of St.
Louis, MO so if anyone is in the area, drop in for a visit. "Lucas
(Several of you students presented this dog to me after the Apple
Day parade) is 7 now. How the time does fly. She is such a wonderful
border collie/black lab mix and keeps you in my memory."
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Faculy[return
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Barbara Thorn-Ryan is currently teaching at Pueblo Community
College at the Fremont Campus.
Lisa Andollina Mueller (Andollina ) taught seventh grade
in 5 other schools after leaving SSA. She's taught at her current
school for the past 10 years, but has always missed SSA. Lisa is
about to take her first year off from teaching kids in 15 years,
leaving the only school, besides SSA, she's ever loved. She's raising
her six year old son, a first grader at a Catholic school in NC,
enjoying being remarried to a phenomenal man after 5 1/2 years of
single motherhood, and deciding looking forward to whatever the
next step on her journey may be.
Diana Andersen began teaching at Stone Ridge High School
in Bethesda, MD, after leaving the Academy. She is now the history
department chair at Stone Ridge.
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Staff[return
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| Ilse Muse (Pipietz) is now working at Pueblo Community
College in Canon City.
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Friends of SSA[return
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| John Heston (Abbey, '80) went to the Abbey and spent his
quality time at the Academy with Karrie Sramek. He was in the navy
21 years; he is now a manager at IntelCorp in Alb., NM. He is married
and has two children and two cats (you can have the cats).
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1944[return
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| After graduation, Anne Brohan (Mornar) married an Abbey
alumnus, and they started a wonderful family. Presently she is retired,
having raised 8 children and having owned her own real estate company.
She is enjoying her grandchildren immensely.
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1956[return
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| Kathleen Church is now retired and enjoying it. After
SSA, she graduated from nurses training, got married and had 3 beautiful
children who now have produced beautiful children of their own.
(Sadly, Kathleen passed away on 3/17/05. Our hearts and prayers
go out to her family and friends. The SSA Network would be happy
to provide her address to alumnae wishing to send cards or letters
of condolence.) |
1960[return
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| Lois Telck (Brin) worked for three years, then married
Abbey Graduate Paul Telck. They raised eight children. Judine graduated
from SSA; two other daughters attended SSA and two sons graduated
from Holy Cross Abbey. Lois now enjoys being a grandmother and great-grandmother.
They are always busy with their apple orchard. |
1961[return
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Miki (Marsha) Van Kirk (McCaddon) worked in Denver and
Los Angeles, then back to Denver where she met her husband who was
in the Air Force 20 Years. They lived 32 years in NM; the journey
there included being stationed in North Africa (Libya), Lompoc,
CA and then NM. A son and grandson still live there. They are now
retired in Canon City, getting their latest "project house" in shape.
Ginny Putaturo , real name Gelana but nicknamed by an Academy
roommate, is Administrative Secretary to the Pastor at her church.
She is raising her fourth child, an eleven year old son and loves
her job at St. Peter's. She works hard at home; she has a wonderful
husband whom she has known since she got out of college.
JoAnn M. Sutherland (Trenhaile) graduated from Greeley, Co.
She worked as a Medical technologist in Phoenix where she met her
husband. They have two children, a son and a daughter who graduated
from Tulane Mecical School. Jo Ann has worked at Tulane Hospital
and Memorial Medical Center as a blood bank specialist. She is now
retired and traveling with her husband. They spend as much time
as possible in CA with their children and two year old grandson,
Aidan. They are active in a couples group that works with other
couples to improve relationships and are on the national board.
JoAnn is also on the steering committee for Contemplative Prayer
of New Orleans. They have two Australian Shepherds that compete
in frisbee.
Katherine Kunselman (Dierks) was a faculty member at SSA
from 1971-77, teaching Business Education and doing college counseling.
She is married 37 years, has three children, one son and two daughters,
and four beautiful grandchildren. She was a Business Technology
teacher for 32 years, then worked as a legal secretary and paralegal
for three years. She taught 13 years at high school level and the
last 19 at Colorado Women's Correctional Facility. She is now retired
for four years and involved in many community activities. She is
chairman of Parish Council at St. Michael's where they are building
a new church; she is also on the building committee. She is a member
of the Fremont County Fair Board, a member of the Supervisory Committee
for Sun West Education Credit Union, a volunteer for Meals on Wheels,
a member of a PEO chapter, American Association of University Women,
Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority and Fremont Retired Teachers Association.
As you can see, she doesn't have much spare time, but it is great.
At least she's not bored! |
1962[return
to top]
| Marlene O'Berg (Silver) went to X-ray school, married,
had two children and raised three step-children. She went back to
school, sat for the National Mammography Board exam, and is very
active in the race for Breast Cancer Awareness. She is now doing
mammograms and some routine radiology. For the first time in her
career, Marlene is not in administrative mode and loves it, doing
what she loves at a slower pace. Her son is in Iraq until 2006;
he is a Chief Warrant Officer flying cargo planes. Her daughter
was the first female fire fighter in Overland Park, KS and in 2004
became the first female captain in that area. Her granddaughter
is a Junior honor student, active in sports, living in Rapid City,
SD. |
1963[return
to top]
| After SSA, Dianne Goldman (Howey) attended college, majoring
in political science, worked as a newspaper reporter in Alaska,
and then went to a graduate program in DC. She worked 10 years in
Chicago, developing real estate throughout the Midwest, then returned
to Colorado, got married and adopted two incredible kids--now 18
and 13--who make life very interesting. Dianne and her husband recently
one other boy and she now develops multifamily rental housing projects
in her spare time. |
1964[return
to top]
| Bridget Gallegos attended Adams State College, Alamosa,
CO, graduating in '68 with a BA in Ed. and a MA in Ed. in '82. She
moved to Taos in '69 to find out what all the "noise" was about.
There she fell in love with the people and stayed for 27 years,
active as high school librarian, mayordoma, religious ed. teacher,
and parish council member. She raised her daughter, Rosalind(ssa'85),
there. In '96 she retired from N.M., and moved to CO to be close
to her folks, who had moved off the ranch into town. Bridget flunked
retirement and returned to work as a middle school librarian for
the Alamosa Public Schools where she remained for 7 years. She is
currently caring for her mother(Rose Mestas Gallegos)class of '38,
full time. Her sister, Rebecca, '82?, and brother, Matt help out
during the summer break. In her spare time, Bridget serves as director
of religious education for her parish. |
1965[return
to top]
| After graduating, Linda Saunders (DeFellippie) attended
CSU and received her teaching degree. She received my master's in
urban planning from CU. Linda worked for Colorado State University
for 23 years, and took early retirement from Colorado State University
Extension in 1993. She and her husband, Bob, traveled around the
US and Europe, and bought a second home for part of the winter months
in St George, Utah in 2001. She substitute teaches when she's there.
Their daughter is 21 and at the University of Colorado in Boulder.
|
1966[return
to top]
| After attending SSA, Debby McLean married early, and had
a daughter who had a rare form of leukemia. Debby was "suddenly
single" during that time. She went to nursing school while her daughter,
Andrea, was on chemotherapy. She got all 3 of her kids raised into
good human beings and now has 4 grandchildren, all of whom she loves
dearly. Debby is now a pediatric RN at THe Children's Hospital in
Denver. She speciallizes in an inherited skin disease called EB.
|
1967[return
to top]
Catherine M. Foxhoven (Cathy Carricaburu)married Abbey
graduate Michael Foxhoven and has two children, Patrick 23 and Rachel
21. She has more than 32 years as a professional actress in CA,
NV, CO and OH with a Masters of Liberal Arts, emphasis in theatre,
at the University of Findlay, OH where she taught for seven years.
She now teaches acting at the Academy of Arts University, Motion
Pictures and Television in San Francisco. She was hired by actress
Diane Baker whom she met in college at a workshop. She also teaches
classes at Burlingame Parks and Recreation, Broadway by the Bay,
directing shows for Bay Area Educational Theatre.
Mary K. Claar graduated from college and took some other
courses toward a master's while she was working. She worked as a
employment counselor and then had her own business finding people
jobs, however, Mary was a little ahead of her time for a small town.
She was always in photography and did some free lance work. In 1974,
Mary was employed by the Colo. Dept. of Corrections as an officer
in a maximum security male facility. She worked her way up through
the ranks, was the deputy director of the state training academy
for about 10 years. Mary went back to the line and retired as a
Capt. in 2000 She now wonders when she had time to work! She's keeping
very busy in retirement. |
1968[return
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| Maria Lopez left SSA in 1966 when her parents, whom she
had not seen for 4 years, arrived from Cuba. After a year in Des
Plaines, Illinois, her family moved south to Miami. That's where
she met her husband, who was born and raised there. After his first
promotion, they moved to New Orleans, where she had her first child.
Maria's second child was born in Orlando, where they lived for a
long while before moving to Georgia. She is married with two daughters,
one in college and one in graduate school. Maria owns her own business
in cosmetics and skincare. |
1969[return
to top]
After SSA, Connie Maanum (Scheetz) became a nurse with
a BSN from Mercy College of Detroit. She served in the Army Nurse
Corps for 2 years, then worked at various hospitals in different
states. Connie spent some time in Guatemala, Honduras and Haiti.
She finally got a Master's in nursing admin and was director of
health services for about a year in a nursing home before she was
married. Connie and her husband now have a farm in the Ozarks. She
very much enjoys raising chickens, ducks and guineas while her husband
likes the cattle and pigs. They are getting the ground ready for
the garden, and are also remodeling the house as they moved in only
1 1/2 years ago.
After graduating from the Academy, Leanne Jewett (Ryan) got
her undergraduate degree in Speech and Theater (the operative word
being "theater") at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado.
She moved to Los Angeles and worked a series of temporary jobs while
pursuing acting. In 1980, she was accepted to the MFA Program in
acting at New York University. Leanne attended the program 1 year,
but with the election of Ronald Reagan, the funds for the remaining
2 years were no longer available, so she returned to Los Angeles.
In 1989 Leanne married her husband, Brian. In 1990 they bought a
mailbox store which she had managed years before. The plan was that
she would write fiction while managing the business. That proved
impossible. The business is definately a full time pursuit, but
has proved to be fun and fulfilling. She has operated it for 15
years. Leanne and her husband are now selling the business, and
she will be able to return to her writing.
Leona Rose Malone Burris married, has two daughters and seven
grandchildren ages 2-17. She attended the University of Oklahoma.
She works for Million Dollar Elm Casino in Hominy, OK as an administrative
assistant. Following casino renovations, she will be food and beverage
manager.
Tena Gallagher (DeFellippie) and her husband, who is a veterinarian,
owned a small animal veterinary hospital for 20 years before selling
it in 2004. She is now taking some time off and maybe even "retiring".
They have an acre and a half of weeds so Tina is learning to garden
:o).
Joan Davis is currently a third year , almost fourth year medical
student doing clinical rotations in Greeley. |
1970[return
to top]
| Suzanne (Sue) Gossum (Moretti) is a RN currently working
at the Vail Valley Surgery Center as an operating room nurse, doing
mostly orthopedic surgery, |
1971[return
to top]
| Mary Kelly (Kelsey) graduated from University of Arizona
with a BS in Biology. She has worked as a chemist, a nuclear medicine
technologist, and finally a computer software company owner. Mary
married young -1973- and was widowed in 1995. She has one son, who
is now 26. At the moment, she is on a self-designed sabbatical and
trying to decide on a new career path. She recently moved to Oregon
from Phoenix, and is planning to marry a long-time friend in October
2005. |
1972[return
to top]
Patty Ashby (Spencer) is a homemaker raising her granddaughter.
Francine Gaillour did undergraduate work at the University
of New Mexico -- biomedical engineering -- before going to Medical
School at UNM. For her residency, she went to Seattle (U of Washington)
for Internal Medicine. She practiced there for 10 years before transitioning
into healthcare technology marketing and management. She now has
a leadership consulting and executive coaching firm, helping physicians
across the country make a successful transition from being clinicians
to being healthcare leaders. Francine lives outside Seattle, WA,
with her husband and two kids (ages 14 and 12). |
1973[return
to top]
Anne Schweikert (Gensert) has worked at Celestial Seasonings
for 12 years, and is Executive Assistant to the President. It's
a great company and her boss is a great guy! She married the love
of her life and best friend 18 years ago. Coincidentally, her hire
date at Celestial and our wedding anniversary are the same: April
5th. Anne and her husband both became Christians about 25 years
ago, and worship at Calvary Bible Church in Boulder (www.calvaryboulder.org).
Lynne Willlis attended Blair Business College in Colorado
Springs, and then worked there for about 3 years. After that she
moved to Tacoma, Washington, and has been here ever since. Lynne
works for a manufacturing company as a Traffic Manager. She has
been with her company for going on 17 years. She has one daughter,
Tera, who is currently attending University of Washington. What
keeps her the busiest is her 6 dogs and 6 cats. Never a dull moment
around her house!
Debra Klein (Lawton) graduated from UNC with a BS is Marketing
is 1977. After a short 1 1/2 years in Grand Junction, she moved
to Vail,CO where she lived until late 1989. Debra and her husband,
Garry, moved to Mankato Mn where Gary ran a small manufacturing
company. Finally they came back to their beloved Colorado in Sept
of 2004, and got back into plumbing. Debra and Gary run and opperate
K&A Mechanical and Rocky Mt. Pipe Restoration Service in the Monument/
Co.Spgs area. She is also an independent insurance agent specializing
in the senior market. Her oldest son Karl served a 4 year tour in
the Operation Freedom campaign as a US Calvery Scout. He will be
recieving a BA from Full Sail in Winter Park, Fl in the field of
Musical Production Engineering this summer. Her other son Chris
is stationed in Japan for the next three years aboard the USS Kitty
Hawk as a US Navy Airman apprentice. Debra's daughter Kat is 13.
She leads her youth group at MHSBC, plays flute, and loves gymnastics.
|
1974[return
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| Debbie Trujillo (Marques) went to college, got married
and had children. She is a Registered Nurse at St. Thomas More Hospital
in Canon City, working for the surgical department. Debbie has been
married to Rossi for 29 years; they have four children. Two are
married, one is in college, one in high school. She has a 2 year
old grandson. |
1976[return
to top]
| After graduating from SSA, Jan Crouter (Pounds) attended
Colorado College (where she met her husband, Tod Crouter), received
her degree in 1980, and then went straight to grad school for a
PhD. After that she headed off to Walla Walla for her first real
job. Jan is an Economics professor at Whitman College, a liberal
arts college in Walla Walla, Washington. She lives here happily
with her husband, two kids (Emily, 15; Jack, 12) and two dogs.
| |
1977[return
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Terri Beth Rohr (Witkowski) works at St. Thomas More Hospital.
She just received her associates degree in Health Information Technology
(medical records), and is currently a coder and uses the ICD-9 codes.
Her three children are all grown. Corrin owns a home in Florence,
is with Nate. She earned a Masters in business and works at the
Colorado State University in Pueblo. Nate has 2 children. Vanessa
married Jason in 2003 and now they have little Alison who was born
almost a year later in 2004. She received her bachelors and now
works at Rocky Mountain Behavioral. Linda is still earning her bachelors
in biology and she and her boyfriend Jason live with Terri.
Barbara Sultemeier (Torres) attended UNM in Albuquerque,
NM for 4 years, majored in History, and minored in Political Science.
She then taught skiing in the winter and worked as a greens keeper
in the summer at Angel Fire Ski Area and Golf Course respectfully
until her father told her to get a real job!! So, Barbara went back
to college at NM State and got her Bachelor of Business Administration,
with a double major in Finance and Economics. She then worked for
a bank for 7 years until she had her only child. Her daughter is
now 14 going on 45!! Barbara began to work for the public schools
when her daughter started school. She and her husband have been
married for 18 years, and have a sheep and cattle ranch in the middle
of the state of NM. They are very isolated but she wouldn't have
it any other way. Her work is a 50 mile round trip every day, but
Barbara says you get used to the distance when you live where she
does. Barbara is currently the Business Manager of the Corona Public
Schools.
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1979[return
to top]
| Charlotte Edwards (Stubblefield) attended Rockhurst College
in Kansas City for one year, and then transferred to the University
of Arizona and received a degree in Russian and Soviet Studies while
married and with a baby. She is an at home mom with 4 kids: Ann,
19, Rebecca, 16, Willie, 13, and Moira 8. She runs her own gift
basket business online, Lasting
Impressions Gift Baskets, and mentor others in search engine
optimization. Charlotte just celebrated her 20th wedding anniversary.
She also just finished a three year term as Deacon in her church,
the last year as head deacon.
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1980[return
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Beth Walsh Phillipsspent a year at BYU (trying to convert
Mormons lol) then transferred to USC until 1984. She now has 21
years in education and is a fourth grade teacher. She has two sons.
Liam is nine, a third grader at Nativity of Mary School. Teiguen
is three and in day care. Next year he will be in preschool at Nativity.
The boys are in scouting, gymnastics and parish school religious
activities at St. Mark’s Parish in Independence . MO.
Leon de la Barra Alejandrareceived a MBA in Communications
in Mexico and a MFA from the University of IA. She then started
her acting life and ended as a television producer for Televisa.
She is now working for the Ministry of Tourism in Mexico but her
Real Career is writer/producer/director for television. She has
a small Production and Public Relations office which is on hold.
After the tourism stint, she will return to her real passion, television.
Kathy Graham lives in Calgary, Alberta, and is working for
a remote sensing company with offices in Denver, Calgary, Jakarta,
Munich, Ottawa and UK. She has an almost three year old Standard
Poodle, Reggi and a feral-turned-domestic cat, Marigold. They live
in a 1912 inner city home.
Michelle Rozelle (Booth) has been married to the same wonderful
man (ouch) for 24 years. They have two beautiful daughters, Meghan
19 and Alexandra 15. They moved to Woodland Park five years ago
to get away from big city Denver where they lived 20 years. Since
SSA, Michelle has done a little of this, a little of that but finally
found her calling working with kids with special needs. Better late
than never. She is now attending Pikes Peak Community College and
transfers to UCCS in fall for an elementary teaching degree. She
works in Special Education at Harrison #2 school in Colorado Springs.
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1983[return
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Patricia Morris (Watson) is living in Los Angeles with
her husband Wenty, son Josh and brand new baby boy Jaydon. She is
employed with 3M as a purchasing agent but is enjoying time with
her newborn. She also dabbles in real estate when in the working
mode.
Joan Jackson-Deal graduated college with a BS in Human Resource
Management. She has been 14 years in the field and is wrapping up
her MBA at Highlands University. She is married with no children.
She just moved back to NM after many years in AZ. Joan loves to
travel.
Callie Courtney Covington-Nichols went to Art School at Delta
State University and graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design and
a minor in Photography. She worked at the University of MS Medical
Center as a Computer Graphics Specialist then at Baptist Health
Systems as a Media Production Specialist. Callie married her best
friend, dragged him to Chicago to support her when she decided to
change careers. She is currently enrolled at Rosalind Franklin School
of Medicine and Science, working an a Masters to be a Physician
Assistant.
Mary Ann Vinton lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband,
John Noble and 4 year old daughter, Sally. She's an associate professor
and chair of the Biology Department at Creighton University. Her
husband is an associate professor in Exercise Science at the University
of Nebraska-Omaha. Sally is keeping them on our toes. They love
to travel and head back to the Rocky Mountain West whenever they
can.
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1985[return
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Kristin Stephens attended CSU and graduated with a History
degree. She managed bookstores for 10 years, and is now staying
home with her 3 children.
Sharon Edwards graduated with a BS in Journalism from Southern
IL University. She lived in St. Louis, Los Angeles, Portland and
Seattle before settling back in CO in 1999. Sharon decided to make
a life time dream of becoming a nurse come true. She just graduated
with a BS in Nursing from Regis University. She is studying to take
nursing boards and looking for a job.
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1987[return
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| Catherine Martinez-Wells attended Northern Arizona University
and the University of Arizona. She works as a program manager for
an Electro Optical Engineering Firm. She is managing R and D project
for the Navy.
| |
1989[return
to top]
| Traci McCoy (Hanley) attended SSA for two years then finished
junior and senior years in TX. She has a degree, never used, from
the University of St. Thomas in International Studies. Traci worked
in the hotel industry, then for Ernst and Young as a Facility Manager.
She is now a stay-at-home mom in a Dallas suburb, involved in neighborhood
and church activities. Her husband, Chris, works for a telecom start
up (InnerWireless, Inc.). Their son, Jack, was born in December
of 2002. They expect another baby in September, 2005.
| |
1991[return
to top]
Jennifer Jacobs (Hoover) attended quite a few colleges
(transfer school professional). She graduated from Central Michigan
University with her teaching degree in Math and Health. She met
her husband while working as a ski instructor at Mt. Bachelor in
Oregon. Jennifer is now living in California with her family. During
the summer, they direct a summer camp in Michigan. She's the director
of the day camp. Jennifer just received her massage therapist certification.
She plans on doing massages part time until her boys are older and
then getting a teaching job.
Meghan Steele (Nelson) went to the University of Portland,
graduated and ski instructed for a couple of years before she met
her husband and became a wife then a mom. She is a stay-at-home
mom of three. Her oldest boy is six and began Kindergarden this
year. Her second boy just turned four in February, and she has a
4 month old baby girl. Meghan and her family live in Portland, Oregon
where her husband, Nathan, practices law with American Family insurance.
Life is good!!!
After SSA, Jessica Golloher did her undergrad at Southern
Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. After college she moved to
Los Angeles where she worked for Disney, then became a television
reporter in Santa Ana, Ca. Jessica moved to Oklahoma where she was
a traffic reporter and managing editor of a magazine. Later, she
attended graduate school at Emerson College, majoring in journalism.
She worked for the NPR affiliate and is now a news anchor and traffic
reporter on the radio in Boston.
After graduating Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs,
1998, Christy Sleater moved to Idaho. After 3 years she moved
to Redmond OR. Christy met her husband over the internet in 2002
and after 4 months of the long distance relationship he moved from
the Washington to Central Oregon to live with her. They were married
January 1, 2003. Their daughter was born 2 months premature in September
2004 at a weight of 2 lbs 2 oz in Bend Oregon. She spent her first
2 months of life in a Hospital, and Christy spent those two months
living at a Ronald McDonald house to be with her. She has had open
heart surgery, hernia sugery, rectal surgery and has one more surgery
to go. She is doing great even with the once every 2 month trips
up to Portland to see her doctors there. Even with all her trials
and tribulations she is a very happy baby and is growing by leaps
and bounds. Life is good now!
| |
1992[return
to top]
| Lucy Luna is a teacher at University. She was teaching
for 5 years at ITESM (Tecnologico de Monterrey), but has now moved
to her city (Cd. Victoria) and is teaching at La Salle University.
| |
1994[return
to top]
Rebecca Piltingsrud (in her own words): Attended UNC in
Greeley, CO and graduated in 1999 with a degree in Visual Art (emphasis
in Art History). [I'm] currently living and working in Denver but
try to get back Europe as much as possible. I bought my own house
(1886 Victorian) a year and a half ago so most of my time and money
is spent restoring it. I actually, ironically enough, live right
next door to a Catholic church and the convent is across the street.
The nuns are super sweet and the best neighbors ever. When I'm not
working on my house, I like to travel, hike, camp, attend music
festivals, attend Rockies games (LOVE baseball), and drink beer.
I'm (of course) not currently using my degree (or that side of my
brain even) and working as a Regulatory Specialist for the corporate
HQ of the Westwood Colleges. It's basically making sure that all
of our schools are keeping in compliance with state boards of ed.,
accrediting agencies, etc. It's an interesing job and they let me
have a whip - just kidding. But that would be fun! It's not a great
creative outlet for me though, so one of my goals for this year
is to find a creative outlet. I'm still single. I have a dog, cat,
and a mortgage instead. And loving life. Still head down to Fremont
County for the required family get togethers and I get to play with
my super-cute nephews so that makes "hicksville" tolerable for this
city girl. Hope this finds everyone happy and well. Feel free to
contact me if you live in the area (or are visitng) and would like
to meet up.
Taryn Fisher (in her own words): Upon graduating from SSA,
I attended Ohio Wesleyan University. I graduated in 1998 with a
BA in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Politics & Government
and a concentration in Spanish I moved to Rockville, MD with my
best friend, Andrea two days after graduating where we lived with
her parents and once we felt completely rested from four, very "tough"
years of college (approx. 12 months later) we got our own place
in Arlington, VA and decided it was time to find jobs. I began working
at the Associated Press in Washington, DC in November of 1998 where
I wore many hats in Member Services, TV & Technology and then my
final days were spent in Radio Sales. Overall, I had a fabulous
starting career at the AP where I remained for 6 years and resigned
in December of 2004 and took a job at the National Association of
Broadcasters, also in DC. I am now an Account Executive for the
Conventions & Expositions Department and love the job and the people.
I now live in Falls Church, VA with a friend (Mark) from the AP.
I am loving life and Washington, DC. I have a wonderful boyfriend
named Rich and we are very happy. My parents are still in Grand
Junction and are doing very well as my father officially retired
from Orthopedic Surgery in Dec. of 2004. All of my siblings are
married I am an aunt four times over and one more on the way in
September That about sums it up - I hope everyone is doing well
and I hope to get back in touch with all of you very soon. Contact
me anytime!
Angelina Maestas Mabe(in her own words): I graduated from
the University of Southern Colorado in 1999 with a BS in Mass Communications
and a minor in Spanish. I was married my senior year of college
to my husband, Nathan Mabe who is a real smarty pants. He majored
in Math and minored in Chemistry and Biology in college (He would
get along great with Mr. Krase!!) Then I did some teaching (Spanish)
at an all boys Catholic school in KC, Missouri. Those Catholic school
boys are trouble.....I wonder if people said that about us?? Then
I was a Coordinator of Donor Programs for the Fellowship of Christian
Athletes Headquarters in Kansas Ciy. We ended up moving back to
Colorado to be closer to both our families and now we have 2 children.
Eliana Joy Mabe (Joy is Alethea's middle name), who was born on
9/3/2001 and my son, Ezra Daniel Mabe who was born on 2/16/2004.
Eliana is a very precocious little girl who makes us laugh almost
on a daily basis and my son is a little stinker. He knows when he's
getting into things he ought not too. Right now I stay home with
the children. They keep me very busy!! I stay very involved in Eliana's
preschool, McClelland. I'm one of those mothers who bakes muffins
and cookies for her class....good times. Of course Alethea adores
both kids too! She likes to spoil them!
Karen Kite went to the University of WY for a BS in Business
Administration. She picked up a MS in Information Systems with an
emphasis in Software Development from CUDenver. She currently works
for Standard and Poor's in Denver as an Account Manager for redistribution
clients…sort of a tech-girl for those folks :o).
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1995[return
to top]
Upon graduating from SSA, Cristina Prieto attended the
University of Southern Colorado in Pueblo. She majored in Business
Administration with a double minor in management and French. After
graduating she moved to Denver and began working as a receptionist
with Navigant. Within six months she transferred to the legal department
and began working as Coordinator of Accreditation Services. After
three years in Accreditation Cristina accepted her current position
in May of 2004. She is currently working as a Hotel Program Manager
for TQ3Navigant World Headquarters, an international corporate travel
management company. She works as a consultant to clients and helps
them design corporate hotel programs for their employees. She also
serves as the regional manager of the Latin America division for
TQ3Navigant. She job requires a great deal of traveling, so she
spends a lot of her time on a plane and in airports. "But I always
said I wanted to live out of a suitcase, right, so I love every
minute of it!" Cristina lives in Denver and is looking to buy her
first home.
Joo-Young Yoo attended the University of Pennsylvania and
is now getting her MBA at the Wharton school. She married Michael
Lee last year.
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1996[return
to top]
Mercedes Downie (Torres) went to Chapman University in
the L.A. area for three years, then graduated from CU Boulder. She
now lives in Denver with her husband and little son. Mercedes is
currently working for the Starz Denver International Film Festival
as Program Coordinator (She cleans up after the aritistic guys who
choose the films), and has just completed her first screenplay.
Myriah Pinell (Stinson) (in her own words:) When I graduated
from SSA I went to Helena Montana and attended colloge for 2 years.
I found that that wasn't really my thing, anyone surprised!!!!!
after college I joined the United States Army where I served as
combat medic. Fortunatly I got out right before Septembet 11th.
I married Dave who was the same guy I dated when I was a senior
and we had a daughter, Eliza Marie Ortiz. Eliza is 4 now and is
just like her mother so needless to say I have my hands full. Of
course Dave and I didn't work out, is anyone still surprised!!!
I just recently got remarried to a wonderful man who is a Corporal
for the Sheriffs Department in Divide Colorado. He keeps me straightened
out so that's good! Things haven't always gone as planned but my
life is starting to slow down a little and I am looking at going
back to school in Health Administration. As for now I went to school
to be a Black Jack Dealer and currently work in Cripple Creek Co.
Nick, who is my husband, and I bought a house in the mountians and
I just love it up here. If anyone is confused Both my sister and
I married Nicks so it gets a little confusing but at least we always
get names right!!! I think that is about it for now I would love
to hear from all of you. I hope everyone is well and in good health
take care and remember GIRL POWER!!!!!!!!
Jonna Gruenes (Rae) graduated from St. Ben's in 2000. She
moved back to Colorado and worked at SSA in the admissions office
until it's closing. Shortly thereafter, she met a nice young man
from MN named Paul Gruenes and they were married in July of 2002.
Jonna currently lives in Becker, MN. She has a 1 1/2 year old daughter,
Jessica. Jonna and Paul are expecting thier second child in May,
another girl they have decided to name Kayla Mae. Jonna is working
as a substitute teacher for four school districts in and around
Becker. Her husband Paul is a Robotic Technician for a contact lens
company. They are getting along fine and are braving the Minnesota
cold!
Oddly enough, Annalisa Perna has recently ended up in Colorado
Springs ~ not so far from our high school alma mater. She is working
at Pulte Homes as a Strategic Marketing Manager and has lived in
Colorado Springs for about six months. She is happily planning (more
like delegating to a wedding planner) a June wedding in Kona Hawaii
to a wonderful man she met while attending business school for an
MBA. Before the MBA and the fiance, Annalisa lived in Washington
DC for six years. Four of those years were spent at American University
and the other two working for a telecommunications company.
Vanessa Wood (Lowe) attended high school in Kuwait and is
now a a stay-at-home mom to her daughter, Alexis.
Emily Louie has been working at Merrill Lynch in NYC since
graduating from Wellesley College in 2000. She is still working
Fixed Income Sales and Trading, with a recent promotion to Vice
President. She bought an apartment in 2003 so guesses she'll be
in NYC for awhile. She doesn't get to CO often, but hopefully will
come for the reunion.
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1997[return
to top]
Celeste Karzon went to Smith College after graduating
from the Academy, where she majored in English and Minored in Art.
She worked as a public school teacher in Brooklyn, New York, and
recently moved home to be closer to her family. Celeste finished
her MA in Secondary English Education, and has been accepted to
the University of Michicagn. She will be starting a joint PhD in
English and Education in the fall. "I want to say hi to everyone
I haven't communicated with personally... I welcome anyone to come
for a visit to the remote yet beautiful upper penninsula of Michigan."
After SSA, Jill Menning spent two years at Colorado School
of Mines, having entirely too much fun in Denver, and then transferred
to Texas A&M University at Galveston and completed a degree in Marine
Sciences. Having decided that it was absolutely ridiculous to work
in any field for which one has any academic credential, she went
looking for a job in the real world. Jill is currently living in
Houston and working as a technical writer for a computer software
company. She loves the job but hates the climate. If anyone has
any leads... hint :o)
Teresa Hernandez is currently a grad student at UC Berkeley
in Vision Science. She has very much enjoyed hopping from place
to place (Boston to Chicago to Lucca to Berkeley), and went back
to grad school because scientists like to hold conferences in some
great vacation spots. Well, that and the flex hours. An only slightly
more detailed bio can be found on her homepage.
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1998[return
to top]
Jennifer Warren is currently a master's student at Colorado
State Univeristy in Economics and has suggested that everyone make
me (Teresa Hernandez ('97)) cookies. :o)
Amanda Gregory wrote us from a hostel in London -- She is
on a three month holiday out exploring the UK.
Natalee Brace (Stinson) is currently living in California
with her husband. She is finishing up her BA in Criminal Justice
with the University of Phoenix.
After graduation, Mary Templeton attended Rice University
in Houston, TX, where she earned a BA in English in 2002. She just
recently resigned her job as an environmental scientist/consultant
(after 2 years) to go back to school for social work. She is still
working part time at her consulting job (not really part time; it
is evil) while she takes her pre-reqs at UH. "I haven't decided
where I'm going to go to school next year, but i will, God willin'
and the barn don't burn."
Krystina Magallanes (Del Duca) and her husband, Martin, are
very proud parents of a little girl. Juliana was born 01-05-05.
She weighed 6 lbs. 13 oz. and was 19.5 inches long.
Sonya Patel attended Loyal University in Chicago, where she
did her undergrad in political science and biochemistry. She is
now in medical School, hoping to become doctor... and get sleep.
Liza Polintan (in her own words:) I was pleased to hear that
our wonderful school has an official alumnae website, thanks to
Teresa and those who have dedicated their time and effort to accomplish
this task. I for one am still in school trying to earn my B.A. in
elementary education at the University of Northern Colorado. After
five schools (yes five), I have finally found what I am interested
in doing for the remainder of my life. It was a surprise to see
so many of our girls married! I am still waiting for my knight in
shining armor, he is taking entirely too long! Thanks for creating
this website and also organizing a reunion for all. Take care and
success to all.
Alethea Maestas is a Registered Nurse at Poudre Valley Hospital
in Fort Collins, CO. She recieved her Bachelors of Science in nursing
in 2003. Her current goal is to apply to graduate school at Colorado
Univeristy, Denver spring of 2005 and obtain her masters in Family
nursing with an emphasis in forensic nursing.
Leann Cullin (Anderson) took a year off before going to college.
She graduated from Rosemont College (a women's college outside Philadelphia)
in 2003 with her BA in History (She minored in Sociology to keep
things interesting), and moved back to Colorado after graduation.
Leann and her husband, Brian, were married in November 2003. |
1999[return
to top]
| Sarah East (Lasater) has been working for Merrill Lynch
for 5 1/2 years. She got married right after highschool. They have
a 5 year old little boy named Zachary and a 6 month old baby boy
named Nathan. |
2000[return
to top]
Julia Kang graduated Syracuse University with a Bachelors
Degree in Advertising in May 2004, moved to NYC in June, and is
currently working at an advertising agency as an Account Executive
in Manhattan.
After attending SSA, Lucia Garza went back home (Monterrey,
NL, Mexico), graduated high school at Instituto Mater, and started
college during the fall of 2000. Eventually she decided to teach
herself macromedia flash and fell in love with it. If you want see
an example of her work, here´s an e-card she used last christmas
http://www.geocities.com/cafetalitostudio.
Lucia just graduated from Universidad de Monterrey on december 2004,
and is a graphic designer now (all those scribbles paid off)! Right
now she's a freelancer, searching for a job in her hometown. "Hi
everyone! I don't believe many of you have met me, I was an exchange
student during the fall of 1999... I just found out about this page
thanks to Pam Prieto (hugs!) so... I'll try to keep in touch!"
Lara Castillo just graduated in Decemeber from CU-Boulder
with an accounting degree. She works for an Accounting firm in Boulder
and will be headed to grad school in the fall.
Pamela Prieto is attending UNM, ready to graduate with a
BA in Elementary Education. When she is not in class, you will find
her at work as a legal assistant (paralegal in training) for a local
attorney.
Jessica Mientka went to Roger Williams University in Bristol,
RI. She graduated in 2004 with a degree in Political Science and
Historic Preservation. Jessica now lives in Washington D.C.; she
is working for a non-profit in the area of property insurance and
studying to go to graduate school in 2006.
Megan Anderson traveled in Europe and then attended college
in Boulder, CO. She is graduating in December, '05 from CU Boulder
with a History degree focusing on Asian studies. She will then move
with her lovely boyfriend to Flagstaff, AZ, where he is doing graduate
research in Environmental Studies. Megan will make plans soon but
because college has taken so long, she is basking in the light of
graduating for awhile.
Jennifer Garbiso attended Trinity University for four years
in San Antonio, TX. During that time, she spent a semester abroad
in Madrid, Spain. She graduated with her BA in Speech Communication
and Spanish while completing her pre-reqs for dental school. Jennifer
is currently managing her Dad's dental practice while going for
an MBA at CSU-Pueblo.
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2001[return
to top]
| Jane Munro is currently a college senior in her last semester.
After she graduates on May 7,2005, with a degree in Art History
- she plans to move to Italy for about a year, and will start some
graduate studies while she's there. "I always look back on my years
at SSA with a smile!"
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2002[return
to top]
Ashley Andersen is an architecture major at the University
of Virginia. She's in her third year and loving it! "I miss Colorado,
as does my mom... we love you guys!"
Michelle Polintan is attending the University of Colorado,
and just returned from studying abroad in New Zealand for a semester.
Kosha Patel is finishing up college at the University of
Southern California, where she is studying Theatre. She will probably
be staying there a little while to continue learning more about
the music and entertainment industries (good times in LA). " - Miss
everyone from Saint Scholastica :) "
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2003[return
to top]
After SSA, Natalie Kaufman attended Canon City High School
for 2 (jr. & sen.) years. She had planned to travel to Fountain
Valley with the rest of the girls that went there, but her mom got
sick that summer, so she decided to stay in town. She is now in
her second year at Simmons College, an all women's college in the
heart of Boston, MA. She's double majoring in Secondary Education
and Political Science, is in the Honors Program, and will hopefully
be graduating in 2008 with a MAT in teaching. Natalie would really
like all those who know her to drop her an e-mail.
After the closure of SSA her sophomore year, Nicolle Fazio-Leitch
(Fazio) attended Fountain Valley School. It was a tough adjustment
at first, but she says the last two years there helped her develop
into the type of person she is today. She made many long-lasting
friendships, and had a lot of fun! Nicolle is currently attending
Whittier College. She's completing her second year and has decided
to study Political Science and French. She holds many leadership
positions there and has had the chance to play soccer for the school.
Guess what, Vika Soshina and Nicolle are still best friends and
are roomates! She's also had the opportunity to study abroad in
France and will be in training for RA position soon. But for right
now, Nicolle is just enjoying soaking up the sunny weather out in
CA. "I am alive and doing very well out here in sunny CA. If you
want a nice vacation you can always stay with me! To the Class of
2003 I hope to talk to you girls soon enough."
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2005[return
to top]
| Rachelle Simpson is currently a senior at Grants High
School in New Mexico. She is planning to go to a four-year college,
and has a little three-year old brother!!
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