Mirman School Meridian 2019-2020

the Annual Magazine of Mirman School

2019 – 2020

meridian

table of contents

o

One of the things that I like most about producing a publication is that it involves a good deal of planning. From

HELPING HANDS DURING COVID-19

4

MUSIC PROGRAM EXPANDS

8

MEET MIRMAN’S ART TEAM

10

SENIOR SALUTE: CLASS OF 2020

12

ALUMNI PROFILE: ALEX MITCHELL ’87–’92

14

ALUMNI CLASS NOTES

16

spinning up a theme to building out story ideas to the art direction of a photoshoot — it’s a lot of work, but you get to

However, as it continues to be painfully obvious everywhere we look, we’re living in a very different world than we

1

know the whens and hows.

“The Meridian” is no different than other aspects of school life in a post-COVID-19 existence. We’ve had to pivot quickly to get to an approximation of our destination. Whereas you would usually be holding a tangible magazine in your hands as you read this, you’re now viewing it on your preferred electronic device. The delivery timeline was delayed as well, as I found my attention needed elsewhere (something to which I am positive you can relate). And then there were the stories we planned to tell.

I worried about what it would look like and feel like to read about the celebration of play during a somber time. I wondered if what I’d written about the joyful sense of children at work in an energetic, ad hoc classroom atop a picnic table would ring true to all of us amid day 3,285 of self-isolation.

Ultimately, we did shift the contents a little bit. We made room to honor the heroes in our community and to give a nod to our Seniors, who ended their final year on our campus without actually being on campus. However, we didn’t jettison our original plan, scrapping the contents and context of the original publication. To do so would not only be failing to acknowledge what we had accomplished before we went remote but also to give in to a failure of imagination. And no matter how our “new normal” looks in the days, weeks, months, or even years to come, I know we’ll need our imaginations —not to mention our work ethic and sense of playfulness — intact.

Thank you for reading,

Jenn Salcido Director of Marketing and Communications

THE MAGAZINE OF MIRMAN SCHOOL

were a few months ago. And, well, you know what they say about best-laid plans.

the intersection of work and play. Anyone who has spent time on our campus during recess, Annex, or other moments of decompressing during the school day will attest, this intersection is often on our students’ minds, too, whether in the GaGa pit or math class.

The importance of balance — particularly opportunities for connection, community, and much-needed relaxation — has been brought into sharper relief by the COVID-19 crisis and its rapid and ruthless overhaul of life as we know it. Just as we traded the structure of in-class instruction for the more fluid approach of remote learning, we exchanged our athletic fields for socially distanced walks around the neighborhood.

d

Dear Mirman Community, I hope that this letter finds you and your loved ones safe and in good health. I wanted to begin this note by acknowledging a deep appreciation for you all on behalf of Mirman’s Board of Trustees. The understanding, resilience, and care you have all shown to our beloved school, its leadership, and one another has been nothing short of inspirational.

As it does each year, this “Meridian” speaks to the ways that we come together as a community every day, both in work and play. How that looks this year, or at least how it looks this spring and summer, has been a change, of course. I’d venture to say the contrast is in context, though, rather than content. I still see Mirman

It’s expected that, in an academic institution serving highly gifted students, we take

as distinctly Mirman, even if it looks a little different than we expected. It’s in

the notion of “work” seriously. But for kids in general, and ours in particular, play merits

the way that our teachers carry the warmth of their morning meetings far from

equally serious consideration. As we shifted to remote learning, we knew that we

the classroom and into our living rooms. It’s in the commitment to learning and

could not sacrifice any one piece of the school experience in favor of another. On a

laughter in equal measure in Lunch and Learn and enrichment opportunities.

good day on campus, we strive for this balance, too, but now it seemed even more imperative that we turned our attention to engaging as many dimensions of our students as we could.

As we have noted in recent communications and town halls, we are actively working to ensure that our mission, assets, and aspirations remain strong and steadfast. On a micro level, we’ve taken swift action to freeze or reduce spending in order to keep

Although we continue to refine our practices and seek support and resources from

program funding intact. On a macro level, we have accessed appropriate federal

our colleagues across the state, country, and globe, I have been impressed by our

funding and continue to plan for “worst-case” scenarios even while we’re fortunate

faculty and administration, who rose to the challenge of remote learning with purpose

to be on solid ground at present.

and vigor. Even as social distancing sent shockwaves through our community (indeed, through the world), we were able to work together to find new opportunities for camaraderie and community as impactful as those that arose naturally every day at lunch, recess, and passing periods.

As we head into the next school year, we’re not quite sure what play will look like for our kids. We are quite sure that, no matter what the future holds, it will look different than it does today. But, at the core, Mirman’s faculty and staff are committed to serving our gifted learners, who still have the same needs and passions while sitting in their homes as they did sitting at their desks in classrooms. As I look back at some of these images and stories from life before COVID-19 alongside some snippets from the “after,” I’m hopeful that our equally fierce affinity for work and play will keep us moving forward together with spirited openness and joy — qualities useful in teamwork, whether that takes shape across the room or on a Zoom.

Warmly,

Everything we have done at all levels — and everything we will do — holds the student experience and institutional mission front and center. This publication speaks to the very same core values that make this community great. And this brief glimpse into the 2019-2020 academic year, both on campus and off, also gives me hope that those values will remain intact on the other side of this crisis.

As we prepare to steer ourselves through the protracted recession that economists are forecasting, we are clear in our aim to minimize the impact of fiscal contractions not only on Mirman’s present but also its future. While we have put our capital campaign, Mirman Next, on hold in the shadow of the pandemic, our plans are by no means shuttered. We are continuing to move forward with essential aspects of permitting and planning so that when the time comes, we're ready to go. We can’t promise much about what the future holds; anyone who tells you otherwise is at best foolish and at worst misleading. But we can promise you one thing — a postpandemic future is out there, and we’re going to be ready to make the most of it.

Thank you for your partnership.

Dan Vorenberg Head of School Modi Wiczyk Chair, Board of Trustees

THE MAGAZINE OF MIRMAN SCHOOL

2

a

As a former camp counselor and lifelong educator, I’ve spent a lot of time pondering

While the switch to remote learning presented plenty of challenges, the logistical hurdles of Zoom are far from the only issues that have been thrown into stark relief during this pandemic. Whether in our immediate community or the greater Los Angeles area, COVID-19 has disrupted everything from education to essential services, creating gaps in crucial supply chains and isolating some of society’s most vulnerable members. Though this tumultuous time is far from over, there have been many spots of goodness (and good-will) to observe. Whether it was watching our Operations team stack up donations of food and headphones during the Drive

Dynamic duo John Freeman and his son Julian (Third Grade A) have been keeping busy and healthy by walking around their neighborhood and connecting with some of their unhoused neighbors near LACMA or Pan Pacific Park, donating cash when they can and, perhaps most importantly, offering a bit of personal connection in the form of conversations with Julian. “Julian now knows the value of communication and connection. He knows the importance of seeing everyone as no less special than another. That he will extend a hand long after I've gone is a great comfort to me,” said Freeman.

Ruby T. (Room 5A) spends time on the weekend

making bagged lunches for homeless shelters.

The Sherwood Family (Third Grade B) makes forty lunches every Sunday for distribution to Los Angeles food banks through an organization called Hang Out, Do Good.

and Wave or reading a letter of support lovingly crafted by a student to an unhoused peer, the Mirman community found ways to safely

Upper School History Teacher Aileen Level did her part to help her immediate community

lend a helping hand even when they couldn’t be exactly hands-on.

by checking in on elderly neighbors and arranging grocery delivery. She also donated to organizations that fight hunger (World Central Kitchen, the LA Regional Food Bank) and struggling small cultural institutions like New York’s Tenement Museum. Looking at the crisis through a long-term lens, she said she’s also educating her classes about the Census, which is a crucial piece to funding public services.

Here are some of the photos and stories that were submitted to us this spring.

The Gravori Family (including alumnus Jason '09 – '18, Ashton in US1, and Brandon in US3) spent time making home-made sanitizer spray bottles to distribute to a senior living facility in Tarzana that ran out of hand sanitizer, allowing each resident to have their own bottle in their room. Ronit Gravori and Brandon also distributed food and pantry items to the security guards at the Brentwood VA, who in turn gave the items to people without homes living on their grounds.

“ When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

— FRED ROGERS

The Neirick Family (US3) has been volunteering with Meals on Wheels for ten years. Pierce and his older sister, Chiara ’16-’19, are helping the organization, which is short-handed due to the pandemic, by delivering meals to disabled seniors and veterans.

The Murray family donated pizzas by purchasing them through Coach Eric Holmes’s pizza business. Annabel (US2) volunteered

to assemble the packages for under-resourced students at Crete Academy, a local school. Mirman families can help feed kids in need of a hot meal made by Coach Eric’s small business by emailing freshoutthefirepizza@gmail.com.

Physical Education Teacher Michael Coleman and his family

offered supplies and financial assistance to families in need.

Director of Inclusivity and Equity Connie Chiu turned her house into an ad hoc

kitchen, preparing meals for unhoused youth around Hollywood and Skid Row through Home-y Made Meals. So far, the organization’s effort has yielded 5,046 meals. Chiu’s came with some special Mirman Mustang love — encouraging handcrafted notes from Mirman students (such as Mia and Ryden M., Third Grade A and First Grade B) and staff.

THE MAGAZINE OF MIRMAN SCHOOL

4

the helpers

While COVID-19 may keep us apart, it can’t stop volunteering in the service of togetherness

Upper School Science

Jett (US4) and Camden G. (Third Grade B), along

Kindergarten B Associate

Teacher Dr. Jay Fisch

with their parents and two siblings, Lola and Charlie, made 100 homemade cards for frontline workers in New York.

Teacher Sydney Banner ’03-’08

Elizabeth Lipshutz

dropped off seeds and planting materials to the US3 science students. The small, living care packages featured artwork from Dr. Fisch’s children, including Siona (Second Grade B).

Network and Systems Administrator Ryan Thomason teamed up

Director of STEAM Jeffery Flagg along with a cadre

of students — Grady G. (US3) and Molly B., Sofia

6

C., Nikki D., Colin H., Evie L., Annabel M., Abigail P., Yuma S., and Lilly S. (all US2) — made 3D printed and fabric masks for frontline workers in local hospitals. As of this writing, they have made and distributed over 200 masks.

Associate Director of Admissions / Director of Extended Programs Rita Anne Smith and her family took part in a few efforts to bring

helped alleviate some of the strain on the Los Angeles shelter network by taking care of a foster cat, Blue, while Blue’s shelter has to be closed.

some much-needed joy into the world this spring. Writing letters to homebound seniors through ONEgeneration (facilitated by Director of Human Resources Jodi Jacobsen), delivering lemons from their trees to neighbors, and sewing masks for grocery store workers were just a few good deeds of many.

with his partner and roommate to create a sign to greet essential workers at the three assisted living facilities near their apartment as they came to work each day. The trio also donated five DoorDash gift cards for the management of those facilities to distribute to their workers as a token of appreciation.

7

and Assistant Teacher

Coach Leo Matos and his

Sisters Juney (Second Grade B) and Mae J. (First Grade A), along with two of their younger sisters, helped by turning their driveway into a cheerful work of art for Santa Monica’s virtual Chalk Art Festival.

Upper School Art Teacher Karyn Raz’s US1 and US2 art classes contributed paper

The Edelstein family, led by enterprising Tyler

hearts to the Hearts for Healers initiative.

(Third Grade B) and Sydney (Kindergarten A), donated $1,100 for COVID-19 relief efforts at UCLA Hospital. The donation included $550 raised by Tyler and Sydney at their virtual lemonade stand, which was then matched by their parents.

family created a veritable production line, making 300 masks to donate to hospitals, frontline workers, friends, family, and neighbors.

THE MAGAZINE OF MIRMAN SCHOOL

As President of the Rotary Club of Santa Monica, Trustee Sharon Gavin oversaw the allocation of about $50,000 to over a dozen local non-profits on the front lines of the pandemic and connected people to over 120 hours of hands-on volunteer activities (that included delivering meals, making wellness check calls, and packing food boxes) to help people in need. She also organized a food drive to benefit the Virginia Avenue Park Food Pantry in Santa Monica and delivered some of the donations with the help of son Alex (US1).

MUSIC TO OUR EARS

for expressing their

Long a standout in choral music, Mirman’s program expands to include more instrumentation, bands

voice as artists and for making their own choices

8

many instrumental music

certainly many of your

Choir has performed

parents) have memories

internationally and at

of elementary school

venues like Carnegie

music classes seared

Hall. Increasingly,

into your minds, your

though, there’s been a

eardrums: The screech

trending interest in more

of an ill-placed bow on

instrumental offerings

a beat-to-death violin,

at the elementary

the chirpy dirge of “Hot

and middle school

Cross Buns” on a plastic

level, and well beyond

recorder. If you were

the stereotypical

lucky, you might get to

supplemental piano

bang on the xylophone

lessons. A musician

or the triangle. The

himself, this is a demand

times, though, they are

that Director of Music

a-changin’, particularly at

Programs Nicolás Kello

Mirman School.

was happy to meet.

The school has always had

Although there had been

a strong music program.

percussion ensembles

step up and play,” said

the department has seen

an instrument is so

And the gateway to

approach begins with an

elective offerings triple

important; you can’t

this creative expression

anchor text, something

in the Upper School,

overlook it,” he said.

doesn’t exist solely for

which can help engage

for takeoff. The class

as well as increased

“Students need to have

those who have had

any student where

discusses ideas, unpacks

core curricular music

some level of integrating

access to private music

they are, with plenty

the meaning of songs,

instruction.

music in their bodies.

instruction at home.

of connections across

and reads primary and

When paired with

feel the sense of playful

Of course, your voice is

While Kello has seen

subjects to provide

secondary sources

the accessibility and

relief among the students

an instrument as well,

students come in with

on the stories told

enjoyment inherent

who, by the definition of

but when you’re part

a wealth of experience

through the music. Then

to the instruments,

their highly gifted nature,

of an ensemble, you

on an instrument, he has

students experiment

these interactive and

might not naturally be

have to have an internal

passionate musicians

the most flexible (or

clock which ultimately

in waiting who haven’t

forgiving) when it comes

expresses itself in your

done so much as pluck a

to their own expectations

feet, your fingers, from

string or smash a cymbal

of themselves. Growth

head to toe.”

before. These students

mindset, resilience,

are served especially

curiosity — all of these

well by adhering to the

things and more are on

Orff philosophy, said

prominent display in

offerings built into the

“It takes an incredible

curriculum. This wasn’t

amount of skill and

matching up with the

hard work to execute

interests and passions of

this level of musical

Mirman’s students, many

precision,” Kello noted

of whom already played

of the Concert Singers.

piano, string instruments,

There will always be

guitars, drums, and more.

a place at Mirman

These digital natives

for the preternatural

also were into DJing

professionalism of this

In addition to the

and other aspects of

cadre of vocalists. At the

kinesthetic aspects of

electronic music. Over

learning instruments,

the past few years, and

there’s the invaluable

in collaboration with

encouragement of the

other faculty members,

creative spirit. “The

Kello has nurtured both

popular music styles

curricular and extra-

played by a combo

curricular opportunities

band or blues band lend

for these musicians to

themselves naturally

shine by inviting them

to improvisation and

Kello, which encourages children of all ages to have access to “highquality instruments that sound good.” So, instead of plastic instruments, students can enjoy the tactile feel (and superior sound) of wooden

Kello. “They’re becoming

chances.”

classroom in motion puts any sense of stodginess aside. You can almost

music classes of all levels.

interest. Kello gave the

“From a very early age,

example of songs in

these students are given

the oral tradition, rich tapestries of history that have changed throughout time to reflect different aspects

with movement,

improvisational facets

rhythm, and more,

of Orff combine to

adding choreography

make very playful — and

to performances and

playable — possibilities.

looking for connections

same time, the addition

rearrangements. They

community songs at

of instruments will

don't demand that you

assembly and offering

continue to crescendo.

stick to what's written

electives and LEAP as a

“The kinesthetic

on the page. They give

The instruments

the students — a sort

“I’m noticing that these

structured time to form

intelligence of playing

students more room

themselves are only part

of platform to prepare

students are eager to

and ukuleles.

taking risks, taking

entry points for student

onstage to accompany

percussion instruments

more comfortable in

of cultures and places.

The anchor text provides valuable context for

to other favorite subject areas.

the opportunity to create and improvise. We have basic guidelines, a basic text, and then from there, they can really get their

Fun should be inherent

hands dirty and learn by

in music-making. “If the

doing,” said Kello. “What’s

kids aren’t having fun,”

the operative word in the

he added, “I’m not doing

phrase ‘playing music?’

my job.” One look at a

It’s play.”

9

not, historically speaking,

of the equation.The Orff

THE MAGAZINE OF MIRMAN SCHOOL

Schoolers, there were

The Concert Singers

explained.

Over the past three years,

available to Upper

Many of you (and

as musicians,” Kello

combo and blues bands.

like, ‘Put that away. We’re going to get messy. We’re going to make mistakes. And it’s okay!’

MBC: You know, we support each other in the classroom, but it’s more than that. We sit next to each other and tell jokes, share ideas. There’s a richness that comes from our dialogue.

MBC: We try to nurture a lot of experimentation.

KR: There are these layers that come together. I have more of an art studio approach, and Mary Beth has this wonderful art history background. So we talk about what we’re working on and come up with ways that we can integrate those themes and practices in the curriculum.

MERIDIAN: Let’s go into that more. Do you think that art is really all about just learning through play?

KR: Hmm, serious play.

MBC: You know, a lot of students will come in and be very serious about grades. They’re like, ‘You get graded in art.’ And of course, you get graded in all things! But here, there is no definitive right answer.

KR: There are specific standards we want them to hit.

MBC: (laughs) Their interests are so...interesting!

KR: Right, especially their desire to connect art with other subjects. They want to be challenged, and they want to have it be meaningful. The "why" is super important. But also, there’s definitely an element of perfectionism with gifted students. Particularly in the Upper School; they walk in with their Chromebooks and I try to have an analogue feel in my classroom. It’s

better together

Dynamic duo brings lively energy, experience to visual arts program

No matter the grade level, no matter the scheduling

The second major change was one in staffing: the

parameters, no matter the passions and talents, one

program changed from a single lead teacher with a full-

thing connects every Mirman student: they all take art.

time assistant teacher model to accommodate two lead

Teaching a subject as wide-ranging and subjective as art

teachers.

to hundreds of students each day is no easy task. Not only is it a monumental task to plan and execute those lessons, but there are also very real considerations of studio space. As anyone who has been in the art room can attest, the room is always bursting at the seams with creativity. Students can often be seen spilling into the outside world to work on projects and connect with

MBC: Of course, respect for materials…

KR: How to use materials, how to blend colors, how to see things in a more sophisticated way.

MBC: It’s so funny how they come in and say, ‘Oh, we already did that last year.’ My answer is that we build on things every year. Would you say to your math teacher — ‘Hey, I did six. I’m done with six.’

MERIDIAN: Why is it important that Mirman has a strong visual arts program? Why have we invested additional time, space, and personnel to visual arts in recent years?

KR: When I think about the arts — the arts really connect to every other discipline in very meaningful ways. Art connects to math. Art connects to science.

Art connects to theater. I can't think of a way art doesn't connect to the academics and enrich them and make them even more meaningful.

MBC: It’s been great in that way to really work with the grade-level teams and organically integrate art into their curriculum.

studio art (Raz) to their practice. And, much as art is a

MERIDIAN: Last question — loaded question!

Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself as a young artist?

practice of collaboration, so is the working relationship

KR: That’s a lot of pressure. Fail well, I’d say.

Enter Mary Beth Carosello and Karyn Raz. Together, they bring the yin and yang of art history (Carosello) and

between these two educators. Carosello leads Lower School classes, while Raz is assigned to Upper School.

MBC: Mmhmm.

nature as a source of inspiration.

The two then flip to support one another across divisions, particularly in some of their larger groups. When sitting

KR: The failure is not what matters. It’s the getting up, the trying again, the grit in life —

Beginning in the 2019-2020 academic year, though,

down in conversation with the pair, the vibe is decidedly

MBC: — the resiliency!

some opportunities presented themselves to Mirman’s

warm, friendly, and genuinely expansive. Think excitable

visual arts program, a cornerstone of every student’s

talk-show hosts meet earnest public radio podcasters.

creative experience. A space that previously housed

Below, we excerpted some of our conversation with

athletics storage was built into a multi-purpose, multi-

the two women painting a bright future for Mirman’s

disciplinary classroom — known as the Creation Station.

burgeoning artists.

KR: Right, the fearlessness.

MBC: Mine is similar. Dive in, but find your focus.

Don’t be distracted; don’t be worried. Just allow yourself to dive in.

11

MERIDIAN: What are some of the common threads that you’ve noticed among your students?

THE MAGAZINE OF MIRMAN SCHOOL

10

MERIDIAN: So what’s your working relationship like?

ELISE CAMERON FRIED

R O I S ENLU TE SA

HARVARD-WESTLAKE SCHOOL

TI N G A R B E L E C S OF S A L C E TH

REX VICTOR GAVSIE WINDWARD SCHOOL

JETT AYLSWORTH GOETZ PHILLIPS EXETER ACADEMY

MIRMAN SCHOOL CONGRATULATES THE CLASS OF 2020, WHO GRADUATED ON JUNE 4, 2020.

ALTHOUGH YOU’RE ALL MOVING ON LIFE’S NEXT CHAPTER, WE HOPE YOU WON’T FORGET WHERE YOUR STORY STARTED. YOU’VE BEEN AN UNFORGETTABLE PART OF OURS, AFTER ALL.

JULIANNA HELENA HUGHES VIEWPOINT SCHOOL

COME BACK AND VISIT US SOON!

ZAC NYDES THE BUCKLEY SCHOOL

MADELINE SAKURA ARAMIAN HARVARD-WESTLAKE SCHOOL

SYDNE MYETT CARMON

KATIE CHEN

OAKWOOD SCHOOL

HARVARD-WESTLAKE SCHOOL

OLIVER IVOR PETERSON MAXIMO RUSMEEPONGSKULARELLANO AIDAN HARRISON DESHONG HARVARD-WESTLAKE SCHOOL

RUSSELL JAMES FISHER GEFFEN ACADEMY AT UCLA

EVAN JAMES FLEMING VIEWPOINT SCHOOL

ROHAN ENAYATI-UZETA

THE BUCKLEY SCHOOL

VIEWPOINT SCHOOL

PAUL PHILLIP TRAJANOVICH

GEFFEN ACADEMY AT UCLA

HARVARD-WESTLAKE SCHOOL

COLEMAN WEINTRAUB MILKEN COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

THE MAGAZINE OF MIRMAN SCHOOL

12

HARVARD-WESTLAKE SCHOOL

13

IZADORA PETRA KASHPER

What are some of your fondest memories from being at Mirman School? at Mirman. Mirman is truly a magical place that

Prior to being the co-founder of HOLA

allows kids to ask a lot of questions and fosters

Recuperative Care, I had managed teams, but

I love the team we have built

Alex Mitchell ’87-’92 has fond memories

While pondering what would come

of his time at Mirman: rolling around

next, Mitchell realized his calling was

I get to work

in the beautiful grass, feeling supported

to help the community in his first and

with every day.

and free to ask questions, making

forever home — specifically, he wanted

life-long friends, and going to Dr. B’s

to help Los Angeles’s growing homeless

summer science camp. He has more than

population.

just nostalgia for his youth, though; Mirman provided the building blocks for Mitchell’s adult life.

and the people

and entertains their

not at the level I am today. In this new role, I

interests and creativity,

have people that rely on me for everything.

all while providing a

This was an interesting challenge that I had to

nurturing environment.

learn how to navigate quickly. It's most exciting

Some of my favorite

when things are going well, but stressful when

memories are attending

they’re not. Employees rely on me for guidance

the summer science

and growth. I rely on them for support too. We

camp with Dr. B. It was an

have a great team!

amazing science-based What do you love about your current role?

camp! We had daily activities, guest speakers, and awesome field trips. Another great

In 2017 Mitchell co-founded HOLA Recuperative Care, a facility that provides supportive care to homeless

After graduating from college, Mitchell

patients after they’ve been discharged

traveled worldwide before settling in

from the hospital. HOLA helps its

New York City with a career in finance.

clientele by giving them a chance at

After living in New York for more

housing stability through supportive

than a decade, Mitchell came back to

services instead of having to make their

Los Angeles to be closer to his family.

way without a home. Since Mitchell and his business partner first opened a 22-bed facility in an old apartment building

memory I have from Mirman is meeting my

readmitted with wounds that haven’t healed

I love the team we have built and the people I

best friend Josh Bauer ’87-’93; he’s still my best

properly or infections that have spread. I felt

get to work with every day. Everyone — from

friend to this day, and our families are close.

it was imperative to do something that would

patients to all of the social workers at our

Mirman’s community reaches beyond the

help homeless people get the support they

hospital partners — inspires me to work harder

actual campus, well after graduation.

need to avoid having to go back to the hospital.

every day. I love the positive impact we are

My goal with HOLA Recuperative Care was

making. Helping the homeless and helping

How did your time at Mirman prepare you for what you are doing now?

to provide care, food, and services to help

hospitals is meaningful and productive.

get our clients back on their feet. We have

I love what I do.

I learned the importance of always asking

nurses and medical assistants that address all

questions — always looking around, exploring,

of their healthcare needs. We provide them

and finding depth in what I learn. My mind has

with counseling, help them obtain benefits, and

been conditioned to always look at things that

help with job searches and finding permanent

way. Mirman also encouraged me to spend time

housing.

in green spaces and to enjoy and appreciate my

they remodeled, they have

life. I think all of this has influenced my passion

expanded and refurbished

for helping others, living a life of purpose, and

a neighboring building, putting their capacity at 55 beds. Mitchell said that as our city — and our world — tries to deal with the global pandemic, his facility is helping to alleviate pressure from local hospitals.

making the world a better place.

How have you managed being in the medical industry during a global pandemic?

We have been super busy during the COVID-19

How did you decide what you would do to help the homeless population?

pandemic, trying to take pressure off the

I found that in researching how to help

of people living on the street. It has been

homeless people that hospitals had a lot

nerve-wracking. We are cleaning like crazy

of concern about what happened to their

and maintaining the healthiest environment

homeless patients after being discharged.

possible for all employees and patients. We

Hospital social workers worried that the basic

monitor anyone who comes in and out of our

upkeep required to maintain their health, from

facilities. It’s hard, but I keep going by focusing

changing bandages to taking medications

on protecting my patients and staff and

correctly, would be too difficult for homeless

wanting to help as much as I can during this

people and almost guarantees that they will be

difficult time.

hospital system and reducing the density

15

Alex Mitchell ’87-’92 found lifelong friends and life-altering inspiration at Mirman

I have so many good memories from my time

Have you experienced any challenges in being the founder of a relatively new company?

THE MAGAZINE OF MIRMAN SCHOOL

14

A

Helping Hand

alumni class notes Lawyers Philharmonic. He has a three-

in May 2019 with a bachelor’s

While this next dynamic duo aren’t

We’ve been having a busy year here

year-old son, Ariel, who loves classical

degree in English from California

partners in business, they are

at your beloved alma mater, and

music and has been teaching himself

State University, Los Angeles

partners in life, having a connection

it seems that, per usual, your lives

the works of John Cage for piano. Ariel

through the Early Entrance Program.

that stretches all the way back to

have been busy, too. Whether you’re

also enjoys spending time with his

While in college, he ran the English

campus! Joel ’93-’96 and Jennie

off starting families, literally adding

cousin, Dash, son of Andrew’s brother,

department’s literary magazine,

(Steinberg) Wiles ’89-’95 first

another chapter to your story as a

Eric Gradman ’87-’96.

"Statement." He is now enjoying a

met in Upper School — specifically

gap year, spending time with family

Room 8 with Mrs. Semchuck. They

and working fastidiously on graduate

reconnected in November 2013 and

school applications and, we have no

had their first date at the annual

doubt, collecting amazing stories that

Thanksgiving Alumni Breakfast at

we can’t wait to read.

Mirman. They got married in November

college graduations, or just writing to say hi, we always love hearing from you and spreading all your good news!

We know you’re probably self-isolating at home right now, too, but we hope it 2

brightens your day to read about what some of your classmates have been up to and to picture us beaming like proud parents, except of course while

3

16

in Mustang suits.

4

2

our current students, too, the visual arts are a highlight of experiences both during and after Mirman as well. Since

Although we can’t say for sure, we’re

receiving her MFA in sculpture at Bard

willing to bet that alumna Reagan

College in 2017, Anne Libby ’92-’99

Smith Smutney ’92-’00 also has an

has been living and teaching in New

affinity for the written word, having

York City. In 2018 and 2019, she had

moved back home recently after a six-

solo exhibitions in Los Angeles, New

year stint owning a custom stationery

this edition of alumni notes with

group exhibitions in London and Dallas.

Raya Yarbrough ’85-’92, whose

She was recently named an “Exciting

her two little girls, Kaelyn (3) and Cora

daughter, Sonatine M., is wrapping

Emerging Artist” by Galerie magazine.

(1), as well as spreading awareness

up her first year at Mirman. You may recognize Raya as the singer in the

her new ensemble, a string quintet for which she writes original music

company in Seattle, Washington. She’s

5

4

currently focused on being a mom to

Back on the left coast, Steven Garen ’91-’98 currently works as the Sculpture and Textile Arts Lab Manager at San Francisco State University, where he continues to

7

family in November 2019. Joel is an economist who does case management and support, and occasional expert witness work, at Analysis Group, a consulting firm that provides expert testimony in lawsuits. Jennie owns and manages a psychotherapy practice, Through the Woods Therapy Center, in Downtown LA.

about maternal nerve injuries from

Another growing cadre of future

childbirth through writing on her website

Mustangs writes in: In February,

nervedamagefromchildbirth.com.

alumna Lauren Felts Chen ’92-’98

The sky’s the limit when it comes

6

2016 and welcomed a child into their

to the business acumen of some

welcomed her second son, Kannan J. Chen. He joins Lauren, her husband, Austin, and Kannan’s older brother,

sculpt and does other projects on his

of our Mirman mustangs. After

own time. He lives in Berkeley with

attending the UCLA Anderson School

his girlfriend, Andrea, and their dog,

of Management and attaining an

Another vocal artist who hits all the

Lola. Steven received his MFA from

MBA with a marketing focus, Laura

Rounding out this edition of alumni

right notes, Christian Lanz ’83-’89

Stanford University in 2017.

Michelson ’93-’98 is now the

news is someone who truly knows

director of marketing for Popchips, a

what it’s like to reach for the stars.

leading independent, better-for-you

Carrine Johnson ’98-’03 is a

snack brand. She lives in Santa Monica

technical program manager at Snap,

with her husband. Laura, we think you

Inc. She has remained focused on

have our address if you ever feel like

STEM since her time at Mirman. She

sending us some Popchips in the mail.

interned at NASA while studying at

and arrangements of jazz classics and unexpected pop tunes.

is one of the most prolific bilingual voice actors in the industry. Christian’s career spans multiple Emmy-winning animated series, Oscar-winning films, record-grossing video games, and 1. Christian Lanz ’83-’89 2. Raya Yarbrough ’85-’92 3. Steven Garen ’91-’98 4. Eric Gradman ’87-’96 5. Anne Libby ’92-’99 6. Stephanie Cha ’94-’97

not only our alumni community but

3

York, Berlin, and Geneva, as well as

show. Currently, Raya is working with

6

be a lively connecting thread among

Speaking of proud parents, we’ll start

opening credits of the "Outlander" TV

5

While the performing arts continue to

thousands of commercials, network promos, and movie trailers in both English and Spanish. Since 2015 Christian has served as the voice of the Daytime Emmy Awards, the Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards, and the American Cinematheque Award. He resides with his wife, Erin, and their two sons, Calvin (5) and Anson (3), in Los Angeles and Lake Arrowhead.

It’s music to our ears that Andrew Gradman ’89-’96, who is now a tax lawyer in Los Angeles, still plays cello and is a member of the Los Angeles

If Steven was ever looking for an LAbased doggy playdate, he might do well to hit up classmate Stephanie Cha ’94-’97, who lives here with

8

her two basset hounds (and her husband). Steph Cha (as she is known professionally) is the author of "Your House Will Pay" and the Juniper Song Mysteries series. Steph is also an editor and critic whose work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and the Los Angeles Review of Books. She is a Stanford

1. Anthony Karambelas ’13-’15 2. Joel ’93-’96 and Jennie (Steinberg) Wiles ’89-’95 3. Laura Michelson ’93-’98 4. Carrine Johnson ’98-’03 5. Felts Chen's ’92-’98 son Kannan 6. Julia Silbergeld 7. Reagan Smith Smutney ’92-’00 8. Alex Weinberger ’90-’96

Classmate Alex Weinberger ’90’96 runs not one but two businesses

a bachelor’s degree in political science.

Well, Mustangs, it’s been a wild ride reading about your adventures, and

only, private wealth management firm

we continue to enjoy living vicariously

with comprehensive financial planning

through you.

services, and Marriage Financial

Doctor degree from Yale Law School.

company that specializes in divorce,

literary-minded alumni, graduating

MIT, where she graduated in 2014 with

Management is an independent, fee-

Solutions is a financial planning

’13-’15 is another one of Mirman’s

excited to have their new addition!

with wife Ali. Weinberger Asset

University graduate and has a Juris

Fellow scribe Anthony Karambelas

Bodhi. Lauren and her family are very

as well as prenuptial and postnuptial financial analysis. Outside of work, Alex takes great pride and joy in his two daughters, Miri (4) and Brie (1).

Please remember to contact us all year long with your updates, notes, and news! You can email Director of Alumni Relations Karika Thompson at kthompson@mirman.org.

17

writer, celebrating milestones like

1

THE MAGAZINE OF MIRMAN SCHOOL

1

Greetings, Mustangs far and near!

16180 Mulholland Drive Los Angeles, CA 90049 www.mirman.org