Beyond the Academy - Winter 2025

BEYOND WINTER 2025

The Power Within

the ACADEMY

In This Issue Features BEYOND the ACADEMY WINTER 2025

3 Academic Excellence New Sixth Grade Opens

11 Celebrating 75 Years of Notre Dame Family Mass and BBQ

Editor

13 Vision and Leadership

Contributors

On Campus

The Power Within Symposium

Siobhan O’Neill

Kim Acosta ’08, Kristin Callaghan, Siobhan O’Neill, and Liz Roland.

Ameya Balaji ’28, Aila Dionisio ’25, Izzy Kellett ’26, Calista Rodriguez ’28, Renae Salonga ’25, and Talula Worth ’26.

7 Campus Life

Exploring Campus Life at NDA

10 Athletics

Updates from the Court and Field

Photography

Raynelle Duronslet ’98, Catherine Lacey, and Siobhan O’Neill.

Graphic Designer

16 75th Anniversary Gala Save the Date to Celebrate

Alumnae

Stacie Martinez

Beyond the Academy is published

by Notre Dame Academy for alumnae, parents, and friends.

Class Notes and In Memoriam can be submitted at academy. ndasla.org/alumnae or emailed to advancement@ndala.com.

17 NDA Legacy Families

Celebrating Generations of Regals

22 Class Notes and In Memoriam Updates from Alumnae

25 Alumnae Reunion

Renewing Friendships; Strengthening Sisterhood

Stay Connected Notre Dame Academy 2851 Overland Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90064 310.839.5289 academy.ndasla.org/alumnae

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@REGALGRYPHONS

NOTREDAMEACADEMYLOSANGELES

Winter 2025

Welcome Dear Friends, One of the joys of my life is seeing my 17-month-old granddaughter, Diana Esperanza, exploring her world. Her wonder and awe over the simplest activity always renew my own enthusiasm for even the most mundane task.

Whether she’s trying an unfamiliar food or wandering the children’s library, she greets each challenge with curiosity and optimism. And with each new adventure, I’m rediscovering the world – and my appreciation of it – through her eyes.

Spending time with Diana this past summer made me realize that many adolescent girls have lost that sense of wonder about the world and the nearly limitless opportunities that await them. Too often the influences our society poses only serve to dampen young girls’ sense of awe and optimism, making them reluctant to take on new challenges. At Notre Dame Academy, we foster a community in which girls don’t feel compelled to be anyone but themselves. This environment allows young women to explore their interests, develop new strengths, and take responsible risks. We seek to nurture the spark – that sense of awe for their world – in our students so that it sustains them as they forge lives of purpose and meaning well beyond the campus gates.

In the following pages, you’ll see just a few of the many ways NDA fosters a sense of wonder for our Regals and their families. From our youngest students in the inaugural class of the all-girl middle school, to Class of 2024 graduates Amelia and Sam honoring St. Julie Bililart in their shared Confirmation story, to the celebration of Brad Fuller’s 26 years of service to NDA, you’ll feel the excitement and optimism shared by everyone on our beautiful campus.

Best of all, in these stories you’ll see the power within our broader community as we celebrate our 75-year legacy and eagerly anticipate 75 more. You’ll meet just a few of the more than 6,500 alumnae who carry the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame as engineers, artists, educators, attorneys…even a surgeon general!

I have no doubt you’ll see the same spark of wonder in them as I see in my granddaughter Diana!

In Notre Dame,

Lilliam Paetzold ’84 President/Head of School

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Academic Excellence 3

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New Sixth Grade Opens to Rave Reviews Parents Cite Small Class Sizes, Engaging Teachers, and Innovative Curriculum Key to Early Success

his fall, more than a dozen families discovered a welcome escape from most of the usual challenges of middle school. Actually, they’ve done more than discover it – they’ve helped to create it. As the members of the inaugural sixth-grade class of NDA’s all-girls middle school, these pioneering families took a leap of faith on a whole new concept and in the process are forming a tight-knit community as they navigate a beautiful new campus, rigorous block schedule, and innovative course offerings.

The parents agree that the girls’ performance in the fall volleyball season reflects as much on the athletic program as on the success of the school’s supportive environment. “Of the nine girls who chose to play, five had never touched a volleyball,” said coach Jenn Imamura, ’98, mother of Cai. “We went from meeting each other shortly before our first game to tying for the league championship.”

“We’ve been able to extend the warmth and sisterhood and joy of the high school community to include middle school girls, and it’s yielded the best type of experiences,” said Dr. Oscar Navarro, assistant head of school for the middle school. “In addition to the athletic success, the high school community has embraced our youngest students. When they were in the bleachers on Notre Dame Day, the juniors invited the new sixth graders to join the dance party. Being the youngest of the oldest shows the light at the end of the tunnel for middle school girls – suddenly they can see where all of this effort is going.”

NDA has delivered academically and socially

With families coming from all over Los Angeles and from every type of elementary school – Catholic, public, charter, and independent – no two sixth graders in the fledgling program attended the same fifth grade. Parents Damien and Marybeth Newton count that as one of the many advantages NDA offers their daughter, Mary Leigh. “NDA helped the girls get to know each other even before the first day of class.

They have quickly and organically grown into a cohesive unit that supports each other in class and on the volleyball court.”

That supportive environment encourages girls to take responsible risks not only on the court

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but also in the classroom. “NDA has given Emery the opportunity to do so many different things,” said Ashley Sumen about her daughter. “She’s discovering things she didn’t even know she wanted to do – like volleyball, but also Model UN – and is expanding both her learning and her extracurriculars in the process.”

“Without boys as a distraction, they’re empowered to take chances without judgement,” added Emery’s dad, Cody Sumen. “NDA creates an environment that encourages her love of learning.”

“She comes out [of school] excited to share what’s she’s learning,” seconded Ms. Newton.

“Mary Leigh’s grades have improved because the teachers have her so engaged in everything from coding to drama to choir.”

“NDA has delivered academically and socially,” agreed Ms. Imamura. “The teachers have reached out to make sure we’re working as a team to support my child. Cai’s getting the attention she needs in the classroom…[and] she’s got the individual support for good study habits.”

The small class size, subject expert teachers, and supportive community combine to form an environment unlike any found at a traditional middle school. The holistic program provides a bridge from elementary to high school, preparing girls for more complex learning and success in high school and beyond.

By making intentional programming choices and staying flexible, “NDA has created a living curriculum for our girls,” said Mr. Newton. “I can’t imagine being any happier with how things are going.”

Limited spaces remain in sixth and seventh grades for the 2025-26 school year. For more information, contact Melissa Martinez, admissions director, at mmartinez@ndala.com or visit ndasla.org.

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NDA’s inagural all-girls middle school students with Asst. Head of School, Dr. Oscar Navarro.

All-girls middle school production of “Seven Spools of Thread” as part of their drama elective.

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Campus Life 7

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Power of Art! Aila Dionisio, ’25

The 2024 Fine Arts Night held on Saturday, December 7 was an enlightening and powerful night where The Ordinary became The Extraordinary through the power of art! Artists and actors alike dived deep into the meaning and impact of words and images through their illustrations, multimedia designs, performances, and music. What a beautiful showcase of the many talents from our visual and performing arts departments!

Winter 2025

Drama Teachers Association of Southern California Izzy Kellett, ’26

Notre Dame Day Ameya Balaji, ’28

On October 3, NDA celebrated its very own spirit extravaganza: Notre Dame Day! With each class flaunting its colors and themes - “Fairytale Freshmen,” “Smurfs Sophomores,” “Jake from State Farm Juniors,” and “Space Cadet Seniors”- festivities were alive with banners, skits, and dances! The day culminated with an intense volleyball game versus the teachers and the triumph of the seniors! What a testament to our Regal pride!

On Saturday, October 19, NDA competed in the annual Drama Teachers Association of Southern California, or DTASC, festival. Our students swept the competition, with Comedy earning fifth place and the Best Picture Winners and Musical groups receiving honorable mentions.

Our technical teams, which all worked around the play “Saint Joan,” also performed well, with Set Design taking second place and Lighting, Costume Design, and Marketing and Publicity all receiving honorable mentions. Great job to all our DTASC competitors!

Junior Ring Ceremony Talula Worth, ’26

On November 14, the class of 2026 affirmed their role as upperclasswomen with the Junior Ring ceremony. Surrounded by friends, family, and their peers, it was an enchanting celebration. The red class commemorated this new chapter of high school, joining the longstanding tradition celebrated by many alumnae in the past. After the beautiful ceremony, the juniors celebrated by turning each others’ rings and recognizing their achievements in their first two years of high school. Congratulations to all of the junior class!

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The Welcome Dance Calista Rodriguez, ’28

The Welcome Dance was hosted this year on August 31 and was open to all NDA students as well as students from other schools.

Attendees danced, took photo booth pictures with their friends, and ate ice cream and delicious cotton candy. It was a lovely, lively event and was definitely a fun night to remember for many.

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ATHLETICS Renae Salonga ’25

Congratulations to our varsity volleyball team on another amazing season! A highlight was securing a runner-up finish in the gold division at the Chatsworth tournament.

Our cross country team had an exceptional run, placing in the top four of the Crescenta Valley Meet, and with seniors Vanessa G. and Raquel W. placing in the top 20. All team members medaled for placing in the top half in their races at the Great Cow Invitational!

The Regal tennis team played hard this season!

Special congratulations to Amanda N. ’25 (pictured right) for finishing second in Angelus League Singles Finals and making it to the CIF SS Prelims. Well done to all our athletes for their hard work and dedication!

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CELEBRATING On Saturday, September 14, 2024, Notre Dame Academy marked its 75th anniversary with a joyous Family Mass and BBQ, commemorating the school’s opening in 1949. The event was a beautiful testament to NDA’s rich history and enduring community spirit.

Archbishop José H. Gomez celebrated Mass and offered a heartfelt reflection on the school’s legacy of faith, education, and service for the hundreds of families, friends, and alumnae who gathered to honor the milestone. Assistant Head of School Brad Fuller led an alumnae liturgical choir with voices from the classes of 1971 through 2023.

“Since I was the oldest alumna in the choir, I was so very proud to see the friendliest choir ever!” said Lucy Namnath Ouano, ’71. “I felt so honored to…[be] part of the celebration of the 75 years of education and the fine women [who] have passed through those hallowed halls. I had such a good time with the other alumnae and the current NDA young ladies were so amazing, friendly, and helpful.”

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75 Years of Notre Dame Academy

Special guest Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky also joined the celebration, highlighting the importance of NDA’s role in shaping future leaders in her remarks.

The afternoon continued with a vibrant BBQ, where guests enjoyed delicious food, reconnected with old friends, and made new memories. The event underscored the strong bonds that have defined Notre Dame Academy for 75 years and inspired hope for its bright future.

“It was a wonderful occasion that brought the community together,” said Janine Calzado, ’28.

“As a freshman, I especially appreciate how the event helped my family and me to recognize the loving NDA community and its growth over the years.”

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable day. Here’s to celebrating our past and looking forward to many more years of excellence!

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Vision and Leadership 13

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Exploring “The Power Within” at Notre Dame Academy

t Notre Dame Academy, our E x p l o r a t o r y Approach broadens students’ horizons by instilling a passion for inquiry, honing research skills, and nurturing individual interests. One day each month, NDA makes time for community-wide conversations organized around the theme “The Power Within.” Since August, students have considered a range of topics from sisterhood to financial literacy, words and images, to faith, gaining tools and perspectives to shape their futures.

among Black women. The panel inspired students to reflect on their own communities, concluding with conversations on how sisterhood empowers individuals in their personal journeys.

instilling a passion for inquiry

“Our conversation demonstrated the power of networking by providing a real-world example of ‘it’s not only what you know, it’s who you know,’” said Ms. Carver. “So much of success in life is a function of relationships. These young women are building the foundation of sisterhood that will serve them their whole lives.”

Words and Images

Sisterhood Kicking off the series on August 26, NDA hosted a panel discussion focused on The Power Within Sisterhood. Alumna Kim Acosta ’08 moderated the event, featuring Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) sorority members De’Jah Carver, director of College Counseling, and Barbara King ’13, NDA board member. The panelists explored the principles of solidarity, empowerment, and shared purpose that define sisterhood.

With the historical context provided by the documentary “20 Pearls,” students learned how AKA’s legacy supports leadership and resilience

The September conversation focused on the impact of words and images in shaping narratives, with a presentation featuring NDA’s director of marketing, Siobhan O’Neill, alongside TRAFFIK marketing agency professionals Jessica Harris and Laura Stalder.

The discussion highlighted how authentic storytelling connects with audiences, particularly in a digital age. From showcasing influential campaigns to sharing their experiences as women in a male-dominated field, the speakers underscored the importance of creativity, strategy, and authenticity in marketing. Students CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

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Expert alumnae, former and current NDA parents, board members, and students following the November financial literacy workshops.

left inspired by insights on crafting meaningful stories that resonate.

“I have become increasingly amazed at the power within words and images especially since I have been applying to college as I have become more aware of how marketing can evoke certain feelings within teenagers and their parents,” said Lexie S., ’25. “I have loved thinking about the psychology behind advertiser’s choices, and I want to continue to learn more about the power within words and images.”

Democracy Amy Wynn Brown from the League of Women Voters of Greater Los Angeles joined us in October for a presentation on The Power Within Democracy. Drawing on her experiences abroad, Ms. Brown highlighted the importance of voting and civic engagement.

Students learned about the League’s centurylong dedication to informed voting and were introduced to tools like Vote411.com,

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emphasizing the role of knowledge in effective participation. The session reinforced the power of active citizenship and respectful dialogue in shaping a healthy democracy.

Financial Literacy November’s conversation featured dollars and sense, as we explored The Power Within Financial Literacy with workshops led by expert alumnae and parents on budgeting, investing, and entrepreneurship.

Highlights included: • Claudia Rojas ’92 on entrepreneurial finance.

• NDAE parent and NDA board member James Meehan on wealth-building essentials.

• Marisa Reyes Lozano ’97 on small business management.

• Dr. Krishauna Hines-Gaither, keynote speaker, on economic equity for women.

• Erin Sullivan Ward ’82, NDA board member and former parent, on small business ownership.

Save the Date

MAKING

A

DIFFERENCE

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we honor the legacy of Notre Dame Academy, celebrate 75 years of empowering young women, and look ahead to NDA’s bright future!

Saturday, April 12, 2025 Notre Dame Academy 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.

This year, we are thrilled to announce the 2025 St. Julie Billiart Honoree is Chris Cervenak ‘78.

To learn more about tickets, sponsorships and donations, please visit: ndasla.org/gala

• Mary Blomer Santos ’82, NDA board member and former parent, on budgeting and savings accounts.

Through hands-on sessions, students gained practical skills for navigating financial independence, empowering them to build economic confidence and security.

Brad Fuller Honored with the 2024 Sisters of Notre Dame Gospel Witness Award The Sisters of Notre Dame (SND) have recognized Brad Fuller with their Gospel Witness Award for his unwavering dedication to embodying and advancing the Notre Dame charism, spirit, and mission. His exemplary leadership and significant contributions within his professional community and ministry over the past 26 years reflect a profound commitment to living Gospel values.

“Mr. Fuller’s many years of service and hard work have been instrumental in furthering the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame,” said Lilliam Paetzold, ’84, president and head of school. “We are so grateful for his efforts, which have impacted generations of students, families, and alumnae.” In celebration, Ms. Paetzold presented Mr. Fuller with a certificate and award pin recognizing his outstanding contributions and his embodiment of the SND mission.

Mr. Fuller carries the enduring legacy of the Sisters of Notre Dame, continuing their mission of faith, education, and service in his daily endeavors. His example reminds us all of the power of Gospel-centered living in transforming lives and communities.

Art December’s annual Fine Arts Night demonstrated how art and expression - through word, images, and performance - can arouse wonder, spark conversations, and energize our thoughts!

Looking Ahead The Power Within Health and Wellness and Faith will be the focus of January. February conversations will feature diversity of thought, while March is devoted to The Power Within Women. We look forward to NDA’s Power Summit in April and celebrating NDA’s 75th Anniversary with a special Mary’s Day in May.

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Alumnae News From left: sisters Margot Barrera ’22, Frances Barrera ’18, and Audrey Barrera ’23.

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HONORING

NDA Legacy Families

We are blessed by families who have entrusted NDA with educating generations of daughters, sisters, sisters-in-law, and cousins. They have graced our halls, enlivened our community, and shared the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame.

Their stories of tradition, connection, and shared values inspire us each day. Thank you for making NDA a family legacy, especially during our 75th anniversary year.

From left: Rebecca Girard ’91, Judith Girard, Sarah Girard ’02, and Jenny Girard ’87.

From left: Elizabeth Morris Nahman ’06, Denise Camilleri Morris ’75, Catherine Morris ’08, Mickey Mouse with Keira Naman (future class of ’34), and Danielle Morris ’04.

From left: Meghan Hechinger ’07, Erin Hechinger ’09, Caitlin Hechinger ’11, and Lauren Hechinger ’18.

From left Samantha Carleton ’11, Brooklyn Paetzold ’21, Lilliam Paetzold ’84, Sophia Costanzo ’15, and Jaclyn Paetzold ’18.

Helena Gonzales ’58 with her daughter Christina Bomberger ’83.

Harriet Hofmann’59 with daughters Julie Risso ’98 (left), and Suzanne Bonilla ’94.

From left: Cousins Elizabeth McKinley ’12, Emily Tomchak - Ewald ’13, Angelina Guido - O’Shea ’11, Erin O’Shea - Andujar ’08, and Megan O’Shea ’13.

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From left: Sisters Dr. Mercedes Padilla Kimble ’88, Leticia Padilla - Muttera ’85, Elena Padilla - O’Shea ’83, Rosa Padilla - Tomchak ’82, Josefina Padilla - McKinley ’80, and Dr. Guadalupe Padilla - Robb ’72.

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Milana (Caldwell) McDermott ’80 (center), with daughters Elissa McDermott ’22, Michaela McDermott ’13, Delaney McDermott ’18, and Cameron McDermott ‘15.

From left: Pamela Alcoset Galdamez ’90, with daughters Gianna Galdamez ’19, Karina Galdamez ’23, and Marissa Galdamez ’21, and sister-in-law Patricia Galdamez Eason ’89.

Graduate Ava Hanna ’24 with aunts Dina Dygert ’00 (left) and Sherine Shenouda ’97, and mother Christine Hanna ’94.

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From left: Shannon McCormick ’09, Kelly (McCormick) Odello ’05, Teresa (Honnold) McCormick ’78 [back row in the floral dress], Piper (Waldron) McCormick ’05 [green dress, center], Molly McCormick ’10 [yellow dress], Megan (McCormick) Hoyt ’03 [with her baby, Abigail.

Linda Harding Guerena ’59 with niece Katie Harding ’00.

Sisters Carly Syta ’11 and Kathryn Syta ’21.

Cousins Katie (McCormick) Grundl ’11 (left) and Shannon McCormick ’09.

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From left: Sisters Nicole Kardassakis ’07, Katrina Kardassakis ’10 holding future Regal Lena and Tessa Kardassakis ’17.

From left: Scarlett McCafferty ’25, with her mother Natalie McCafferty ’96, grandmother Diane (Fahmie) Knudsen ’70, and great aunt Doris (Fahmie) Petro ’78.

Mary Brick Hewitt ’59 (left), with sister Eileen Brick Gibbs ’58.

Eileen Brick Gibbs ’58 (left) with Mary Brick Hewitt ’59.

From left: Hazel (Ortiz) Moya ’89, with daughter Xochitl Padilla-Ortiz NDAE ’27, and sister Jennifer Ortiz ’95.

From left: sisters Delaney Smith ’14, Kylie Smith ’08, Mackenna Smith ’16, and Tierney Smith ’20.

Kim Acosta ’08 (left) with sister Alysson Acosta ’15.

From left: sisters Megan Dell’Amico ’14 and Amanda Dell’Amico ’11.

Bri Berlin ’05 with sister Kayla Berlin ’07.

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From left: sisters Frances Barrera ’18, Audrey Barrera ’23, and Margot Barrera ’22.

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Alumnae Strengthen Friendship Through Sacrament of Confirmation Class of 2024 graduates Amelia Rohmer and Samantha Beltran shared a meaningful milestone in their faith senior year. Inspired by Sam’s Confirmation in the spring of 2022, Amelia decided to complete her own sacramental preparation in the spring of their senior year, just before their graduation.

Zita Davis ’84 (far left), with daughters Veronique Davis ’11 (second from right) and Chanel Davis ’13 (far right), and Allison James ’11 (future Mrs. Davis).

Sam had been confirmed in the spring of 2022 with her older sister Kaitlin ’22 as her sponsor.

Kaitlin’s guidance and support strengthened Sam’s faith and deepened their bond. Witnessing Sam’s experience, along with their shared love of Campus Ministry, inspired Amelia to ask Sam to be her sponsor.

“Honestly, I was overwhelmed when Amelia asked me,” said Sam. “I was honored to accompany her as she committed more fully to our faith, just as Kaitlin walked with me two years before. Our friendship and our faith grew throughout the preparation, and especially during Kairos senior year.”

Susan Weldon Buxton ’54 (center), with nieces Joyce Weldon ’75 (left) and Mary Susan Weldon ’73.

If you’d like to nominate or submit your legacy family for the next issue of the Beyond the Academy, please go to academy.ndasla.org/alumnae/nominate-yournda-legacy-family or email Siobhan O’Neill soneill@ndala.com.

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Both Amelia and Sam, guided by the Holy Spirit, chose St. Julie Billiart as their Confirmation name and saint. As the patron saint and founder of the Sisters of Notre Dame, St. Julie’s legacy of faith, courage, and devotion continues to inspire these remarkable young women as they impact their new college communities.

“Although we go to different schools now, we’ll always be sisters,” said Amelia. “We both cherish the friendship we developed at NDA and strengthened through the Confirmation journey.”

CLASS NOTES We want to hear from you! Advanced degree? Landing a new internship? Career change? New baby?

Send us your class notes! Submit your updates and photos online at academy.ndasla.org/alumnae. If you prefer to email us, you can send your news to advancement@ndala.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Alumnae 1971 - 2023

Alumnae from the classes of 1971 through 2023 joined Notre Dame Academy’s Liturgical Choir at the 75th anniversary Mass. The choir’s beautiful performance featuring alumnae, current students, and even our newest sixthgraders, impressed Archbishop José H. Gomez and honored NDA’s rich history.

1970s

Lucy Namnath Ouano ’71 enjoys a busy life in Las Vegas, NV, where she maintains an impressive desert garden and sings with her church choir. A proud mother of three and grandmother of four, she is retired from the healthcare industry.

The singers: Arielle Davis ’20, Anne Fitz ’15, Maria Garcia ’85, Caitlyn Genovese ’07, Athena Greco ’00, Danielle Jalos ’23, Elisabeth Maza-Martner ’02, Caterina Montesano ’10, Evelyn Murray ’20, Lucy Namnath Ouano ’71, Luelle Robles ’14, Aarin (Ables) Williams ’06, Stephanie Zavaleta ’10. The musicians: Jenna Green ’16, violin; Barbara King ’13, percussion; Kitty Liu ’16, piano; Melissa Murphy ’03, piano, and Kathryn (Godlewski) Valverde ’14, piano.

Jeannine Mendoza ’71 cherishes time with her family. Though her husband passed away in 2009, she finds joy in her two grown sons and their families. One son teaches music in San Diego, while the other works in transportation in Los Angeles.

Frances Ma ’79 After graduating from NDA in 1979, Frances earned her B.A. in Political Science and International Relations and then worked in the commercial insurance industry.

She graduated from Loyola Law School with a JD degree in 1991 and for the next 30+ years worked as in-house legal counsel for multinational companies. She served as general counsel for an energy company, and for her last

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position, was the S.V.P. and associate general counsel for an international brand licensing company.

Frances retired early in 2015 and has since been busy volunteering at the Huntington Library and Gardens and other charitable organizations, practicing Ikebana flower arrangements, and tending to her 800 roses. She earned her Master Gardener’s credentials from the UC Agricultural Extension Program in May 2024 and serves on the Board of Directors of the Pacific Rose Society.

1980s

Rebecca Lemus Fleming ’89 earned a Master of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology from St. Louis University. She and her husband are the proud parents of two children, ages 14 and 12.

2000s

Sheena Long ’02 graduated from Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA, in 2010 with a dual degree—a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and a Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT). She married Darryl Conway, who works in University of Michigan athletics, in 2016. She is the proud mother of a daughter, Kiara, who was born in 2018 and is now an inquisitive first grader.

Sheena practiced full time in physical therapy and athletic training for 12 years, working in Division I Athletics at Northwestern University and the University of Toledo, as well as clinically for Athletico Physical Therapy.

In January 2022, she transitioned to higher education as an assistant professor and director of Clinical Education in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and an adjunct professor in Athletic Training at Concordia University Ann Arbor.

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We want to hear from you! Advanced degree?

Landing a new internship? Career change? New baby? Send us your class notes!

Submit your updates and photos online at academy.ndasla.org/alumnae. If you prefer to email us, you can send your news to advancement@ndala.com, or scan the QR code.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

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2010s

Delaney Smith ’14, UCLA nutritionist, meets with the Regal basketball team at the UCLA basketball game on Sunday, November 24.

Hilary Rucker ’16 earned a Master’s Degree in Industrial / Organizational Psychology. She works in human resources in the Los Angeles office of Greenberg Traurig LLP, an international law firm.

Frances Barrera ’18 was honored by the University of Notre Dame with the Design Excellence Award for her fifth-year architecture thesis, which focused on wildfire resilience in South Lake Tahoe.

As an undergrad, she participated in a research trip to Paris for a student architecture magazine studying the reconstruction of Notre Dame Cathedral. In her first professional role, she was tapped to travel to Iceland to conduct research relevant to her firm’s ongoing projects, and has since been promoted to senior designer and project manager at her firm in Pasadena.

IN MEMORIAM Please remember the following alumnae and family in your prayers. As of this publication, we have noted the “In Memoriam” notifications received between July 16, 2024 and January 1, 2025. Those received after these dates will appear in our next issue of Beyond the Academy. Please notify us of a death of an alumna here: academy.ndasla.org/ alumnae/prayer-requestin-memoriam Marcella (Poitras) Burke, ’62 Bill Weldon, brother to Susan Weldon Buxton, ’54 and father to Mary Sue Weldon, ’73 and Joyce Weldon Shirley, ’75

Show your team spirit!

Shop your favorite NDA Regal swag!

Marvin Buxton, husband to alumna Susan Weldon Buxton, ’54 Judy Daley, ’68

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ALUMNAE REUNION

Cathie Duddy Wood ’74, with Disruptive Innovation students and faculty.

Class of 1979.

Class of 1979.

Class of 1964.

Class of 1984.

Class of 1989.

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Class of 1999.

Class of 2014.

Members of the class of 1989 pose during a tour of NDA.

Members of the class of 2014 make memories with the photo booth.

Alumnae on a school tour.

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2851 Overland Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90064 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

UPCOMING EVENTS Day of Service International Women’s Day March 8, 2025

75th Anniversary Gala: Making A Difference April 12, 2025

Alumnae Reunion October 4, 2025

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