CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES MAGAZINE
SUMMER 202
WORLDS UNIMAGINED: The Bezdek Center for the Performing Arts
“DREAM BIG.” Those two words succinctly capture the ethos of Crossroads. Paul Cummins and Rhoda Makoff dreamed big in 1971 when they opened a school in two rented rooms in a Baptist church. That little school was grounded by its five equally important founding commitments to academic excellence, the arts, the greater community, and the development of both a diverse student population and each student’s well-being and full human potential.
BY MARIAMA RICHARDS HEAD OF SCHOOL
Back then, asserting that your independent school values student diversity just as much as academic excellence was nothing short of radical. As Crossroads’ student body, campus footprint and community partnerships have grown exponentially over the last 52 years, continually fulfilling these commitments has required flexibility, innovation and self-reflection. It has required asking, “What if?” It has required dreaming big. We are beginning to see one of the School’s most ambitious dreams become a reality. In April, we broke ground on the 58,000-square-foot Bezdek Center for the Performing Arts. This facility on the 21st
A Middle School band performs at lunchtime.
Street Campus will transform our drama, dance, music and filmmaking programs. In our cover story, you’ll learn how our current facilities have not kept pace with the talent and interest of our students, and how the new performing arts center will offer cutting-edge production and practice spaces, a 650-seat auditorium and the opportunity for cross-disciplinary collaboration. In the alumni section, you’ll read about graduates who have parlayed their arts education at Crossroads into thriving careers as musicians, choreographers, actors, writers and more. Crossroads also dreamed big when we established the 2019 One School, One Community, One Vision Strategic Plan. For each of the plan’s 15 goals, the School formed a committee of administrators, faculty and staff to make assessments, conduct research and ultimately recommend how best to fulfill that goal. In accordance with the timeline established, some committees have completed their work, and their recommendations have already been integrated into school life. The work of other committees is in progress.
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Inside This Issue 03
Around the School
14
Athletics
20
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
24
Senior Leadership Updates
28
Equity & Justice Institute
31
Donor Profile
32
Parent Association
34
Trustee News
38 Cover Story: The Bezdek Center
for the Performing Arts
48
Feature Story: EMMI Program
51
Honoring Employees
60
Retiring Employees
64
Alumni News
73
Class Notes
82
In Memoriam
Mariama flexes her silly side with juniors Owyn Strand and Kai Pringle. CROSS SECTIONS MAGAZINE
Many of the initiatives detailed in this issue of Cross Sections sprang from or were bolstered by the strategic plan. Examples include innovative curricula, new daily schedules for the Middle and Upper Schools and enriching programming offered by our Equity & Justice Institute and the K-12 Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. As the new head of Crossroads, it’s a thrill and an honor to help the School continue to live out its values and provide an education that supports the intellectual and emotional growth of our young learners. Over the last year, I’ve found that forming bonds with our remarkable students is one of the most meaningful aspects of my job. In the spring, I attended a barbecue in the Alley for all incoming sixth graders. As I headed toward the makeshift stage to welcome attendees, I was greeted by a chorus of young voices. A group of fifth graders raced toward me, giddily calling out, “Mariama! Mariama!” I don’t know about you, but when I was a child, I don’t think I ever felt excited
to see my principal. The way I’ve been embraced by our students (often literally, at the Elementary School) is a testament to the warmth and trust that exists in our community, and the deep relationships that keep our families, alumni and parents of alumni so invested in our School. It’s why so many parents and guardians—myself included—choose to send their children here. And it’s why being head of school at Crossroads has proved to be the most rewarding professional experience of my life. In fact, you could say it’s a dream come true.
is published once a year by the Crossroads Advancement Office: Jessi McDonald, Communications Manager Sara Ring, Director of Communications & Community Engagement Ginette Buffone, Web Manager Mery Grace Castelo, Director of Parent Relations & Special Events Jennifer Gerber ’97, Director of Alumni Relations Rachael Golding, Alumni Relations Associate Hunter Kennedy, Associate Director of Development Jennifer Manley, Communications Assistant Carlos Ortiz-Ramos, Advancement & Prospect Operations Associate Kristina Reyes, Major Gifts and Donor Relations Associate Sanam Khamneipur Smith, Leadership Annual Giving Officer Veronica Ulloa, Advancement Events Coordinator
Recent curricular enhancements include an expanded robotics program.
Emily Wolff, Communications Specialist and Archivist Art Bryman, Keirheim Gentles and Samantha Tamayo, Advancement Services Contributing Writer Joanie Martin Designer Warren Group | Studio Deluxe Contributing Photographers Alexandra DeFurio, Chris Flynn, Leroy Hamilton, Pixie Korn Photography, Richard Stark, Tina Turbeville ON THE COVER
A rendering of the new Bezdek Center for the Performing Arts by SPF: architects. Contact us at communications@xrds.org.
ALFONSO GARCIA, ninth grade
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AROUND THE SCHOOL
New Schedule Emphasizes Collaboration and Wellness the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that middle and high schools start at 8:30 a.m. or later to allow students to get the amount of sleep they need. Fewer classes and transitions per day make for a calmer pace and more quality time for instruction and connection. Classes will meet for longer, uninterrupted periods, facilitating deeper curricular dives, more long-term projects and less time spent moving between classes. Rotating classes means that student-athletes are not dismissed early from the same last-period class for games and practices. And the greater flexibility in the Upper School schedule allows students to have a wider choice of course options. On Wednesdays, classes will begin at 8:55 a.m. for K-5
students and 9:15 a.m. for Middle and Upper Schoolers. This makes time for K-12 teacher collaboration and division-specific meetings every week. The coordination of later-start days will also make drop-off easier for families with children in more than one division. “In the last few years, there’s been a lot that’s changed in education and in our world as we look at how to build cohesive communities that are diverse,” says committee member Paul Way. “Having a little bit of extra time for teachers to gather—to be with one another and to plan—is immensely useful. The more we can align our curricula to collaborate across departments and even divisions, the more we can create a better student learning experience.”
MIRRA KOKORINA and DENNIS BOYD, fifth grade
The Strategic Plan Committee The new Middle and Upper School schedules will differ tasked with reimagining our slightly to accommodate use of time spent much of staggered lunch and break last spring coding simutimes, but the broad structure lations to test different of the day for both includes iterations of the Middle and four class periods, a block of Upper School schedules. The community time and a lunch new schedules ultimately period. Each also provides proposed were approved ample breaks for students by the senior leadership to enjoy on-campus snack team and will launch at the offerings, unwind on the start of the school year. basketball court and connect (The committee comprises with teachers and classmates. Middle School Technology Assistant and Intern Liaison “We’re a relationship-based JJ Hsu, Interim Associate school,” said Head of Upper Head of School David Olds, School Anthony Locke ’01. Middle and Upper School “The foundation of all learning Visual Arts Teacher Jesse is relationships, and having a Robinson and Upper School schedule that promotes relaTechnology Coordinator and Computer Science Teacher tionships by having more time Paul Way.) The new schedules with your classroom teacher is going to serve learning.” align with research-based best practices to deepen student learning and support The new schedule also supports student wellness by the School’s ongoing goal to starting later. This reflects enhance student wellness.
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Robotics Program Builds Skills and Creativity in Students of All Ages Crossroads offers a robust curriculum in science, technology, engineering, arts and math—called STEAM for short— that builds in sophistication as students move up through the divisions. In recent years, the robotics program has grown significantly, allowing younger students to use technology to learn important lessons about digital citizenship, and older students to create machines that carry out increasingly complex tasks. At the Elementary School, fifth graders take part in a robotics unit as part of the science curriculum. This year, students created projects that addressed issues such as online privacy, the trustworthiness of internet sources and the effects of online activity on mental health. Using Hummingbird Bit Robotics Kits as a base, students worked in groups to create robots that incorporated moving components, wheels, sounds, LED lights and other visual elements to support their themes. One robot rolled into a scene to stop bullying while another typed too much personal information into a cardboard keyboard. A group exploring the question, “How does tech make you feel?” created a trio of small robots—Mad Bot, Happy Bot and Sad Bot—that explained their emotional states on cue.
Top: Fifth graders Miles Miller and Dennis Boyd work on a robotics project. Left: Lila Pianko and Xi’analiah Ballon with their robot at the fifth grade robotics presentation. Right: Middle and Upper School robotics team members with Middle School Math Teacher and robotics mentor Collin Hertz (second from right) at a FIRST Tech Challenge Inter-League Tournament.
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“Some parts of the project were challenging, but it’s crazy to think that we actually made this,” reported fifth grader Lola Kashanian, who worked on the bot trio. The Middle School offers an Options class in robotics, and the Upper School has a Robotics Club. Both divisions have two robotics teams, all four of which competed in the FIRST Tech Challenge League W (Westside) this year. Team Crossroads Inc. (for ninth and 10th graders) finished second in league play and placed 20th in regional interleague competition. Tenth grader Mira Hill reflected, “I love robotics, specifically getting to test out ideas and work through challenges or difficulties. Working on something of this manner with a team of so many people can be a challenge, but at the end of the day, we all just want
to create a robot and have fun doing it. Which is exactly what we do!” Team XDrive (for 11th and 12th graders) reached this season’s regional playoffs, the SoCal FTC Championship. XDrive also won a First Place Inspire Award for its all-around success in design and engineering as well as its outreach efforts as STEAM ambassadors, which is a central part of participating in competitive robotics programs. XDrive was recognized in part for its work with the 2022 Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools® site at Crossroads. Students from XDrive and Crossroads Inc. organized a two-week robotics program for elementary and middle schoolers. The teams worked with the Freedom Schools® site at Crossroads again this summer, offering more students a chance to learn about STEAM by building and coding robots.
THANK YOU, JOY! Any mention of the Elementary School’s thriving STEAM program would be incomplete without acknowledging Joy Watt. As the STEAM Lab coordinator and K-5 dean of educational technology, she led the program for nearly two decades. During her tenure, she developed a technology curriculum, including fifth grade robotics, that fosters skills, creativity and responsibility. She was instrumental in helping the Elementary School navigate the challenges of the pandemic, working with teachers to ensure that remote learning was safe, functional and efficient. Joy moves into the next chapter of her career guided by her ongoing commitment to serve students who are historically underrepresented in STEAM fields. Joy, her husband, Hamet, and son, Zion ’23, have been integral members of our community and we appreciate all they contributed during their years at Crossroads.
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Fifth Grade Students Shine in Shakespeare Program By Hailey Fyfe, Elementary School Drama Specialist
The Crossroads Elementary School Shakespeare program was started almost 40 years ago with since-retired K-12 Drama teacher Scott Weintraub at the helm. It’s a tradition that many students look forward to. Performing Shakespeare allows students to stretch themselves by interacting with more mature subject matter. Themes
like envy, love, loss, grief and vengeance aren’t often addressed in children’s plays, but children feel and experience these emotions as they interact with the world around them. At the beginning of the year, I give students a choice between a comedy or a tragedy. We then review several plays in that
Above: From left to right: Alina Hofer, Kohl Pennings, Xi’analiah Ballon and Goldie Corwin. Left: Blake Dixon.
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genre, and the students vote for their choice. That’s a pretty big buy-in for students—to have a say in what show they perform. And most also really want to wield a sword on stage! As a director, I like to make sure that students feel seen and heard. We double-cast the major roles to give as many students as possible the chance to shine. Last year, I learned that one of our fifth graders fenced outside of school, so I made him the fight captain for “Hamlet.” This year, for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” a trumpet-playing student performed a fanfare anytime
Top: Emeka Emenike and Kitley Poulos. Above: Ever Gunn-Ferreira and Ara Moalej. Right: From left to right: Juliette Park, Lila Pianko, Seline Li, Giselle Holiner and Eve Belkind.
the king and queen of the fairies entered. One student was always doodling, so I had him design the program. Fifth graders want to be taken seriously, and I’m happy to enlist them as collaborators. They come up with some truly entertaining ideas. I always say that theater is a team sport, one that requires patience, collaboration, positive thinking and creative problem solving. It’s my job to show students that the skills we use in drama are the same skills we use in friendship and in developing a community— skills they will use for the rest of their lives.
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AROUND THE SCHOOL
Building Community Through Parent Education When Head of Elementary School Stacey Koff started in her role in June 2022, she knew she would be getting to know a lot of new faces. And while her day-to-day activities enabled her to quickly bond with students, faculty and staff, Stacey also wanted to connect with parents and guardians. She developed a series of parent education
events to build these relationships and to explore educational topics in which parents had expressed interest. The topics came from conversations parents were having at home with their children and at school with teachers. They included literacy, math, technology, gender, social justice, belonging, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
The events, which took place either before or after school, addressed student identity and academics. Stacey explained, “These events are about understanding your place and recognizing that everyone has a voice— a 5-year-old has a voice, I have a voice, a teacher has a voice—and that we’re all in this together.”
It’s important to have the same through line and to remain connected in everything we’re doing. Anything that we’re teaching the parents, the teachers need to know and vice versa. —Head of Elementary School Stacey Koff
Stacey (third from left) and Elementary School Dean of Teaching & Learning Matt Lintner (far right) with parents at an Elementary School educational event.
One of the events was a book-club-style discussion. As part of their professional development, Elementary School teachers read “What Happened To You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing” by Oprah Winfrey and clinician and researcher Bruce D. Perry. The deep discussion that ensued inspired Stacey to extend the conversation to parents and guardians. “It’s important to have the same through line and to remain connected in everything we’re doing,” said Stacey. “Anything that we’re teaching the parents, the teachers need to know and vice versa.” Throughout the year, parents and guardians eagerly shared their positive feedback and ideas for future parent education events. Stacey hopes these events, which create opportunities to inform and connect the School community, will continue next year and into the future. “I’ve done so much DEI work on what makes a good school, and one of those things is parent partners,” said Stacey. “These events are a way of connecting with the parents that hopefully feels like an open space to ask questions and get involved.”
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Seventh Graders Explore Literature Through Album Art Teachers of the seventh grade humanities class Core—Mark Quinto, Howe Lin and Todd Baron—have found a creative and meaningful way to teach text analysis. For an independent reading project, they asked students to create album covers instead of writing essays. “This project allows students to creatively think about their books in a different way,” said Mark. Added Howe, “It gets them to analyze the book on a deeper level where they can really express their own interpretations.” It worked. Seventh grader Zoe Wiener shared, “Creating a story through illustrations and writing my own lyrics really allowed me to showcase how I perceived the book. This alternate form of expression was very powerful for me because it let me explore the story in a different way than simply writing a standard essay. I was forced to think about the plot and apply it to an artistic vision.” The teachers curated a list of both fiction and nonfiction books, including their personal favorites, New York Times bestsellers and titles recommended by Crossroads Librarian Jay Chang. “We are conscious of the authors and stories we choose,” said Mark. “We’re thinking about race and gender—we want the books to be as representative as possible.” Titles included “Eleanor & Park” by Rainbow Rowell, a novel about two starcrossed misfits dealing with bullying and domestic abuse; “The Crossover” by Kwame Alexander, about family, basketball and brotherhood, told in verse; and Dashka Slater’s book “The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives.”
Handmade album covers by seventh grade Core students.
Students selected a book of interest, then journaled about their reading experience and what the story meant to them. Next, they crafted handmade album covers, thoughtfully employing design techniques such as font, color, symbols and negative space to depict elements of the plot, characters and overarching themes. On the back of the albums, students provided original song titles that revealed aspects of the book’s storyline, characters or points of conflict. Students were also invited to write lyrics to one of their songs to further explore the book.
Students who didn’t see themselves as artists initially hesitated to participate, but the project encouraged experimentation and ultimately helped them “get out of their comfort zones,” Howe said. The final album covers featured powerful imagery, touching expressions of creativity and an in-depth understanding of the literature expressed in a personally meaningful way.
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Making Real-World Connections in Middle School Math This year, the Middle School revamped its math program, building on the Elementary School’s Dimensions curriculum, which follows a method of learning called “Singapore Math.” That method uses three approaches to understanding mathematical concepts: concrete, pictoral, and abstract. The Crossroads curriculum emphasizes a mastery of concepts that builds over time, encouraging a deeper understanding of the relationships between numbers rather than rote memorization of facts. In Middle School, students apply this knowledge in assignments with realworld applications.
“In fifth grade, I went to a different school, and all we did was math. It was really boring!” said sixth grader Elyse Fenton. “Now, I actually look forward to math because we do more projects. There are more real-life scenarios, which makes it fun.”
explained Middle School Math Coordinator and Teacher Chrissy Gianni ’96. In athletics and arts, they’re able to share their talents through games and performances, and this is a way that they can show their academic skills through what they’ve discovered.”
In seventh grade, the “Rest Our Suitcase” project prompted students to choose a travel destination and use ratios to calculate the cost difference between flying and driving.
In February, the Middle School rolled out an enriched math course in each of its three grades. To apply, students take a placement exam and write an essay explaining their interest in the course. The program is not tracked, meaning interested students must apply (or reapply) at the start of each school year. The enriched program focuses on delving deeper into concepts, challenging students to address complex questions by applying existing knowledge.
“I chose Albuquerque, New Mexico, because I didn’t want a distance that was too long and I also wanted a big city where everyone knew where it was,”
Students created realistic sculptures for a project on scaling.
said sixth grader Simon Liszt. “It was cool knowing that I probably will use this and how fun it is to plan a road trip.” Sixth graders completed a personal budget project, choosing an imaginary career path and exploring how percentages relate to budgeting and tax brackets. Eighth graders spent a day at Six Flags Magic Mountain working in small groups to determine the height of different roller coasters using triangulation.
No matter which course they take, the Middle School math program gives students ample opportunity to seek out additional support as well as extra challenges.
“Math at Crossroads is hands-on, it’s experiential,” explained Assistant Head of Middle School Cooper Bergdahl, who has also served as the division’s Math Department chair and helped develop its revamped math program. “Instead of just number crunching, students have the “We’re teaching them to push when they come up against ability to share an outcome,” something that’s challenging. I think if we can teach them Eighth grader Journee Smith that skill, we’re setting them works out a problem in a math class taught by Jen Anderson ’94. up to be successful in life.”
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Upper School Students Solve for X Interdisciplinary study is one of the hallmarks of a Crossroads education. In 2021, history teacher Casey Baird ’07 approached biology teacher Sarah Eleid about collaborating on a crossdepartmental project for ninth graders. The result was Solve for X, an initiative focused on tackling real-world problems through a multifaceted approach. “We’ve always been impressed by students’ thoughtfulness, creativity and critical thinking—all skills you develop in traditional classrooms,” said Casey. “Sarah and I both really care about the world in addition to our Crossroads community. Solve for X is a connection or a bridge between those two.” This year, students focused specifically on social issues in Los Angeles, including homelessness, affordable housing and food insecurity. Working in small groups, they envisioned their ideal society, thinking critically about what systems are necessary for a community to thrive. They then examined local news reports and drew from their own lived experiences to identify opportunities for positive change in their community. Ella Grossman—now a junior—was so inspired by her Solve for X experience that she requested to help lead this year’s project as a student ambassador. “Solve for X started my passion for social entrepreneurship,” said Ella. “What’s amazing is how you use the critical thinking skills that classes at Crossroads really excel at teaching you, and apply those skills to community issues. You can then go out and make a positive change.” Students drive the programming from start to finish. They choose a topic they’re passionate about and research public policy initiatives, grassroots
NAALA Ephriam, Noah Mantell and Ruby Schur collaborate on a series of reforms to address the use of excessive force in policing.
organizations and current legislation to develop their own innovative solutions. In response to the high cost of prescription drugs, Sydney Janowitz, Arya Fakki, Miles Blackson-Dunbar and Connor Weinhouse developed a policy that would cap price markups, eliminate patents on drugs and fund state-sponsored drug manufacturing programs that reduce out-of-pocket costs for individuals. To address the use of excessive force in policing, Noah Mantell, Ruby Schur and NAALA Ephriam recommended that the police department hire a psychologist to identify officers experiencing particularly high stress levels, implement bias training and oversee officer performance reviews. Austin
Goldstein, Sophie Wilson and Jaiden Gohill advised planting community gardens in low-income neighborhoods to address food deserts, citing research that these green spaces would also improve mental health outcomes. “The project aligns with the School’s mission of offering student-led learning,” said Sarah. “We’ve been asking students, ‘What do you think we should do?’ And they’ve really just blown our minds.” Casey added, “It’s about hearing and listening to students and empowering them—recognizing that they are capable of solving real-world problems and giving them the chance to go out and do it.”
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Upper School Students Embark on Winter Backpacking Trip In December, a group of 12 Upper Schoolers and three instructors embarked on a winter backpacking trip as part of the School’s Environmental and Outdoor Education program. They traveled to Bishop, California, a small town which sits on the
eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Before starting their expedition into the wilderness, students were issued a backpack filled with equipment needed to survive five days outdoors in the mountains.
Upon arrival, they quickly began to get a better understanding of both the beauty and challenge of their undertaking. The original plan was to hike two miles to their campsite, but weather conditions prompted them to turn back to civilization
halfway through the hike. While this understandably was a disappointment, students learned a great deal from the experience. Upon her return, senior Meazi Light-Orr reflected on the impact of this trip and
I hadn’t been in the snow before, so I learned about layering and how to be ‘snow safe.’ Because it didn’t go as planned, we also learned about being mindful and accommodating. —Senior Meazi Light-Orr
the EOE program overall. “I hadn’t been in the snow before, so I learned about layering and how to be ‘snow safe,’” she said. “Because it didn’t go as planned, we also learned about being mindful and accommodating. Although it can be frustrating, you have to stay part of the group for safety and make sure everyone is OK.” Meazi has also participated in previous EOE excursions that gave her cross-disciplinary insights, such as learning the history of the Los Angeles aqueduct and its impact on Indigenous peoples. Through the program, she has visited sites like the Manzanar internment camp at the foot of the Sierra Nevadas, where
10,000 Japanese immigrants and U.S. citizens of Japanese descent were detained during World War II. “I was honored to bring this knowledge back into discussions in history class,” shared Meazi. The lessons learned during EOE expeditions are ones that students carry with them beyond their time at Crossroads. Meazi’s key takeaways were a new understanding of technical skills—such as wearing gaiters and packing a backpack—as well as intangible lessons. These included a willingness to get uncomfortable, to reflect on difficult decisions and to find empowerment in trying new things—all skills that are undoubtedly valuable throughout life.
MAX ALTSCHULE, 11th grade
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ATHLETICS
Crossroads Inducts Hall of Fame Alumni Honorees At the Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony on Oct. 15, K-12 Athletics Director Ira Smith took the stage to share the history and meaning behind
the event. Hosted by the Alumni Relations Office and Athletics Department, the Hall of Fame honors former student-athletes, coaches
and teams that exemplify the rich heritage and tradition of athletic achievement at Crossroads. Inductees and close to 100 guests,
including family, friends, former coaches and teachers, gathered in the Joanie Martin Community Room for dinner and an intimate ceremony.
Top row: Rudy Henry ’89; attendees at the Hall of Fame ceremony; Cheryl Kriegsman ’85. Center row: Stephen Leeds ’88; Clay Thompson ’10; members of the 1986-87 boys varsity basketball team. Bottom row: Shannon McQueen ’10 and Paul Gibbs ’10; David Wolfe ’87 with David Olds; Mike Arnold ’88.
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“It’s really about the camaraderie and the relationships that are built along the way,” said Ira, reflecting upon the athletics program. “I was never happier today than watching everyone see each other again for the first time.” The ceremony, which typically takes place every three years, was delayed
Isaiah Fox ’01, Basketball Isaiah Fox rose to stardom quickly in his high school basketball career, earning the California Interscholastic Federation’s All-State designation in 2000. By his senior year, he’d earned a second CIF All-State title and was named the 2001 League’s Most Valuable Player. He was also a McDonald’s All-American finalist. Isaiah went on to play forward for the University of Arizona Wildcats. After finishing up a successful college career, Isaiah became
due to the pandemic. “Crossroads is a very unique Despite the setback, it was place and I’m so glad that a joyful opportunity for I had the honor of being a alumni to reunite with part of this community,” former teammates, coaches said tennis player Clay and faculty. In their remarks, Thompson ’10. “I always say honorees expressed gratthat Crossroads taught me itude for how Crossroads human development skills— shaped their journeys not how to communicate, how only as students and athletes, to understand, how to bond. but as young people embarkThese are undervalued skills ing into the world. today, and along with the
friends and memories that I made at this School, they are among the most important aspects of my life. They have made me truly who I am.” Congratulations to the 2022 inductees and welcome to the Crossroads Athletics Hall of Fame!
a coach in the G-League. He’s been an assistant coach to the South Bay Lakers and the Delaware Blue Coats, the Philadelphia Sixers’ squad. He currently works as the top assistant coach for the Salt Lake City Stars.
I am humbled and honored to be inducted in the Crossroads Hall of Fame. The culture of community makes Crossroads so special. I consider all of my close relationships with teammates and friends sacred, and I cherish every experience from the classroom to the basketball court. —Isaiah Fox ’01
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ATHLETICS
Cheryl Kriegsman ’85, Swimming When Cheryl first came to Crossroads, there was no swim team at the School. Alongside her mother, Helen, and school administrators, Cheryl advocated to represent Crossroads at California Interscholastic Federation meets. She was a CIF champion in both the 500- and 200-meter freestyles. After graduating, Cheryl headed to the University of California, Berkeley, where
she was named to the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America and Pac-10 Conference Academic All-American Teams. She was a four-time All-American and a member of the U.S. National Swim Team, where in the 1987 World University Games she helped capture a recordsetting gold medal finish in the 4x200 relay and earned silver in the 800-meter freestyle.
I hope that future swimmers can enjoy some of the great experiences I had over the years. It was a really fun way to represent the School, and it’s exciting now to know there’s a swim team with so many swimmers participating. —Cheryl Kriegsman ’85
Shannon McQueen ’10, Basketball and Softball Shannon McQueen was a prestige for her talents. After formidable softball player at graduating, she attended Crossroads. By 2010, she was Eastern Kentucky University, a pivotal member of the team where she played third base as both a senior leader and a on the softball team. By her powerhouse, which earned junior year, Shannon had her All-CIF, two-time first started all 51 games. She was team All-League selection and named a Colonel Scholar for League MVP. Shannon was her academic achievement also an outstanding basketthroughout her college softball player, earning All-CIF ball career.
I was a new kid in ninth grade, which was a rarity at Crossroads. Softball, basketball and sports were my way to make friends, because when you’re the shy kid getting thrown into Crossroads, it’s a very unique experience. —Shannon McQueen ’10
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The 1987 Varsity Basketball Team
What made this team special is that we played for each other. While many of us played with high levels of confidence, we never lost sight of the importance of playing as a team. —Mike Arnold ’88 Crossroads Athletics history simply cannot be told without mentioning the 1986-87 boys varsity basketball team. Sports journalist J.A. Adande ’88, who served as the sports editor for Crossroads’ student newspaper, Crossfire, described the team as “truly unique.” They were the first team in the School’s history to win a state title. Though the
team struggled early in the season with inconsistent play and teamwork, they turned things around after a devastating 51-50 loss at the buzzer to Delphic League rivals, Bel Air Prep. For the rest of the year, they finished the first quarter of every game with an average 10-point lead. They went on to capture the CIF Southern Section and
State Regional championships and eventually brought home the State Championship title. The following players were members of the 1986-87 boys varsity basketball team: Mike Arnold ’88, Matt Bailey ’87, Chris Brown ’89, Rudy Henry ’89, Jay Kalish ’89, David Kriegsman ’88, Stephen Leeds ’88, Danny Nagin ’87,
Garth Norman ’87, Keith Thompson ’87, Brandon Wilkerson ’90, David Wolfe ’87 and Greg Wood ’89. Their coaches were David Benezra (head coach), Kory Zuniga (assistant coach), Joe Wise (assistant coach) and Marc Bran (assistant coach).
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Clay Thompson ’10, Tennis Clay Thompson led the Roadrunners to their first boys tennis CIF Championship as a ninth grader. By 2009, he became the School’s first individual state tennis champion. Although he was offered the chance to graduate early and join the pro tour, Clay declined because he wanted to experience his senior year of high school. He was the
number three boys tennis recruit in the nation and chose to play for UCLA. During his senior year as a Bruin, Clay was ranked as the No. 1 NCAA tennis player. His 119-35 record at UCLA still holds as the winningest in the school’s history. After a short stint in the pros, Clay became a coach for former classmate Nicole Gibbs ’10.
I had multiple offers to go pro, go to college early. I declined every single one of them because my time at Crossroads meant so much to me. And I really wanted to spend my senior year with my best friends in the world, a lot of whom are here today. —Clay Thompson ’10
Tom Gray, Coach (Cross Country, Flag Football, Softball and Baseball) Tom Gray was known as a caring and dynamic coach who excelled in a multitude of sports. Emblematic of his versatility, Tom coached the junior varsity girls crosscountry squad and was the assistant for the Middle School flag football team. In 1990, Tom became the head coach of the Middle School baseball team and led them to a Delphic League
championship. Shortly after, then-Athletics Director Chuck Ice promoted him to head coach of the varsity softball team, which Tom led to an astonishing 10 League and three CIF Championships. He was named CIF Coach of the Year in 1992, 1993 and 1996. Tom is known for his love of the game, which he instilled in those he coached.
I want to thank Paul Cummins for starting Crossroads School and having the vision to reach out to young kids and help them better their lives. I also want to thank Coach Chuck Ice, who mentored me from 10th grade basketball all the way through. —Coach Tom Gray
JOSHUA HUANG, 11th grade
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20 CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Forging Connections By Stephanie Carrillo, K-12 Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
In its second year, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office was proud to continue integrating DEI work into the life of the School. Through workshops, curriculum development, guest speakers, affinity group meetings, cultural events and more, our students, faculty, staff and families engaged in deep learning and important conversations. What’s more, they developed and fostered authentic connections within and between members of our beautiful and diverse School community.
Training and Curriculum Crossroads is committed to nurturing a school environment in which everyone feels a deep sense of belonging. We recognize and celebrate our School community’s different social, economic and racial backgrounds; belief systems; ethnicities and religions; sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities; family structures; and much more. As such, the work that I and my colleagues in the DEI Office undertake touches every facet of school life. The Office provides DEI training for new faculty and staff; for parent/guardian Admission volunteers; and for student leaders serving in the Upper School Student Council, affinity groups and Community Service Honors Society. We work with faculty and staff in all three divisions to provide education on DEI topics and to support curriculum development, goal-setting and implementation. We also host conversations with grade-level teams in the Elementary School and departments in the Middle and Upper Schools. We share successes and strategies for culturally responsive pedagogy and inclusive classroom practices that are age-appropriate and tailored to each discipline.
Top: Families attending the Black Family Alliance’s Black History Month event on campus celebrate the African diaspora with music, dancing, storytelling and student performances. Left: The Black and Jewish Alliance co-president Christine Kivi and member Jesse Nevins, both juniors.
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Right: Members of the Middle School Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Student Union and faculty adviser Howe Lin (back row, second from right) attend a Lunar New Year Celebration on the Norton Campus. Below: Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Stephanie Carrillo welcomes families gathered at a party hosted by Juntos, the Latinx affinity group.
throughout the year to explore their identities, find connection, and give and receive support in a safe, structured environment. New groups in the 2022-23 school year include the Jewish Student Union and Neurodiversity Affinity Group in the Middle School and the Two Homes Affinity Group and Women of Color Affinity Group in the Upper School.
Student Programming This year, the DEI Office facilitated a wide array of educational and cultural programs for K-12 students, many of which were cross-divisional. To share just a few: Elementary School students enjoyed a Lunar New Year celebration with Middle Schoolers and visits from members of the Upper School’s Alma Latina and Queer Student Union; Middle Schoolers took part in a Town Hall against antisemitism hosted by the
Upper School’s Black Jewish Alliance; Black Middle and Upper School students, faculty and staff shared personal stories on the theme of “Black Resistance” at a Black History Month storytelling event; and the Upper School Persian Student Union hosted an expert panel to educate students on the civil rights protests in Iran. In addition to these all-student gatherings, affinity groups met separately
Conferences National and local conferences are a valuable way for faculty, staff and students to learn from peers and to share knowledge and resources with one another. In November, 20 Crossroads faculty and staff members attended the National Association of Independent Schools’ annual People of Color Conference, held in San Antonio. Associate Director of Latinx Support & Outreach Silvia Salazar gave a talk on supporting Latinx affinity groups, and I presented on leading through transformative justice. Six Crossroads students attended the concurrent Student Diversity Leadership Conference; read about Dilan Gohill’s experience on page 23.
22 CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Students also took part in the Student Leaders for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Leadership Development Program; the Pollyanna Conference; and the Southern California Diversity Recruiting Fair’s Student Experience Panel, all held at Harvard-Westlake School. This year, the DEI Office developed and launched the first annual Los Angeles Independent School Latinx Affinity conference at Crossroads in March. The daylong LA ISLA conference brought together more than 50 faculty, staff and students from 11 independent high schools in Greater Los Angeles to build community, celebrate culture and affirm identity. Attendees enjoyed seven different workshops, including the First Generation Experience and Chicano Activism Past & Present, as well as three art block options focused on honoring ancestors, enjoying salsa music and dance and crafting picture frames to display photographs of loved ones on Día de los Muertos altars. The guest speaker was Marisol León ’03, a civil rights attorney who serves as a vice chair on Crossroads’ Board of Trustees.
Family Affinity Groups and Access The DEI Office is happy to support Crossroads family affinity groups, which have hosted coffees, movie screenings, beach days, book clubs and more for their members. In the spring, parents formed the Jewish Family Alliance. Crossroads also offers a Black Family Alliance, an Asian Family Alliance, Juntos (Latinx Family Alliance) and PRISM (LGBTQ+ Family Alliance). One of the DEI Office’s newer offerings, Corazón Latino, is for parents and guardians whose preferred language is Spanish. Silvia Salazar leads the School’s efforts to enhance their experience, improving access to School communications, raising awareness of events and programs and providing greater transparency of school processes.
2022-23 Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
As part of this effort, Crossroads continues to provide translated grade reports for any family that requires them. All Spanish translations are completed in-house and the School contracts with an outside organization to provide grade reports for families who require Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Amharic.
Upper School DEI Coordinator and Science Teacher
Stephanie Carrillo
Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Silvia Salazar
Associate Director of Latinx Support & Outreach
Tammy Abrahem
Elementary School DEI Coordinator and Fifth Grade Co-Teacher
Niki Garcia-Holmes
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Assistant
Mark Quinto
Middle School DEI Coordinator, Core Coordinator and Teacher
Jasmin McCloud
Secondary DEI Coordinator, Middle and Upper School Counselor
Sarah Eleid
Below: Head of Elementary School Stacey Koff (far left) with students and their families at a Monday Morning Meeting celebration of the holiday Diwali.
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Finding Inspiration at the Student Diversity Leadership Conference By Dilan Gohill, 12th Grade
From left: Dilan attends the Student Diversity Leadership Conference with junior Ben Levine, seniors Ximena Rojas and Sydney Johnson and juniors Azalia Martinez-Cruz and Alden Platt.
When I first arrived at the Student Diversity Leadership Conference, held in San Antonio in December, I felt skeptical. My peers who had attended previous conferences reassured me that it would be a life-changing experience. Still, I was unsure how a conference about diversity and inclusion in independent schools could significantly impact my life.
school students from across the country, representing the complex diversity of the United States, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the strides Crossroads has taken over the past few years. When students shared their experiences with acts of hate, I thought about Crossroads’ Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, which is able and ready to respond to such instances on campus.
But within 15 minutes, it became clear that I’d leave with a new outlook on my identity and practical knowledge and understanding of DEI initiatives that I could take home to Crossroads. In speaking with many high
Many participants spoke of their schools’ robust actions in creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive community, highlighting the ways in which Crossroads can continue to improve. Determined to make a change when I returned, I
started working more closely with affinity groups and the DEI Office to propose potential initiatives, such as a DEI day for students and a week showcasing each affinity group’s culture for the Upper School student body. The conference re-sparked my passion for DEI, and it was exciting to continue making progress in my final year at Crossroads. Dilan Gohill is the co-president of the Upper School Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Student Union and a member of Drama Conservatory.
24 CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES
SENIOR LEADERSHIP UPDATES
Mariama Richards Appointed Head of School
Following her eight-month stint as the interim head of school, the Board of Trustees appointed Mariama Richards to the permanent role in March. “Mariama has proven to be a strong, thoughtful and collaborative leader with a passion for progressive education and student wellbeing,” Board Chair Juan Carrillo shared in a statement to the community. “She has the enthusiastic support of the Crossroads community across constituencies and the full confidence of the Board of Trustees.” Since taking the helm from departing Head of
School Bob Riddle, Mariama has reaffirmed the School’s commitment to its founding principles. She has supported enhancements to academic instruction and faculty development; championed the capital campaign to build the Bezdek Center for the Performing Arts on the 21st Street Campus; developed strong partnerships with parents and guardians; and led the search for and hired a new director of the Equity & Justice Institute. She has also connected with students across all three divisions, participating in senior Life Skills classes and attending athletic games,
presentations and arts events. She even taught an optional after-school class for the Middle School on the history of hip-hop. Mariama’s expertise was honed over decades as a teacher and administrator at renowned independent schools, including Georgetown Day School in her hometown of Washington, D.C., Friends’ Central School outside Philadelphia and Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York City. “I’m thrilled and honored to lead Crossroads in its next chapter, guided by our five founding commitments,” Mariama shared in a state-
ment. “Crossroads has a long legacy of social justice action, of creating circles where we lean into difficult conversations, and of empowering students to connect with each other by sharing what they feel and who they are. Those are things that frankly don’t happen at most other schools. Parents often say that there’s a certain magic that happens at Crossroads, one that you need to be here to understand. There’s truth to that, but I also look forward to finding new ways of sharing our magic more widely, to have an even greater impact in our community and in our world.”
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HELLOS
Cassandra Chase Director of the Equity & Justice Institute Cassandra joined Crossroads in February, succeeding Founding Director Derric J. Johnson. As director of the Equity & Justice Institute, Cassandra supports faculty and staff in developing new courses and lessons that address systemic issues such as racism, poverty and educational inequalities. She also forges mutually beneficial partnerships with community advocacy groups. In addition, Cassandra programs the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Equity & Justice Distinguished Lecture Series. In the spring, she brought animator Elizabeth Ito and a panel of LGBTQ+ thought leaders to campus for two engaging talks on the intersection of art and activism. Prior to joining Crossroads, Cassandra served as the coordinator for Empowerment Congress, where she oversaw operations, drove sustainability and conducted administrative functions in support of the organization’s mission to educate, engage
and empower local communities. In 2011, she co-founded Read Lead, which works to minimize the achievement gap through innovative, culturally responsive approaches to education. She continues to serve as its executive director and a member of the board. Read Lead is also an official Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School® site. The Equity & Justice Institute has hosted a CDF Freedom School site on the 21st Street Campus since the summer of 2021. Each year, it provides close to 50 students from the Pico neighborhood with a six-week program to encourage literacy, civic engagement and social action. Cassandra’s in-depth experience with CDF Freedom Schools will ensure that the site continues to thrive here at Crossroads. Cassandra was born and raised in California and graduated from University of California, Irvine, with a degree in sociology and minors in education, public health and epidemiology. FUN FACT: Enjoys traveling the world to explore cultures through their vegan/ plant-based cuisines.
Anna McCorvey Head of Middle School Anna joins Crossroads as the new head of Middle School for the upcoming school year. She most recently served as the deputy head of secondary school, comprising over 900 students in grades six through 12, at the Awty International School in Houston. Prior to that, Anna served as Awty’s head of middle school, deputy head of middle school, and an English teacher in middle and high school. Anna also spent seven years as a private educator, academic adviser and secondary school English teacher in Chicago. She began her career as an educator nearly 20 years ago in Nashville, teaching kindergarten. At the college level, she has taught grammar and composition, first as a teaching apprentice at Tennessee State University and then as an adjunct professor at North Harris Community College in Houston. Anna is a native of Moss Point, Mississippi. She
holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Jackson State University, a master’s degree in English from Tennessee State University and a master’s degree in Private School Leadership from Columbia University’s Klingenstein Center. As the new head of Crossroads’ Middle School, Anna will oversee the important work of the division’s deans, faculty and staff; partner with students and parents; and collaborate with the heads of the Elementary and Upper Schools to ensure that Crossroads continues to provide a cohesive, progressive K-12 education across all three divisions. FUN FACT: Can bake just about anything.
Melissa Walden Director of Advancement Melissa Walden will join Crossroads as the new director of advancement at the start of the 2023-24 school year. Most recently, she served as director of development of the Paideia School in Atlanta. Learn more about Melissa at xrds.org/melissawalden.
26 CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES
SENIOR LEADERSHIP UPDATES
GOODBYES
Colleen Bartlett Outgoing Director of Advancement Colleen is retiring after five years as the director of advancement. Colleen led the School’s $110 million capital campaign, Worlds Unimagined, and was instrumental in securing $48 million for the first phase of the Bezdek Center for the Performing Arts as well as $15 million in additional funds for the Financial Aid Endowment. Former Head of School Bob Riddle worked closely with Colleen and shared, “Colleen cared deeply about advancing the mission of Crossroads, not only through her oversight of the various offices in her charge, but also through the very strong connections she made throughout the parent, faculty and staff communities. She was one of my most trusted advisers, offering wise counsel to me throughout my final years as head of school. To say I couldn’t have done it without her is an understatement!” Colleen and her husband, Upper School English teacher
Peter Bartlett, are moving to the town of Eastham on Cape Cod, where they look forward to paddleboarding, fishing, kayaking and reading more books. Their daughter, Maizie Bartlett ’23, is heading to Bowdoin College in Maine.
Michelle Merson Outgoing Head of Middle School After 28 years at Crossroads, the last seven as head of the Middle School, Michelle departed at the end of the 2022-23 school year. Michelle, her husband, Drew, and their children, Isaiah and Lindey Jane, moved back east to be closer to family. Michelle has been appointed the head of middle school at Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh. Michelle joined the School as an eighth-grade Core teacher and a basketball and swim coach. Over the years, she also served as an eighth-grade Core coordinator; assistant director of summer programs for Middle and Upper Schoolers;
acting Upper School academic dean; seventh grade dean; and the Middle School assistant director. Michelle led the Middle School with a unique understanding of the intellectual and social-emotional development of preteens, supporting her students and their families through this critical developmental stage. Her playful nature put students at ease and helped them strike a balance between embodying the Middle School motto, “Be Nice,” and learning to advocate for themselves and others. Despite her packed work schedule, she always made time to support Middle Schoolers at student events: athletic games, plays, music performances, Latin conventions and Environmental and Outdoor Education trips. Michelle proved equally committed to the well-being of her employees. Colleagues are quick to cite her empathy and support of faculty and staff during difficult times, and the coaching and mentorship she provided to help them reach their professional goals. Under Michelle’s leadership, the Middle School curriculum has flourished. The courses Ahead of the Game and Advisory help students strengthen their
executive function, organizational skills, study habits and self-care routines. She implemented a more rigorous math curriculum, launching the Dimensions program and then rolling out year one of Enriched Math. (Read more on page 10.) She also championed the launch of Project X (which supports students of color and their families); the new Week of Welcome to build community and relationships early in the school year; and the expansion of the robotics program. (Read more on page 4.) As a longtime administrator, Michelle worked closely with the School’s other senior leaders and supported colleagues who transitioned into those roles. One such colleague is Anthony Locke ’01, who became the head of Upper School in 2020. “Michelle is funny, intentional and kind,” he shared. “She has been an inspiring thought partner and a radical advocate for all things Middle School. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from her.”
BLAISE GARDNER, eighth grade
28 CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES
EQUITY & JUSTICE INSTITUTE
The Equity & Justice Institute Gets New Director, Resumes In-Person Lecture Series In its fifth year, the Equity & Justice Institute continued to provide the greater community with opportunities for learning, engagement and activism. This year, the Institute welcomed Cassandra Chase as its new director (read more on page 25) and saw the return of in-person programming for its Younes & Soraya Nazarian Equity & Justice Distinguished Lecture Series.
The theme for the 2022-23 lectures was “Los Angeles: Activism Through Art.” The series kicked off on Nov. 17 with a virtual talk on antisemitism with Dr. Saba Soomekh, the director of training and education at American Jewish Committee. She discussed the history of antisemitism in America as well as the tropes and stereotypes that have plagued the Jewish community for the
past 2,000 years. Dr. Soomekh spoke with Upper School students earlier in the day, answering questions posed by Jewish Student Union seniors. After the assembly, students reflected on what they’d learned and the impact of antisemitism on Greater Los Angeles.
Saba Soomekh
The second event, held in the Joanie Martin Community Room on April 17, highlighted
If you get the chance to make something about what you love, you should go for it. —Elizabeth Ito, writer and director
Elizabeth Ito
the work of Peabody Awardwinning writer and director Elizabeth Ito. Her children’s animated Netflix show, “City of Ghosts,” spotlights LA’s diverse neighborhoods while focusing on subjects including language, Indigenous cultures, gentrification, tradition and family. A common thread in Elizabeth’s projects is her desire to tell stories of underrepresented individuals and subjects that she’s curious about. She shared, “If you get the chance to make something about what you love, you should go for it. That’s my No. 1 [piece of] advice because that’s how I’ve made the work that I’ve made.”
The lecture series concluded on May 11 with a powerful panel discussion on art and activism in the LGBTQ+ community. The talk was moderated by New York Timesbestselling author, educator, artist and abolitionist Patrisse Cullors, who led the panelists in a wide-ranging and at times emotional conversation. The participants were Professor Marlon M. Bailey, Ph.D., author of “Butch Queens Up in Pumps: Gender, Performance, and Ballroom Culture in Detroit;” Gregorio Davila, writer and documentary filmmaker; Don Kilhefner, Ph.D., co-founder and founding director of
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the LA LGBT Center and the co-founder (with Harry Hay) of the Radical Faeries movement; and Bamby Salcedo, president and CEO of the TransLatin@ Coalition. Over the summer, the Institute hosted a Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School® site on the 21st Street Campus for the third consecutive year, providing enriching literacy programming targeting summer learning loss to students from the Pico neighborhood. CDF Freedom School Servant Leader Interns—educators recruited from schools including Hampton University, Howard University and Santa Monica College—and Crossroads staff members traveled to Clinton, Tennessee, for a week of training hosted by the Ella Baker Child Policy Training Institute. The experience provides CDF Freedom School educators and staff with educational tools, career development and time to bond with fellow attendees. “Training tends to be very life-changing for the servant-leader interns,” said Cassandra. “Many of them decide to pursue education or fields that are educationadjacent as a result.” This summer, the Crossroads CDF Freedom School® site expanded its programming, increasing its capacity to accommodate 45 students while developing new partnerships with community-
based organizations including PS Science and Community Literature Initiative. CLI mentors taught CDF Freedom School students a workshop on “artivism,” using art as a form of activism. After positive feedback following their involvement last summer, the Crossroads Robotics Team returned to teach students the basics of coding and design-engineering
robots. Volunteers from the Crossroads community— including faculty, staff, students, parents and alumni—met one-on-one and in small groups to read with students each day. The program helped the young students build confidence socially and emotionally, and the overall result was a fun experience that provided a dynamic and engaging literacy curriculum.
Top: From left to right: Patrisse Cullors, Marlon M. Bailey, Gregorio Davila, Don Kilhefner and Bamby Salcedo. Above: Students at the 2023 Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School® site at Crossroads School.
AVERY GREENBURG, 10th grade
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DONOR PROFILE
Lucia Choi-Dalton ’85 and Henry Choi ’86 Siblings Henry Choi and Lucia ChoiDalton moved from Hong Kong to the U.S. in 1984 to attend Crossroads, drawn by its renowned chamber orchestra. Junior Lucia and sophomore Henry quickly found a sense of community with other international students in the orchestra program (now known as the Elizabeth Mandell Music Institute, or EMMI). Music teacher Mary Ann Cummins welcomed them with open arms. Henry and Lucia enjoyed their first Thanksgiving in the home of Mary Ann and her husband, then-Headmaster Paul Cummins, along with a group of international students. It was one of many experiences that helped them build close-knit relationships during their time at the School. Still, attending a new school in a new country was an adjustment for the Chois, who came from a conservative British school system. In Los Angeles, the siblings lived together in an apartment rented to them by a family friend. “[Coming from Hong Kong] was a transition, and it took us a little while to adapt to American culture,” recalled Henry. “But the one thing that made it a lot easier was the fact that we had music.” The EMMI program became a second home for the Chois. Henry, a violinist, and Lucia, a pianist and a singer in the 21st Street Singers choral group, both jumped into the hustle and bustle of music classes, rehearsals and performances. They credit the School’s progressive education, unique traditions and outstanding faculty as part of what makes the School so special. “At Crossroads, you are seen as your own person,” said Lucia. “As a foreign student in the music program, I felt welcomed and wasn’t afraid to be myself.” After graduating, Henry and Lucia found that their experience in the EMMI program
Henry Choi, Mary Ann Cummins and Lucia Choi-Dalton.
prepared them not only to be talented classical musicians, but gave them a sense of discipline and self-esteem that served them well as young people making their way in the world. Today, Lucia is a philanthropist involved in arts initiatives. Henry, also a supporter of the arts, is the president of Viviace Apparel Inc. Both consider music an essential component of a well-rounded education. “Music has stayed with us throughout [our lives],” says Henry. “It’s an international language and can teach you so much about hard work, perseverance and appreciation.” Henry and Lucia’s commitment to music education inspired their support of the School’s new Bezdek Center for the Performing Arts. They are the lead donors to its recital hall, named The Mary Ann
after the teacher who had a profound effect on their lives. Henry and Lucia’s generosity inspired others in the Crossroads community to support the project and to help the School eventually furnish the space with a concert grand piano. (Read more on page 43.) The siblings hope that the new building will inspire future generations of students to pursue their passion for music and to develop the confidence to become leaders in whatever career they choose. “It was such a full-circle moment,” said Henry of supporting the facility. “It was a way we could give back to Crossroads. Mary Ann gave us the opportunity to have such a good experience coming to this country. It changed our lives.”
32 CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES
PARENT ASSOCIATION
We Doodled It!
By Mery Grace Castelo, Director of Parent Relations & Special Events
When the Parent Association called Art of the Doodle “the party of the year,” they weren’t kidding: over 800 members of the Crossroads community—parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, faculty and staff—came out to the Shrine Expo Hall on Saturday, May 6, for our Parent Association Spring Event Fundraiser. And what a night it was! Guests perused an impressive art-gallery-style installation with over 150 framed doodles,
created by well-known personalities, including J.J. Abrams, Jeff Bezos, Jack Black ’87, Orlando Bloom, Mick Fleetwood, Matt Groening, Mark Hamill, Susanna Hoffs, Jennifer Hudson, Delores Huerta, Chris Martin, Katy Perry, Calida Rawles, Evan Spiegel ’08, Sting and Henry Winkler, as well as group doodles by Coldplay and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. In addition to the doodles on display, the silent auction and raffle offered a host
of tantalizing items, services and trips, including jewelry, fine art, restaurant gift cards, VIP concert tickets and vacation stays. The proceeds from the evening raised critical funds for the School’s Affordability Program, which benefits one in four students. Guests enjoyed food stations serving Trejo’s Tacos, Provo Pizza, Luxe Bites and more, and hosted bars thanks to the generosity of King St. Vodka,
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Dahlia Tequila, El Silencio Mezcal and Amaro Angeleno. Artists created on-the-spot caricatures and Etch A Sketch portraits of attendees. There were even pancake artists who made incredibly detailed (and delicious) art with colored batter. The night’s musical accompaniment was provided by DJ and Crossroads dad Paren Knadjian, and the screen projections were created by Tony Romain ’91.
The Art of the Doodle would not have been possible without the hard work of scores of volunteers, as well as the generosity of our sponsors, doodlers and donors. A very special thank-you goes to event co-chairs Emiliana Guereca Zeidenfeld, Olivia Corwin and Victoria Lerner and auction/raffle co-chairs Hee Ko, Alan Rakov and Yasmin Yaghmai (pictured, top left) for dedicating almost a year
of their lives to ensuring that this was indeed the party of the year.
Save the date for the next Parent Association Spring Event Fundraiser!
—
ROCK ‘N’ ROADS * MAY 18, 2024 *
34 CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES
TRUSTEE NEWS
By Board Chair Juan Carrillo P’23, P’21
Crossroads School’s 2022-23 school year built upon the tremendous momentum of our 50th anniversary celebration, with a renewed focus on the School’s five founding commitments. The Board was honored to appoint Mariama Richards as the permanent head of school and to support her as she works to carry out the School’s strategic priorities.
2022-23 Board of Trustees
OFFICERS
Juan Carrillo, Chair Sarah Harden, Vice Chair Marisol León ’03, Vice Chair Jeff Lipp, Vice Chair Nat Trives, Vice Chair Bruce Stern, Secretary
HELLOS The Board appointed two new trustees during the 2022-23 school year:
Bob Davenport, Treasurer
TRUSTEES
Evan Spiegel ’08
Josh Hamilton
Evan is the co-founder and CEO of Snap Inc. His Spiegel Family Fund supports arts, education, housing and human rights organizations. He co-founded the Snap Foundation, developing pathways to the creative economy for underrepresented LA youth, and serves on the boards of KKR & Co. Inc. and the Berggruen Institute. Evan is a Crossroads “lifer” and the parent of rising seventh grader Flynn, incoming kindergartner Hart and 3-year-old Miles. Evan began his tenure on the Board in March 2023.
Josh is a partner of Latham & Watkins LLP and co-chairs its LA and Century City litigation department, representing companies, boards and senior executives in securities and corporate governance-related litigation and investigations. He is on the board of the Western Center on Law & Poverty and was a trustee at the Independent School Alliance for nine years. He is the parent of rising 11th grader Grant and will serve on the Board in the 2023-24 school year.
Rick Barry Trevor Bezdek ’95 Joe Blackstone Maisha Chappell Ann Colburn Emilio Diez Barroso Bob Friedman Nicole Hoegl Soo Hong Moujan Kazerani Marc Millman Paul Rahimian Lois Reinis Tracy Seretean Erin Simon ’95 Evan Spiegel ’08 Lanhee Yung
2022-23 BOARD BREAKDOWN
Men Women BIPOC* Alumni Current Parents Parents of Alumni**
54% 46% 50% 17% 63% 25%
Grandparents
8%
*Black, Indigenous and People of Color **Not current parents
VIVIENNE SHIAO, seventh grade
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36 CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES
TRUSTEE NEWS
GOODBYES In June, three longtime and influential trustees termed off the Board: Ann Colburn, who served for 13 years; Lois Reinis, who served for 39 years; and Nat Trives, who served for 49 years, 11 of them as board chair. On June 6, the Board gathered at Tiato Kitchen and Garden, along with Crossroads’ former heads of school, for a special dinner to celebrate their immeasurable contributions to and impact on the School, and to thank them wholeheartedly for their long-standing commitment to Crossroads. “I think Crossroads has become the school it’s become because of the leadership and wisdom of Nat, Lois and Ann,” said Paul Cummins, Crossroads co-founder and former headmaster.
Nat was Board president for 11 years and vice chair for over three decades. He chaired the Head of School Evaluation Committee, co-chaired the Grandparent Development Committee and served on other committees including Governance, Faculty Compensation and the Crossroads Fund. His dedication and leadership have had a transformative impact on the School. In Nat’s first encounter with Crossroads took place in the the 1980s, he established the Nat Trives Minority early ’70s. Then a member Financial Aid Fund, providing of the Santa Monica City students of color access to Council, Nat gave a warmly a Crossroads education. In received speech to the 1986, Crossroads named the student body about the building at 1714 21st Street— importance of community the first building Crossroads service. Not long after, occupied on the 21st Street Eunice Seward, a parent at Campus—in his honor. Nat St. Augustine, introduced has described his role at him to Paul Cummins, Crossroads as a “conscience who asked Nat to join the for diversity and service.” He Crossroads Board. Nat’s and his wife, Ida Trives, are record-breaking tenure as the proud grandparents of a trustee began in 1974— Tristan Trives ’23 and rising the year before he became 10th grader Tanner Trives. the first Black mayor of The School will be forever Santa Monica. grateful for his contributions. Nathaniel Trives
Top left: Ann Colburn, Lois Reinis and Nat Trives. Top right: Ann holds a framed poem written in her honor by her longtime teacher, poet Peter Levitt. Bottom left: Nat and his grandson Tristan ’23, who holds a commendation in Nat’s honor from the City of Santa Monica. Bottom right: Mariama gifted Lois a scarf, which features a painting of the 21st Street Campus by Frank Romero and the graduation years of her 19 children and grandchildren who are former, current or incoming Crossroads students.
“ —
I often get credit for the growth of Crossroads, but I must say with complete sincerity and humility that much of this growth has been due to Nat’s wisdom and leadership. Nat is one of the most extraordinary men I’ve ever met. I can’t tell you how much I’ve learned from him, how much I respect him and how proud I am to call him a friend.”
—Former Head of School Paul Cummins
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Lois joined Crossroads as a new parent in the fall of 1984 and was appointed to the Board several years later. Since then, she has been a member of virtually every Board committee, including Audit, the Crossroads Fund, Head of School Evaluation, Head of School Compensation and the Strategic Plan. She held leadership roles within the Executive Committee for nearly two decades and co-chaired the committees for Grandparent Development and Development and Stewardship.
Lois and her husband, Richard Reinis, hold what may prove to be an unbeatable record for having the most family members attend Crossroads. In addition to being the parents of Wendy Glickman ’85, Joanna Port ’87, Michael Reinis ’89, Robert Reinis ’92 and Hilary Sherman ’01, they are the proud grandparents of eight alumni, five current students and an incoming kindergartner. Through her exceptional leadership and her family’s deep ties to Crossroads, Lois’ legacy will continue to As a member of the Committee on Trustees (later known as be felt for generations.
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I doubt the School has ever had, or ever will have, a volunteer who has held as many roles or has had as much of an impact in our school as Lois has. She is one in a million—maybe even one in a billion. She has touched virtually every corner of our school through her decades of volunteerism, while deeply touching countless lives—mine included.”
—Former Head of School Bob Riddle
also chaired the Head of School Evaluation Committee.
Ann Colburn Ann joined the Board in 2010 and has been a valuable member of multiple committees, including Risk Management, Alumni Steering, Finance and the Head of School Search. She
Ann and her husband, Phil Colburn, joined the School in 1976 and are the parents of Beth Thompson ’82 and Katie Thompson ’85. Ann has the distinction of being one of the few Board members to have also worked at Crossroads. For 17 years, starting in 1982, she served as an Upper School English teacher, an academic dean and ultimately the director of the Upper School. In the early ’80s, Ann was instrumental in launching the School’s journalism and creative writing programs, both of which continue to flourish today.
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Ann is an incredibly effective and heartfully generous giver, doer and leader. Generations of students, faculty and families have been the beneficiaries of her 47 extraordinary years of passionate, professional commitment and care, at Crossroads and beyond. Thank you, Ann. You are a model for all of us.”
—Former Headmaster Roger Weaver
SENA MCKUIN, fifth grade
Lois Reinis
the Governance Committee), Lois helped to shape and refine the criteria for Board membership and to identify key individuals to serve as trustees, ensuring the continuity and strength of the Board. During her years as a Crossroads parent, Lois was a tireless volunteer, serving in roles including Parent Association president of the Elementary and Upper Schools, grade level representative and spring event co-chair.
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WORLDS UNIMAG INE D: The Bezdek Center for the Performing Arts
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A HOME FOR CREATIVE E XPRE SSION The performing arts have always been an integral part of Crossroads’ DNA. In fact, one of the School’s five founding commitments is to the arts.
battles have been known to break out during lunch. Yet despite the immense interest and talent of Crossroads students, the facilities on the 21st Street Campus, some of which date back to the ’70s, have not kept pace. (By contrast, the Elementary School, which opened in 1997, has sufficient space dedicated to creative dance and movement, drama and music.) The two dance studios are also shared with theater and Life Skills classes. Music classrooms are small and cramped with lessthan-ideal acoustics. Roth Hall, the home for EMMI, doubles as a multipurpose room. And the small black box theater, which seats only 102 people, is further constrained by its nonexistent fly space, limited costume and prop storage and shared use.
A visitor to the 21st Street Campus, which houses the Middle and Upper Schools, will find a plethora of student performances happening, both casual and formal, joyfully spontaneous and carefully rehearsed. Student musicians fill the Alley with jazz, soul and more from the cement stage. A typical theater season might offer everything from Shakespeare to edgy rock musicals. In the arts building, dancers pop and lock, leap and pirouette. Elizabeth Mandell Music Institute (EMMI) students “The theater has not perform pieces from the really significantly changed since I walked classical canon as well in the door in 1981,” said as experimental works. Upper School Drama Filmmaking students Department Chair and learn to shoot, direct Teacher Davida Wills and edit. Exuberant rap
Hurwin. “The program that was happening then was intense and amazing—but there were 12 kids. And if you fastforward to now, what we’re talking about are Theater One and Two classes and 40 Drama Conservatory students. Unfortunately, that means that there’s no space for more studentdriven projects. We get
requests all the time, but we have to say no. Our theater is booked solid with Conservatory productions, Middle School productions, all-school plays and dance performances.” The inadequacy of the School’s performing arts facilities means the jazz band must rent outside venues to perform in.
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NAMING THE CENTER In recognition of an immensely generous gift from Trustee Trevor Bezdek ’95 and his wife, Jana Bezdek, the new facility will be named the Bezdek Center for the Performing Arts. The news was announced to coincide with the groundbreaking in April. During the initial design process, Trevor and Jana spoke with then-Head of School Bob Riddle about their interest in supporting performing arts at Crossroads. They made the new Center a philanthropic priority, reflecting their belief in the crucial importance of arts education. “We are glad to contribute to Crossroads School’s continued growth,” said Trevor and Jana. “As parents of two Crossroads students, we have seen firsthand the powerful and joyful impact that their arts education has had on their development. We are excited to see how the new performing arts center even further improves the School’s arts programming.”
The lack of specialized lighting means that the dance department must rent lighting for dance performances. And because the theater space is in such high demand, the Drama Department tends to perform shows with large casts and often double-casts roles to allow the most students to participate, forgoing more intimate plays.
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Preliminary work on the performing arts center began as soon as the capital campaign was approved. Architect Elaine Nesbit, who served as the construction manager on the science building, met with Middle and Upper School performing arts faculty about their dreams for a new facility, and held
SETTING THE STAGE When Bob Riddle became head of school in 2009, he was determined to address the need for improved performing arts facilities. To that end, he developed the Worlds Unimagined Capital Campaign, adopted by the Board of Trustees in 2012. The campaign fundraised for four initiatives: the Science Education & Research Facility (opened in 2016), the Equity & Justice Institute (launched in 2018), the ongoing Financial Aid Endowment Fund, and a new performing arts center.
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a daylong retreat with performing arts department chairs. “We asked, ‘What do you imagine?’ and they just went off,” recalled Elaine. “They were crazy-excited about the process, so we documented that meeting and when we finished the science building, we pulled those notes back out.” Zoltan E. Pali was brought on as the architect of the project’s first phase and began incorporating faculty feedback into his initial renderings. Ideas ranged from a whispering gallery (a domed enclosure that allows whispers to be heard across the room) in the building’s lobby to an upgraded black-box theater.
Bob. “That’s very difficult to do right now, because the programs are spread out all over campus.” Indeed, music classrooms provide the only performing arts spaces in PAC Air 1 building. At the other end of the block, film students have classes in the Lushing building, primarily used for Upper School academic courses. The Crossroads Theater is a standalone building. As a result, the performing arts programs are often siloed, despite an overwhelming and ever-growing interest from students.
“As we’ve seen the number of students grow, our actual space and facilities have remained the same,” said Middle School Music Coordinator and Middle and Upper School Music Teacher Tony Hundtoft. “One of the things that resulted from that retreat, “We’re maxed out in terms of the number of students which we hadn’t really we can fit in these rooms anticipated, was the real for rehearsals and just need to put all of the how many rehearsals performing arts disciplines under one roof—or we’re able to run simultaneously or throughout at least, in spaces next to the course of a day.” each other—to allow for collaboration between That’s all set to change. the departments,” said
M A RY A N N ’S DAY O F M U S I C The performing arts center will house a 100-seat recital hall, The Mary Ann, named in honor of longtime music educator Mary Ann Cummins. In May, a group of grateful alumni hosted Mary Ann’s Day of Music, a one-day giving challenge to further celebrate Mary Ann’s incredible impact. Over 95 community members participated, raising critical funds to help purchase a concert grand piano to outfit the recital hall. Thank you to all who contributed!
Friends of The Mary Ann Committee: Henry Choi ’86 Lucia Choi-Dalton ’85
It’s not too late to support Mary Ann’s Day of Music! To make a gift, please scan this QR code.
Steven Copes ’89 Leslie-Anne Copes-Finke ’85 Emily Cummins Polk ’94, P’27, P’31 Anna Cummins ’91 Read about lead donors Henry Choi ’86 and Lucia Choi-Dalton ’85 on page 31.
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BREAKING GROUND In April, the School broke ground on the 58,000-square-foot facility, to be housed on 22nd Street, and announced that the building would be named the Bezdek Center for the Performing Arts in recognition of lead donors Trevor Bezdek ’95 and Jana Bezdek. Thanks to the generosity of Trustee Bruce Stern and his wife, Judi Stern, it will also house the 650-seat Stern Family Theater, which will allow either the entire Middle or Upper School community to gather together indoors, which is not currently possible. A 100-seat recital hall will be named in honor of longtime music teacher Mary Ann Cummins. The Center will also feature state-of-the-art teaching and rehearsal spaces to bolster the School’s exceptional dance, drama, music and filmmaking programs.
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“I’m excited that we’ll get to dance on a bigger stage and have bigger group numbers,” said seventh grade dancer Meera Carroll. “Right now our theater is small, and it’s always crammed. We can probably have 10 to 15 dancers on the stage, max. We have to rehearse our sections separately and don’t get to know each other as well.” The opportunity to work with classmates on a deeper level is an exciting element of the new performing arts facility that reflects the School’s relationship-based culture. Having performing arts classes under the same roof will open up opportunities for cross-collaboration. In recent years, film students have worked with actors in the class Acting for the Camera, which provides From left to right: Elaine Nesbit, Bob Riddle, Mariama Richards and Board Chair Juan Carrillo at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bezdek Center for the Performing Arts.
the young filmmakers a chance to gain experience casting and directing actors in their work. Drama students relish the opportunity to diversify their skills by learning the nuance of camera acting and how it differs from stage work. “Crossroads has such a strong Drama Conservatory program, and I feel very fortunate to work with these talented people,” said ninth grade filmmaking student Sarina Braun. “The new performing arts center is really exciting because if we can have a true dedicated
space, we can really flourish and grow. When you have every single thing you need, you just get to go off of your creativity.” An Equity & Justice Institute seminar room will also be housed in the Center, which speaks to the importance of the program, and the Stern Family Theater will be the new home for the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Equity & Justice Distinguished Lecture Series. It also tangibly connects the worlds of music, film, dance and drama to the fight for social justice, a relationship the School’s
performing arts programs have long emphasized. Drama productions have tackled topics including homophobia, child abuse and environmental degradation. This year, Upper School filmmaking students created films about the Belmar Triangle, a Black community in Santa Monica that was displaced over a period of time during the Jim Crow era. The Dance Department donated the proceeds from concert ticket sales to Free 2 Be Me Dance, a nonprofit that provides opportunities for people with disabilities to learn dance.
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If you are interested in supporting the Bezdek Center for the Performing Arts, please contact the Advancement Office at 310.582.4512.
The performing arts center has inspired some of the largest gifts in the School’s history, including support from trustees, parents, alumni and parents of alumni, whose shared vision in providing students with a state-of-the-art space for performing arts education is helping to make this dream a reality.
the community,” said Head of School Mariama Richards. “Research shows that when you have students’ brains firing on multiple levels, they can acquire a depth of knowledge in a variety of subjects. If they understand music theory, if they are physical through athletics or dance, if they are expressing their creativity through theater, they’re going to be willing to try new things in other parts of their lives.”
“We’ve seen so many people lean in right now because they know this is the next stage of what needs to happen for
Indeed, performing arts education is beneficial both to students who intend to pursue a career in the arts and to those
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
who are simply dabbling. Whether playing an instrument, choreographing a dance, singing in a choir or performing a monologue, students learn how to make bold choices, collaborate with others, overcome obstacles and find their voices. Along the way, they are guided and supported by Crossroads’ outstanding performing arts faculty, forming bonds that often last well after graduation. Jazz band drummer and graduating senior Nathan Winthrop credits Upper School Music Department Chair and Teacher Ramsey Castaneda for fostering
a sense of belonging among students and shaping his time at the School. “Music is hugely important to me, and it’s totally made my whole Crossroads experience,” said Nathan. “The jazz program, especially in the last two years, has very much opened my eyes to music beyond what I thought it was. It has totally shaped my experience at Crossroads, because it aligns with the whole philosophy of the School where [teachers are] here to support your individuality through music, through school, through whatever it is.”
FAYE RAKOV, 11th grade
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EMMI PROGRAM HITS ALL THE RIGHT NOTES The Elizabeth Mandell Music Institute (EMMI) has been a rich part of Crossroads since the early ’80s. This auditionbased classical music conservatory for Upper School piano and strings musicians grew out of the music program founded by Mary Ann Cummins and was named in honor of the late Elizabeth Heller Mandell, a Crossroads parent, grandmother and former trustee of the School.
Currently, EMMI’s home on the 21st Street Campus is the cozy Roth Hall, also used by the rest of the School as a multipurpose space. A separate building across campus
Gina is excited for students to play their first performances in The Mary Ann. “The stage is the best teacher, and it’s not until you get on the stage that you discover if all the hard work you’ve done will be successful,” said Gina. “It becomes a partner in your educational process. Musicians have to play differently in different spaces. The bigger and finer the acoustics of a space, the more refined and acutely detailed the playing needs to be.” The EMMI program is unique, offering young musicians an advanced-level music education as well as a well-rounded high school curriculum, preparing them for success in higher education and beyond. In addition to their general coursework, EMMI students learn music theory and perform in a large chamber orchestra
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This year, Crossroads welcomed Gina Coletti as EMMI’s new director. Gina was most recently the chair of the Chamber Department at the acclaimed Colburn Community School of Performing Arts in downtown Los Angeles, and has been a passionate musician since age 5, when she first discovered the piano. (She picked up the viola three years later.) She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from Stanford and Juilliard, respectively. She’s excited about the growth opportunities she sees for EMMI, particularly those that will be made possible by the creation of the Bezdek Center for the Performing Arts.
houses one music classroom and two small practice rooms. The design of the Bezdek Center for the Performing Arts will give music students ample room to practice and perform their craft in a stateof-art facility with new pianos, recording equipment and other resources. In addition to four music practice rooms and five music classrooms, the building will also house the 100-seat Mary Ann recital hall and the 650-seat Stern Family Theater.
EMMI student musicians with conductor Alex Treger and program director Gina Coletti.
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Ninth grader Elizabeth Hayden.
ensemble with a conductor, as well as in smaller chamber music ensembles that provide them with additional artistic freedom. They perform ensemble and solo shows multiple times a year, and participate in performing arts events across the school, playing in the annual holiday concert and for Cabaret, the musical spring fundraiser. Some EMMI
students even donned cowboy hats and boots to play in the pit for the Drama Conservatory’s production of “Oklahoma!” “EMMI has been very helpful to my career as a musician,” remarks senior Marena Miki. “It’s provided opportunities to play in chamber groups with other EMMI students and to have amazing teachers from
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Pianist Tyler Hernandez, a junior, and violinist Marena Miki, a senior.
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Alex Treger conducts the EMMI Chamber Music Concert on April 25.
E M M I A LU M N I EMMI graduates go on to vibrant careers as professional musicians, composers and recording artists, with many performing in renowned orchestras, opera houses and symphonies around the world. Here is just a small sampling of what our EMMI graduates are doing with their exemplary music education: Gianna Abondolo ’84 Former cellist, Los Angeles Philharmonic Angela Bae ’15 founding member and first violinist, Balourdet Quartet Robert Chen ’87 Concertmaster, Chicago Symphony Orchestra Steven Copes ’89 Concertmaster, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra Danielle de Niese ’97 Soprano, Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Glyndebourne Festival Opera Tim Fain ’94 Concert violinist and composer Eric Huebner ’95 Piano, New York Philharmonic Michelle Kim ’91 Assistant concertmaster, New York Philharmonic Max Levinson ’89 Professor, New England Conservatory Haldan Martinson ’89 Second violin, Boston Symphony Orchestra
the Greater Los Angeles community coach us, furthering our understanding of the music we play.” Marena is also grateful for the personal attention that the Crossroads’ music faculty provides and how much he was able to perform over his four years here. He will head to USC Thornton School of Music this fall to continue his violin studies. EMMI’s distinguished faculty includes legendary music teacher Mary Ann Cummins, former LA Phil Concertmaster Alex Treger, and Kathy Sawada, Music Theory chair at the Colburn Community
School of Performing Arts. EMMI also hosts a wealth of accomplished musicians— many of them EMMI alumni— as guest instructors. For Gina, it’s important to impart to students not only technical skills, but a true appreciation for the way that music brings people together. “For our studies to be meaningful, I want our students to keep in mind that music is really about connecting with other people—to make people’s lives better. To show beauty and to show our humanity.”
Luca Mendoza ’17 Pianist, composer, producer Diana Newman ’08 Soprano, Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Dallas Opera Nokuthula Ngwenyama ’94 Composer-inresidence, Phoenix Chamber Music Society Carol Ou ’87 Professor, New England Conservatory Isaac Pross ’18, Composer, music producer Sheryl Staples ’86 Violin and principal associate concertmaster, New York Philharmonic Josefina Vergara ’89 Principal second violin, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra Andrew von Oeyen ’98 Concert pianist Jeffrey Weisner ’88 Bass, National Symphony Orchestra Sharon Yamada ’81 Violin, New York Philharmonic Chen Zhao ’93 Second violin, San Francisco Symphony
ISABELLA ROBINS, second grade
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20 YEARS
PETER DEL GIUDICE During his early years as an associate teacher in Crossroads’ kindergarten, Peter realized teaching was his calling. He went on to work as an associate teacher in fourth grade and a lead teacher in first grade. For the last nine years, he’s been a second grade lead teacher. In that time, Peter has become a master of curriculum development. Early on, his goal was to create a second grade humanities class, which he has done countless times since. Perhaps his most well-known unit is The World of Work, an experiential learning project to answer the question, “If you were an entrepreneur, would you pay workers a living wage or a minimum wage?” Students take on the role of restaurateurs: Among other tasks, they
ROBYN FAIRCHILD develop a mission statement and food concept, and design the look and layout of their restaurants. They work as servers, runners and bussers for visiting parent/guardian “customers.” Experiencing work from both an employer and employee perspective deepens their reflection as they answer the project’s big question. As Peter tells it, the best day of his teaching career was in March of 2022. Three of his students described the holiday Holi, inspiring a classroom excursion to the beach to commemorate the Hindu celebration of spring. Per Holi tradition, students, parents, guardians and teachers wore white and tossed colored powder at each other. Peter loved how the event reflected the values of Crossroads in its celebration of cultures, creative expression and community.
It’s not unusual for multiple members of the same family to list Crossroads School on their resumes. Of the four Fairchild siblings—who were raised in Michigan—all but one eventually moved to Los Angeles and worked at the School. Dawn was first, working in development and community outreach. Robyn followed, yearning for a change after working in corporate advertising and recruiting on both coasts. Amy, who was last to come on board, worked in Admissions and assisted the Advancement director. (The sisters also have a brother, Doug, who lives in Wisconsin.) Robyn began her career at Crossroads as a rental coordinator. Dawn had told her that the School was a great place to work, and Robyn had event-planning experience, making her a perfect fit for the position.
Robyn’s many talents were quickly recognized, and soon she was also handling accounting and other administrative tasks. While she loved the variety of the duties for which she was responsible, she found interacting with students to be especially meaningful. When longtime Upper School Coordinator Cheryl Junod announced her retirement in 2017, Robyn jumped at the chance to serve in that position now known as the Upper School administrative coordinator. Robyn assists the division head and assistant head and is a member of the Master Calendar Committee. On any given day, you can find her drafting and sending communications; scheduling meetings for Upper School administrators; answering a dizzying number of questions from employees, students and parents; and keeping the Upper School humming along.
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JOHN HOWARD Before John had ever heard of Crossroads, he was working at Sport Chalet and had a coworker who also worked at the School. John applied for a position coaching the Middle School flag football teams and was hired. After colleagues at Crossroads discovered that he also ran track, John was recruited to coach the track team. In his third year, he transitioned from coaching Middle School track to Upper School varsity track, which he still does to this day. After four years of coaching, John became a PE assistant at the Elementary School. When the junior varsity basketball coach was out on medical leave, John took over that role for four years and coached Middle School basketball for two seasons. In 2016, John
TONY HUNDTOFT joined the School full-time as a Middle School PE instructor. John finds that students keep him laughing, and he enjoys watching them grow and mature over the years. He has a special talent for making physical education fun, especially for students who are initially hesitant at the prospect of playing sports. These same students often surprise John by joining teams after discovering their passion for athletics in his class. John is a talented artist who always keeps his sketchbook with him, using free moments to draw. He’s even taught a Middle School art Options class. Highlights of his career include the 2014 Varsity Track League Championship and watching some of his players earn fullride track scholarships to prestigious universities.
When Tony was just 17, he played drums at a dinner theater in Michigan, where he met fellow musicians Jarod Sheahan, David Listenberger and Evan Avery. A few years later, when Evan became chair of the Music Department at Crossroads, he recruited Jarod, David and Tony to help him build the program. Tony began his Crossroads career directing the Eighth Grade Jazz Collective and the Middle School Options band. He took on more classes over the next several years and began teaching full time in 2008. That same year, he founded the Upper School class Soul Roads, which plays rock, soul, funk and other styles of popular music. Tony teaches music in both the Middle and Upper Schools and serves as the Middle School music coordinator.
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He is proud of the growth of the division’s instrumental music program. When he started at Crossroads, there was only one Middle School Options band; today, there are four. One of Tony’s greatest joys is watching students discover their passion for music and seeing their growth as they move through the divisions. Alumni who are professional musicians often credit Tony with playing a key role in their musical journey. You can find him playing drums in the pit for school musicals and the Cabaret spring fundraiser. Tony is not the only Hundtoft teaching budding performers at Crossroads: His wife, Jennifer, is a Middle School drama teacher. They are the proud parents of 6-year-old Anderson and 2-year-old Colby.
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JEFF KUO Jeff first joined Crossroads School as a contractor. Back when the School’s network was still in its infancy, Jeff ran cables in offices and classrooms and helped make network connections between buildings throughout the campus. Eventually, he found ways to wire all the buildings on both campuses so that people could communicate digitally from anywhere. Often this work involved climbing on roofs and in crawl spaces or working in closets and underground vaults. Jeff documented all of these cable runs on a digital network map so impressively detailed that it is the envy of every IT professional who has ever laid eyes on it! It is the Holy Grail of network maps, and Jeff knows the location of every single line at Crossroads, including ones the School no longer uses.
SOFIA LIN Everyone who has worked closely with Jeff—now the senior network administrator— admires his expertise and his willingness to share his knowledge. Colleagues credit him with helping them develop new IT skills. Jeff works tirelessly to keep the School running smoothly, while also supporting his team members with their questions and challenges. When Jeff isn’t at work, he enjoys dragon boat racing, off-roading, camping, hiking and snowboarding. His adventures have taken him to the American West, Mexico, Canada, Asia and Europe. Jeff also makes time to visit his parents, now retired, with whom he emigrated from Taiwan when he was a toddler. His adventurous and generous spirit is reflected in his personal mantra “LIVE,” which is short for love, intention, vitality and endure.
Sofia began her teaching career in New York City public schools. After graduating from Teachers College, Columbia University, a former Crossroads employee encouraged her to set her sights on California and apply for a job at the School. Throughout the application process, Sofia connected easily with potential colleagues, felt the joy that permeated the atmosphere, and loved the rituals and traditions embedded in the School’s culture. She taught fourth grade for a year, followed by three years teaching second grade. After that, she switched to third grade, where she has been ever since. Now a Crossroads veteran, Sofia has mentored many assistant and associate teachers over the years, who have benefited from her decades of experience and her calm, insightful demeanor.
Sofia is particularly proud of reimagining the third grade social studies and literature curricula through a diversity, equity and inclusion lens to make learning more meaningful for students. She infuses the social studies curriculum with stories, primary sources, field trips and guest speakers. Never one to teach the same way twice, Sofia modifies the curriculum to ensure it resonates for each new class of students. Sofia is married to Howe Lin, a Crossroads Middle School Core teacher and DEI coordinator. They are the proud parents of two Crossroads students: rising sixth grader Holden and rising third grader Heath. Sofia is thrilled that her children are being raised in the same wonderful community that nurtured her as a teacher and as a person.
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KALEO LITVIN, fifth grade
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LURIE STRAND After teaching in public schools in her native state of New York, Lurie joined Crossroads as a third grade teacher and moved to second grade five years later. The School made Lurie feel grounded and welcomed immediately. Much of what she adores about Crossroads has stayed the same over the decades: the joy she experiences in her daily interactions with children and the spark she witnesses when a child “gets it.” At the same time, Lurie is proud of being a teacher who can grow and change. She especially appreciates the opportunity to work closely with her colleagues and the Student Support team. Collaborating with fellow teachers and learning specialists has helped her
VERONICA ULLOA better differentiate her teaching approach to address the diverse learning styles of her students. Students and parents alike appreciate the time she takes to get to know each child and to provide personalized support to help them reach their full potential. The Crossroads community means a great deal to Lurie. Her son, Owyn, a rising senior, is a lifer, and her husband, Mark, has been deeply involved in the life of the School. He’s hosted a Party Book event; attended Gatherings, performances and games; and even performed in Cabaret twice. At an Elementary School Gathering in March, Lurie’s class shared the jobs that they’d conceived to help the Crossroads community run smoothly, demonstrating the same care for the people of Crossroads that Lurie has for the last two decades.
Veronica began her Crossroads career as a beloved Elementary School receptionist. In 2004, she moved to the 21st Street Campus to work in the Advancement Office. Veronica served in roles including assistant to the directors of advancement and development and as the office manager, putting her excellent project management and organizational skills to good use. Today, Veronica is the advancement events coordinator, managing the myriad tasks of her job with extraordinary grace, calm and positivity. Veronica is instrumental in planning and executing major events, including the annual Alley Party and Parent Association Spring Event Fundraiser, as well as other school offerings, such as Grandparent Councils, Crossroads Fund phone-a-thons
and employee celebrations. As if that didn’t keep her busy enough, she somehow finds the time to serve on the Master Calendar and Safety committees as a staff representative. While many employees feel that Crossroads faculty and staff are their family, for Veronica, this sentiment is quite literally true. Her father, Jose Martin, was among the School’s early crossing guards. Sister Elisabeth Magaña is an auxiliary services assistant and Spanish language liaison. Niece Akemi Maruki is a ceramics teacher, and two nieces and a nephew are alumni. Director of Parent Relations & Special Events Mery Grace Castelo, Veronica’s longtime friend and supervisor, describes her as a “tireless and cheerful Energizer Bunny.” Veronica enjoys spending time with her sons, Froi and Fabian, and her dog, Violet, as well as roller skating in her purple suede skates and cheering on the Dodgers!
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MARISA ALIMENTO Marisa first landed at Crossroads to fill a long-term substitute teaching position in the Middle School Latin Department. She was so successful in the role that she was hired full time in 1992! Marisa has taught seventh, eighth and 11th grade Latin and Greek. She has also taught Options courses on ancient languages as well as subjects like gardening and modern and ancient graffiti. Marisa serves as the School’s primary sponsor for the Junior Classical League, which promotes the study of Greek, Latin and ancient cultures. She was one of the first two Middle School teachers to serve as a faculty representative and still jumps at any chance to contribute to the School community. Marisa appreciates spending time with colleagues who
KEVIN “K.K.” JACKSON have become friends, working together to help students become the best people they can be. Some of her most cherished moments have taken place at alumni reunions when, even after 10 or more years, former students serenade her with Latin verb songs. Marisa and her colleagues have taken Middle School students to 28 Latin conventions, where the School has won spirit awards several times. Marisa has helped host three Southern California Regional Amici Madness days replete with imaginative activities based on Latin literature and culture. In 2020, she earned the Society of Classical Studies Excellence in Teaching Award. Marisa is thankful to Paul Cummins for hiring her, and to the Middle School administrators who have supported her through the decades. She is the proud mother of Cassandra ’18 and Chloe ’26.
K.K. has been at Crossroads for 42 years—30 years as an employee and 12 years as a student! He arrived as a first grader in what was then St. Augustine-by-the-Sea, which later merged with Crossroads. He loved his new school, where the students, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, were buddies. A highlight of his student journey was earning the first CIF basketball championship for the School in 1982. In 1993, K.K. returned to Crossroads as a PE assistant. He’s grateful to Paul Cummins, Crossroads co-founder and first headmaster, for seeing something in him that he didn’t see himself. K.K. soon became the assistant varsity girls basketball coach and the lead K-5 PE teacher. In 1998, he coached junior varsity boys basketball while also serving
as assistant coach for both varsity girls softball teams. He rose to be head coach of the varsity boys basketball team, which was his dream come true. For seven years, he was the fifth-grade sports coach for both football and basketball. As if he isn’t busy enough coaching and teaching, K.K. has always been committed to community service. He has worked with Camp Harmony for 20 years, the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club for 25 years and the New Bethel Church for 25 years. In 1994, he started a family nonprofit, Runners Basketball Camp, which continues to this day. Much beloved, charismatic and unstoppable, K.K. is a Crossroads legend.
CROSS SECTIONS MAGAZINE / SUMMER 2023 57
Laura started her time at Crossroads as a bookeeper for the School’s first summer camp program for Elementary Schoolers. She spent several years working in two departments—managing the summer budgets and processing the School’s payroll—before transitioning into the role of director of Auxiliary Services. Laura attributes her swift rise through the organization to her dad, who told her, “Do whatever it takes to do the job and show Headmaster Roger Weaver what you can do.” She did! Laura’s responsibilities for food management at Crossroads started during her first summer, when she hired a caterer to make lunches for 30 campers. Today, she is the liaison for both campuses, working with students, faculty, staff, parents and vendors, and facilitates many all-school meals each year.
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Over time, Laura’s role has expanded enormously. She oversees revenue-generating programs, including the summer program and facility rentals, while also managing operational projects such as the master calendar and food services. For many years, Laura oversaw spiritwear production; she also has a special talent for planning and project management. She is especially proud of the work she’s done mentoring and training several staff members who have gone on to teaching and administrative jobs at the School. For Laura, Crossroads feels like family. In fact, her sister, Rhonda, is the Upper School & College Counseling administrative assistant! She enjoys the close friendships she has formed over the years and the appreciation she has received from the community.
Director of Summer Programs ANGELA SMITH celebrated 30 years at Crossroads and also retired! Read about her Crossroads journey on page 63.
GABRIELLA BROWN, seventh grade
LAURA TELL PRESBURGER
58 CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES
HONORING EMPLOYEES
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VERNON SALYERS Thirty years ago, Vernon was attending Otis College of Art and Design for his BFA. The program had a unique requitsite—a four-week student teaching requirement. Vernon wanted to teach a nude-figure drawing class, but that was nearly unheard of at the highschool level. Fortunately, he met Lucia Winograd, an art teacher at Crossroads. Lucia was thrilled to facilitate Vernon teaching a figure drawing class. Administrators gave the green light, and eight parents signed waivers to allow their children to enroll as artists in the class. Enrollment picked up, and soon the class expanded to meet twice a week for two hours after school; he also taught the class at New Roads. As one of the first to offer a nude figure drawing class to high school students in California, Vernon
ALEX TREGER was a trailblazer in bringing college-level fine arts to an upper school setting. In addition to his teaching, Vernon pursued his own art and played in his band. In 2010, Vernon broke his neck in three places in a serious motorcycle accident that left him partially paralyzed and with limited use of his right hand. Vernon, who had never taken a sick day before his accident, insisted on coming back to work after three months of leave. He was thrilled to be back at school, and managed his injury by wearing a neck brace and lying down in between classes. Vernon finds great joy seeing kids, especially those who don’t consider themselves naturally artistic, create something magnificent. Despite ongoing residual effects from the accident, Vernon continues to surf and ride his motorcycle.
As a 5-year-old with perfect pitch in his native Russia, Alex was advised to study violin. By age 13, he had won many competitions and was invited to join the Moscow Conservatory to train with famed Russian violinist David Oistrakh. In 1974, at age 23 and speaking no English, he was asked to join the Los Angeles Philharmonic, where he became concert master in 1995. In 1993, Paul and Mary Ann Cummins called to see if he would like to direct the Crossroads chamber orchestra, which would later evolve into the Elizabeth Mandell Music Institute (EMMI). He has been here ever since, training young violinists in Oistrakh’s techniques and teaching musicians how to be part of an orchestra. Alex was a professor of violin at UCLA for 20 years;
has given master classes and recitals around the world; and served as conductor of the American Youth Symphony. There have been many highlights over the years. The EMMI chamber orchestra was invited to play at the Clinton White House in 1994. Due to security issues, the students performed at a nearby college, and the program was televised on national TV. (They did get a special White House tour.) Other memorable moments include playing concerts at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s Bing Theater, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and Carnegie Hall, where in 2019 the orchestra won a gold award.
ELA ORENGO , ninth grade
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60 CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES
RETIRING EMPLOYEES
Francisco Balderas
Francisco arrived at the Crossroads Alley long before he became a School employee. From 1978-1987, when the 21st Street Campus was a mix of commercial spaces, residences and just a few Crossroads buildings, Francisco lived in a home owned by the Regalado family, which today is an employee lounge named Regalado. During that time, Francisco met Crossroads Plant Manager Frank Gillette, who hired him as a part-time custodian in 1989. Francisco proved to be such an excellent worker that he was eventually hired for a full-time position. He rarely missed a shift in over 30 years. Francisco’s work ethic and knowledge made him a valued member of the night crew, and his friendly, good-natured demeanor has made him a beloved colleague. Custodial Supervisor Paul Larson reflected, “Francisco has led our floor care team on 21st Street for many years. Through his wide range of experience, we have been able
Bruce Fisher
to refinish classroom floors each year without the need to hire outside companies, which has saved the School a lot of money. Francisco has contributed greatly to the team’s overall success. We will miss his smile!” Francisco came to the United States from Mexico when he was 22 years old. He is looking forward to returning to Mexico, where he and his wife have built a retirement home in Rosarito. They chose the spot to be near his mother and 13 siblings while remaining close enough to California that his children— Francisco Javier, who is serving in the U.S. Navy, and Claudia, who is a graduate of U.C. Berkeley—can easily visit on weekends.
When Bruce arrived at Crossroads 24 years ago as a maintenance engineer, he was the School’s designated welder in addition to handling plumbing, carpentry, drywall work and various maintenance tasks. Bruce can fabricate anything out of any material. He remade the “eyebrow” sculpture on the wall of the Crossroads Gym, which had been hit by balls so many times that it had fallen apart. Bruce made panels and frames to hold and protect the sculpture, and it is still in good shape 15 years later. He replaced the rotting fencing around the pool with stainless steel fencing that should last for 20 years. If you see any metal gates around the School, they are surely Bruce’s creations. Bruce—whose sister is former Director of Institutional Advancement Gennifer Yoshimaru—loved helping students with projects. He was thrilled when the Latin Club won two first-place
medals at the Latin Convention using the trebuchet and gladiator cart he helped build. Colleague Rafa Caceres described Bruce as “humble, respectful and quiet.” Rafa said, “Bruce is skillful at every level, not just at doing the job, but doing it carefully and artistically.” Director of Facilities Gayle Taylor said, “We are so grateful to Bruce for his service to the School community over the last 24 years. His workmanship and dedication to Crossroads will be truly missed!” During his retirement, Bruce is looking forward to welding on a smaller scale, especially while working with silver and turquoise. Though the School will miss Bruce tremendously, we have only to look at all the metal structures around campus to feel his impact!
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Ximena Muñoz
In her 25 years at Crossroads, Ximena has taught every level of Spanish offered in the Middle and Upper Schools. She has also taught Middle School Options classes and Upper School French 1 and 2. Ximena served as the chair of the Upper School Modern Foreign Languages Department and the coordinator for Middle School Modern Languages. After a brief hiatus to raise her children, former Head of School Bob Riddle asked Ximena to create the new sixth grade Spanish program. Morgan Schwartz, retired director of the Middle School, said, “Ximena took on this challenge with her trademark professionalism. Highly dedicated to her discipline, as curriculum coordinator Ximena helped hire and supervise faculty and collaborated to create the best possible program.” Along with her Upper School colleagues, Ximena started the international exchange and study abroad program, which has grown enormously. Ximena
Tom Nolan
worked with Middle School colleagues to design projectbased lessons integrated with cultural components. “Ximena is an incredibly dedicated and caring teacher, making time to help her students outside of class even when she only worked part time,” says colleague Molly Cavallaro. “She often stays up late working to give her students detailed and timely feedback. Seeing how comfortable Ximena’s students feel using Spanish when they interact with her reflects the time, energy and care she dedicates to both teaching and her students.” Ximena feels blessed to have been able to work for so many years doing something she truly loves with colleagues she admires. Her students, both past and present, bring her great joy and fostered her creativity to develop new ways of teaching language skills. In retirement, Ximena hopes to write a family history, become more involved with her sons’ activities, travel and volunteer.
Tom Nolan has worn many hats during his 37-year career at Crossroads. But no matter what his official title, Tom has always centered his work in cultivating meaningful connections with students and colleagues. Tom and his wife, former Life Skills and drama teacher Peggy O’Brien, joined Crossroads in 1986. He began as a part-time Life Skills teacher and assistant director of admissions and became the dean of students in 1994. To signal the shift from cool, laid-back Life Skills teacher to authoritative supervising dean, Tom wore a sheriff’s badge during his first year on the job. Tom has also served as Upper School assistant director and dean of alumni relations. Tom and Peggy are the proud parents of Jesse ’01 and Liz ’03. Tom’s warmth, intelligence, humor and deep commitment to students have had a tremendous influence on Crossroads’ culture. Upper School Life Skills Department Chair and Teacher David Listenberger reflected,
“Tom Nolan is the consummate mentor. He has had a role in teaching everyone in our Life Skills Department how to do this work. His joy, humor, ingenuity, heart and music will be greatly missed around here.” Outside of School, Tom is well-known as the front man of the Tom Nolan Band, playing at venues around town as well as many School events. Former Crossroads crossing guard Larry Sheffield remarked, after joining the band for a song at his own retirement party, “What I love about singing with Tom is he throws off vibes and he gives you a good feeling of what you’re doing.” The School is grateful for the amazing vibes Tom has brought in all his roles over the years and the deep connections he has fostered in the Crossroads community across generations.
62 CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES
RETIRING EMPLOYEES
Leslie Rosdol
In 1990, Leslie was invited by a friend employed at Crossroads to teach a ceramics class. Before long, she was teaching Middle and Upper School ceramics, summer school and Hang Out classes, while also teaching adult ceramics part time and focusing on her own artistic work. Leslie’s greatest joy has been working with children and teens, in particular when she witnesses them have a “spark” that grows into an idea and then an art form. Former colleague Tina Turbeville shared, “Leslie teaches more than technique— she fosters students’ creative concepts to fruition and creates an atmosphere where play becomes the vehicle for building ideas.” In addition to teaching the rigors of artistic practice, each fall, during the first week of classes, Leslie hosted the annual “Clay Olympics,” where small teams of students competed in events like making the most pinch pots or the longest coil in a
Ilene Silk
given amount of time. The goal was to create a safe and playful environment and to foster engagement. The end of the year “Smash-O-Rama” exemplifies Leslie’s whimsy. Students saved the work they don’t take home so they could throw or smash it into a huge tarp. Alejandro Okun ’16 said, “Leslie is a shining example of what Crossroads strives to promote in their faculty. She not only has the heart of an artist, but kindness and patience, as well. She promotes creativity and innovation without the fear of failure.” Alejandro appreciates the creative projects she facilitated, perhaps an extension of her own exquisitely crafted art. Last year, her work was shown in the Crossroads Alumni and Faculty Art Exhibition held at the Chuck Arnoldi Studio in Venice. Her son, Aron, graduated Crossroads in 2014.
Ilene has spent more than 50 years in education, nearly half of which have been at Crossroads. Second grade teacher Peter Del Giudice said, “Ilene has been the heart of Crossroads Elementary School for 24 years. She has taught all of us to lean into compassion and love when working through challenges with children, families and colleagues.” Joanie Martin, retired longtime director of the Elementary School, often consulted with Ilene, as her care and deep insight into Crossroads’ culture was invaluable in making decisions that aligned with the values of the School. Ilene’s teaching, in second grade and then as Elementary School dean of students, always came from a values perspective. She has long been a champion of social justice and equality, and has imparted important lessons to students with her signature warmth. Kindergarten teacher Lisa Doyle reflected, “Ilene is the ‘friendship doctor’ and ‘kindness coach’ who helps bruised friendships and feelings heal.
In every situation, Ilene leads with intelligence, patience, empathy and a generous sense of humor.” Many teachers sought her support in meetings with students, parents and colleagues, knowing that she would hold space so that everyone felt heard and safe. In addition to her intuitive wisdom, Ilene is a prodigious intellect. She has helped teachers adapt to evolving approaches to teaching math and has organized math groups for students of different skill levels. Ilene’s advanced math projects were exciting for students seeking a challenge. Students from Ilene’s years of teaching continue to stay in touch, and many former students repeatedly remind her of her deep and profound impact on their lives. She leaves a legacy of making children feel loved, seen and heard.
CROSS SECTIONS MAGAZINE / SUMMER 2023 63
Angela Smith
In March of 1993, Roger Weaver asked Angela to open a summer camp for Elementary Schoolers that June. She said yes, without an office, phone or any staff until she hired her friend, Laura Presburger who still works at Crossroads to this day. That year, Angela’s husband, Doug, strung a telephone line across the roof of the Elementary School to get a phone into a classroom they used as an office. Since then, Angela has served as director of Summer Programs and the Crossroads camp evolved into a K-12 program with vast offerings. Thousands of kids have attended Summer at Crossroads, including Crossroads students and those from the Greater Los Angeles community. Angela is especially proud of the hundreds of children that are more water-safe, have learned to swim or have improved their swimming skills in lessons offered every summer for the last 30 years. “From a 30-student camp on Fourth Street to over 900
Zoey Zimmerman
students on two campuses, Angela’s dedication to customer service, program design and safety were experienced by thousands of students over her 30 years of service to Crossroads,” said Laura. In 2013, Angela took on the added responsibility of administering the Middle and Upper School substitute teaching program. She has served on numerous committees to support the School’s safety and its employees. Angela has probably hired more people than anyone at Crossroads! She is delighted that many went on to become school-year staff, teachers and administrators over the years. Angela is grateful to Roger Weaver and her colleagues without whom the richness and joy of the Summer Program would not have been possible. She is thankful to her family for their love and support and to Crossroads for the ways in which it has shaped her two children, Ginny ’08 and Casey ’15, and her husband, Doug, over all these years!
An activist, passionate educator and gifted writer, the remarkable Zoey has brought extraordinary dedication to her 26 years as a Middle and Upper School drama teacher. Zoey is devoted to helping her students find inspiration, motivation and gratification in serving something larger than themselves. She deeply believes in the power of theater as a form of political activism, teasing out social justice themes in dramatic works and fostering social consciousness and critical thinking in her students. At the same time, she creates a safe, nurturing and playful atmosphere for students to take risks and express themselves creatively. As her colleague, Nancy Seid said, “The most important thing Zoey does is create a deep sense of community with her students.” That extends to her colleagues as well. Last year, Zoey and fellow drama teacher Brian Mulligan taught an improvisation workshop to Crossroads employees during a professional development day.
Zoey has also been a torchbearer for Shakespeare. She has directed Shakespeare productions across multiple divisions and, since 2015, has participated in the Drama Teachers Association of Southern California’s Shakespeare Festival for both Middle and Upper School students. (This year’s Middle Schoolers won first place in all three categories in which they competed.) Zoey also developed a Conservatory module called Shakespeare Delivered, in which students visited classrooms and administrative offices on campus, presenting both comical and dramatic monologues to their peers, faculty and staff. Zoey is also a talented playwright. Her adaption of “The Wind in the Willows,” first performed by the Crossroads Middle School Players, has been produced nationally and internationally. Her future plans include directing, acting, writing, freelance acting coaching, and supporting climate activism.
64 CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES
ALUMNI NEWS
WELCOME TO THE CLASS OF 2023!
The Crossroads Alumni Association warmly welcomes our newest members, the Class of 2023! We hope you’ll take advantage of all the gatherings, class reunions, networking opportunities and more enjoyed by Crossroads graduates from across the decades. On the opposite page, you’ll find the dates of upcoming events and ways to connect online. (Don’t forget to update your contact information at xrds.org/stayinvolved.) Here are just a few of our current and future programs for alumni:
Alumni Internship Program We help match high school seniors and college-age graduates with internships that align with their interests. Internship opportunities are solicited from our vast School community, at organizations including Children’s Hospital, the Los Angeles Superior Court, Bowman Medical Group, Netflix, Goop, GoodRx, PS Science and the Weg Law Group.
Gabriella Lucio ’21 interned at the studio Indigenous Media this summer.
BIPOC Mentorship Program We are in the early stages of developing a mentorship program pairing BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) alumni with Crossroads students to provide guidance on friendships, schoolwork, professional aspirations and more. We look forward to sharing updates with the community! Want to learn more about the Alumni Internship Program or the BIPOC Mentorship Program? Contact Alumni Relations Associate Rachael Golding at rgolding@xrds.org. Small Business Directory Advertise your business or browse for goods and services from alumni-owned enterprises. It’s a great way to generate new customers and clients, support one another and learn what your fellow alumni are working on. Visit xrds.org/alumnibusinesses for more information.
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Stay Connected! We love keeping in touch with our alumni and parents of alumni! Please see below for a list of ways you can stay connected to the Crossroads community.
ATTE ND AN EVE NT!
10/08/2023
05/18/2024
Alley Party
Spring Event: Rock ’n’ Roads
21st Street Campus Kick off the school year with the entire Crossroads community!
Hollywood Palladium Attendees must be 21 or older.
Reunions Our new format groups multiple classes for some reunions. It’s a great way to bring more friends together to reconnect and celebrate. 2023-24 reunions will include:
06/08/2024 5-Year Reunion Class of 2019
06/08/2024
10-Year Reunion Combined Classes of 2013, 2014 and 2015
06/01/2024
20-Year Reunion Combined Classes of 2003, 2004 and 2005
05/04/2024 NEW! 25-Year Reunion Class of 1999
03/10/2024
11/16/2023
01/31/2024
Alumni BIPOC Gathering
Parents of Alumni Gathering
Join fellow alumni who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color to discuss how to support and strengthen the School’s diverse community.
Come together for a fun night of food, drink and reminiscing with old friends.
Parent Reunion for the Class of 2023 Stay connected in your first year out!
CONNECT ONLINE! Alumni Online Portal xrds.org/alumni ›U pdate your contact information. ›A ccess the Alumni Directory. ›K eep in touch with a Class Note. ›S ign up to volunteer for events and
opportunities.
Alumni on Instagram @crossroadsalumni ›S hare old and new photos.
Alumni Group on Facebook xrds.org/alumnifacebook › J oin more than 2,700 group members. ›P ost, view, like or comment on recent
and upcoming events.
›V iew alumni event photos.
Parents of Alumni Group on Facebook xrds.org/parentsofalumnifacebook ›C onnect and keep in touch with old friends. ›S hare stories.
Alumni Network on LinkedIn xrds.org/alumnilinkedin › Search for or post a job or internship. ›F ind Crossroads alumni in your industry. ›C onnect or collaborate with someone in
another industry.
Recently moved? Not sure if we have your correct contact information? Please visit xrds.org/stayinvolved and let us know how to reach you.
66 CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES
ALUMNI NEWS
Parents of Alumni Reconnect and Stay Involved Every year, parents of alumni reconnect with the Crossroads community, see old friends and make new ones at events organized by the Alumni Relations Office. While the offerings vary year to year, they always include wonderful food and drink, dynamic experiences and, of course, terrific company! In November, parents of alumni gathered to explore the interplay of their senses at a special event produced in partnership with Five Senses Tasting. The inspired pairings of food and chocolate with wine, spirits and music were created specifically for the Crossroads community and presented in three acts: Room to Explore, the Whole Person and a Sense of Home. The journey was a lush tapestry of flavors, music and images that made for a unique evening. Parents of the Class of 2022 also came together in February to take part in the annual tradition of creating care packages to send to our newest alumni. Whether in their first year of college or out in the world experiencing life beyond high school, these alumni received a package of the latest Crossroads spiritwear, sweets treats and Starbucks gift cards, providing a little comfort and a winter pick-me-up. The care package event is always a special time for parents of recent graduates to reconnect and swap stories about how their children are doing during their first year out of high school. We love to see parents of alumni at these events as well as at gatherings like the welcome-back-to-school Alley Party and Parent Association Spring Fundraiser. Parents of alumni are also an important part of our volunteer corps: If you’d like to get involved, please email Alumni Relations Associate Rachael Golding at rgolding@xrds.org. We’d love to hear from you!
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Parents of the Class of 2022 Care Package Event 1. Susan Arena P’19, P’22, Sal Lucio P’19, P’21, P’22 and Jennifer Bryan P’08, P’22, P’25 2. Margaret Smith P’22, Soo Hong P’22 and Colleen Goetz P’22, P’26, P’29 3. Helena and Volker Ammann P’22 4. Angelique Gagnon P’22, P’24 and Renee Mann P’22, P’22 5. Sandy Itkoff P’18, P’22 and Tessa Posnansky P’22
Alison Trope and Tom Kemper P’21, P’26 with Tom Nolan P’01, P’03 at the Five Senses Tasting Event.
CROSS SECTIONS MAGAZINE / SUMMER 2023 67
Former Students Become Teachers
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Crossroads alumni stay connected to the School in many ways, including by returning to campus as guest teachers. In this issue, we’re highlighting alumni—and parents of alumni—working in various fields of the performing arts who visited Crossroads this year to educate and engage with students. We’re grateful to these longtime community members for sharing their talents and expertise with today’s Roadrunners. (In addition to those featured below, filmmaker Brett Morgen ’87, P’21, P’23, P’26 discussed his David Bowie documentary “Moonage Daydream” with the Crossroads Advanced Studies Filmmaking class.)
>>> 1. Filmmaker and screenwriter Alex Kurtzman ’91, P’25 discusses screenwriting with Upper School students in the Senior English Seminar “Adaptations: From Book to Screen.”
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2. Musician Angela Bae ’16 (with fellow members of the Balourdet Quartet) performs for EMMI students and shares her professional experience. 3. Dancer and choreographer Keely Ross ’21 (second row, third from left) visits with Upper School dancers to choreograph a piece for their Winter Dance Concert.
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4. Playwright and lyricist Karey Kirkpatrick P’16, P’18, P’21 speaks with the Drama Conservatory cast and crew of “Something Rotten!,” his Tony-nominated musical. 5. USC School of Cinematic Arts student Aristotle Hartzell ’20 visited Filmmaking 2/3 to share his experience applying to and attending film school.
68 CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES
ALUMNI NEWS
Reunions This year, Crossroads hosted three in-person reunions for alumni celebrating their 5-, 30- and 40-year graduation anniversaries. Each of the events brought together two to three classes for what proved to be wonderful nights of reconnection in the Alley. 5-YEAR REUNION | June 3, 2023 | Classes of 2017 and 2018
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1. Class of 2017 2. A lec Schulman ’17, Talia Lichtstein ’17, Elisa Abondolo ’17, Chandler David ’18 and Xavier Carr ’17 3. Luca Mendoza and Dillon Lazar, Class of 2017 4. Roxy Meyer, Peri Brookman and Sofia Stark, Class of 2017 5. Lowell Dylan, Ben Given and Madison Quan, Class of 2018 6. Justin Perr, Elisa Abondolo, Emma Raimi and Isabelle Happillon, Class of 2017 7.
Joe Meyer ’18, Clare Larsen ’18 and Alec Schulman ’17
8. Isaac Pross ’18, Paul Case, Lucie Reiss ’18, Zita Surprenant ’17 and Grace Westlin ’17 9. Drew Devore and Katie Browman, Grace Jandali-Appel and Desiree Webb, Class of 2018 10. Class of 2018 11. Celeste Copeland, Luke Davenport, Edie Flood and Jack Tannenbaum, Class of 2018
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30-YEAR REUNION | June 10, 2023 | Classes of 1993 and 1994
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3. M att Slatoff, Mike Dixon, Marc Perlof, Eddie Fenton and Kevin Purcell, Class of 1994 4. Current and former Crossroads faculty 5. J esse Bochco and Lisa Gilbar, Class of 1993
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6. M ark Huenel-Adrian, Rodney Brown, Shannon Victor Feder, Class of 1994, guest Mark Feder 7. David Won, Kate Deblasio and Sam Baerwald, Class of 1993 8. A riel Dill, Nellie Reed and Rebecca Mizrahi, Class of 1994 9. Class of 1994 10. A lumni from the Classes of 1993 and 1994 gathered in the Alley
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11. Sean Stewart ’94, Noah Gigliotti ’94, Rolan Feld ’93 and Blaine Rucker ’94
70 CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES
ALUMNI NEWS
40-YEAR REUNION | June 3, 2023 | Classes of 1982, 1983 and 1984
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1. D avid Offer ’84 and guest Leslie Offer, Vicki Kennedy ’82 and Teri Redman Kahn 2. A nn Colburn, Bill Shapiro ’83 and Jill Ruby-Wahba ’84 3. C lara Sturak and Erin Mullin, Class of 1983
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4. C hris Gordon ’84, Bill Shapiro ’83, Anna DeRoy ’83, guest Jennifer Parsons, Jeff Martin ’82 and Mariama Richards 5. L auren Greenfield ’83 and guest Frank Evers 6. David Umansky ’84, Arleen Weinstock and Benjamin Junge ’84 7.
ayne Brosman and W Abram Kaufman, Class of 1984
8. David Umansky ’84, Paul Cummins and Dale Greenblatt ’84
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9. S cott Jackson ’83, Gary Spivack ’83 and their guests 10. Nancy Morrison ’83, Sally Patrone ’83 and Karen Adler ’84 11. Classes of ’82, ’83 and ’84
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BIPOC Alumni Gather for Purposeful Conversation The Alumni Relations Office, in partnership with the Crossroads Alumni BIPOC Advisory Planning Committee, hosted the fifth annual gathering of alumni who identify as Black, Indigenous or People of Color on Feb. 26. At the restaurant and wine bar 1010 Wine in Inglewood, attendees mingled, reminisced and collaborated to help shape an exciting new initiative. Head of School Mariama Richards welcomed the group and shared an update on the School’s ongoing efforts to support its diverse community. With over 50% of students identifying as people of color, Mariama stressed the importance of creating an environment where all students feel a strong sense of belonging. She highlighted the activities of student, family and employee affinity groups and the progress of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office. The DEI team works closely with the Admission Office; collaborates with faculty to implement DEI and social justice curriculum standards in the classroom; and creates events that center DEI concerns in all three divisions. (Read more on page 20.)
Relations Office’s plans for a BIPOC mentorship program that would pair BIPOC alumni and students. Attendees met in small groups to discuss the project’s potential and brainstorm ideas, and then reconvened for a larger conversation. Though the program is still in the early planning stages, the response was overwhelmingly positive, with alumni offering useful suggestions and insightful perspectives. Brandon Schultz ’91 commented, “Crossroads’
development of the BIPOC mentorship program shows that the School is not just checking a box when it comes to inclusion but is investing in sustained transformation.” We look forward to providing updates on the BIPOC mentorship program as it evolves. Crossroads is deeply grateful for the generosity of our BIPOC alumni in sharing their time, talent and energy in service of the School and its students, and for the warmth, intelligence and humor that they bring to the endeavor.
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Stephanie Carrillo, the director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, introduced the Alumni
1. B ack row: Heaven Tennyson ’99, Alana Cotwright ’20, Erin Simon ’95; Front row: Jennifer Ingram ’99, Stacie Ottley ’92 and Jasmine Ingram Thompson ’94 2. Mariama Richards, Brandon Schultz ’91 and guest Wendy Schultz
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3. Breana Jackson ’10 and Miranda Chartoff ’12 4. E .J. Fortenberry ’13, Hassani Scott ’13, Breana Jackson ’10, Miranda Chartoff ’12, Jiaya Ingram ’12, Shannon McQueen ’10 and Javan Torre-Howell ’12 5. Kimberly Ortiz ’15, Silvia Salazar, Karen Ortiz ’15, Cesar Contreras ’13 6. Stephanie Carrillo and Marisol León ’03
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ZACK CHEUK, eighth grade
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CROSS SECTIONS MAGAZINE / SUMMER 2023 73
CLASS NOTES
In this issue, we profile alumni who have parlayed their arts education at Crossroads into creative careers in
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KELLY CARLIN ’81
the performing arts.
CLASS OF 1984 Jody Goffin writes: “After retiring from a long career as an educator, I returned to my love of the arts. I have been working in a local studio, learning about ceramics and sculpture. Spending time alongside talented artists has given me inspiration to do what I love— create beautiful and useful pieces to share with others. I know my creative journey will continue to flourish! You can follow it on Instagram @jodycreates.” Deborah Schaffer High writes: “I have a full-time therapeutic practice in Portland, Oregon, and have assisted people in exploring their inner landscapes and purpose in life for the past 38 years. But my true passion is working as a conservationist for half of the year in Africa, volunteering my time with various organizations to protect endangered species.
How would Kelly describe Crossroads in the late ’70s? “We were very much a bunch of feral animals, running around an alleyway, getting a first-rate, college-bound education,” she recalled with a laugh. Despite its less than bucolic setting—Kelly remembers buying cigarettes from workers at the auto body shop in the middle of campus— Crossroads allowed her to explore her interest in photography while taking challenging Advanced Placement math and science classes. She joined the School as a sophomore and was drawn to performing, but lacked the confidence to audition for school plays. The only child of comedian George Carlin and producer Brenda Carlin, Kelly worked as a production assistant and photographer on her father’s television specials as a young adult. In the decades since, she has enjoyed an impressively varied career in the arts. She’s a screenwriter (with her husband, Robert McCall); a TV
producer; the host of a podcast and a show on SiriusXM; and the writer and performer of her long-running one-woman show, “A Carlin Home Companion: Growing up with George,” which was also published as a memoir. Kelly recently served as an executive producer on the 2022 Emmy Award-winning HBO documentary “George Carlin’s American Dream.” “I wanted it to be as creative and innovative as my father was and to not shy away from the truth of him as a human being,” she said of the film, which includes her parents’ struggles with substance abuse and their sometimes-turbulent home life. Kelly credits decades of therapy with helping her make peace with her unconventional upbringing. Her fascination with the power of storytelling led her to earn a master’s in Jungian Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. (She also holds a bachelor’s in communication studies from UCLA.) In addition to her creative endeavors, Kelly is a life coach, helping people lead more authentic lives through her program Humans on the Verge. What would Kelly say to a Crossroads student who feels nervous about performing, as she once did? “Experiment with everything,” she advised. “You don’t have to get it ‘right’ or be perfect. It’s all play. And Crossroads is an incredible sandbox, so just jump in and play.”
74 CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES
CLASS NOTES
My experiences as a volunteer and expedition leader have informed how I practice and support people in my therapeutic work. Being out in the bush of Africa surrounded by nature is magical.” David Umanksy writes: “I’m still living in NYC, working at a nonprofit that I co-founded 20 years ago. My big news is that my daughter is headed off to Pitzer College in California in the fall!”
CLASS OF 1985 Kevin O’Brien writes: “I’m closing in on seven years as a commissioner on the Sustainable Burbank Commission. We are close to implementing a plastics reduction policy that will prohibit single-use plastics in Burbank, an effort we have been championing since 2019.”
CLASS OF 1987 Nikolai Soren Goodich writes: “After four decades dedicated to my art practice, I’m making the best work of my life. My luminous layered-glass paintings and my socially engaged public art vision have inspired a team of international public art professionals to champion my work and collaborate in making my dreams come true. We’re working
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ALEXIS POLEDOURIS ’95 Alexis has always pursued theater as a way to make a positive social impact. From her time experimenting with feminist performance art in the Crossroads Alley to her career today as a drama therapist, Alexis has understood the powerful role that personal expression can have in individual and communal transformation. Alexis, who entered Crossroads in seventh grade, reflected, “Looking back, I realize how unusual and how lucky it was that as a middle and high school student, I was part of a community that supported, encouraged and challenged me to find connections between the artist in me and the world around me.” After graduating from Reed College, Alexis landed in New York City, received an MFA in directing from Columbia University and established herself as a professional theater director. While this had always been her dream, something
felt missing. So, when her husband was offered a job in Los Angeles, she was open to returning to the West Coast. In 2010, Alexis reconnected with friend and mentor Bob Riddle, then head of school at Crossroads, who encouraged her to apply for an open position as a Middle School drama teacher. Alexis was thrilled to rediscover the impact of theater on the lives of young people and to reflect on its meaning to her as an adult. Alexis eventually left her teaching jobs at Crossroads and TREE Academy to pursue her certification as a drama therapist from the North American Drama Therapy Association. The process brought together her years of theater experience with coursework in psychology, counseling and social work. She currently works with adolescents and adults in various outpatient and hospital programs, including leading groups for people with eating disorders and mood and anxiety issues. In conjunction with New York University’s Drama Therapy Theatre and Health Lab, she leads a group for patients with Parkinson’s disease that focuses on playwriting. She also sees clients in private practice; continues to teach and direct; and enjoys life in Los Angeles with her husband, Shaun Rance, and their two children.
CROSS SECTIONS MAGAZINE / SUMMER 2023 75
on a solo show next winter in Rustic Canyon and a monumental scale public art project for a major
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East Coast university campus, the
MIGUEL ATWOOD-FERGUSON ’98
Luminous Community Center.” Evan
When Miguel arrived at Crossroads in 10th grade, he was already a self-proclaimed “music fanatic” and accomplished musician, having studied violin since the age of four. Yet he credits his years at Crossroads with providing some of the foundational moments in his training. Miguel played viola and electric bass while at Crossroads. He was a member of several jazz bands as well as the chamber orchestra that became the Elizabeth Mandell Music Institute shortly after his graduation. During his years at the School, he found teachers who were both mentors and friends, adults who guided his development and also valued his empathy and wisdom as a young person. He recalled, “Being encouraged to compose and having my music played by the orchestra at a young age was a special experience. But even more important was learning how to work with other musicians and cultivate an environment where we enjoyed playing together and appreciated one another. The emphasis at Crossroads on being kind and caring about the people around you continues to be central to everything I do.” Miguel graduated from USC with a degree in viola performance and has developed a career as a multiinstrumentalist, composer, arranger, music director, producer and educator. His music can be heard in films and television shows and on over
Hartzell writes: “Stoked to get photo credit on a book cover for Oxford University Press—especially because it’s a book authored by Crossroads classmate Michael LeBuffe ’87.” Nina (Marsnik) Holland writes: “This year, my work as an art publisher and printer was featured 600 albums. He has performed in thousands of live concerts around the world, working with music legends including Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Henry Mancini, EsaPekka Salonen, Smokey Robinson, Wayne Shorter, Billy Higgins, Dr. Dre and many others. Recently, Miguel arranged and orchestrated works by Hiatus Kaiyote and Flying Lotus that were performed at the Hollywood Bowl. He was commissioned to create an orchestral tribute to the Notorious B.I.G. as part of Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City Series. Later this year, Brainfeeder Records will release the first album of his original music, “Les Jardins Mystiques,” and he has plans for several more. Miguel still makes his home in Los Angeles and, as the father of a 3-year-old son, always seeks a balance between his musical career and his family.
in the exhibition ‘Little Steidl: In the Workshop’ at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. The exhibition included a performance by jazz composer, guitarist and photographer Anthony Wilson ’86, whose award-winning project “Songs and Photographs” I designed and printed at my bookmaking workshop in Göttingen, Germany.” Michael LeBuffe writes: “I recently published ‘Spinoza’s Ethics: A Guide.’ Thanks to Crossroads and Larry Morrissette for introducing me to Spinoza, and to Evan Hartzell ’87, who has done the art for all of my books.”
76 CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES
CLASS NOTES
CLASS OF 1988 Michael Arnold
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VIVIAN NIXON WILLIAMS ’02
writes: “I am executive
Classmates will remember Vivian as an accomplished dancer who joined Crossroads in seventh grade and then spent several years at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C. She returned for her junior and senior years and was involved in the Crossroads dance program as well as dance training outside of school. “My biggest takeaway from Crossroads was the social and emotional experience, and how tapping into that influences artists,” she said. “Teaching students to allow themselves to be open and vulnerable is a huge asset of the program and has been valuable in many areas of my life.” After graduation, Vivian studied dance in the prestigious Ailey/ Fordham BFA program. During her senior year, she was cast as the lead in the Broadway musical “Hot Feet.” She went on to perform in theater and on television, gradually making the
transition from dancing to acting. “It wasn’t easy,” she acknowledged. “People don’t always think dancers can do other things.” She honed her craft in acting programs in New York and LA and appeared in films including “(500) Days of Summer” and “Top Five” and many television series, including “Glee,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Station 19.” These days, Vivian continues to work as a producer, director, choreographer and actor, voicing animated characters such as Millie on the web series “Helluva Boss.” She serves as the associate artistic director of Debbie Allen Dance Academy. (Debbie Allen is Vivian’s mother and a legendarily multi-hyphenate talent in her own right.) Vivian was a choreographer and creative consultant on Tyler Perry’s upcoming documentary “Six Triple Eight” (about the only all-Black, all-female battalion in World War II) and on various Mariah Carey tour performances. Earlier this year, she and husband Jazzston Williams launched the film and multimedia production company Will the World. Vivian still carries the enriching environment of Crossroads with her. “I was so inspired by my talented peers: musicians, dancers, actors,” she recalled. “I was surrounded by creative people and an arts culture that definitely informs what I do today.”
vice president and founder of Tenant Consulting Group at NAI Capital and vice chairman of Elite Global Corporate Services at NAI Global. I provide a consultative and holistic approach in assisting companies to address their cultural, financial and operational issues, with a specific focus on reducing their real estate expenses. My team and I have a proven record for creative problem solving, execution processes, timely responsiveness and attention to detail in providing solutions for complex real estate transactions that are financially beneficial to our clients.” Heather Murdock writes: “I teach biology at San Francisco State University (inspired by former Crossroads employees Andrea Archer and Mike Sommers), play soccer with my students (thanks to Crossroads faculty emeritus Doug Thompson) and have led biodiversity and cultural adventures in 13 countries over the last 10 years (due to Steve Tomasini’s Environmental Education Program). I love spending time with
CROSS SECTIONS MAGAZINE / SUMMER 2023 77
friends (many from St. A’s and Crossroads) as well as my family:
CLASS OF 1992 Ama
husband Paul Gardner (Pali High);
Marston
Ella and Gillian (who have flown the
writes: “I’m
coop); mom, dad and brother
enjoying
Brendan Murdock ’86. Looking
building a
forward to our next reunion for classes ’88 to ’90!”
advisory business in California Delphine Robertson writes: “In 1998, I attended my 10-year
high school reunion, reconnected with old friends and was reminded of the uniqueness, humor and openheartedness that Crossroads breeds. I worked in music supervision for 15 years before my children, Seraphina and Dominic, were born. They have attended Crossroads since kindergarten. I am currently a full-time mom doing voice-over work part time. I enjoyed doing many political voice-over campaigns for the 2020 election. Women’s and children’s causes are close to my heart.”
after more than a decade overseas. I speak at and advise universities, businesses, NGOs, philanthropists, investors and tech companies in
Schell writes: “I’m a series producer on a new comedy show called ‘Mayberry Man,’ streaming on Amazon Prime. I make a few cameos on screen throughout the series as well—so
Frog Cookie Co., while my 22-year-old White’s tree frog, Bud,
become an ‘accidental activist’
croaks away in the background.”
after experiencing a hate crime in the New York City subway. My
Malone
changes in leadership of NYPD’s
writes: “I
Hate Crimes Task Force. In 2022, I
live in
spoke against AAPI hate at the
Washington,
Justice for Asian Women in NYC and
D.C., with
the Unity March in Washington, D.C.”
my wife and 3-year-old daughter, who are absolutely my whole
and innovation, bringing in my background in art, politics and social issues. I’d be happy to connect with old Crossroads
CLASS OF 1993 Matthew Ehrmann writes: “I am living in Santa Monica with my wife and two children. I run a graphic design business, and am also an artist and photographer, showing my work in galleries and retail spaces. I am looking forward to the reunion this June this writing). It will be great to be back in the Alley seeing familiar faces. Go Roads!”
CLASS OF 1994 Esther Lee writes: “I am the board president of Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY), which ensures
Aaron
incident drew the attention of
work on resilience, social impact
friends and new ones!”
CLASS OF 1998
Mayor Eric Adams and led to
the U.S. about my award-winning
(which hasn’t happened as of Greg
don’t blink!”
life and an
equitable admissions policies at independent schools. I have also
Nadia
world! Music was always my
Angelini
passion while at Crossroads and it
Maraschi
still certainly is. I recently got to
writes: “I
check off a bucket-list item by
am married
performing at the Red Rocks
and have
Amphitheatre in Denver. Truly an
two boys, ages 5 and 7. I’ve been a
amazing place! In addition to my
life coach/counselor for the past 15
music career, I have been working
years and am still singing and
as a consultant for the Federal
writing music for sync. You can
Aviation Administration for the
find me on Spotify!”
past seven years.” Fahren
CLASS OF 1997 Jennifer
Feingold
(Segal)
writes: “I’ve
Jenrette
been
writes: “LA
working on
to SD to OC.
a new series of paintings on canvas that I
Married Dan in 2011. Have two
am really excited to share later this
kids: 9-year-old Ellie and 7-year-old
year. This new series continues to
Henry. Spent years earning my
focus on the female gaze while
license in social work. Now I’m
bringing more art into the world
working and volunteering at my
with female subjects made by
kids’ school every day and grateful
female artists. Keep watching my
for the opportunity to positively
social media for upcoming exhibits.
influence little lives. Coaching
I recently held an online auction
Henry’s soccer team and loving it!
with a gallery in NYC, supporting
In my spare time, of which there is
women’s mental health, with a
none, I create intricately decorated
portion of the proceeds going to
cookies for my company, Frosted
the SeekHer Foundation.
78 CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES
KEILIN SMITH, 11th grade
CLASS NOTES
CLASS OF 2004 Jonathan Hasak writes: “After 15 years in the public sector serving young adults and communities that have been cut off from economic opportunity, I now work at Coursera, where I help lead our U.S. public sector partnerships work. I still write and publish, although these days it’s mostly op-eds and other commentary pieces on topics such as America’s higher education and workforce development systems. I live in the Bay Area with my wife and two young sons, and we’re expecting our third child this fall.” Ian Martyn writes: “I’ve been volunteering with organizations that support the Japanese American community such as Okaeri and Tsuru for Solidarity, particularly as a facilitator for healing circles. I have also been helping Gamelan Sinar Surya, which promotes the music of the Cirebon region of Indonesia. I work as an arranger, composer, performer and producer of video game music, and I am grateful every day to be able to do this from home. Find links to my music at linktr.ee/IanMartyn. Of course, I am still close with my friends from Crossroads.”
CROSS SECTIONS MAGAZINE / SUMMER 2023 79
CLASS OF 2010 Breana “Breezy”
>>
Jackson
DANIEL MEMMI ’15
writes: “Right now,
When Daniel arrived at Crossroads in ninth grade, he thought of himself primarily as a painter. His love for music, however, would take him in a new direction. Daniel, who played piano, took music production classes at Crossroads and connected with other students who shared his interest in jazz, funk and hip-hop. He and bass player Sol (Fagenson) Was ’15 formed a duo during their junior year and produced an EP as their senior project. “There was so much creative energy among the students,” recalled Daniel, “and Crossroads really gave us room to explore and the freedom to try new things.”
Daniel initially attended USC as a fine arts major but transferred to the music industry program at its Thornton School of Music. Sol was also studying music at USC, and he and Daniel continued to write, perform and DJ together. The two connected with Leven (Simon-Seay) Kali ’13 in 2016 and began to develop an organic music-making process together, channeling their shared love of ’70s funk through new sensibilities and technologies. Their music made its way to Beyoncé’s record label, which invited the trio to join the creative team behind her 2022 album, “Renaissance.” Daniel, Sol and Leven co-wrote the music and lyrics to the song “Virgo’s Groove,” on which Leven also served as a background vocalist and producer. The three were among the creatives nominated for the Album of the Year Grammy Award for their work on “Renaissance,” launching the friends and collaborators to a new level of music industry success. “Being part of that album has opened some doors and connected us with some really great artists and people in the industry,” said Daniel, “We’re super busy, which is great, working together on projects and also pursuing things individually. It’s all just more reason to keep doing what I love.”
I’m a full-time, freelance chef. I do personal chef work and pop-ups throughout LA. I develop recipes for big brands, travel the globe cooking for celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay and have worked events from the Emmys to the Roc Nation Brunch. I have worked in food media for four years for companies like BuzzFeed Tasty, Tastemade and SoYummy. I recently appeared on Food Network’s ‘Chopped’ and am working on an e-cookbook! You can follow my journey on Instagram @chefbrejackson.”
CLASS OF 2013 Brian Perez writes: “Stay close to your passion—in my case, sound design and music production. Escape to find inspiration. Trust your instincts! Support young musicians and music producers! You can check out my music at brianperezsound.com.”
80 CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES
CLASS NOTES
CLASS OF 2014
holding onto the beauty and the
CLASS OF 2017 Jeremy
Bella
Alexander
Cataldi
writes: “I
writes:
recently
“After I was
released
diagnosed
‘What
with
Makes Your Heart Sing?,’ a song
chronic Lyme disease in 2021, I
about self-empowerment, under
made it my purpose to deep dive
the name Jeremyeightyeight. The
into holistic wellness to begin to
thing Crossroads taught me is that
heal myself. Soon after, I joined the
it is OK to be comfortable in your
Institute for Integrative Nutrition to
own shoes, even if they are not what
get my certification as a holistic
everybody else is wearing. Living
and integrative health coach and
the life you want to live is not just a
started my business, Be Well
choice, but a lifestyle. Be happy. Be
(@bewellbybella). I now have a 1:1
stress free. Love yourself. Carpe
coaching practice where I help
diem. (Had to throw in some Latin.)”
people heal from chronic symptoms and step into their most vibrant
CLASS OF 2015
selves. You can find my programs Karen
and blog at bellacataldi.com.”
Ortiz writes:
Alec
“While at
Schulman
Crossroads,
writes:
Cesar
“The
Contreras ’13 and I took the Big Blue Bus together after school. We became friends in the library and
composer, I have exciting projects brewing and I hope to be able to announce some of those adventures soon. You can reach me at alecschulmanmusic@gmail.com.”
CLASS OF 2019 Ana Kahan writes: “In April 2023, I sang the national anthem at the Miami Marlins versus New York Mets game at LoanDepot Park in Miami. A portion of ticket proceeds were donated to Chords2Cure, an organization that supports pediatric cancer research—a cause I am personally affected by and extremely passionate about.”
pandemic interrupted my second semester at Berklee
through our long bus rides. We
College of Music, but back in LA,
reconnected during my sophomore
I wound up connecting with
year at UCLA, while Cesar was
amazing musicians to record and
attending California State
produce a record of original music
University, Dominguez Hills, and
called ‘Light That Slips Away.’ It’s
got married in August 2022. We
about transience—how slippery
feel grateful for having crossed
and precarious things are, while
paths at Crossroads!”
light. As an actor, writer and
To submit a class note or update your contact information, please visit xrds.org/stayinvolved.
LIRIT LEONG, eighth grade
CROSS SECTIONS MAGAZINE / SUMMER 2023 81
82 CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES
IN MEMORIAM
Thevi Jean-Louis September 19, 2001-May 12, 2023
Thevi Jean-Louis ’19 passed away on May 12, at the age of 22, after a three-year battle with cancer. Thevi joined Crossroads in ninth grade and spent his high school years as an athlete, artist and wonderful friend to so many in our community. Thevi was a member of the soccer, swim, cross-county and tennis teams and was an avid skateboarder and surfer. When he wasn’t on the field, he could often be found in the art studio, drawing and sculpting. For all of his talents, Thevi is most remembered for his generous spirit. Head of Upper School Anthony Locke ’01 shared, “Thevi was a gentle soul. Kindness was one of his many superpowers. He was a magnet in the Alley—a person who gave off warmth and good energy to everyone in his path. He was always willing to give and help others. Thevi gave more in his short life than many do in lives long lived.” After graduating from Crossroads, Thevi attended Bard College, where he planned to major in media studies. He was spending the summer before his sophomore year in Los Angeles,
teaching surfing at Venice Beach, when his health began to decline rapidly. Thevi was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and began intense chemotherapy in 2020. During that difficult period, Thevi rediscovered his love of photography. While confined in the hospital, he spent whatever time he could photographing the medical center’s architecture and grounds, reframing his experience by creating beautiful images. His work was an inspiration to his care team, who arranged an exhibit of his photographs in the pediatric wing of the hospital. Our hearts are with Thevi’s parents, Evelyn and Jimmy Jean-Louis, and his sisters, Kyra and Jasmin ’20.
Steven Girard Tomasini August 13, 1949-May 19, 2023
Steve Tomasini passed away on May 19 at the age of 73. For almost two decades, Steve shared his love of nature and passion for outdoor education with the Crossroads community. Steve joined Crossroads in 1981. As director of the department now called Environmental and Outdoor Education, he developed programs that brought hundreds of students into the natural world on backpacking trips, ocean excursions, ski adventures and cycling expeditions. Steve led trips for parents and Crossroads staff, as well, always creating opportunities to impart his appreciation for the powerful experience of being in nature; his skills and knowledge as an outdoorsman; and his sense of humor and joy in community. During his years at Crossroads, Steve also coached the crosscountry team, taught Middle School science and was director of the Facilities Department. Steve, his wife Laurie—who taught at the Elementary School—and their children, Dion and Gillian, both Crossroads students, were integral members of the School community before they moved to the East Coast in 1999. Former Head of Middle School Morgan Schwartz shared, “If Crossroads had a hall of fame for
employees, I would think that Steve Tomasini would be an inaugural inductee/charter member. Steve’s impact on the Crossroads community is that significant.” Throughout his life, Steve pursued his passions for environmentalism, politics, history, science, hiking and cycling. He was generous with his knowledge and his time, always a loyal friend and mentor. Above all, he was devoted to his family. Steve was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2019. Despite the difficulties of his journey, his family expressed that “he continued experiencing the many adventures that made his life so beautiful. He attended gatherings and visited with friends and even took his daily walk along his favorite path with the beloved family dog, Dottie, until the very end.” Steve deeply touched the lives of his students and colleagues. He had many enduring relationships from his years at Crossroads and will be greatly missed and always remembered for who he was and for his contributions to the School.
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AN UNFORGETTABLE, ADULTS-ONLY EVENING OF LIVE MUSIC BY SOME OF THE VERY FINEST MUSICIANS IN THE CROSSROADS COMMUNITY! PARENTS, ALUMNI (21+), PA R EN TS OF A LUMNI , GR A NDPA R EN TS A ND EMPLOY EE S A R E A LL IN V ITED!