Ashwini Lakshmanan ’97

When Ashwini Lakshmanan ’97, MD, MS, MPH, began her medical residency, it didn’t take her long to realize there was more to practicing medicine than the clinical work. “I quickly found that in addition to any medical conditions, families are often managing challenges including food and housing insecurity, economic instability, and more. I became interested in how these issues impact health outcomes, and how the medical profession can better support patients through their health journeys.”

After earning her MD from USC’s Keck School of Medicine, Ashwini completed a Master of Public Health from Harvard and took on two fellowships there looking at how to make access to care more equitable for families in neonatalperinatal medicine. When she returned to Southern California, this work continued at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (she led CHLA’s Laboratory for Neonatal and Infant Health Outcomes) and at USC as an associate professor of pediatrics and population and public health sciences at the Keck School of Medicine.

Today, Ashwini is an associate professor of health systems science at the Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine in Pasadena, where her research and advocacy into equity and access continue with a particular focus on developing digital technologies to support families. Results from her first project in this field, the Baby Steps LA mobile app, are being analyzed now. She also maintains her clinical neonatology skills within the Kaiser health system.

Ashwini credits her time at Westridge with setting the foundation for her career. “My experience at Westridge really shaped who I am today,” she explained. “I was inspired at Westridge and to this day to be empowered. Both my teachers and my peers showed me that I could be a leader—I never felt a door would be closed. The combination of confidence and capability that I gained there helps me tremendously in my career.”

Ashwini spoke of the impact of the school’s focus on community and giving back. “In my work now, being cognizant of who lives in a community, who thrives in a community, and how we see voices show up in a community is important. That started for me at Westridge.”

As she has advanced through her career, Ashwini has taken time to mentor hundreds of medical students, undergraduates, and even high school students. “I want to see young women succeed in medicine and to feel that there are no limits on their opportunities.”

Ashwini has recently made a generous gift to the Forever Fund for financial aid at Westridge to help advance opportunities for young women. “Given my interest and work in equity, I thought if there is a way my family can support a candidate for this wonderful and unique education, we want to do that.”

Annie Rohrbach-Walker (Hereford)

(Los Osos, CA): “From 20212022, my husband Gary & I completed an incredible year-long adventure of a lifetime, cruising ‘America’s Great Loop’—7,500 miles around the mostly inland waters of the eastern U.S.A. (plus Quebec & Ontario in Canada) in our own 40-feet cabin cruiser. There were friendly people everywhere we went and so much beauty! For more info about the Loop, read our blog at www.slodancer.com. At ages 79 (Gary) and 82 (me), our mantra is, ‘Have a blast while you last!’ So we are no longer collecting ‘stuff’—we are collecting experiences!”

Poppy Copeland

(Thailand): “I am currently in Thailand where I lived and worked during the Vietnam War. Now we are doing a project called Photo Pal in which we give donated cameras to young refugees from Burma and have them shoot photos of their life transition and express feelings regarding new life.”

Leslie Wheeler

(Cambridge, MA): “I'm delighted to share that two books of mine were released in 2022: the third book in my ‘Berkshire Hilltown Mystery’ series titled ‘Wolf Bog’ (more at www.lesliewheeler.com) and ‘Deadly Nightshade’ (named the Best New England Crime Stories anthology for 2022).

The latter was published by Crime Spell Books (www. crimespellbooks.com), where I'm a co-editor/publisher. In November, I received a lifetime achievement award for my contributions to the New England mystery writing community. On the personal level, my son, Nick Stein, and his longtime girlfriend finally tied the knot!” 1

Rinda Bishop (Hambleton) (Kentfield, CA): “In 1987, my husband Bill, my three children, and I were living north of San Francisco in Marin County. We then moved to Connecticut after Bill accepted a job there, added another child, and had 34 wonderful years there. In 2020, we decided to return to California and have had two happy years back in Marin County! Once a Californian, always a Californian! I still have beautiful memories of Fergus and all the wonderful women of the Class of ’67!”

Carol Luther (Fullerton) (Palm Desert, CA): “Just thinking back to those high school years and how much I appreciate the Westridge experience. I am enjoying life with my husband of soonto-be 54 years. I will always have Pasadena in my heart and come back to visit family often. I wish everyone a good year and good health.” 2

1970

Tory Belsky (Metcalf) (Scottsdale, AZ): “Retired after 50 years in the nightclub/restaurant business. Worked every day all those years. Traveling extensively. Relaxing very happily. Trying to be the best golfer ever. Spending seven months in Scottsdale and five months in Vail and Denver. Please say hello if you are in the area.” 3

Karen Huante-Alexander (Altadena, CA): “My youngest son, Kameron—who has been with Sony for years—moved to Nashville, TN. He wrote and produced the song “Grand” by Kane Brown. I am finally going to be a grandmother to a little boy. I’m still dancing and selling with Coldwell Banker Realty Pasadena.”

Susan Anderson (Oakland, CA): is now the managing director of Camp Winnarainbow (www. campwinnarainbow.org), a children’s circus and performing arts camp in Mendocino County!

Pam Bryant (Carter) (Los Angeles, CA): "I returned to school at UCLA just before the pandemic lockdown and completed my doctoral degree in nursing practice. Ironically enough, my study was on vaccine interest and uptake in college students. I thoroughly enjoyed being a student all over again! Last year, I left my university position as a Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner program chair and took a position at an innovative healthcare startup company that is nurse practitioner provider focused. In my spare time, I continue to enjoy travel and golf, and I spent my first Christmas with my grandchildren, Gavin and Giavanna!” 4

Donna Riley

(Albuquerque, NM) moved to Albuquerque to begin a new job as the Jim and Ellen King Dean of Engineering and Computing at the University of New Mexico as of April 1.

Elizabeth Gould (Dunton) (Oceanside, CA): “2022 was action-packed—I moved back to California after 30 years in Phoenix. I am now in Oceanside as of March 2022. The 40th reunion dinner our class held at Elizabeth Loper Serhan's home was delightful. I look forward to more California things for Westridge now that I am only two hours away. Here is a picture of me and my new water activity—I love kayaking!” 5

Whitney Potter (New York, NY): “Living happily in New York City with my husband, John, and 10 ½ year old daughter, Daphne. Professionally, I am the executive director of donor relations and strategic events at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where I am responsible for approximately 75 fundraising events a year. I look forward to interesting travel and seeing old Westridge friends in 2023!” 6

Anna Pehoushek (Orange, CA): “The college search is beginning for my son, John, who is a junior and plays soccer at Servite High School with fellow Westridge class of 1988 alumna Maya Alvarez’s son Marco, a sophomore. On the professional front, I continue working at the City of Orange as assistant community development director. I was recently inducted as a fellow into the American Institute of Certified Planners, one of only 50 urban planning professionals across the country to be acknowledged by the American Planning Association for contributions to the planning profession.” 7

Michele Stathatos ’10 (Tuscon, AZ): “I am an assistant professor of practice for the school psychology program at the University of Arizona. I graduated with my Ph.D. in school psychology in 2020. Additionally, I am a licensed psychologist in the state of Arizona. My clinical work focuses on supporting and training educators to advocate for and create supportive school systems for LGBTQ+, transgender, and gender diverse youth.”

Christine Ulin (New York, NY): “I received my M.S. in communication sciences and disorders with the bilingual extension (Spanish) from Columbia University. I look forward to starting the next chapter of my life in New York City as a speech language pathologist at a private practice. I also moved in with my partner and registered for a domestic partnership in summer 2022.” 8

Sierra Lyman (Los Angeles, CA): “The pandemic hit and brought me back to California where I lived with Elena VegaFujioka ’13. For the last year, I have been working in artist management for The Familie. The artists I manage include Avril Lavigne and Games We

Play. Excited to reunite with my classmates this year for a 10-year reunion!”

Tess Stewart (Los Angeles, CA) graduated from Stanford University in June 2022 with a major in symbolic systems and a minor in education. She is living in San Francisco and working as a software engineer for Google. 9

Emily McLane (Pasadena, CA): “I recently graduated summa cum laude from Fordham University Gabelli School of Business in New York, where I received a B.S. in business administration with concentrations in information systems and business law & ethics, and a minor in Spanish. I am now pursuing a Juris Doctor degree at Notre Dame Law School. I just wanted to thank Westridge for enriching my education; Westridge prepared me extremely well for college and made me the student, critical thinker, and person I am today.” 10

Rosemary passed away on August 19 at the age of 99. After Westridge, she attended Wellesley College and later graduated from UC Berkeley in 1943 with a B.A. in political science. After working for government agencies during World War II and Matson Lines thereafter, she married Henry Reed Hayes, Jr., with whom she raised two daughters. Rosemary supported causes and organizations such as Amnesty International and Women in Black. In the early 1970s, she began volunteering as a storyteller for 4th and 5th graders; she used this experience as the basis for an M.A. in education for human values from the San Francisco Theological Seminary. Rosemary and Henry moved to Friends House in Santa Rosa in 2006. She was predeceased by her husband and four siblings, including Jane ’44. She is survived by two daughters and numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Christine was student body president during her time at Westridge. She is survived by her daughter; her grandchildren; and greatgranddaughters.

Joan passed away on September 27 at the age of 95. After her time at Westridge, she graduated with a B.A. from Smith College and a master's degree in early childhood education at Bank Street Teacher's College in New York. While visiting family in West Hollywood, she was cast in a production of “The Rainmaker” which led to a long and distinguished stage and film acting career. Joan studied acting with legendary teachers Sanford Meisner and Lee Strasberg. A member of the famed Actors Studio, she debuted on Broadway and performed in regional theatres across the country. Joan co-starred in many television sitcoms, most notably as Oscar’s girlfriend Nancy on “The Odd Couple.” Her film credits include “Breezy” opposite William Holden, “Ode to Billie Joe,” and “Legacy,” which she also wrote. She co-authored a manual for actors entitled “No Acting Please: Beyond the Method,” which is used in colleges and conservatories throughout the country. Joan was the 1992 Distinguished Westridge Alumna recipient. She is survived by her daughter.

During her time at Westridge, Arden was a member of the Riding Club, participated in her senior year’s production of “The Prince of Peace,” and was a member of the Welfare Committee as chairman of Thanksgiving donations.

Pat passed away on November 24 in Fort Collins, Colorado. After her time at Westridge and Polytechnic School, Pat completed her B.A. in history at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, where she met her future husband, George (Barry) McEldowney. After Barry returned from serving in the Korean War, they married and moved to Illinois, and raised six children. At 50, Pat obtained her master’s degree in library science from Dominican University and worked as the director of youth services for a public library until she retired in 1997. Pat and Barry later relocated to Flagstaff, Arizona, where Pat became a docent with the Museum of Northern Arizona—volunteering and leading children’s programs across the Navajo Nation. At 75, she received her Master Naturalist certificate from Coconino Community College and volunteered at the Flagstaff Arboretum. Pat was predeceased by her husband and is survived by her children; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and her sister.

Barbara died peacefully at home on February 20 in the company of her daughters. She attended Westridge before moving to Louisville, Kentucky, where she graduated from Eastern High School and attended the University of Kentucky. In 1954, she married Jim Hennessy with whom she raised eight girls. Barbara committed herself to community service, was a devoted employee at Louisville Today magazine, and supported the arts. She was preceded in death by her beloved Jimmy and is survived by her sister Marilyn Kiernan ’55; eight children; 20 grandchildren; and five greatgrandchildren.

Molly, as she was known to friends, passed away peacefully at home on December 4. After her time at Westridge, she graduated from Stanford University in 1960 and went on to serve on the boards of directors of Heritage House and Children's Hospital of San Francisco. Recently, Molly was on the board of directors of the Achievement Rewards for College Scientists, Bay Area chapter. She is predeceased by her son and is survived by her sister Robin DeWitt ’58; two daughters; daughter-in-law; and seven grandchildren.

During her time at Westridge, Ann was a member of the Glee Club. Following her time at Westridge, she wrote awardwinning books and co-authored a book about community building. Ann held several senior positions during her career, and was the president and founder of the Project Loan Division of Bank of America Mortgage and International Realty Corporation. Outside of work, she traveled extensively and studied the spiritual traditions of ancient and Indigenous cultures. She was known for her gracious hospitality. She is survived by her three siblings; her two children and their spouses; four grandchildren; and friends.

Ann passed away on December 16 at the age of 75. During her time at Westridge, Ann was on the Spyglass staff; athletic council; and on the swim, basketball, and volleyball teams.

Julie passed away on December 2 from complications of a stroke. After graduating from Westridge, she attended Stanford University where she was a trailblazer in the all-male electrical engineering department and earned her master’s degree. She began working at the Cupertino site of Hewlett Packard where she designed “fast math” programs and went on to market Leading Edge computer technology to Fortune 500 companies. She and her husband, Fred Ware, were married for 46 years and raised three sons. Julie played key roles in many philanthropic organizations—especially those involving the education of “at-risk youth” and early education. She was also a long-term member of the League of Women Voters. In 1996, she was awarded Westridge’s Mary Lowther Ranney Distinguished Alumna Award. She is survived by her husband; three sons; two grandchildren; and sister Daphne ’64.

Lynne passed away on September 17 at the age of 59. During her time at Westridge, she was the editor of Spyglass

Glory passed away at the age of 50 on February 11. Upon graduation from Westridge, she earned her B.A. in cinematography from USC, then earned her teaching credential from the University of Phoenix and taught for 16 years. At a Westridge reunion in fall 2021, Glory expressed her newfound love for skateboarding and watercolor painting. The Class of 1990 shared that Glory “was kind and had an indomitable positive spirit.”

“She laughed a lot at life and herself and had a gentle giggle that was sweet and unassuming. The Class of ’90 has lost a kind, thoughtful and creative soul,” the message continued. She is predeceased by her father, and is survived by her son, sister, and mother.