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PLACE Corps
Alumni Newsletter
Fall 2013
Welcome Orientation BBQ 2013
Vol. 4
It was another fun-filled evening at LMU’s Bird Nest for
the 2013 Welcome Orientation BBQ held this year on
April 20. This PLACE tradition is definitely one of the
highlights of the year. PLACE Corps members, new
and old, welcomed 29 members of Cohort 13 into the
PLACE Corps family. After a long day of meetings, the
new members of C13 enjoyed unwinding and speaking
to alumni. The veterans enjoyed the great food,
beverages, and camaraderie that comes with seeing
old friends. Even PLACE babies got in on the action
this year with their own party on the lawn. Overall, it
was another great Welcome BBQ and everyone is
looking forward to welcoming C14 next April.
-Ted Dunlap, C6
Inside this issue:
Cohort 13 is here! 2-3
Alumni Service
Project 4
Alumni High
School
Scholarship
5
Community
Alumni Night 6
Send off &
Admin. Program 7
Commissioning
Mass 8
Cohort Updates 9-10
Alumni Council
Contact Info and
Updates
11
Fall Retreat
Thu-Sat, Nov. 21-23, 2013
Alpine
Community Alumni Night
Thu, March 13, 2014
At respective communities
Religious Ed. Congress
Fri, March 14, 2014
Anaheim, CA
Welcome Orientation BBQ
Fri, April 25, 2014
LMU
Summer Retreat
Thu-Sat, June 26-28, 2014
C12 Send Off
Mon, June 30, 2014
Save the Date!
See page 2-3 for more information about C13.
Welcome Cohort 13!
PLACEr PLACEment Undergraduate Institution
Bianca Auble Bishop Mora Salesian HS St Mary’s College, Moraga
Andrea Bobadilla St. Monica HS CSULB
Megan Claire St. Anthony of Padua School UCLA
Joy Cottam St. Athanasius School California Lutheran
University
Jeremy Dunford Bishop Mora Salesian HS LMU
Alyssa Ferraro San Gabriel Mission School UCLA
Christine Frea Our Lady of Talpa School Santa Clara University
Laurel Goycoolea Bishop Mora Salesian HS LMU
Howard Hernandez Cathedral HS LMU
Katie King St. Lucy School Regis University
Megan Knudson St. Lucy School Santa Clara University
Kara Lorenzana St. Bernard School Ateneo De Manila (Philippines)
Keilla Mata St. Agnes School LMU
Mary Kate McCarthy Our Lady of Talpa School Spring Hill College
Welcome Cohort 13!
PLACEr PLACEment Undergraduate Institution
Yesenia Miranda Blessed Sacrament School San Francisco State
Kenneth Monreal Blessed Sacrament School Fresno State
Gabrielle Olivo St. Raphael School University of the Pacific
Michael Pederson Junipero Serra HS St. John’s University
(Minnesota)
Jessica Peralez St. Gregory the Great School Santa Clara University
Melissa Perez St. Pius X School Marist College
Geraldin Ponce St. Gertrude the Great School UCLA
Miranda Raine San Gabriel Mission HS Assumption College
Alexandra Rudolf-Dib St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy UCLA
Leslie Toapanta Transfiguration School LMU
Lauren Warner Transfiguration School CSULB
Nieshe Washington St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy LMU
Nicholas Watkins Transfiguration School LMU
Christine Westhoff Our Lady of Perpetual Help School University of Oregon
Julie Yates St. John Bosco HS LMU
Armed with painter’s tape, brushes, primer and more, PLACE Corps alumni took on the
ambitious challenge of painting the indoor walls of Immaculate Heart of Mary Elementary School
in East Hollywood. Under the guidance of C8 alumna Allyson Alberto, the principal at Immaculate
Heart, a team of stalwart alumni and friends of PLACErs began the day bright and early with a
fabulous breakfast before attacking the walls. Edging the walls with painter’s tape and covering
the floors with drop cloths, the prep work was completed - and then came the primer. Alumni
rolled up their sleeves and got dirty with hours of painting.
A delicious Thai food lunch gave the painters some much needed energy before applying
the final coat on the walls. The result was a great upgrade to the school as the 2013-2014 school
year begins. Allyson plans to have the students add their handprints to the newly painted walls,
giving it that personal touch. At the end of the day, though, this year’s alumni service project was
a very rewarding and special experience for all who participated. We’re sure that Allyson would
like to have us back to do the exterior walls next year!
-Bridget Dixon-Nuno, C7
Alumni Service Project
Immaculate Heart of Mary School
The PLACE Corps is known for having a broad impact on the quality of
education in Los Angeles Catholic schools, but this year the program
was also able to impact an individual. One student wishing to remain
in a Catholic school upon graduation from eighth grade was awarded
the Loyola Marymount University PLACE Corps Alumni High School
Scholarship. The awardee for Fall 2013 is Christian Abad from St. Mary
Magdalen School. With the help of this scholarship, Christian is now
currently attending St. Monica High School and sees the $1,000
scholarship applied to his tuition at a rate of $100 per month.
PLACE Corps Program Director Diana Murphy worked with LMU and the
PLACE Corps Alumni Council to come up with a sustainable model for a
scholarship. The scholarship is meant to make a difference in a
deserving student's ability to remain in Catholic schools during the
transition to high school.
"There are a number of great students in
our Catholic elementary schools with great
academic abilities, high moral character, and
effective leadership skills who are not able
to stay in Catholic schools due to the
financial hardships involved in their
advancement to high school," explained
Murphy. "This is something the PLACE Corps
alumni wanted to do to help these types of
students stay in Catholic schools."
This is the first year PLACE Corps has awarded this scholarship, which is funded directly by the
donations of PLACE Corps alumni. This year the scholarship could only be awarded to one individual,
but the program hopes to increase that number in the near future. The scholarship is expected to
become an annual award presented to an eighth grade student, particularly someone who has
worked with a PLACE Corps teacher during his/her time in one of the many elementary schools
served by the PLACE Corps in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Last spring, the program received 26 applications from 12 different PLACE partner schools. Each
application involved teacher and principal recommendations, as well as a student-written essay
addressing why Catholic education is important to him/her and the impact the scholarship would
have. The 26 applicants were narrowed down to 5 finalists by the Alumni Council, representing
multiple past cohorts. The PLACE Corps staff reviewed the Alumni Council’s recommendations,
making the final selection.
Applications for the next Loyola Marymount University PLACE Corps Alumni High School Scholarship
for Fall 2014 are due April 15, 2014. PLACE Corps alumni can donate to this scholarship at the next
alumni event or at the PLACE Corps office.
-Sean Griffin, C3
“The
scholarship is
meant to make
a difference in
a deserving
student’s
ability to
remain in
Catholic
schools...”
LMU PLACE Corps Alumni High School Scholarship
On Thursday, March 14, 2013, the PLACE Corps communities opened their doors to host
"Community Alumni Night." The six current communities are St. Albert’s and “CPT” in Compton, St.
Bernard’s in Playa Del Rey, St. Raymond’s in Downey, Transfiguration in Los Angeles, and Maria
Regina in Gardena. Alumni returned to their former residences, reconnected with their
communities, and met PLACErs from both current and past cohorts.
I attended the Transfiguration Community’s Alumni Night, and was overwhelmed by the
presence and joy of all the PLACErs who attended - both alumni and current. Stories shared from
all of the PLACErs brought a great sense of gratitude for the ongoing friendships and fraternity
that lasts throughout the years and among the cohorts. No matter how many years apart
PLACErs may be, we are all lucky to encounter the unity PLACE Corps brings and the wealth of
experience we can each obtain, even over a potluck dinner. We hope to connect with even more
alumni next March, 3/13/2014, so keep a lookout for more information from your Alumni
Representative! -Jacyln Pilat, C10
Community
Alumni Night
PLACE Corps continues to develop strong Catholic school leaders, as evidenced by the
number of PLACE Alumni working toward their masters degree in Catholic School Administration in
the SOE ISLA (Institute of School Leadership and Administration).
Phil Dansart (C3), Allison Kargas (C5), Bridget Dixon-Nuno (C7), Allyson Alberto (C8), Stephanie
Toledo (C8), and Angelica Izquierdo (C9) are embarking upon their second year in the program.
After a successful first year, they have earned a certificate in Catholic School Leadership.
They will be joining cohorts from public and charter schools this Fall as they work on their Tier 1
Administrative Credentials. Jaclyn Pilat (C10), is beginning the program this year. These PLACE Alumni
would like to thank Dr. Anthony Sabatino for his support and inspiring leadership in Catholic
Education. - Angelica Izquierdo, C9
The “Friend-ship” set sail on Monday, July 1, as Cohort 11 was sent off in traditional PLACE
Corps style. A change of venue to St. Robert’s led to a more intimate setting that everyone
seemed to enjoy. Cohort 12 planned a party that very much represented the personality and
close-knit relationships the PLACErs in Cohort 11 have with one another. Great music, delicious food,
and fabulous company created a beautiful evening celebrating friendship and the success of the
members of C11. Lynna Landry and Grant Kinman were chosen by their cohort as the MVPs of
Cohort 11, and will also serve on the Alumni Council as the Cohort 11 co-representatives. We are
happy to welcome Cohort 11 to the Alumni Family. Congratulations on a successful two-year
journey! Once a PLACEr, always a PLACEr! -Angelica Izquierdo, C9
Send-Off 2013
Administrative Program
On August 1, 29 young men and women were commissioned into the 13th
cohort of the
PLACE Corps program. These PLACErs represent 18 colleges and universities nationwide. The
Archdiocese of Los Angeles and Loyola Marymount University welcomed these men and women
who are excited to become “teachers with and for others.” The congregation consisted of these
newly commissioned PLACErs’ family and friends, LMU faculty and staff, and many alumni.
PLACE alumni holding leadership positions were acknowledged by participating in the special
procession into the Commissioning Mass.
Fr. Koppes, the “Godfather of PLACE” gave a very heartwarming homily. Phil Dansart of C3
was honored as Alumni of the Year, joining prior honorees Matthias Schildwachter (C3), Amanda
Kraivanger (C4), and Sean Griffin (C3). Current PLACErs served as musicians, acolytes, and choir
members during the mass, as well. Good luck, and congratulations to Cohort 13!
- Amanda Kraivanger, C4
Commissioning Mass 2013
“All are
welcome in
this PLACE”
Sr. Mary Elizabeth Galt, who
envisioned PLACErs one day
transitioning into principals, was
honored for being a huge
supporter of the PLACE Corps
program.
Cohort Updates
Marriages, Children, Religious Life
Professional Accomplishments
Cohort 2
Michael Perucho is currently the Associate Pastor of Holy Family, Glendale. He has also been named the Regional Vocation Director for the San Fernando Region.
Rebecca Sanders-Houghland and Eric Houghland-Sanders are quite happy to announce that 10 years AFTER PLACE Corps, the Sanders-Houghland’s are finally having a baby, due April 18, 2014. Congrats! Rebecca is working on her 10th year at Ceres High School and working with the "Academy," which teaches students about energy and manufacturing using machine and electrical shop tools and devices.
Eric Houghland-Sanders has been mentoring students in the Academy for the past few years and getting to teach kids all about food processing. He is really enjoying his work in the family business. He has been traveling more as the business expands into the Pacific Northwest and East Coast.
Cohort 3
Cheryl Kruer has changed schools after 10 years at the same school, and can now be found at Corpus Christi School in the Pacific Palisades teaching 1st grade.
Melissa Weyek is in her first year as Principal at St. Robert Bellarmine in Burbank, CA, and is excited about this new opportunity. She is also engaged to marry her fiancée in October 2013.
Nathalie Medina completed her Doctor of Education degree at the University of Southern California. She continues to teach pre-kindergarten at American Martyrs School and volunteers as an early childhood consultant for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Esthela Garcia-Gonzales and her husband are excited to announce that they are expecting a baby girl in February 2014.
Cohort 5
Jen Abalos is embarking upon a new career as a school counselor! Congrats and best wishes!
JP and Jackie (Eddy) Masciel were very excited for the arrival of their baby girl Siena Ray Masciel on August 18. Congrats to both PLACE parents!
Stephanie Vieron and her husband Kevin welcomed a sweet baby boy, James Louis Leary, on April 13. What a bundle of joy!
Cohort 3 (cont’d.)
Matthias Schildwachter moved to Northern California last year and is Assistant Director of Stanford University’s Pre-Collegiate Studies, overseeing the residential experience of academic programs for middle-school and high-school students.
Cristina Matthew-Torres and her husband have added to their family with a second baby, born in June 2013. Congrats!
Chris Jahnke and his wife are now proud parents. Congratulations!
Michael Hagen has been living in Thailand teaching social studies and literature to grade 7-12 students.
Staci Pangle married Michael Schulte in June 2013, and in the fall started a new 4th grade teaching position at the private school Columbus School for Girls.
Cohort 6
Br. Brandon Paluch finished his second
year at the Marianist Novitiate and is at
Dayton University working as the
"Coordinator of Community Outreach,"
connecting students with service and
social justice opportunities.
Marty Schubert is also making sweet
holy matrimony with Lesley Florie in
New York City in January. They are
moving to London after the wedding.
Marty started his lawyer job in London.
He misses both his fiancé and C6. He will
be sending late night London emails
until his wife joins him.
John Hoarty works at Marty’s alma
mater and walks past his beautiful
photo everyday.
Cohort 7
Katie Amrich is working at St. Monica’s Catholic High School in the Science Department. She is also the Assistant Dean of Students.
Br. Norman Capinpin is currently in Honolulu working at St. Louis High School on the Chaminade campus, his alma mater. He already took his first vows as a Marianist brother.
Matt Chancey lives in Massachusetts, and is teaching 6th grade at St. Mary of the Annunciation School.
Larry Corio is in the Bay Area after finishing his masters program at Columbia University.
Bridget Dixon-Nuno lives in Santa Monica and is teaching chemistry at St. Monica Catholic High School. She is also a member of the Alumni Council.
Becki Dowling lives in Chicago, and is teaching 5th grade at a Catholic school.
Daylyn Durkee is in her 7th year teaching 1st grade at St. Lucy School.
Cohort 4
Jennifer Ratner is now Principal at Our Lady of Lourdes School in the Valley.
Melissa-Souza Parker and husband Ray welcomed a beautiful baby girl. Congratulations!
Matt Garcia-Prats is Principal of a Catholic school in Houston, Texas.
Cohort 1
Karina Moreno-Corgan and husband Joe welcomed a beautiful baby girl named Ava.
Cohort 10
Mimi Cullari is now Mimi Aujero! Mimi and Matt Aujero were married on August 10, 2013, and reside in the DC area. Congratulations!
Lauren Dillon is now teaching at Saint Mary's Academy and taking on a new leadership role. Congratulations and best of luck!
Mary Rose Pascua is engaged and will be getting married soon. Congratulations!
Skyler Mosenthal is now living and working in the NYC area.
Kristen Tordillos has moved back to Seattle and is enjoying time with her family and new happy, healthy niece!
Megan Parodi married Stephen Wiard in March 2013. Congrats!
If you would like to contribute a story, highlight a
special event or include your cohort update,
contact Edgar Alonso or your Alumni Council
representative.
-Blessings!
Cohort Updates
Marriages, Children, Religious Life
Professional Accomplishments
Cohort 9
Marcos Gonzalez professed his first vows in the Society of Jesus in August.
Angelica Izquierdo is entering her second year in the Administration Program at LMU. She is now the Assistant Vice Principal of Operations at St. John Chrysostom School.
Jessica (Ourada) Garcia is now teaching Music and Theatre part-time at St. Anthony of Padua in Gardena.
Cohort 8
Sammy and Michelle (Smith) Torres are expecting their first baby in March of 2014. Congratulations!
Megan Ciccarello graduated from Fordham University with a masters in educational leadership and administration. She moved to Virginia, is teaching K-5 Spanish at Enterprise Elementary in Woodbridge, VA, and got engaged in March to Chris Baker. They will marry in April, 2014. Best wishes!
Sandra (Montaño) Castro graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a masters in educational leadership with an administrative credential, and is teaching Spanish at Murray Middle School and Burroughs High School in Ridgecrest, CA. She is also teaching CCD at local church, and EMing at local church.
Timothy Monreal married Liz Dillon on July 13, 2013, and honeymooned walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain. He is a founding member of Hack the Classroom. “Hack the Classroom is an organization that aims to catalyze conversations about technology. Hack the Classroom looks to create discussion about how technology can reshape the world around us, particularly in the classroom. See hacktheclassroom.org for more information.”
Cohort 8 (cont’d.)
Marielle Sallo is starting an educational leadership program at UCLA to pursue a doctorate in education.
Lauren Hobbs moved to Seattle and is teaching 5th grade at Our Lady of Guadalupe School.
Trish Weise married Dustin Delfin on July 20, 2013. Best wishes!
Sara Perez married Aaron Sakrahani on June 9, 2013. Congratulations!
Roxanne Gutierrez and her husband had a baby boy, Francisco (Frankie), born May 3, 2013. She is still at a PLACE school, going into her 6th year overall and 3rd year as VP. Congrats on your bundle of joy!
Leah Colores and husband had a baby, Miles, born January 30, 2013, at 1lb. 15oz. What a blessing!
Emily Robbins married Karl Beutner August 24, 2013. Best wishes for a happy marriage!
Stephanie Toledo is a Campus Minister and English teacher at St. Monica High School.
Tanya Rivas is teaching middle school history at St. Thomas the Apostle School, and was awarded a California Association of Museums (CAM) Fellowship and collaborated with: Nina Simon of the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, Scott Tennett of LACMA, and Theresa Sotto of the J. Paul Getty Museum. Tanya worked with Dr. Greg Knotts on an academic piece for the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics Journal (STEM Journal).
Kristine Sullivan is working in Gulu, Uganda, as the Director of Programs and Development for Educate for Change. http://educateforchange.us/2013/09/19/choose-wisely/
Cohort 7 (cont’d.)
Katherine Dzida moved to the Bay Area, and is teaching 5th grade at St. Cecilia School in San Francisco.
Evita Flock’s first year teaching abroad at the International School of Florence has been a rewarding experience. “The diversity of the student body enriches each day with unique perspectives and experiences and the Tuscany hillsides create a gorgeous setting in which to teach and learn.” She is preparing to walk the Camino Santiago in Northern Spain for a couple weeks before returning to the States for a visit.
Paolo Garcia is at St. John’s Seminary and will be a part of the ordination class of 2017.
Alumni Council
Representative
Contact Information
C2–Greg Climaco
C2–Teresa McDorman
C3–Sean Griffin
C4–Amanda Kraivanger
C5–Allison Kargas
C6–Ted Dunlap
C7–Bridget Dixon
C8–Rebecca Hartstein
C9–Angelica Izquierdo
C10–Jaclyn Pilat
C11–Grant Kinman
C11–Lynna Landry
The Alumni PLACE Corps Newsletter was created by the Alumni Council, and Jennifer Gabrielli (PLACE
Administrative Assistant). A special thanks to everyone who played a part in putting this piece together.
Welcome to the Alumni Council
C11 Reps
Grant Kinman
lived at St. Albert’s Community
teaches at Sacred Heart High
School
Lynna Landry
lived at St. Albert’s Community
teaches at St. Mary’s
Academy