Career Day
Career Day 2022
March 11th from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Contact MaryAnne Kelly at mkelly@stfrancishs.org if you have any questions.
Without a doubt, St. Francis cultivates successful, impactful and capable alumnae – women who are changing their world.
Who better to inspire Troubies than their Troubie sisters who are already working in myriad careers?! We are so excited to host this event in a virtual space this year. Students are sure to gain some insights, have some questions answered and begin building their Troubie network for college and career success!
Alumnae are encouraged to participate. Current students will attend sessions of their choice based on career interest/exploration. Ideally, each session will have a couple of alums who work in a similar career field. The sessions will last 35 minutes with each alum taking 10-15 minutes to summarize their career and leaving time for student questions at the end.
Katie Schembri ‘14
Engagement Manager, Broadly Inc.
Katie Schembri serves as an Engagement Manager for the CEO of Broadly. Broadly is a Software startup empowering small businesses and their customers.
Eleanor Ferguson ‘13
Operations Specialist, LPA, Inc.
I attended the University of Arizona and began my career there soon after at the SALT Center, working with students with learning and attention challenges. I missed Sac and my family a lot though, so I took a leap of faith and moved back at the end of 2021. In early 2022 I began working as an Operations Specialist at LPA Inc., an architecture and design firm in downtown. I wear many hats here, including but not limited to Accounting Clerk, Human Resources Specialist, Communications Specialist, and Practice Management Specialist.
Tina Crowle Tedesco ‘91
Communications/Broadcast Media/PR+Marketing
When I headed off to the University of San Diego upon graduation from SFHS, I really had no idea what I wanted to do for a career. My journalism professor encouraged me to take an internship in broadcasting at one of the local TV stations, and that launched a 20 year career in local news as a producer and executive producer. In 2015, I left the news business and worked for various organizations providing media and public relations expertise. I have worked with the California Office of Emergency Services to provide media training for public information officers statewide.&n
Teryn Heckers
Research Recruitment Coordinator, UC Davis Health
Teryn currently works doing participant recruitment for two autism studies at the UC Davis MIND Institute. One study explores early brain development in children with and without autism. The other aims to understand how anxiety presents in autistic children and the most effective way to treat this anxiety. In a previous job at UC Davis Health, Teryn worked in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, where she connected resident physicians to learning and service opportunities in the local community.
Reesa Artz ‘18
Student
Reesa is a 2018 Graduate of SFHS, Christian Service Pillar Recipient, and will be graduating from Sweet Briar College in May 2022 with Summa Cum Laude Honors and as a Presidential Scholar. While at SBC, Reesa found a love for student affairs and engagement, serving as the Campus Events Organization President for two years. Additionally, she co-founded the Student Events Committee, assisting in producing over 200 campus events throughout her four years.
Tiza Serrano-Thompson ‘88
Managing Attorney, State Farm
This proud Troubie alum graduated from UCLA with a BA in Political Science and then earned her JD from University of San Diego School of Law. She was a partner in private practice for more than 20 years working with multiple insurance companies and private clients handling personal injury defense, business and probate litigation cases. She currently is Managing Attorney for State Farm.
Ariel Ortiz Meyer ‘13
Deputy Sheriff
Ariel graduated SFHS in 2013, and went on to complete two years at Sacramento State. She decided to join the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office to pursue a career in Law Enforcement and graduated the academy in 2016. She has been working for the department for more than five years and is currently assigned to patrolling south Sacramento.
Kacy Nicholas ‘14
Probation Officer
Kacy graduated SFHS in 2014, and went on to complete two years of junior college. After transferring to Sacramento State in 2016, Kacy graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. She began her career with the Sacramento County Probation Department in 2018 and has been working for the department for four years. She is currently assigned to the Youth Detention Facility where she works closely with juveniles, their guardians, and community resources to support the growth of her clients.
Mary Ellingson ‘67
Nursing, Clinical Nurse Educator, Sutter Health
After two years at Gonzaga University, I transferred to UCD where
I completed my Psychology degree in the summer of 1970.
I then moved to NC where my husband attended Duke graduate school
in PT. I worked for the university on a cancer research project.
The first of my 4 children was born there. I became a full time
mom and volunteer for the next 17 years. I returned to college
life at CSUS where I obtain my BSN in 1999. I had a practice in
pediatrics with Sutter for 15 years.
Andrea Soares ‘09
Physician
I attended UCLA after graduation and then went to Washington University in St. Louis for Medical School. I’m am a board certified internal medicine physician and am now in training to become a cardiologist at UC Davis.
Sarah (Detrick) Williams ‘00
Nurse, Lactation Consultant, OHSU / Hillsboro Medical Center
After years in an unfulfilling career, Sarah made the leap into nursing. Though a scary transition, it has been one of the best decisions. Now a Labor, Delivery and Postpartum nurse and Lactation Consultant, she spends her days working with families and babies in a career which brings her joy and satisfaction, while contributing to her community.
Emily Pierucci ‘06
Pilot / First Officer, American Airlines
My senior year at St.Francis I started working on my private pilot’s license and I knew I found my dream career. After college I flew as a flight instructor, then aerial survey, and tours over the Grand Canyon. I have flown passengers and cargo, and am so happy to finally be settled at American Airlines. I fly the Airbus 320 out of LAX. Aviation holds so many opportunities and I hope to introduce you to some of them!
Erin (Holt) Cook ‘83
Teacher, Castro Valley Unified School District
Teaching is my passion. I was a stay-at-home mom for many years. Once my kids were in school, I became an Instructional Assistant and Substitute Teacher for CVUSD. I applied for, and received, a grant to go back to school and obtain my teaching credential. I was able to teach full time via an intern program while attending classes in the evening. Teaching is the world to me!
Laura (Twitchell) Hatheway ‘04
Teacher, California State University Sacramento
Laura Hatheway is a California credentialed teacher with over 14 years’ experience as a classroom teacher, instructional coach and Director. Laura attended Cal Poly State, San Luis Obispo, where she earned her CA Teaching Credential. Laura currently runs a private consulting company and specializes in professional development for teachers.
Barbara (Ruggiero) Ching ‘01
Learning & Development Manager, California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalPERS)
Barbara Ching has over 15 years of experience in training, higher education, student services, event planning, project management, and marketing. She is a proud Santa Clara University alumna where she majored in business and then went on to earn a Master’s in Educational Leadership at San Jose State University. She has worked for various private, public, and non-profit organizations, including iD Tech, University of the Pacific, Sacramento State, and the California Charter Schools Association. Currently, she serves as a Learning & Development manager at the California
Amanda Horrocks ‘98
Pediatric Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Community Psychiatry
Dr. Amanda Horrocks is a pediatric psychiatric nurse practitioner with Community Psychiatry. After graduating from St. Francis, she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The Catholic University of America, a Master of Science in Nursing from UC San Francisco, and her Doctor of Nursing Practice from CSU Fresno. She is also a Certified Master Herbalist and the owner of Grace & Healing Sanctuary.
Katie Coleman ‘10
Naturopathic Doctor, Davis Naturopathic Medicine
Dr. Katie Coleman is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor with expertise in gastrointestinal conditions and endocrine disorders. She provides individualized naturopathic care for all ages, focusing on treating the whole person by finding the root cause of illness, removing obstacles to cure, and supporting the body’s innate ability to self-heal. Dr. Coleman is a graduate of UC Davis and the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR.
Caron Houston, P ‘12
Concierge Physician
Dr. Caron Houston is a concierge physician whose practice provides in home care for frail elders in the Sacramento community. She loves being a doctor and caring for people in need. Her career highlights are working for the Indian Health Service, teaming up to open premier senior health clinics in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and directing a community health Center in New York City. Since moving to Sacramento, she has been on staff at Sutter since 2007.
Emma Roses ‘13
Speech-Language Pathologist, Aegis Therapies
Emma discovered her vocation as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) while scrolling through an online catalog of majors. She uses her training and experience to assist patients with chewing, swallowing, communicating and living more independently. She would like to share her experiences working in the in-demand career as an SLP, where one can work with newborn babies, children with speech disorders, teenagers with Autism, survivors of neurological events like strokes, and so much more.
Evanne Torrecillas ‘11
School Counselor, Sacramento City Unified School District
Evanne received her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and then went on to receive a Master’s Degree as a Counselor in Education from the California State University, Sacramento. She currently works as a middle/high school counselor in Sacramento. Evanne has a professional and personal interest in coaching, mentoring, and community building. She has also served as a youth mental health advocate. Evanne also considers herself a “dog person.”
Amy (Watson) Krause ‘90
Vice President of Legal Affairs, Centene Corporation
Amy is currently the Vice President of Legal Affairs with Centene Corporation, a Fortune 25 company. She currently oversees legal matters across five western states. Shas been practicing law for 20+ years, almost exclusively in the field of health care. Her work has spanned the public and private sectors, and from traditional lawyer functions, public policy, advocacy, and management. Most are surprised to know that her focus is not about court pleadings or contracts alone; it is to support access to health care coverage which she is most proud to be part of.
Christina Connolly ‘14
Staff Attorney, East Bay Children’s Law Offices
Christina Connolly, “CJ,” earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UC Berkeley in 2018. While at UC Berkeley, she worked with incoming students in the residence halls and recognized the great disparity in their educational experiences. She then went on to earn her J.D.
Shelby (De La Mora) Gillis ‘07
Navy Helicopter Pilot, US Navy
I am a 2007 graduate of St. Francis High School. I went to the United States Naval Academy and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in English. I selected Naval Aviation as my job after graduation and left for flight school in Pensacola, Florida. Now I am a fully qualified helicopter pilot stationed in San Diego, CA as a soon-to-be Lieutenant Commander.
Jasmine Bernal ‘07
Global Studies Manager, Genentech
I currently work in clinical research at Genentech as a Global Studies Manager. My projects include ophthalmology studies, specifically an eye implant. Previously, I worked at UC San Francisco as a Clinical Research Coordinator within the Gynecological Oncology space, which allowed me to gain experience with clinical trials. I have been working in clinical research for the past seven years and absolutely love it. There are so many opportunities within clinical research.
Megan (Chisick) Spearing ‘10
Account Manager/Sales, Microsoft
I graduated from SFHS in 2010 and Oregon State University in 2014. I am currently pursuing my MBA at OSU, while working full-time at Microsoft. I have been employed at Microsoft for almost three years, where I work in digital ad sales and I manage a book of business of Microsoft’s top digital advertisers.
April Fallon ‘84
VP Engineering Operations, Rubrik, Inc.
April is a native of Sacramento and graduated from UC Davis with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. She then received her Master of Science in Civil Engineering at CSUS. She spent seven years working in Civil Engineering before she had the opportunity to parlay her construction project management experience into a project/program management role at an internet startup. She loved the fast pace of hi-tech and after eight years at several start-ups and weathering the internet dot com bust, she landed at Yahoo!
Cristina (Calderon) Olea ‘94
Senior Engineer, San Francisco Public Works
Cristina graduated from St. Francis in 1994 and from Santa Clara University in 1998. She has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and is a licensed Professional Engineer. She has worked for the City & County of San Francisco for over 20 years as a Civil Engineer and Project Manager. Her projects improve safety and mobility for the City. She is also the mother of two energetic girls.
Shelby Vice ‘13
Youth Programs Coordinator, WEAVE
I studied Neuroscience and Political Science at the University of Arizona and Sacramento State. I started working at a law firm at the age of 15 and then transitioned to working for WEAVE in April of 2018. I’ve always been very interested in human rights and helping people who have survived trauma. As a confidential advocate for WEAVE, I work to empower and counsel survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and sex trafficking.
Julie Soto ‘06
Author, Self-Employed
As an upcoming debut author, Julie is excited for her first book to be published Spring 2023. She signed with her literary agent in July of 2021, and successfully sold two adult rom-coms earlier this year. As a playwright, Julie’s musical “Generation Me” won the 2017 New York Musical Festival’s Best Musical award, as well as Best Book for Julie’s work on the script. After graduating from St. Francis, Julie studied Theatre Arts and Creative Writing in college.
Carmyndee Fields ‘11
Public Safety Dispatcher
A public safety dispatcher for nine years, Carmyndee has answered thousands of calls and dispatched help to those in need from Los Angeles to the Bay Area to Sacramento. Working in a high stress job, Carmyndee utilizes her degree in nutrition to focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Alexandra Chan ‘10
Naval Officer
SFHS class of 2010 and United States Naval Academy class of 2014, Alexandra Chan graduated with a Bachelors in History (Honors). She served two sea tours on Destroyers out of Hawaii and one shore tour at Pacific Fleet Command. She has recently separated from the Navy and will be working for the FBI starting this summer.
Lindsay (Clutter) McCarl ‘02
Environmental Counsel (Attorney), U.S. Navy
Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Lindsay McCarl earned her Bachelor of Science in Operations Research & Industrial Engineering at Cornell University in 2006, where she also received her Master of Engineering in Applied Operations Research in 2007. After her graduate studies, LCDR McCarl worked at Northrop Grumman as a Risk Manager and Simulation Modeling Analyst. In her role as a Section Manager, she designed, implemented, and managed her division’s college internship program.