Career Day
Career Day 2020
Career Day has been postponed
Postponement information is TBD. Please contact Becky Iverson at biverson@stfrancishs.org with 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 welcome more than 65 alumnae back to campus for the first annual St. Francis Career Day on Friday, March 13, 2020! Students are sure to gain some insights, have some questions answered and begin building their Troubie network for college and career success!
Students will have an opportunity to sign up for two career sessions hosted by alumnae that morning. The event time will be 9:00 am – 12:00 pm with lunch provided after.
Participating alumnae are profiled below:
Aerospace & Defense
Aerospace is the human effort in science, engineering, and business to fly in the atmosphere of Earth (aeronautics) and surrounding space (astronautics). Learn how aerospace organizations research, design, manufacture, operate, or maintain aircraft or spacecraft.
Arianna Raymundo ‘03
Project Management - Chief, Army/Air Force Section, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Arianna is the Chief of the Army/Air Force Section within the Programs and Project Management Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Sacramento District. Arianna has been working with USACE for 12 years. Her experience includes positions in engineering and construction, emergency deployments supporting hurricane and fire response, and a 9-month deployment to Afghanistan. Recently, Arianna was recognized as the 2019 USACE Project Manager of the Year.
Beth Anderson ‘80
VP Manufacturing, Supply Chain & Operations, Boeing
Beth Anderson was recently named vice president of Business Integration & Analytics, where she will accelerate work to modernize our supply chain and manufacturing processes and tools. Beth started out as an engineer and used her technical foundation and passion for employee engagement to lead various teams in engineering, manufacturing and supply chain.
Beth still hold dear the values instilled during her years at St. Francis – integrity, truth, trust & transparency.
Karen Horvath ‘06
Aerospace/Mechanical Engineer
I have spent most of my career in aerospace engineering in liquid propulsion (rockets) and mechanical integration (airplanes). I have a BS in chemical engineering and an MS in mechanical engineering.
Architecture
Architects design structures such as office buildings, businesses, stadiums, schools, malls, and homes. They might also design outdoor spaces. An architect will collect all information for a project to include site selection, environmental impact, zoning laws, building codes, and access to buildings for the disabled.
Diva Latzke ‘07
Project Architect, Gensler
With over 8 years of experience in providing corporate campus and
workplace design in Silicon Valley, Diva is capable of
bringing value to a project team from RFP interview through
concept to completion. A pivotal project in her career was a
cafeteria/espresso bar at the new Apple campus in Cupertino,
completed in 2017. Where the design experience meets the highly
technical details- this is where Diva truly excels.
Biotechnology
This Troubie works as a Global Studies Manager for Genentech where she does clinical research in the areas of immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and neuroscience. She works closely with creating the clinical trial protocols and ensuring they run smoothly at the hospitals.
Jasmine Bernal ‘07
Global Studies Manager, Genentech
I work at Genentech in South San Francisco as a Global studies manager. I work in clinical research for the immunology/infectious disease/ophthalmology/neuroscience group. I do not work in lab but rather I work closely with creating the clinical trial protocols and make sure that our trials run smoothly at the hospitals.
Hannah Gonzales ‘12
Management Development, McMaster-Carr
Hannah Gonzales is currently in the Management Development
program at McMaster-Carr, an industrial supplies company based
near Chicago, IL. Her work is focused on business operations and
people management, aimed at helping shape the hundred-year-old
company’s continued growth and evolution. Previously, she spent
three years in Washington, DC, working in the research &
consulting and tech startup spaces at Quadrant Strategies and
most recently, Morning Consult.
Madeline Dyer ‘13
Strategy & Business Development Manager, Visa
I oversee strategy and operations at Visa for one of our payments products and focus on the government vertical. I worked in politics when I lived in Sacramento before moving to San Francisco two years ago for this job. The payments industry is incredibly exciting, and there are endless opportunities to make an impact at companies like mine on how people around the world pay and get paid.
Hana Rashid ‘01
Dentist, Beautiful Smiles Dentistry
Dr. Hana Rashid started out as a dental assistant for Beautiful Smiles Dentistry prior to attending dental school. She graduated from St. Francis in 2001 then completed her undergraduate studies at UC Davis , with a major in Genetics and a minor in Psychology. A graduate of the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in 2009, she went on to complete a 1 year General Practice Residency in Fresno, CA. She joined her mother, Dr. Ibtisam Rashid in August 2010 as Associate Dentist.
Pamela DiTomasso ‘72
Dentist, DiTomasso Dental
Dr. DiTomasso is the lead dentist, and practice owner, at DiTomasso Dental. She graduated from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston.
Dr. DiTomasso has always been a leader in advancing the clinical skills, knowledge and leadership abilities of other dentists. She has been a faculty member and trainer with many national academies and a personal mentor to many young and established doctors. Staying current is a priority. Dr. DiTomasso is constantly training and learning the latest technologies.
Tooka Zokaie ‘12
Manager, Fluoridation and Preventive Health Activities, American Dental Association
Tooka Zokaie is the Manager for Fluoridation and Preventive Health Activities at the American Dental Association (ADA). She leads the National Fluoridation Advisory Committee and the Prevention Sub Committee for the Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention in the Government and Public Affairs Division. Her work includes educating community leaders on the efficacy and public health benefits of community water fluoridation, tobacco/vaping cessation, school-based oral health, and nutrition.
Claire Blocker ‘00
Owner/Principal Designer, Parc Studio
Claire implements a proven track record of providing personal
service through an integrated team approach – creating a Design
Studio that offers a hands-on, full scope approach, fostering
long standing client relationships and an excellent reputation
for achieving perfection in her jobs.
Erika Kjelstrom ‘94
Milliner/Maker, Morticia Stewart Designs
Milliner, Maker, & Makeup Artist with a demonstrated history of working in the music industry. Skilled in Choral, Theatre, Event Management, Radio, and Songwriting. Strong arts and design professional with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) focused in Music, Voice Concentration from CSU Sacramento.
Amy Stenberg ‘99
5th Grade Teacher, Booksin Elementary (San Jose Unified)
After graduating SF, I attended community college for 2 years before transferring to Cal State Fullerton. There, I earned my BS in Child & Adolescent Development. Because I wanted to be a teacher, I began my credential program at Azusa Pacific University. After a year of the program & student teaching, I received an offer to teach 1st grade. Now, 14 years later, I have taught 1st, 3rd, 4th, & 5th grade. I continued my higher education, earning both a Masters in Education and an Administrative Credential.
Judy Farina ‘74
Elementary School Principal, Sacramento City Unified School District
Education was never one of the career choices I dreamed of as a child. However, life has a funny way of guiding us to our happy place, if we only stop and listen to our heart. At the age of 40 I took a dare and stepped in to a 7th grade teaching position. Eight years later, after securing my teaching and administrative credentials as well as a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, I was an elementary principal! Fifteen years later I still wake up on Monday mornings happy that I get to go to work!
Laura Hatheway ‘04
Teacher on Special Assignment for Buckeye Union School Distirct, English Language Coordinator
I graduated from SF in 2004 and attend Cal Poly, SLO where I
simultaneously earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies
and California Teaching credential within 4 years. Upon
completion I began working as a Kindergarten teacher for the San
Ramon Valley Union School District, SRVUSD.
Emergency Medical Technician
From a hands-on Emergency Medical Technician to a Troubie family that runs the largest quality advanced life support ambulance services in the North San Francisco Bay area, you’ll learn about the many career areas in this exciting field.
Cindy McBride ‘00
VP Quality, Medic Ambulance Service
Graduated Saint Francis in 2000 went to Fresno State where I earned my Bachelors of Science in Nursing. Moved back to Sacramento worked at UC Davis Medical center on the unit then ER continuing to work at Medic became Critical Care transport RN. More recently in 2017 complete my Masters of Science in Nursing with my Family Nurse Practitioner degree. Now I manage our Quality department as well as all of our Nursing staff. Work collaboratively with our Medical Director and Solano and Sacramento county staff.
Helen Pierson ‘74
CEO/Co-Owner, Medic Ambulance Service
After graduating in 1974 I was hired at Bank of America. I also attended Sacramento State. I became one of the youngest officers at the bank at the age of 20. My last position at Bank of America was Operations Officer.In 1984 our family moved to Portland, Oregon, I worked for US Bank and was trained to become a Bank Manager.In 1988 we moved back to California and I began working in our family business my brother and parents started in 1979.
Ileana MacDonald ‘14
EMT, American Medical Response
I have been an EMT in Stockton for AMR for 1 year and worked for a different private ambulance for 3 years. I currently work on a 911 ambulance in a high call volume county. I have also worked for a fire department in Chico from 2014-2016.
Sandra Whaley ‘00
Co-Owner & VP- Communications, Medic Ambulance Service
Graduated from SFHS in 2000, went to Sac City for 2 years then transferred to Sac State and Graduated in 2004 with BS in Kinesiology. Worked for Medic since 16 in Billing office and in 2006 was transferred to the Dispatch Center. I am an EMD certified dispatcher and reviewer. I moved up from line dispatcher to lead dispatcher, then to Supervisor, Manager and now VP of Communications. I have also helped the Center become internationally certified as an Accredited Center of Excellence.
Entertainment
Hear about the work involved in being a Script Supervisor for film and TV where you are the liaison between post production and what is shot on the set. We also have a professional actor/singer/writer and member of the LA Writers Center who has written two musicals and also has her own YouTube Channel.
Jillian Terwedo ‘07
Script Supervisor
I’ve been working as a Script Supervisor for film and TV for 8 years with 5 years in the IATSE Union. As a Script Supervisor I am the liaison between post production and what we shoot on set. I take detailed notes of each shot, watch continuity both on set with actors and story continuity, and work directly with the director and cinematographer on all shots needed to tell the story.
Maura Megan Knowles ‘86
Actor-Singer-Writer-Producer
Maura Megan Knowles is a versatile actor-singer-writer-producer whose projects include the development of her original musical comedy t.v. series ”Insult to Injury,” inspired by her own life and death experiences, turning to her Irish-American comedy roots.
Kathleen Strickley ‘84
Environment Scientist, CalRecycle (Dept of Resources Recycling and Recovery
I was born and raised in Sacramento along the American River Parkway – it was there that I developed my love and affinity for the outside world. During my college years at CSUS I was drawn to the work of NGO’s that focused on environmental and EJ issues abroad – it was these interests that ignited my passion to help those with little to no voice (indigenous peoples, threatened ecosystems, endangered animals, the planet). These concerns ultimately guided my choice of major: BA in Environmental Studies w/a minor in Communications.
Curie Canuela ‘95
Senior Environmental Scientist Specialist, CalRecycle
After graduating from SFHS, I spent two years at Sacramento City College and received my AS in Science, Math & Engineering. I then transferred to UCDavis. While attending classes at UCDavis I worked as a technician at AT&T. I graduated with a BS Degree in Environmental Biology & Management. I stayed with AT&T for several years but the world of environmental issues was calling to me.
Rosie Lucchesini-Jack ‘90
Fixed Income Portfolio Manager, California State Teacher's Retirement System
Rosie Lucchesini-Jack is a Portfolio Manager in the Fixed
Income Unit of CalSTRS. She leads a team that is responsible for
managing and investing the interest rate sensitive portfolios
within Fixed Income and for other asset classes in the Total
Fund. A $10 billion US Treasury/Agency portfolio, $9 billion risk
mitigating strategy long duration US Treasury portfolio and $950
million inflation sensitive US TIPS portfolio.
Katie Lucas ‘10
Senior Manager of Creative Services, PlayQ
Katie graduated from Saint Francis High School in 2010 and went
on to attend Loyala Marymount University, where she majored in
animation with an unofficial minor in game design. After
graduating in 2014, she freelanced for a variety of clients doing
motion design, editing and artwork – until landing a job at POV
Design – an entertainment advertising firm in Los Angeles,
CA.
Government Relations / Public Affairs
There are many career opportunities in the areas of government relations and public affairs. Hear from a partner and lobbyist in a prestigious downtown firm representing issues such as worker’s compensation, cable and internet legislations, pharmaceuticals and more. She’s joined by a Legislative Aide in the California State Senate.
Erin Norwood ‘97
Partner/Governmental Advocate, Norwood Associates LLC
As a Partner of Norwood Associates, Ms. Norwood provides clients with more than a decade of experience and a strong understanding of insurance, technology, health, and consumer issues. Ms. Norwood has successfully lobbied the California Legislature, Governor’s office, and State Administrative Agencies on significant issues such as workers’ compensation, cable and internet legislation, pharmaceuticals, personal, property and life insurance, taxation, gambling and internet poker legislation.
Sandra Sanders ‘82
Legislative Aide, California State Senate
Sandra is currently working in the California State Senate as a Legislative Aide to Senator Cathleen Galgiani, 5th District. Sandra’s job is to assist the Legislative Director and Chief of Staff to manage the Senator’s legislative package.
Margaret McCarthy ‘68
Executive Officer, United States Agency for International Development
Served in the developing world (Africa, Middle East and Central & East Asia)as a Foreign Service for 25+ years. As a foreign service officer(FSO) specializing in management oversaw support services which included human resources, IT, contracting, procurement, leasing, adviser to mission director on management policies & regulation. Mentored and trained American FSOs and Foreign Service Nationals worldwide. Represented my agency, USAID, on Inter-Agency committees related to management.
Hospitality & Tourism
Hear from a Troubie with a vast career in hospitality and tourism having worked for Visit Rancho Cordova, the Sacramento Kings, Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World.
Leena Riggs ‘08
Marketing Manager, Visit Rancho Cordova
Leena is a hospitality and tourism professional. She has worked for the Sacramento Kings, Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. She works to enhance the economic vitality of her community and volunteers her skills to organizations that support the community. She holds a BA from CSUS in History and a MS from UCF in Hospitality & Tourism Management. She is currently working on her PDM through Destinations International.
Human Resources
One of our Troubies is the west Region Recruiting Manager for entry level and campus recruiting for a global professional services company; she’s joined by a Troubie who works as a benefits consultant helping employers of all sizes and industries to design benefits programs to attract top talent.
Kaitlyn Wolf ‘11
Actuarial Consultant, Mercer
Kaitlyn Wolf is an Actuarial Consultant in Mercer’s Health and Benefits Practice. As a benefits consultant, Kaitlyn works with employers of all sizes and industries to strategically design benefit offerings to help attract and retain talent. After obtaining a degree in Mathematics, Kaitlyn is actively pursuing credentials through the Society of Actuaries. This actuarial focus allows Kaitlyn to set financial budget rates and negotiate down the constantly increasing healthcare costs for her clients.
Lori Lien ‘08
Recruiting Manager, Accenture
Lori is the West Region Recruiting Manager for entry level and campus recruiting at Accenture, a global professional services company. She is passionate about people development - for others as well as herself. Outside of work, Lori loves to golf, travel and hang out with her niece and nephews.
Information Technology
Learn about research and technology positions with the State of California from a Troubie who is a Research Data Supervisor in the field of data analytics, specifically managed health care. Joining her is a project manager at Hewlett Packard Enterprise who has worked on two large transformation projects.
Amy Peterson ‘89
Research Data Supervisor, State of California
Amy has always worked in non profits and government services. She has a degree in psychology from UCSB and a Master’s from USC. She worked as a social worker, a communications director, and as a director of a visa sponsorship program before joining the State of California. At the state, she has worked in research and management since 2008. She is currently a Research Data Supervisor in the field of data analytics, specifically with managed health care. Her prior research with mental health/substance use disorders and vital records has been fascinating
Sarah Vinson ‘10
Project Manager, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Sarah Vinson is a Project Manager at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) in Roseville, CA. She graduated from UC Davis in 2014 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and Sociology. At HPE, she has worked on two large transformation projects including complex tool implementations and enhancements. In 2016, she obtained her Project Management Professional Certification, a key industry-recognized certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
Journalism / Media
Journalism crosses many platforms from print to web to TV and more. Many will have seen this Troubie on campus; she is an anchor and reporter for Good Day Sacramento. She is joined by the Digital Editor for the Sacramento Business Journal responsible for the publication’s website and social media accounts.
Julissa Ortiz ‘95
News Anchor/Reporter, CBS
Born and raised in Sacramento, Julissa is thrilled to
be in her hometown doing what she loves.
She joined Good Day Sacramento as an anchor and reporter 14 years
ago. You can watch her broadcasting everything from breaking news
to breakfast recipes
Fun fact: she interned with Good Day in college during her summer
breaks!
Julissa graduated from the University of Southern California
and landed her first tv job at KYMA-TV in El Centro, California.
She also worked in Santa Maria at KCOY-TV covering California’s
central coast.
Sonya Sorich ‘00
Digital Editor, Sacramento Business Journal
Sonya Sorich has spent more 15 years as a professional journalist, and is currently the digital editor of the Sacramento Business Journal. In that role, she manages the publication’s website and oversees its social media accounts. She also writes articles about retail, restaurants and local small businesses.
Law Enforcement
This robust panel will include Troubies working for the City, County and State including a detective for the city, a parole deputy for the Governor’s office, a human trafficking detective for the county and a K9 trainer and handler.
Alicia Gutierrez ‘16
Business owner, K9 trainer, and private contract K9 Handler
I am a K9 trainer and handler for my company and a k9 detection company. I train a variety of dogs including police k9s and protection k9s.
Allison Cunningham ‘00
Detective, Sacramento Police
I have been a sworn police officer since December 2006. I am currently assigned to our Office if Investigations SACA Unit (Sexual Assault Child/Adult). I am also a First Aid/CPR instructor for the department.
Kacy Nicholas ‘14
Probation Assistant, Sacramento County Probation Department
Hey fellow troubles,
My name is Kacy Nicholas (class of 2014) and I
currently work for the Sacramento County Probation Department as
an officer in Juvenile Hall. I started my career in law
enforcement back in 2018, fresh out of college. I graduated from
Sacramento State with a bachelors degree in criminal justice in
2018! Go hornets! I currently work with our at risk youth in the
intensive skill building unit, where our goal is to assist with
rehabilitation.
Monika Lopez ‘93
Deputy Probation Officer, Sacramento County Probation Department
Monika started her career in Law Enforcement in 2006. Trained in management of assaultive behavior and motivational interviewing, she was assigned to the Institution Services Division in Sacramento County Juvenile Hall (Youth Detention Facility). Her next assignment was with the Professional Standards Division in Administrative Services focusing on Communications and Social Media. Currently, she is assigned to the Juvenile Court Division as a Court Investigator.
Sara Curtis ‘05
Legal Affairs Parole Deputy, Governor's Office
My name is Sara Curtis and I was born and raised in Sacramento and am 2005 graduate of St. Francis High School (Go Pink Panther!). While at St. Francis I enjoyed many extracurricular activities, including water polo and swimming. I jetted off to the University of Hawaii at Manoa, earning a degree in Political Science and Sociology, with a minor in beach time and surfing in 2009.
Legal/Private Practice
One of our Troubies works for the only law firm in the nation’s history with offices in all 50 states; she works I the areas of Estate Planning, Workers’ Compensation and Employment Law. The other is Associate General Counsel at The Golden 1 Credit Union where she focuses on consumer financial service, corporate compliance and employment law.
Brigget Barrios ‘08
Attorney, Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani
While at St. Francis, I was a member of the cross county and golf teams, and served as SBO Secretary. I went on to University of the Pacific for my freshman year of college and joined Alpha Phi Sorority. I transferred to the University of Arizona where I obtained my B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Spanish. During college, I interned for the Arizona Attorney General’s Office and a U.S. Senator. I was a member of Phi Delta Phi legal honor’s fraternity and studied abroad in Spain. After college, I returned home to the Sacramento area and attended McGeorge Law School.
Kristen Benadom ‘04
Associate General Counsel, The Golden 1 Credit Union
Kristen Benadom currently serves as Associate General Counsel at The Golden 1 Credit Union where she focuses on consumer financial services, corporate compliance, and employment law. Prior to joining Golden 1, Kristen was Vice President and Senior Counsel at Rabobank, N.A., most recently advising on merger and litigation activity. A 2004 St. Francis graduate, Kristen went on to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Gonzaga University, she then went on to earn her law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law.
Legal/Public Service
There are many legal professions in the public sector; this Deputy District Attorney for Sacramento County has covered areas including domestic violence, human trafficking, and reducing sexual exploitation and trafficking. She is joined by the Deputy Attorney General at the Department of Justice.
Danielle Abildgaard ‘87
Deputy District Attorney, Sacramento County District Attorney's Office
After I graduated from St. Francis High School I attended University of Southern California where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science. I then attended University of Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. After law school I began my career at the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. At the District Attorney’s Office I handle cases from arraignment to jury trial and through sentencing. When I began in the office I prosecuted cases including driving under the influence cases, thefts, assaults and robberies.
Sarah Brattin ‘06
Deputy Attorney General, Department of Justice
Since graduating from SFHS, I graduated from UC Davis for both undergraduate and law school. I began my career as a Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary for Governor Brown. I am currently in the Correctional Law Section at the Department of Justice where I have been the past three years.
Marketing, Advertising & PR
Hear what it takes to be a Social Media Associate for Ghiradelli Chocolate Company, or an Associate Media Director for a nationally recognized consumer marketing agency, or a Strategy Director for a multinational communications, advertising, public relations, technology, and commerce holding company headquartered in London, England.
Caitlin Scott ‘06
Communications Director, Full Court Press Communications
Caitlin Scott joined Full Court Press in 2015, bringing with her an extensive background in public relations and public affairs. Throughout her tenure at FCP, Caitlin has worked on clients with focuses ranging from economic justice and affordable housing, to community-building and ecosystem restoration. Caitlin is adept at media strategy and media relations. She has placed stories for clients in the Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, Mercury News, and the Sacramento Bee, among others.
Kat Haro ‘03
Associate Media Director, Mering
Kat Haro is a digital marketing professional with a
background that ranges from public relations, to website
development to digital production.
She is currently, the fearless leader of the Performance
Marketing team at Mering – which handles all Google and Social
platform advertising. Kat is a master of media process, champion
of cross-department collaboration and keeps the agency up to date
on the latest trends in the programmatic and social spaces.
Reagan McAfee ‘12
Account Manager, Offleash
Reagan is a Senior Account Executive at Offleash, a high-touch, boutique B2B technology public relations (PR) agency based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Reagan leads editorial programs, developing and executing media strategy across multiple enterprise tech accounts, with a focus on cybersecurity.
Stephanie Rickards ‘04
Strategy Director / MBA Fellow, WPP
Stephanie is a Strategy Director at Essence, a global media agency whose mission is to make advertising more valuable to the world. Based in New York, she is responsible for developing marketing and communications strategy for Google’s Pixel, Home and Nest business lines.
Victoria Alonso ‘09
Social Media Associate, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company
Hi, my name is Victoria and I’m passionate about Digital Marketing! I currently work for Ghirardelli Chocolate Company where I manage Social Media and Digital campaigns. After I graduated from St. Francis I went to USC to study International Relations and Business. When I graduated I tried out many career paths but landed in a Marketing role and loved it. I worked for a Real Estate company, a PR agency, and another candy company and grew my skills. I ended up at Disney Interactive as a Social Content Strategist, which was a dream come true!
Medical
Doctor :: Enjoy learning about the education path that took this alum into a career as an ObGyn physician in San Francisco, as well as a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at UC Davis.
Physician Assistant :: This Troubie started working in Clincial Research with UC Davis Medical center specializing in HIV and Infectious Diseases before attending Physical Assistant School at UOF. She is now a Family Medicine PA in Sacramento.
Dr. Klea Bertakis ‘70
Physician/Professor of Medicine, University of California, Davis
Dr. Bertakis received her BS degree from UC Davis, and MPH from UC Berkeley. She attended medical school and completed her family practice residency at the University of Utah. She joined the Department of Family and Community Medicine in 1980, and founded the UC Davis Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care in 1994. Dr. Bertakis was Chair of the Department from 1995 to 2017, and was elected Chair of the Council of Chairs (2000), as well as Chair of the UCDMC Practice Management Board (2009 and 2012).
Sarah Simmons ‘05
OB GYN Physician, Kaiser Permanente
I am excited to be at my first SFHS Career Day! I graduated from St. Francis in 2005 and had a love of science early on. I attended UC Berkeley for undergraduate and majored in Biology and then UC Davis for medical school and later Kaiser San Francisco for residency to be an OB GYN. Choosing what kind of doctor to be was easy for me because I knew wanted to be an advocate for women. I hope to inspire more women to go into the field of medicine and the sciences.
Roseanna Pauli ‘07
Physician Assistant, Private Practice
I played collegiate water polo at Marist College in NY state, where I studied Biomedical Science. After graduation I lived in Italy for 6 months while working as an Au Pair. I realized I needed an adult job so moved back home to Sacramento and started working in Clinical Research with UC Davis Medical Center, specializing in HIV and Infectious Diseases. Ultimately I went to Physician Assistant School at UOP, and am now working as a Family Medicine PA here in Sacramento!
Amalia Griego ‘91
Development Officer, Crocker Art Museum
Development is my second career. In 2000, I graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. I practiced for 17 years at which time I had a series of events in my life that gave me time to pause and consider whether or not I was happy. It was at that time I decided to make a career change. Through Catholic school events I became passionate about fundraising. I was blessed to work at Wind Youth Services for my first development job and have now transitioned to a new role at the Crocker Art Musuem.
Nursing
Returning to nursing school 30-years after graduating from SFHS and raising a family of four, this Troubie had a career in pediatric oncology and management as a clinical nurse educator. A board certified Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Pracitioner, this Troubie specialized in medication management for children, adolescents, and young adults. They are joined by a Registered Nurse working for Kaiser in the areas of Med-Surg, Orthopedics, Acute/Emergency Psych and Home Health.
Amanda Horrocks ‘98
Pediatric Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Community Psychiatry
Dr. Amanda Horrocks, DNP, NP is a board-certified Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), who has been practicing as a nurse practitioner since 2010. Amanda completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in May of 2017 from the California State University, Northern California Consortium, Doctor of Nursing Practice Program.
Lindsey Ward ‘09
Registered Nurse, Kaiser Permanente Hospitals
I am a University of San Francisco BSN graduate and have been an RN since 2014. I have worked in various health care settings including Med-Surg, Orthopedics, Acute/Emergency Psych, and Home Health. I am dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care to every patient and any support unit they may have. I am very passionate about my career and enjoy teaching others about both the clinical and personal aspects of nursing.
Mary Ellingson ‘67
Nursing, Clinical Nurse Educator, Sutter Health
After graduation from St. Francis I attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. where I met my husband to be. I returned to Sacramento and completed my first BA degree at UCD. I got married and accompanied my husband to Duke University in NC where he was completing graduate work. After raising my four children, I returned to school completing my BSN at CSUS in 1999. I enjoyed my pediatric practice for 15 before retiring. My professional career was divided evenly between a bedside practice in pediatric oncology and management as the clinical nurse educator.
Mental Health/Psychology
A Clinical Psychologist at Stanford University, this Troubie works with women facing fertility challenges, pregnancy loss, postpartum depression, anxiety and relationship issues. She’s joined by a licensed Marriage Family Therapist who has worked in juvenile probation, forensic mental health and private practice before joining Behavioral Health Provider Network as a Clinical Case Manager.
Grace Harbin ‘09
Clinical Case Manager, BHPN
Grace Harbin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has a BA from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in Sociology and a MA from Santa Clara in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Correctional Psychology. She currently is a Clinical Case Manager with the Behavioral Health Provider Network. Prior to that she worked in juvenile probation, forensic mental health and private practice.
Katie Lawlor ‘01
Clinical Psychologist, Stanford University
Dr. Lawlor’s clinical interests are in working with women facing fertility challenges, pregnancy loss, peripartum/postpartum depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. She received her doctorate from the joint program between the Stanford University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology. Dr. Lawlor trained at both the Stanford University Medical Center and the VA Palo Alto Health Care System, focusing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and neuropsychology.
Physical Therapy
This Troubie has 20 years of experience as a Physical Therapist working at Mercy General Hospital with clientele from a multitude of cultures, age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Gabi Stallings ‘85
Physical Therapist, Mercy General Hospital
St. Francis alumna, Gabi Stallings, has been a physical
therapist for over twenty years and works at Mercy General
Hospital. Her desire to serve others and improve their quality of
life has sculpted her into the compassionate professional she is.
Her clientele includes people from a multitude of cultures, age
groups, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Gabi balances her work life and family life raising her two
teenagers, volunteering in the community and striving to play
more tennis. She looks forward to new volunteer opportunities and
travelling.
Real Estate
Real estate encompasses everything from buying and selling property to financing those transactions. One Troubie is a Real Estate Broker whose core work Is marked by integrity, advocacy for her clients and unparalleled customer service. She’s joined by a fellow realtor who is currently working as mortgage loan officer helping people secure the financing for their purchases.
Jessa Teel ‘04
Real Estate Broker, CENTURY 21
From a young age, Jessa has been drawn to real estate. Growing up in California, her father was an architect and her mother enjoyed spending Saturdays checking out open houses. Their family spent weekends volunteering through Habitat for Humanity. Her parents helped with building; she and her sister hosted a lemonade stand on the construction site and donated the profits. A graduate from Loyola University New Orleans, Jessa’s degree is in journalism.
Sydney Wall ‘12
Realtor/Loan Officer, Professional Realty Associates
My name is Sydney, class of 2012, and I’ve been a Realtor since 2016 and a MLO for 9 months!
Regional Planning
Regional planning deals with the efficient placement of land-use activities, infrastructure, and settlement growth across a larger area of land than an individual city or town. This Troubie is an experienced Planning Consultant in both the public and private sector.
Amanda Laufer ‘11
Engineer, Turner Construction
Currently working as a Project Controls Manager on a $520MM design-build 21-story commercial office building for the Department of General Services in Sacramento. The role can be best described as an on-site risk auditor, performing functions ranging from reviewing RFI and submittal processes to negotiating change orders with the client.
Amanda Ross ‘06
Associate Planner, Rincon Consultants
Mrs. Ross is an experienced Planning Consultant with a demonstrated history of working in both the public and private sector. She is currently specializing in Municipal Service Review (MSR) development for LAFCo agencies, Environmental planning work, special district assessments, and community engagement.
Small Business Owner
These Troubies own a variety of successful businesses from Willo Salons, A Collection of Aveda Salons to a Pure Barre studio in Davis to a sports massage clinic. Find out how you can turn your passion and career interest into a successful business.
Jenna Smith ‘05
Fitness Studio Owner, Pure Barre Davis
Born and raised in Sacramento, CA, I grew up with two older brothers who immediately influenced my love for sports. I played whichever sport was in season, from soccer to basketball, tennis and golf. I’ve always had a passion for living an active lifestyle. I discovered Pure Barre when my fiancé and I lived in The Woodlands, TX. After we decided to move back to the west coast, I wanted to bring my new passion with me! Being a UC Davis alumna, I was eager to begin this new adventure and grow the Pure Barre community in Davis.
Katie Vona ‘99
Business owner/ somatic practitioner, ELITE Massage Therapy
I have owned a sports massage clinic for the past 13 yrs. Prior to becoming a somatic practitioner ( a fancy word for massage therapist) I did physical therapy. After realizing I did not like insurance companies dictating treatments, I decided to open up my massage practice in a week and 13 years later, here I am. My practice is osteopathic which allows me to look at the body as a whole not just by joints. I now work many races around town, give seminars and two years ago I was selected to be apart of TEAM USA Track and Field Medical Team for the US Nationals.
Sarina Paulson ‘96
Owner/CEO, Willo, Collection of Aveda Salons
It seems like long ago that I was walking the halls of SF. It
looked so different then. My life experiences over the past 24
years are greatly attributed to my time as a Troubie. The
confidence, resilency, & servant leadership skills I learned
served me greatly as I advanced throughout my career.
I have always had a passion for a challenge. So it was no
surprise that my career has been spent turning around
underperforming businesses, streamlining operations, hiring and
developing talent, and creating customer-centric
environments.
Speech & Language Pathologist
A licensed and certified Speech Language Pathologist, this Troubie has worked in neonatal intensive care, acute inpatient care, outpatient rehabilitation, cleft palate panel, skilled nursing facilities and a school setting.
Melita Huitt ‘85
Speech and Language Pathologist, SCUSD/ALTA California
Melita graduated from CSU Sacramento with a Masters of
Science in Speech Pathology.
She is a licensed and certified Speech Language Pathologist who
holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence with the American
Speech-Language -Hearing Association.
She has 29 years experience in this field which includes working
in the neonatal intensive care unit, acute inpatient care,
outpatient rehabilitation, cleft palate panel, skilled nursing
facilities, school setting and early intervention.
Veterinary Medicine
This Troubie works as a Regional Technician Director for VCA Animal Hospitals. She held various positions at a veterinary hospital chain in Sacramento including Assistant Director of Pet Nursing. She is joined by a current St. Francis grandfather who has had an extensive career as a Veterinarian working with both small and large animals.
Al Aldrete (Grandparent ‘21)
Veterinarian
Dr. Al Aldrete graduated from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, and following five years in private practice, he completed a three-year equine surgery residency at UCD and taught equine surgery to 4th year veterinary students. Dr. Aldrete has owned both large and small animal practices in San Diego and Sacramento and served on the California Veterinary Medical Board for more than nine years, including one year as the president of the board. During his years of active practice, Dr. Aldrete specialized in equine and small animal surgery and sports medicine.
Rosea Pagliaroli ‘99
Regional Technician Director, VCA
Rosea graduated from St. Francis in 1999. She did some undergraduate studies at CSU Long Beach and CSU Sacramento. Then transferred to Western Career College, now Carrington College, graduating in 2001 and received her RVT licensing very shortly after that. She started working at a veterinary hospital chain in Sacramento and held multiple positions including Assistant Director of PetNursing until 2010. She them moved to Cordova Veterinary Hospital.
Vocation
Career or calling? Explore what a call to religious life might entail and the various opportunities to use one’s strengths and gifts to make the world a better place through service, creativity, and leadership. Your vocation is the way God invites you to love and give yourself to others. It is not simply the giving of your skills, services and expertise, but the giving of your whole self as a path to holiness.
Sister John Mary Corbett, O.P.
Religious Sister, Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist
I have been a member of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist since 1997. I professed my perpetual vows in 2005. My community is based in Ann Arbor, MI, and is a teaching community. I have degrees from Eastern Michigan University and Providence College, and spent a year doing further graduate studies in Rome, Italy. I currently teach Senior Theology at St. Francis.
Sr. Mariana McGlynn ‘02
Math Teacher, St. Francis High School
I am a Dominican Sister of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist… but I wasn’t born a Sister! In fact I always wanted to be a mom. In high school and college, I enjoyed playing volleyball, basketball, and running track and my studies in math and philosophy, and I was just waiting to meet Mr. Right. However, I could not ignoring the growing desire for a deeper relationship with Jesus, and along with that the call to give Him my whole heart and my whole life. I could never have imagined the joy of being a Bride of Christ and a spiritual mother.