Class of 1997

It’s been a difficult year, but the Blue Class of 1997 is positive and resilient. We were especially heartbroken to hear of the passing of Sister Seton Cuneen and Sister Maura Prendergast. These extraordinary women not only educated us, they enlightened us with their generosity and compassion. Our memories of their community spirit, quick laughter, and love of Trinity remain.

On January 1, 2020, Nicole Mayerhauser joined two outstanding partners to launch Emerald One LLC, a 100% woman owned technology strategy consulting firm. Who could have anticipated what would come next? It was a year of firsts and a year of surprises for Nicole. She is proud to be still standing and growing as they look to building the business in 2021. Nicole also joined forces with a Trinity sister, Lynne Carreiro (96), as a member of World Animal Guardians (WAG), an animal rescue organization dedicated to rescuing some of most disparate dogs and cats across the globe. For those of you who know the organization, Nicole says to watch out as they may be reaching out to you next to get involved. She wishes everyone safety, health, and love in the coming year.

Sarita Chapman has been working at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She is still working at NIH (National Institutes of Health) which is located in Bethesda, MD. She mainly works on administrative duties and makes arrangements for the many scientists who travel to different places for conferences and to assist in research. Since travel has slowed down considerably, Sarita reports that it can become challenging at times when there is not much to do while working at home. Sarita has two parakeets which she named Martin and Gina. They talk to each other a lot at times.

Carolina Villalvazo is living in CA with her family. They had an addition to the family four years ago with the arrival of their Maltipoo, Frida. They are so in love with her and get so much joy from having her in their lives. Carolina is still in Financial Services after 15 year and was managing a hotel which unfortunately closed due to the pandemic. Carolina says that it has been a blessing in a way because she has been home for a year with her children doing distant learning and spending amazing quality time with her family. She misses her Class of 1997 sisters and wishes everyone all the best.

Also living and working in the sunny Los Angeles area is Robin Hudson Romeo. You can find her both behind and in front of the camera on television shows such as “The Conners”, “Fuller House”, and “Alexa & Katie”. Robin also competes under the Roller Derby skate name “Charmed Robbery” with the L. A. Derby Dolls and will begin coaching once teams are allowed back on the track.

Aimee Yrlas Simpson and her family are doing well and safe. The family splits their time in GA between Lake Oconee in Greensboro and Atlanta. Aimee continues in her role at the American Diabetes Association and serves as a member of the Georgia Commission on Service and Volunteerism supporting Americorp grant funding and programs for the State of Georgia. Her husband Marsay continues his government affairs work with AGL Resources and his service on several state boards. They enjoy their time fishing, golfing and spending time with their daughter Idalia (now 6) and Yorker Hoss. Aimee stays in close touch with classmates Shaughna Rowson Giracca (97), Deka Nur Lee (96), and Sekeno Whittaker Aldred (96).

Reporting from the other side of the globe is Suzanne Fraley Paddock. She and her family are still living the dream in beautiful Queensland, Australia. She is sad that they haven’t been able to travel internationally but feels lucky that her children’s daily lives haven’t been as affected. Suzie, husband Ian, and sons Sean and Jax spend time studying, working, playing sports, eating out, and visiting friends.

I’ve been fortunate enough to catch glimpses of friendly faces via Zoom, including Suzie, Shaughna, Truck (aka Robin), Katie Doyle Andrews, Brooke Bechtold (98), Elizabeth Gulliver, and Kate Wirkus (Dec 96). I don’t post much on social media myself but I’m grateful to follow up with so many of you online. I’m currently teaching fourth grade at Mount Alvernia Academy, a Catholic elementary school in Chestnut Hill, MA. We’ve been in-person since September and the students have been wonderful. My daughter Calla started her high school career as a hybrid learner and is persevering through online activities including Zoom Girl Scout meetings. Our little Yorkie Chip has been loving the extra attention at home. I’m sending all of my fellow alums best wishes for a healthy and joyful 2021.

Janine Kayser
1997 Class Scribe

Aimee Yrlas Simpson and her family are doing very well. Aimee, her husband Marsay, their daughter Idalia (3), and Yorkie Hoss are living in Lilburn, GA. Aimee continues her work with the American Diabetes Association as their national associate director for corporate engagement, celebrating her 10th anniversary with the Association this past January. In addition to her work, she serves as a member of the GA Commission for Service and Volunteerism and has supported the Commission as the Chair of the Service and Development Committee since 2017. Marsay serves as the director for legislative affairs for Southern Company Gas and continues his support of the state of GA through his service as a member of the GA Economic Development Board. Idalia Susanna (named in honor of her grandmothers) will celebrate her 4th birthday in September. Aimee continues to stay in touch with her Trinity sisters: Sekeno Whittaker Aldred ’96, Deka Nour ’96, Shaughna Rowson Giracca, Carla Mitchell ’96, Priscilla Jamison ’96, Ann Norris, and Feyishara Adelekan.

Erica Dobres Jones is working with people who are receiving Social Security, helping them go back to work and figure out how employment will affect their benefits. She is also working with the state of FL, researching why the graduation rate for students in special education programs is lower than other programs. Her group is working on cutting down some of the standardized state testing because testing is difficult for some students. Erica’s own children are doing great. Ryan is a freshman in a special engineering program. Emma is loving living in FL with all of the great wildlife. Erica’s husband Andy, everyone’s favorite “Lunchboy,” is doing great. She can’t believe it’s been 20 years since they were married at the Trinity Chapel.

Suzanne Fraley Paddock missed Reunion because she was just returning to her home in Australia with her baby boy from China. Jax YiMing Paddock was born December 1, 2015, and was adopted May 9, 2017. Jax is an amazing addition to the Paddock family. Sean (9) loves being a big brother. Jax (2) thinks he can do anything his big brother does. Suzie loves being able to stay home with him. She admits to occasionally feeling a little old at the mommy and me events and overwhelmed by the toddler stage, but so happy God brought Jax into their family. Suzie loves the lifestyle and sunshine of Queensland and says that all are welcome to come visit.

Robin “Truck” Romeo Hudson was able to meet up with Suzie, Sean, and Jax during their last layover at LAX. Robin is still living and working in Los Angeles. She spends her time working in television, both in front of the camera, acting and doing stunts, as well as behind the camera as a dialogue coach. You can catch Robin playing roller derby with the LA Derby Dolls under the alias “Charmed Robbery,” skating the LA marathon, running 5Ks, and hanging with her adorable rescue pit bull pup.

Shannon Freshour just got back from a vacation in Mexico City. It was amazing and she highly recommends that everyone visit if they can. There was so much art and culture to soak up, plus fabulous restaurants and bookstores. Shannon had a blast at Reunion last summer (as did I!). She has also recently acquired a third dog, a corgi puppy.

Also at the Trinity Reunion was Alice Kang. Since the Reunion, Alice and her husband Brian traveled to Quebec City for their wedding anniversary. Alice enjoyed visiting the beautiful historic city and loved speaking French so close to home. She feels they were so spoiled by the Chateau Frontenac and the grace of the city that they are planning to go back. Work has kept Alice occupied. She spent a month back in DC and was able to escape some of New England’s Nor’easters.

After college, Carolina Villalvazo worked for a few corporate companies like E&Y, PWC, and Robert Half Int. She entered the financial services field about seven years ago, and now has her own company in Woodland Hills, CA. She has three gorgeous boys and feels blessed to have an amazing family. Carolina lives in Hollywood with her husband and sons.

Nicole Mayerhauser reports that life keeps moving forward in DC. In 2016, she left a career in economics and GDP to join the Dept. of Veterans Affairs as an executive director. In this role she helped the VA transform their Office of Information and Technology. Last year she joined the MITRE Corporation as director of strategic business outcomes. Nicole added another rescue pooch to her family. She adopted Nelson from the World Animal Guardians in October 2017. He is a crazy little dachshund Jack Russell mix who keeps her hands full. Bo, Nicole’s “little old man” dachshund-Jack mix, tolerates the newcomer. Nicole reconnected with Trinity sisters over Christmas and New Year’s, visiting Siobhan Williams O’Brien ’96 and her girls, and Amy Beaudoin ’96 and her new little girl.

I earned my master of arts in teaching from Regis College in 2016 and am now in my second year as school librarian at Mount Alvernia Academy, a Catholic elementary school in Newton, MA. I’ve developed an interdisciplinary literacy curriculum aimed at broadening student perspectives and strengthening personal and global connections. My daughter Calla (11) is still interested in karate and Girl Scouts. It was lovely to visit Trinity in June. I have such fond memories of my time there.

Please stay in touch!

Janine Kayser
kayserjanine@gmail.com

To get in touch with your Class Scribe, please contact the Alumnae Affairs office for information.

Nicki Sanders has had a great year in general and loved returning home to Trinity. She served as an Adjunct Professor in the Human Relations department in fall 2014 and prepared to teach Introduction to Human Relations for fall 2015. She also supervised two Trinity seniors who were completing their Psychology Practicum at her full-time job. Additionally, Nicki has a career coaching business called Packaged For Success.

Inspired by her abundant exposure to the exceptional Pan-American Symphony Orchestra while studying at Trinity, Maria Crassas Makrodimitri took a tango immersion class in Rockville, MD. She learned that it does not “take two to tango” though that is still her preferred style. She had flashbacks to life lessons taught by Anneta Dexter-Sawyer and other dance teachers and from her collaborators in the Trinity College Dance Company. Maria taught Greek dance at a social event as a charitable contribution to help refugees. Dancing has been a beautiful part of her life and she is glad to take some opportunities to embrace it once again. It has always been a source of strength and is something she loves to share with her children, who love to dance as much as she does. Evyia has a great love for all things scientific and Jimmy has a love for all things nautical. She thanks her parents for opening their hearts, doors and home as she returned three years ago due to a divorce. She thanks them for enabling and encouraging her to get out and keep dancing.

Last February, Margarette Fingers Shovlin completed a six-year stint as an Electoral Board member for the city of Falls Church, VA. She was presented with an award in recognition of her service. She also co-founded the day care center at St. James Catholic Church and worked as treasurer and leadership committee member of the local Republican Committee.  Margarette volunteers with The Little City C.A.T.C.H. Foundation, which promotes arts, history, and cultural education.

Erica Dobres Jones spent two weeks vacationing in Mexico.  She and her family are moving back to Tampa FL. She has a new job as a paralegal.

Suzanne Fraley Paddock reported in from Australia. She and her family have been in beautiful Queensland for over 18 months and just love it. They’ve done some traveling and enjoyed the beaches, reefs and towns. They bought a house last November and are planning on staying put for the foreseeable future. Suzie, Ian, and Sean hosted a fabulous 4th of July BBQ for some American friends and fifty-odd Aussies who just love a good Barbie. She highly recommends you come and visit. Just find Suzie on Facebook and let her know your dates. Suzie has gone back to work and she found the perfect part-time job working at her church. In addition to the awesome people and good hours, Suzie is learning new skills, like how to update and manage a webpage.

Robyn Spittle Harmon has had a great year in Colorado. She and her husband just purchased a condo in the ski town of Breckenridge. Robyn and her family visited the Delaware beaches for their annual family reunion.

Tanya Naranjo Ryder married Jason Ryder last April. They were planning to go to Santorini and Greece last November for a delayed honeymoon and running in the Athens marathon. Last September they planned to go on a mission trip to Ecuador with their church. Tanya and Jason live in Centreville, VA with Katerina, Gigi, and Evan. Tanya is still working as Project Manager at NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

Proud mother Claire Barreto Guthrie celebrated her daughter, Ashley’s, completion of her first year of law school.

Katie Doyle Andrews has done some international traveling this past year. Last June, she spent a week in Banff, Canada for work, and went spelunking while there. Last July, her family took a trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica. They went extreme zip lining, rappelling free-falling, and swam with dolphins.  Her sons Drake and Laurence loved the activities. As the ever adventurous couple they are, Katie and her husband Ted went hang-gliding over the Florida orange groves outside Orlando last July.  After 10 years of marathoning, she still runs small races:  over 15 5ks and a few 10k races over the past eight months.

Last June, Kenya Turner hosted the second annual fundraiser for endometriosis awareness called “Bowties and Pearls: A Bourbon Cocktail Party”. It’s the only awareness event in Louisville for endometriosis. Last July, she completed a sprint triathlon (750 meter swim, 12 mile bike, and 5k) and placed second in her age group! Kenya planned to train for her third running of the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon in November. Kenya started a new job as Talent Acquisition Manager at Christian Care Communities. She also welcomed a new niece to the Turner family this past year.

As for me, I’m about mid-way through the coursework for my Masters of Arts in Teaching at Regis College in Weston, MA. The campus and its buildings, with marble corridors and wooden accents, often remind me of my time at Trinity. I work in the Nelson Center, an education resource center in the Regis College Library, which is a boon for my book-loving daughter Calla.

If you didn’t receive contact from me, please drop me a line at kayserjanine@gmail.com so I can update your address.  Thanks!

Janine Kayser