Archive for Spotlights

1. In what ways did your Ursuline education prepare you for the work you are doing now? 
Ursuline instilled in me not only the challenge and excellence of academics, but also the challenge of doing things the correct, orderly, thorough, and goal-oriented way with passion, knowledge, integrity, and fairness.  By applying all of those principles in my work, whether as a teacher, coach, notarial secretary, youth minister, or administrative assistant, I have always strived to put forth the best effort and product of which I am capable.

2. Please describe the most significant value you learned from Ursuline Academy.  
The most significant value I learned from Ursuline is love: love of God, love of my fellow man, and love of learning.  Through love of God, I have been blessed with my Faith, and I have been able to deal with adversity and joy.  From my love of God flows love of my fellow man which has, in turn, resulted in my wanting to live the ideals of Courtesy, Loyalty, and Courage; and above all Serviam.  And through love of learning, I have been able to broaden my horizons and to know no limits, allowing me to do more and love more than I had ever expected.      (photo credit: Lacy Davillier ‘04)

3. Describe Ursuline in one word.
Nurturing: nurturing of the mind, the body, and the soul.

About Laurelee Roger Toscano

Laurelee, a native New Orleanian who hails from Gentilly, never doubted that she would rebuild in New Orleans after losing her home in Hurricane Katrina.  She stated that “I am a New Orleanian through and through.  Nothing could keep me away.”  A cum laude graduate of Loyola University with a major in secondary education/math, she has been a teacher, substitute teacher, notarial secretary, administrative assistant, coach, and parish youth minister.

Having been overtly and covertly influenced by “Serviam” during her years at Ursuline, Laurelee has filled her spare time with volunteer work beginning as a high school student when she taught swimming for the American Red Cross.  Eventually earning her WSI, she became the Swimming Program Director at Camp St. Gertrude under the auspices of the Red Cross the very summer after graduation.  While attending Loyola, Laurelee was a member of social, service, and academic organizations holding office in several.  During her children’s school years she served as PTA president for 3 terms and on a number of fair committees; she chaired and co-chaired fair/bazaar booths; and she was a volunteer Catholic School Athletic League cabbage ball coach as well as a Brownie leader.  Laurelee also coached girls’ sports for 6 years at a NORD playground, worked with an AAU softball team and an AAU volleyball team, and helped with fundraising.  She served as President of her Garden Club, Treasurer of her Homeowners Association, and Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of her subdivision’s improvement district.  In addition, Laurelee has served as an Assistant Advisor to the UNO Ambassadors.

What has brought Laurelee her most joy is her volunteer work with Ursuline and her church.  Laurelee chaired SAF for 3 years and co-chaired it for 2 years.  She served as Food and Beverage Chair for LaFete 275, Setup Co-Chair for LaFete 276, and on the Auction Committee for LaFete 277.  As a 5 year member of the Ursuline School Board she was president for 2 years.  She is currently serving on the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees and as a Class Chair for SAF.

Laurelee has taught CCD classes at St. Maria Goretti for 12 years where she is currently on the Religious Education Board and is the High School of Religion Coordinator.  Under her direction, the high school of the CCD has sponsored bake sales and raffles for 2 Ugandan priests whom she met when they were seminarians at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. 

At Immaculate Heart of Mary Laurelee was instrumental in the reactivation of the CYO.  While serving on the IHM Parish Council she was the parish Youth Minister/CYO Director, Athletic Co-Director, coach, and a member of RCIA.  A carry over from her time at Immaculate Heart of Mary and her trip to Belize with the Mission Office of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Laurelee sponsors 3 garage sales a year at her home for the Ugandan parishes and collects reading books to send to Our Lady of the Way Church in Belize.

A recipient of the St. Louis Medallion for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Laurelee is the mother of Deborah (Mac of ‘85), Edmund, III, and Gregory.  When asked what she will do after retirement in June of 2010, Laurelee indicated that she is retiring from her 9 to 5 job only.  She does not plan to retire from “Serviam” saying, “It is too much a part of me.”

1. In what ways did your Ursuline education prepare you for the work you are doing now? 

Ursuline prepared me to be ready for anything life could throw in my path. I feel it taught me not just to handle such situations but to handle them with enthusiasm and grace. I also walk away from every experience with a little more knowledge about the world around us.

2. Please describe the most significant value you learned from Ursuline Academy.  

The most significant value I learned from Ursuline was the value of choosing something you love and giving it everything you’ve got. It makes people who they are in character.  I am passionate for my work, something others cannot always understand. I know in my heart this is exactly what I was put on earth to do. I just feel fortunate that I’m actually able to do it. Definitely a dream come true.

3. Describe Ursuline in one word.

Empowering

About Ashley Yuratich-Guidry

 Ashley, a native of New Orleans, has been training marine mammals for over 10 years. Currently a Senior Marine Mammal Trainer in Florida, she trains dolphins and sea lions for shows, husbandry behaviors, educational programs, in water interactions, and research projects. 

Ashley also works as a first responder for the Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Network. She has responded to hundreds of stranded, sick, and injured marine animals and participated in their rehabilitation. She has rehabilitated a wide variety of marine animals including many species of dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. After Hurricane Katrina she was part of the rescue effort who went to the aid of the Marine Life Oceanarium in Gulfport, Mississippi to help locate and secure their marine mammal collection after the complete devastation of the facility. This rescue included collection of sea lions from the streets and beaches, collection of dolphins from their temporary evacuation in hotel swimming pools, and collection of the rest of the facilities dolphins from the Gulf of Mexico.  The animals were successfully secured and transported to new facilities throughout Florida and the Bahamas. Ashley has participated in many other rescue operations and served on task forces over the years coming to the aid of many endangered or entangled marine animals. She has helped educate local area fisherman on properly unhooking marine mammals and sea turtles if accidentally hooked while fishing.

For the last two years Ashley has participated in a Dolphin Assisted Therapy program with a group of rough-toothed dolphins and special needs children. The dolphins are used as reinforcement for individual goals attained throughout 2 week therapy sessions.

Ashley received her Bachelor of Science degree in 1995 from the University of Southern Mississippi. She received her Masters of Arts degree from the same university in 1998.  While in graduate school she trained therapy dogs to visit the areas local hospitals.  She continues to work with the University of Southern Mississippi’s psychology department in ongoing rough-toothed dolphin research projects.

Ashley has always had a passion for the ocean and its creatures. Fascinated from a young age of the value in this precious ecosystem, she strives to educate people about the importance of marine conservation and marine mammal protection.

Ashley currently resides in Florida with her husband Glyn and their “tadpoles”, twin sons Jack and Luke.

1. In what ways did your Ursuline education prepare you for the work your doing now?
   Ursuline made learning fun for me. The teachers made learning engaging and interactive. I learned study methods at Ursuline that I was able to continue through medical school. I also learned what study methods worked best for me. It was upon this foundation I was able to continue my passion of learning about people and how to possibly make their lives better. The Ursuline teachers were not only interested in my success, but the success of all the students. The love and support I felt at Ursuline was all embracing. The moment I returned to the campus last month, many comforting memories returned and I knew I was home.

2. Please describe the most significant value you learned from Ursuline Academy.
   I know many have said this before, but it is true. The most significant value I learned from Ursuline was the importance of service. When I evacuated for Hurricane Katrina, I knew I was returning to the New Orleans area to help rebuild the medical community. The importance of serving others especially in difficult times is what Ursuline teaches girls to make them steadfast women. I am grateful to be a part of the Ursuline Family.

3. Describe Ursuline in one word.
   Embracing

About Dr. Christy Valentine

Dr. Christy Valentine, a native of New Orleans, LA, is an Internal Medicine and Pediatrics physician whose practice serves the greater New Orleans area by providing urgent care as well as primary care for patients with and without insurance from all walks of life. In November 2005, shortly after the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Dr. Valentine incorporated what is now Valentine Medical Center. However, due to construction difficulty and unavailable resources, Valentine Medical Center was unable to open its’ doors to service the people of the New Orleans area until July 2007, nearly two years after these storms. Dr. Valentine has devoted her time to re-establishing efficient and affordable services for her community. She believes in maintaining a strong doctor-patient relationship because she thinks this is vital to the ongoing health and wellness of the family. The mission of Valentine Medical Center is to put PATIENTS FIRST.

Dr. Valentine received her undergraduate degree in 1996 from Xavier University of Louisiana and her medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in 2000. She completed an Internal Medicine and Pediatrics residency at Tulane University Medical Center in 2004. During her residency she received many awards and honors. In 2002, she was the recipient of The 2002 Gold Foundation Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award. She is currently an Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Tulane University.

Dr. Valentine works to ensure the availability of quality healthcare for the Gulf Coast region that was destroyed by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Today she is driven to prevent others from experiencing the same degree of devastation. These hurricanes taught Dr. Valentine some valuable lessons about protecting her patients and their information. Dr. Valentine believes that it is important that everyone develops a plan in case they are faced with a natural disaster, and she is sharing her experiences in health records recovery and the lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina. Dr. Valentine’s motto is to “Continue Living Vibrantly”. Her strength, passion and commitment to quality patient care are inspiring and give hope to her community.

1. In what ways did your Ursuline education prepare you for the work you’re doing now?
Courtesy, Loyalty and Courage, three things Ursuline tries to instill in students and all three are very necessary in triathlons and training

2. Please describe the most significant value you learned from Ursuline Academy.
Being prepared for anything and/or having to work hard to achieve success

3. Describe Ursuline in one word.
Family.  It was like a family away from your family.

ABOUT KRISTA SCHULTZ

Using the same testing equipment that is used by the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Krista Schultz, MS, as Director of Total Performance, Inc., performs metabolic testing at Profit training studio in Towson, Maryland. Krista is certified by NSCA as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and USA Triathlon as a Coach.  She has been testing and coaching endurance athletes for more than 10 years.

Krista has been training to compete in her 7th Half Ironman Triathlon.  On April 5 2009, she returned to the city where her athletic aspirations began, right here in New Orleans to compete in the Ochsner Half Ironman, which consists of a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run.

Krista began her athletic career over 10 years ago at Ursuline Academy as a Track and Cross Country athlete and now holds a Masters of Education in Athletic Administration.  As an athlete, her accolades include USAT All-American status in 2007 and qualifying for the Ironman World Championship (Hawaii) & Best of the U.S. each year between 2006-2008 and 70.3 Ironman World Championships in 2007.  She has completed three Full Ironman races (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run) and most recently she placed 19th overall female and 3rd in her age group at Ironman China.

In addition to her professional and athletic accomplishments, Krista never forgot her lifelong commitment of Serviam.   She donates her time to a number of individuals and organizations, including Athletes Serving Athletes, a nonprofit organization that enables challenged athletes to experience the thrill of competition.  Krista regularly speaks to high school and college females about the importance of nutrition and she provides free beginner triathlon clinics annually in support of the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation Sprint Triathlon.

For more information about Krista’s racing, testing and coaching services, please visit: http://www.totalperformanceinc.net/ and http://www.teamkristalive.com/. krista@totalperformanceinc.net or call 443.414.5846.

1. In what ways did your Ursuline education prepare you for the work you’re doing now?
My Ursuline education prepared me for my work as a fashion designer in several interesting ways.  First, Ursuline taught me to believe in myself and my own creativity – and encouraged me at every juncture to find and follow my own voice. Second, I learned by example the joyfulness of hard work and the satisfaction of a job well done – a quality my parents instilled in me early on and which Ursuline continued to shape. And third, I discovered the importance of making and nurturing good friendships and great acquaintances.

When I first started my business, it was a very traditional clothing design/manufacturing company. I sold to over a hundred boutiques and some large department stores.  The company was profitable from the start.  Then came the economic crash of 1987 and most of those companies stopped paying their bills. The common wisdom was that you had to be a giant to make it in fashion and that small design/manufacturing houses like mine would never survive. If it hadn’t been for my unshakable faith and perseverance, I might have followed that conventional wisdom, joined a large company and given up my dream. Instead I did just the opposite: I dropped 90% of my clients and re-structured my business as an even smaller house.

I focused on that handful of customers who bought my clothes because they truly loved them and personally cared if I succeeded or failed; I increased my cost of manufacturing by buying only the best materials and hiring the most highly skilled and talented pattern makers, seamstresses and tailors that I could find. And I offered my customers custom design, and started down the road to couture. What I made fit them like nothing else in their wardrobe because it was made for them. To many in the business, what I was doing was a lost art, and it was financial insanity!  But it took shape: customers began to bring friends, who brought acquaintances who brought more friends. As my business grew, my family and friends sent me accountants, lawyers and other professionals who were talented and trustworthy and who took a personal interest in my success.  We worked long and we worked hard, but it was intensely gratifying.  Today I am so proud of our product. I know it is the best it can be because we put the best of each of us into it.  Our clients are like family and I love them like sisters.  If it were not for those things I learned at Ursuline and for the network of friends I developed, I might not have had the courage or determination to follow this path and enjoy what I’m so blessed to enjoy today.  And the beauty of it is that it doesn’t stop with me.  I’m a living reminder of the importance of passing it on; of supporting young talent and doing all I can to give them the courage to follow their dreams, and a leg up to reach them.

2. Please describe the most significant value you learned from Ursuline Academy.
INTEGRITY. In everything I do, be it personal or professional, I strive for integrity. It is what has taught me how to choose; and be a friend or business partner, how to conduct myself in business and personal affairs, and how to make confident decisions in seemingly difficult or conflicted situations. If I live each day with integrity, I know that I will go to bed at peace with myself each night.  Every day CAN be a good day!  Pollyannas rule!!

3. Describe Ursuline in one word.
SERVIAM

Ursuline teaches us all that no matter who we are or what path we choose in life, we are here to serve – ourselves,  each other and our higher power – with energy, honesty, integrity and humility.  Viewing yourself and your life from the perspective of service brings about two things:  first it eliminates arrogance (and we can all do with a little less arrogance in our lives); and secondly it fosters pride and self respect.  When you see the importance of what you do as a service to others, you put your best into it and you honor it; no matter how great or how small a task it is.  I’m a clothing maker but I feel as though I’m serving my skills when I am able to use them to create a beautiful dress out of a simple piece of cloth – and in doing so, create happiness for someone else.

ABOUT MICHELE BERNARD
Who’s that man in the picture?  That’s Magid Mehrabadi, and to talk about Michele Bernard without including Magid, would only be telling half of the story!  Magid is Michele’s husband of 28 years and together they form the team of MAGID BERNARD, a  couture fashion design house located in Los Angeles, California.  Michele and Magid’s professional partnership is the union of art and engineering. Michele and Magid both studied at UNO; she in fine arts and he as an engineer.  Their fashion label ‘MAGID BERNARD’ combines the clean lines and artful vision of their combined talents.

MAGID BERNARD serves an international roster of women including business leaders, social doyennes and celebrities. She has dressed White House visitors and members of the Administration of every U.S. President since Ronald Regan.  She has also dressed women for Hollywood’s Oscars and other award ceremonies since 2002. What is uncanny is that every time Michele’s gowns have been worn, the nominee (or the wife of the nominee) has won!  Michele and Magid have been the recipients of a long list of industry awards and accolades, perhaps not as satisfying as the selection of one of their evening gowns by Italy’s prestigious Collezzioni portfolio.  ’To be included in Collezzioni is a pinnacle moment in a designer’s career’ notes Michele. ‘It’s as if you have become a permanent part of fashion history!’
On the personal side, Michele and Magid are an equally successful combination of contradictions.  ’Those who knew me at Ursuline will remember me as that dark, sharp-tongued artsy girl’ laughs Michele. ‘I’m still artsy and I guess I’ve got a pretty vicious wit when I want to, but Magid has brought out the sunlight in me!  He is a true gentleman, the kind they don’t make anymore!  Our friends call him ‘courtly’, which really makes me chuckle. But, he’s gracious, worldly and my best friend. When I talk about ‘me’, I really me ‘we’. Magid and I are a team first and foremost .’

Whether as a designer or a business woman, Michele is nothing if not a maverick. In 1979 she and her brother opened the very first ‘PUNK’ clothing boutique in the South.  In 1986, Magid and Michele’s evolving designs captured the attention of The Fashion Group International and they were awarded its ALPHA Award for Best Daytime Design.  In 1988, Michele was included as one of the The Times Picayune’s ‘Women to Watch’.   Today she remains committed to helping other young designers as an active member of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) Costume Council which curates one of the largest and most important fashion archives in the nation, and Fashion Group International, where she has served on the board of directors of the Los Angeles Chapter. FGI is an international organization whose mission, as the pre-eminent authority on the business of fashion, is to help its members become more effective in their careers. FGI was founded in 1928 and has included among its members, such visionaries as Eleanor Roosevelt, Helena Rubinstein, Elizabeth Arden and Edith Head.

Michele and Magid’s love for art and architecture led them to locate their fabulous showroom in the historic landmark New Mart Building. Built in 1928 is Los Angeles’ very first high-rise! You can see their showroom and a sampling of designs at http://www.magidbernard.com/.

A native of New Orleans, Michele experienced first hand the tragic impact of hurricane Katrina on family and close friends and she is devoted to seeing both the beauty and economic viability of New Orleans restored. After receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer, she became a benefactor of The John Wayne Cancer Institute and is intimately involved in the support of other cancer patients. She works one-on-one, both in the U.S. and Canada, with those who have been diagnosed and are coping with this disease. ‘Life sends you messages’ Michele says ‘it’s up to you to listen to them. For me, it’s been about recognizing where and to whom I owe a debt of gratitude and then returning that kindness to someone else. That is the part of my life that brings me deep, personal satisfaction.’

1. In what ways did your Ursuline education prepare you for the work you’re doing now?
Ursuline provided me with an excellent education that prepared me academically and socially for my future. During my years at Ursuline, I came to appreciate the learning community in which I was a part of. Understanding that we all have strengths and weaknesses in various subject areas, you were expected to always do your best, thus sharing a common vision of educational excellence. As an Assistant Professor in Educational Leadership, I value the diversity of my students and their experiences. I expect each of them to always do their best and hold myself to the same standards. The goal which connects us is educational excellence and an appreciation for diversity.

2. Please describe the most significant value you learned from Ursuline Academy.
The most significant value I learned from Ursuline is that of providing service to others. I remind myself daily of the many blessings bestowed upon me, which drives me to continually provide service to persons that are less fortunate and in need. I am involved and hold leadership positions in several organizations whose main thrust is that of providing community service. It always proves to be a rewarding experience.

3. Describe Ursuline in one word.
SERVIAM

ABOUT DR. SHUANA K. TUCKER

Dr. Shuana K. Tucker is Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership and Research Assistant for the Center for Education Policy Analysis at the University of Connecticut. She has a Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Public Administration from Louisiana State University, and B.S. in Psychology from Xavier University of Louisiana. Dr. Tucker is currently researching issues related to urban schooling, namely school climate and culture, achievement of African-American students, mentoring and leadership. She has conducted additional research on African American philanthropy and education, Private Black Colleges and the United Negro College Fund, Black women’s organizations and their philanthropic impact on education, and Black women leaders. Dr. Tucker has published work in the Journal of African American History and other venues. Prior to joining UCONN, Dr. Tucker worked at the US Department of Education, The McKenzie Group, Texas Instruments and Hartford Public Schools. She holds membership in: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, The Links, Incorporated, Jack & Jill of America, Incorporated, the American Educational Research Association and Phi Delta Kappa to name a few. She is married to John P. Sims, has one son Evan J. Battiste and resides in Middlebury, Connecticut.