Alumni Spotlight: Graham Osman ‘15
From St. Anne’s to Professional Baseball

Graham Osman’s journey from St. Anne’s Episcopal School to playing professional baseball for the Cincinnati Reds Organization is a powerful testament to perseverance, hard work, and the importance of building a strong foundation. His story is defined by athleticism, determination, and a relentless drive to succeed—qualities that were nurtured during his time at St. Anne’s.

Graham’s passion for sports began at a young age. “I started playing sports when I was about five or six,” he recalls. Raised in a family where athletics were a key part of everyday life, Graham had plenty of inspiration from those around him. His parents were both accomplished athletes and his sisters excelled in multiple sports as well. Growing up in such an active environment naturally shaped Graham’s own athletic development.


“At St. Anne’s, I played soccer and basketball, but without baseball, I’d jump into whatever sport was available. After school sports, I’d head straight to Little League for baseball,” he says. These early years were filled with movement, teamwork, and fun. “I loved hanging out with my friends after school. Those friendships were really important to me growing up.”

While sports played a significant role in Graham’s life, St. Anne’s provided much more than just athletic opportunities. The school offered a well-rounded education that helped him grow both as an athlete and as a person. “St. Anne’s taught me a lot about teamwork and the importance of being part of a community,” he reflects. The school’s nurturing environment encouraged personal growth and helped Graham balance his academics with his athletic commitments.

Academically, Graham found that St. Anne’s laid the groundwork for his future. “I really enjoyed PE and sports-related classes,” Graham says. “But I also loved the relationships with my teachers. They helped me step out of my comfort zone.” One defining experience was performing, with Mr. Amend’s support, in the school’s talent show with a group of friends, where they played Holiday by Green Day. “That was a big moment for me, being an introverted kid and pushing myself to get in front of people. It helped me grow in ways I never expected,” he says. “The environment at St. Anne’s made me comfortable being myself. It really helped me figure out who I was and what I wanted to do.”

Graham’s athletic interests at St. Anne’s were diverse, but as he entered high school, his focus shifted more toward baseball. Although he started out primarily playing basketball, he soon realized that his physical build and natural skills were better suited for baseball, particularly as a left-handed pitcher. “Basketball was my main sport at first,” he admits. “But as I got older, I realized baseball was a better fit for me.”

Graham credits his high school coaches with being instrumental in his development, not just as a player, but as a thinker of the game. “The coaches were incredible mentors. They taught me the chess game of baseball—how it’s not just about physical talent but about understanding the mental aspects, reading situations, and making the right decisions.”

By his senior year, Graham’s talent had caught the attention of college scouts. “I was on track to be drafted right out of high school, but I chose to play college baseball at Arizona State,” he says. “I wanted to challenge myself, and ASU offered me a chance to grow and refine my skills.”

Graham’s time at Arizona State was a transformative chapter in his career. “I had great memories there—amazing coaches and teammates who really pushed me to improve,” he says. However, after three years, a coaching change led Graham to transfer to Long Beach State. There, he found his rhythm and felt a stronger connection with the team. “The transition was smooth, and I loved it there. I really found my stride.”

All his hard work paid off when he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 2023. “Getting drafted was the culmination of everything I worked for. I’d been working toward this moment since high school, and when it finally happened, it was an emotional moment for me.”

Since being drafted, Graham has moved up in the minor league system. He started in Daytona Beach, Florida, and is currently with the Dayton Dragons, High-A affiliate of the Reds in Dayton, Ohio.  “Professional baseball is a lot of moving around. You’re constantly packing and living out of suitcases,” Graham says. “But the opportunity to play the game I love makes it all worth it.”

The minor league lifestyle isn’t always glamorous, but it has allowed Graham to meet teammates from all over the world. “The diversity of backgrounds is one of the most fun parts of the game. You meet players from all over—Italy, the Netherlands, Latin America—and you get to pick up bits of different languages, like Spanish and Italian. It’s all part of the journey.”

While baseball’s physical demands are well-known, Graham has learned that the mental side of the game is just as crucial. “Baseball is such an individualized game, but at the same time, it’s a team game,” he says. “You can’t rely on anyone else to pull you out of a slump. It’s up to you to stay mentally strong, which can be tough, especially in pro ball, where there’s not a lot of coaching guidance. It’s all on you to show up and perform.”

As he’s grown, Graham has become more analytical about his game. “When you’re younger, it’s easier to just have fun and not think too much about it. But as you get older, you start diving deeper into the game’s intricacies. You analyze every move you make,” he says. “But you have to remember not to overthink. It’s tempting to try to copy what others are doing, but you have to stay true to your own style.”

Reflecting on his journey, Graham is grateful for the opportunities he’s had, but he knows there’s still much to achieve. His advice for current students at St. Anne’s? “Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone,” he says. “Whether it’s sports, academics, or something else, trust in the work you put in. You’re always learning, always growing.”

For Graham Osman, his journey from St. Anne’s to professional baseball is far from over. No matter where the game takes him next, he’ll always carry the lessons learned and the relationships built at St. Anne’s with him.

As his professional baseball career continues, Graham hopes to inspire future generations of St. Anne’s students. “I want to be remembered as someone who worked hard, stayed true to myself, and never gave up on my dreams,” he says. “St. Anne’s gave me the foundation to build on, and I hope I can give back in some way—whether by inspiring others or sharing what I’ve learned.”

Graham Osman’s story is far from finished, but it serves as a reminder to all: with dedication, hard work, and a strong support system, anything is possible.



Bailey Walker, Class of 2016, has always been passionate about the outdoors and environmental stewardship. His journey from St. Anne’s to Middlebury College reflects his commitment to sustainability, community, and leadership.

From St. Anne’s to Colorado Academy

At St. Anne’s, Bailey developed a strong foundation in writing and outdoor exploration. "The time I spent at St. Anne's in the hills was formative and special," he reflects. "I had great memories of outdoor trips and community experiences." This love for nature and curiosity led him to Colorado Academy (CA), where he joined the cross-country team and participated in the Redi Lab program. A key experience during high school was a month-long wilderness course with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). "It was formative, teaching me both backpacking and leadership skills," Bailey recalls.

Middlebury College: Exploring Environmental Studies

Bailey continued his academic journey at Middlebury College, majoring in Environmental Studies and Geography. He chose Middlebury for its small, community-oriented atmosphere and strong environmental focus. "Middlebury’s values around the environment and community really resonated with me, much like those I learned at St. Anne's," he says. Though the pandemic altered his college experience, Bailey thrived in the liberal arts environment, embracing learning across disciplines.

Hands-On Experience: Food Systems and Community Engagement

Bailey’s internships have connected his academic interests with real-world impact. At the Addison County Relocalization Network (ACORN), he helped map local farms and distribute food to restaurants and institutions. "It was exciting to see how the local food system connects," he notes. He also contributed to ACORN’s FARMacy program, providing fresh produce to people referred by healthcare providers. "It showed me the power of food to improve health," Bailey explains.

A particularly meaningful project was his personal initiative to screen the documentary Farming While Black, highlighting the challenges faced by Black farmers in the U.S. The event, which drew 100 attendees, sparked important conversations about racial and environmental justice.

Looking Ahead

After graduation, Bailey plans to return to Colorado, where he hopes to work in sustainable agriculture and continue working in outdoor education. "I’m excited to connect my environmental studies with real-world food systems work," he says.

Reflecting on his time at St. Anne's, Bailey credits the school for teaching him the importance of community and compassion. "St. Anne’s taught me to be humble and to build strong connections with others," he says. "Those lessons have stayed with me as I’ve moved through college."

Advice for Current St. Anne’s Students

Bailey’s advice to current students is simple: "Stay curious, be compassionate, and embrace your community. The relationships you build now will be important later."

Bailey Walker’s journey from St. Anne’s to Middlebury is a testament to the power of curiosity and community. As he looks toward the future, he is poised to make a lasting impact on both the environment and the communities he serves.



Alumni Spotlight: Bo Walker '08

Bo Walker’s path to becoming a firefighter for the Denver Fire Department (DFD) was deeply influenced by his family’s legacy of service. Raised in a family with strong ties to law enforcement and the military, Bo was naturally drawn to a life of public service. “My family has always been involved in service-oriented careers,” he says. “The world of public service felt natural to me. I was drawn to roles like search and rescue, where you get to solve problems as part of a team.” This commitment to service was nurtured during his time at St. Anne’s, where he developed the core values of teamwork and community that would guide him throughout his career.

While at St. Anne’s, Bo fondly recalls the small, tight-knit community that allowed him to build deep, lasting relationships with his classmates and teachers. “St. Anne’s was special because it gave me the chance to really get to know my classmates,” Bo explains. “The relationships I built there were unlike anything I experienced anywhere else.” Teachers like Mr. Gifford and Mr. Sigler helped instill in him a strong sense of integrity, humility, and respect—qualities that continue to influence his work as a firefighter today.

The lessons he learned in the St. Anne’s community—particularly the emphasis on teamwork and service—have stayed with him throughout his career. "What I carry with me from St. Anne’s is the importance of being part of a team and giving back to the community," he says. “It really taught me the value of hard work and respect for others.”

During his senior year of high school, Bo became actively involved in the Arapahoe Rescue team, a group of high school and college students responding to emergency calls and looking for missing persons. “That experience gave me my first real exposure to emergency services,” Bo recalls. After high school, Bo attended the University of Colorado Boulder, where he continued his commitment to public service. While in college, he went through his first fire academy, gaining critical training that laid the foundation for his future in the fire service. He also took hazmat classes, which further fueled his passion for emergency services. After volunteering for a year with Winter Severance Fire Rescue, Bo was hired by the Denver Fire Department.

Today, Bo works out of Station 1 in downtown Denver, home to a special operations team specializing in high-angle rescue, rope rescues, confined space, and collapsed structure rescues. He finds the unpredictability of the job both challenging and fulfilling. "Firefighting is such a unique profession because no two days are ever the same," Bo explains. "We’re constantly solving new problems, and I love that about the job."

 

One of the things Bo appreciates most about firefighting is the sense of camaraderie. "The guys I work with are like family. At Station 1, we have a team of eight personnel. Four are assigned to Engine 1, and four are assigned to my rig, Tower 1," he says. "We work closely together, and the relationships we build make everything easier when things get tough."

Despite the technical demands of firefighting, Bo emphasizes that compassion is equally important. “One of the core values of the Denver Fire Department is compassion,” he says. “When you go out the door, the people you’re helping are often having the worst day of their lives. It’s our job to treat them with dignity and care, no matter the situation.”

Bo's focus on community and compassion is rooted in his early experiences. At St. Anne’s, he learned the importance of working together and helping others, and those lessons have shaped how he approaches both his job and his community. "Sometimes, it’s not about putting out the fire—it’s about making a difference in someone’s life when they need it most."

In a field that demands so much of his time and energy, Bo also makes a point to maintain a healthy work-life balance. "It’s definitely tough at times, but I make sure to take care of myself—whether that’s spending time with family, going on trips, or enjoying the outdoors. You have to make time for yourself so you can be there for others when they need you the most."

As he looks back on his journey, Bo feels proud of the career he has built and the values that continue to drive him. "St. Anne’s taught me a lot about community, respect, and the importance of helping others," he reflects. "Those values are what continue to drive me today as a firefighter."

 

Alumni Spotlight: Gretchen Leggitt ‘98 – Transforming Communities Through Art and Empathy

Gretchen Leggitt, a proud alumna of St. Anne’s Episcopal School, has transformed her artistic passions into powerful community initiatives in Bellingham, Washington, the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish People, including the Lummi and Nooksack Tribes. As the co-founder of Paper Whale Arts and the Noisy Waters Mural Fest, Gretchen is dedicated to integrating indigenous voices and fostering diversity in public art.

A Foundation in Art and Community

Reflecting on her time at St. Anne’s, Gretchen recalls the profound influence of her art teacher, Rick Sigler. “He taught me for eight years and left a lasting impression,” she shares. “His passion for art brought joy to education and made school a safe haven for me. Art was my refuge, especially when I struggled in other subjects.” Inspired by Rick’s approach, she became an elementary and middle school art teacher herself, nurturing the creativity of young minds for over 13 years.

Gretchen’s artistic journey took a significant turn when she painted her first mural in Bellingham. This experience illuminated the transformative power of public art, allowing her to share her voice and positively impact her community. “It was the first time I realized art could change a community’s mindset,” she reflects. “Public art can spark joy and curiosity in the people around us.”

Building a Creative Future

Gretchen's entrepreneurial spirit blossomed when she founded Hydrascape Stickers in 2019, creating a global presence with her designs. Despite having no formal education in business development, she leveraged her creativity and collaborated with friends to turn her artistic ideas into a thriving venture. The passive income from her sticker business allows her to focus on her art and community initiatives.

Through Paper Whale Arts, Gretchen aims to cultivate creativity in her community. The non-profit organizes multi-sensory events, public art installations, and mentorship opportunities, particularly for marginalized communities. “Our mission is to preserve the cultural fabric of Bellingham through public art and community festivals,” she explains.

Lessons from St. Anne’s

Gretchen credits her St. Anne’s education for instilling core values that continue to guide her work: community, empathy, compassion, curiosity, and humility. Her experiences, including a service learning trip to a soup kitchen in eighth grade, broke down barriers and deepened her understanding of empathy. “Seeing the struggles of others taught me that we are all just humans trying to live our lives,” she reflects.

For current St. Anne’s students aspiring to pursue a career in the arts, Gretchen offers this advice: “Whatever you do, don’t stop creating. It’s easy to get distracted. Use technology as a tool, but don’t let it define your imagination.”

The Power of Public Art

As she continues to create, Gretchen envisions public art as a catalyst for community connection. Her murals often celebrate the landscapes of her childhood in Colorado, intertwining her personal narrative with the stories of the communities she serves. “Public art fosters a sense of belonging,” she emphasizes. “It transforms spaces and encourages dialogue.”

Gretchen Leggitt’s journey from St. Anne’s student to influential artist and community advocate exemplifies the power of creativity in fostering understanding and connection. Her commitment to integrating diverse voices and uplifting her community serves as an inspiration for all aspiring artists.

For more about Gretchen’s work, visit:

  


Alex Oberg, a 2010 St. Anne’s graduate, has followed an adventurous and impactful path since her school days. Now working for the Beaver Creek Ski Patrol and Eagle County Paramedics, she reflects the school’s values of community, curiosity, faith, compassion, and humility in her professional life. Her journey is one of resilience, growth, and a passion for helping others.

Alex’s career wasn’t a straightforward one. She began in government and later moved into commercial real estate, but eventually found herself drawn to the mountains. Volunteering with the ski patrol at Loveland Ski Area sparked her love for outdoor work and hands-on problem-solving. “Being outside and skiing, tinkering and playing with your hands—it just clicked,” she reflects. When the pandemic hit, she moved to the mountains full-time, joining Beaver Creek Ski Resort. Five years into the job, she enjoys the diverse challenges of ski patrol, from avalanche mitigation to helping tourists. “It’s a lot of fun,” she says with a smile.

One of her new and exciting endeavors is training Bridger, a black Labrador puppy who is on the path to becoming a certified avalanche rescue dog. Alex finds the process both eye-opening and fulfilling, adding to her already multifaceted career.

Working in a male-dominated industry comes with its challenges, and Alex is candid about facing bias from both inside the field and the public. “You’ll have people look around and ask, ‘How are you going to get me down this mountain?’” Yet, Alex has thrived, thanks in part to the support of her fellow women on the ski patrol. “Our director is a woman, which is really inspiring,” she says, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for more women to join the field.

Alongside her ski patrol duties, Alex is a with Eagle County Paramedics, working 48-hour shifts responding to 911 calls. She finds the work fulfilling, especially as she serves her own community. She is currently pursuing her paramedic certification, with long-term plans to expand her scope in emergency medicine and possibly attend medical school.

The strong bonds she has formed with her teammates are one of the most rewarding parts of her ski patrol career. “The coolest part is going through your career with the same group of people,” she says. Her rookie class of four became her best friends, creating a tight-knit group that continues to support one another. This sense of community mirrors the values she first experienced at St. Anne’s. “Community was a big part of St. Anne’s, and I’ve taken that feeling with me,” Alex shares. "If I don’t find that sense of community in the work or the people I’m surrounded by, I move on until I do." This approach has been ingrained in her since childhood and remains central to how she lives her life.

Curiosity has also been a driving force in Alex’s career. Reflecting on her work as a ski patrol member and, she shares that moments of challenge constantly push her to learn more and improve her skills. “You have to be curious about everything,” she says. “Learning and understanding the world around you makes you better at what you do.” Alex credits St. Anne’s for fostering this mindset. “They made learning fun and engaging,” she says. "Some of the best teachers I’ve ever had were at St. Anne’s, even through college. They were compassionate, made learning accessible, and always encouraged curiosity." That foundation in lifelong learning is something she carries with her in every role she takes on, striving to constantly improve and stay engaged with the world around her.

Alex credits St. Anne’s with instilling both a strong sense of community and a lifelong love of learning, both of which have influenced her career. Curiosity drives her to continuously improve, while compassion and humility guide her in high-stress situations. She believes in meeting people where they are, showing them grace, and never assuming she knows everything, always staying open to learning.

Looking ahead, Alex aims to advance her medical career and explore new opportunities in ski patrol. Whether responding to emergencies or mitigating avalanches, she remains dedicated to serving her community and living the values she learned at St. Anne’s. Through every challenge, Alex embodies curiosity, compassion, and humility, making her not only a skilled professional but also a role model for others.



In the heart of our alumni community, we find remarkable individuals who have dedicated their lives to making a positive impact on our environment. Mandy (Amanda) Helwig ‘96 has carved an inspiring path as an environmental lawyer and researcher. Her journey from St. Anne's to becoming a catalyst for environmental change is nothing short of impressive.

Mandy's story begins with her transition to the East Coast after her time at St. Anne's. She completed her high school education in New Jersey and subsequently pursued a degree in environmental studies with a policy focus at Middlebury College. It was here that her passion for environmental law began to take shape. She pursued her love for the outdoors, often spending her free time backpacking in the Adirondacks while focusing her academic pursuits on environmental studies. Western water issues, water shortages, and environmental policy became areas of keen interest.

Upon graduation, Mandy continued her educational journey in Boston, attending Northeastern University School of Law, where she gained valuable experience through internships focused on environmental cases and community issues in the Boston area.

After law school, Mandy's career took a pivotal turn as she secured a fellowship with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Her work spanned three years in Boston and three years in Washington, D.C., with a particular focus on litigation, energy issues related to Clean Air Act permitting, hazardous waste cases, and a majority of her time spent on water cases. She spearheaded cases against industrial facilities, municipalities, and mining operations for Clean Water Act violations, furthering her commitment to water conservation and policy.

Following her tenure with the EPA, Mandy joined the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), where she focused on Gulf Coast restoration following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Mandy then returned to Boston and transitioned into the nonprofit sector. Her work has spanned a wide array of critical areas, including ocean conservation, fisheries management, Clean Water Act advocacy, and clean energy initiatives.

What sets Mandy apart is her unwavering commitment to creating lasting, sustainable change. Inspired to address environmental issues at their roots, she began visiting farms, ranches, and fisheries across the United States and abroad. These operations implemented regenerative practices that not only protected the environment but enhanced it. For seven and a half years, Mandy dedicated herself to this cause, focusing on regenerative agriculture, oyster farms, and rotational grazing in ranching to sequester carbon and improve the environment.

Mandy's message to our young alumni and the wider school community is profound. She emphasizes that addressing environmental challenges can be overwhelming, but the key is to focus on local impact. By making daily choices that benefit the environment, everyone can play a role in creating a more sustainable future.

Mandy Helwig's journey from St. Anne's Episcopal School to her impactful career in environmental conservation is a testament to her dedication and passion. She serves as a shining example of how one individual's commitment to the environment can lead to meaningful, lasting change. We are immensely proud to count Mandy among our alumni, and her inspiring story continues to motivate us all to work toward a greener, more sustainable future.

Working as an industrial designer, Schuyler Livingston ‘04, utilizes his design skills and creativity to bring innovative products to life, including the creation of medical devices, furniture, clocks, toys, outdoor gear, mountain bikes, and more. 

Industrial design is the practice of creating and developing concepts and specifications for products that are intended for everyday use. It's a dynamic field that has undergone significant changes over the years. In the early days, industrial design was primarily focused on aesthetics and creating visually appealing products. Today, the field has evolved to prioritize user experience, functionality, and sustainability.

Schuyler’s passion for design began at a young age. One of his fondest memories at St. Anne’s was in Rick Sigler’s art class crafting a woodworking project with a classmate, Tucker Larson ‘04. “I remember we grabbed some blocks of wood and began engraving them with a dremel tool,” Schuyler recalls. “This evolved into a full on landscape with water features built from hot glue and wood engravings of fishermen and trees. As the classroom filled with the smell of burnt wood, Mr. Sigler wondered what the heck was happening at the far side of the room.” Today, Schuyler and Tucker’s woodworking project (pictured below) is still prominently featured in the middle school building right inside the main atrium doors. “I realized through this project that I had an affinity for designing and building,” Schuyler reflects. 

Throughout high school, Schuyler continued to fuel his passion for design and arts while also excelling in math and science. As college approached, engineering felt like the most obvious next step combining his skills in math, science, and art. However, Schuyler quickly realized that he longed for more creativity that was missing from the engineering world. Instead, he decided to enroll in the Industrial Design program at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU).

“I didn’t fully understand the field of industrial design until I was already a year into the program,” he admits “I just knew I enjoyed working with my hands, being creative, and finding solutions for real-life situations.” As it turns out, industrial design was a perfect fit for Schuyler, launching him into his career working for (with a team of fellow designers and engineers at) Link Product Development, a Denver-based design studio. Schuyler particularly enjoyed the furniture design projects at MSU and continues to pursue this passion in his free time. 

Working remotely while living in Seaside, California, Schuyler designs a wide range of consumer products. “The design process involves extensive research, ideation and sketching, mockup development, and prototyping, all culminating in the final production,” Schuyler explains. “To be successful in this field, you need to study people in everyday life and figure out how to solve the problems they encounter. It's about designing products that are not just aesthetically pleasing, but meaningful, serve a functional need, and meet the expectations of a target market.” 

Industrial designers need a combination of technical and soft skills. They need to be proficient in computer-aided design software, have excellent communication and collaboration skills, and be able to work in a fast-paced, constantly evolving environment.

Schuyler was able to teach himself many of these skills at a young age (which was complemented by his formal education at MSU). Now, all St. Anne’s students will be able to develop these skills in St. Anne’s new Innovation and Design Center. When Schuyler learned about the plans for constructing this new space, he was eager to hear more about a space he would have thrived in as a St. Anne’s student. 

These collaborative and creative workspaces provide students with access to tools, materials, and equipment for designing, prototyping, and building. They offer a supportive environment for students to experiment with new ideas and technologies, and to collaborate with others to develop innovative solutions. “I look forward to the construction of the Innovation and Design Center and would love to come back to campus to work with students once it’s complete!” Schuyler stated.

Overall, Schuyler's success as an industrial designer serves as a testament to the power of a strong foundation in creative freedom and hands-on learning, such as one that St. Anne’s hope to build upon with our new Innovation and Design Lab at St. Anne’s.

Check out Schuyler’s industrial design projects and woodworking creations on his website: You can check out his woodworking projects at www.schuylerlivingston.com!

Dear St. Anne’s Alumni, Alumni Parents, and Friends, 

I am so excited to introduce myself as the new Alumni and Special Events Manager at St. Anne’s! This fall, I joined the Development Team after teaching fifth-grade at St. Anne’s for the past six years. For those of you I don’t know yet, I was born and raised outside of Chicago, graduated from Middlebury College ‘14 where I studied psychology and played volleyball. After two years of assistant teaching in Chicago and Boston, I moved to Denver in 2016 and immediately felt at home teaching at St. Anne’s. In my spare time, I enjoy road trips, skiing, hiking, dog training, and spending time with my husband, Chris, and our bloodhound, Wilson. 

Over the past six years, this special school community has made such a positive impact on my life through my experiences as an educator and the life-long connections I have made with fellow faculty and staff members, parents, and students. As the new Alumni Manager, I am eager to get to know the St. Anne’s alumni network and reconnect with the familiar faces of alumni students and parents. My hope is to provide fun and engaging opportunities for each of you to stay connected with our school community and reconnect with former classmates and teachers. 

Whether you live near or far, there are so many ways to stay connected and up to date with St. Anne’s including: alumni events, The St. Anne’s Magazine, alumni newsletters and blog posts, alumni spotlights, and social media. 

Your experience as a St. Anne’s alumni community member matters greatly to me and I am always open to new ideas or feedback to continue growing our alumni network. Please reach out to me with any questions, feedback, ideas, life updates, or even to introduce yourself to me! If you live locally, I am always open to meeting for coffee to share ideas about this special alumni community. 

With gratitude, 

Amy Hart 

[email protected]

 

Lauren Kenney Berv’s (2002) best friend was her grandmother Laurene Kenney. She had four children, a few great grandchildren, and a lot of people who cared for and loved her. But when Lauren’s grandmother moved into assisted living, it became a part-time job for Lauren to care for her and help her create a brand-new way of life. She moved from living with one of her children to eating with strangers. Lauren wanted to help her grandmother preserve her core sense of self and find purpose in this new life. As a result, Lauren went through her grandmother’s clothes to create a more functional wardrobe, had her wedding ring resized, did some personalized shopping, and problem-solved around what to keep, what to put in storage, and what to give away. She helped schedule appointments, provide for transportation, and managed her grandmother’s personal calendar. Lauren also helped organize her new living space and even queued up movies and TV shows to watch, all to bring the comforts of home to her assisted living facility and make the transition easier.

As a result of this experience, Lauren is now starting her own business – a personalized concierge service for seniors called Brighter Daily Living. Her overall intent is to support thriving relationships, help seniors make connections, and live their best lives. Lauren was inspired to start the business not only from her experience with her grandmother but also from being a new parent during Covid and feeling isolated and alone. She feels those in assisted living facilities can feel like they’re in solitary confinement and wants to make things better for them.

Lauren’s grandmother passed away about six years ago; but her daughter Stella will be two years old in June. Lauren is currently studying to be a Certified Senior Advisor to help with end-of-life care and the journey of aging. Although she misses her grandmother every day, she celebrates the good life she lived and the friendship they shared to the end.

Elizabeth (Buffy) Fisher ’82 was the first student to go through St. Anne’s from preschool through 8th grade; she was also one of our first May Queens. When her parents considered where to send their only child, they wanted something within walking distance of their home. And during her time here, St. Anne’s became a second home for Buffy. She is still an active member of our community today as an alumni board member, having served for at least ten years.  We’d also like to congratulate Buffy as our newly appointed Alumni Board President.

 

After St. Anne’s, Buffy went on to Kent Denver and then to the University of Denver. She currently works for The Empowerment Program, a nonprofit organization based in Denver, whose mission is to “holistically help individuals build healthier lives from the inside out.” Buffy is also working to become a benefit auctioneer. And she sees her parents often, who still live just a short walking distance from school.