Knock Knock, Who’s There?

Why, it’s a number of new faces on the Alverno campus this year! Please take a moment to get to know:

Linda Bass Sharon Dandorf Judy Lee Amanda Lepore Melissa Royal Kate Witherington

These newest members of our community took a moment to answer a little Q&A and share a bit about themselves...

Q: Give us your 30-sec “elevator pitch” job description - what do you do at Alverno?

Linda: I am the Registrar. (*Editor’s note: Linda is modest, and we want you to know that she is a rock star at handling all of our student/academic records, as well as pitching in when – and wherever needed!) Linda:

Sharon: Learning Specialist and Director of the Alverno Academy for Gifted Girls. I support the learning needs of all Alverno students :) Sharon:

Judy: I’m a math teacher — teaching Algebra, Geometry and Independent Math this year. I love supporting students in their math journey, and empowering them that they can do math with practice and perseverance. Judy: Amanda: I am a History teacher — AP Human Geography, AP U.S. History, AP World History, World History, and US History. Amanda:

Melissa: I am the Director of College Counseling, which means anything college related (researching colleges and majors, understanding standardized testing, building a college list, applying to college, and everything in between) I am your girl! Melissa:

Kate: I am the Director of Enrollment Management and oversee the Admissions process from inquiry to enrollment for incoming students (freshmen, transfers and international). I also assist with outreach for the school. Kate:

Linda Bass

Sharon Dandorf

Q: If you could have any other job in the world — nothing is off-limits — what would it be?

Linda: Working with these young women really inspires me. If I had another job it would be to be an international explorer...but don’t think you can get paid for that. Linda:

Sharon: A Dance Therapist. I graduated from high school with a full College Dance scholarship. Sharon:

young men. I believe that an all-girls education is even more beneficial. Girls thrive both academically and socially in the all-girls environment. This ranges from excelling in STEM classes, without the boys factor, to enhanced self esteem without the pressures put on girls in a co-ed environment. With more women than men now enrolled in two- or fouryear colleges, it is critical that we prepare girls to reach their potential.

Sharon: Girls need to “Own and Radiate” their gifts to the world! Sharon:

Judy: I love teaching math, but any other job would be whatever impacts the younger generation or making a change to make this world a better place. Judy:

Amanda: Teaching is the only job I want. If I couldn’t teach anymore, I would probably work for a nonprofit. Amanda:

Melissa: I would find a job that would allow me to travel the world! Maybe work for the airline industry or have my own travel agency helping people plan their most perfect vacations! Melissa:

Kate: I am steadfast in my conviction that God calls me to work with young women. I started my career in the classroom, but have discovered that my true passion lies in helping families through the Admissions process and easing their high school transition. But I would love to have a dog sitting side business! ;) Kate:

Q: Why do you think an all-girls education is important?

Linda: Both of my boys graduated from Saint Francis High School. I believe that they benefited from teachers who truly understood how to get the best out of them and inspire them to be confident, responsible and compassionate Linda: Judy: To have this space where they can freely figure out who they are and what their gifts are. They can also study about women in different fields which can be very empowering. Judy:

Amanda: It is important that we empower women to be everything they want to be. There are not many places in this world where women can be center-stage, so to allow that for girls is so important to me. I hope to help them grow into leaders and change-makers. I want to empower them so if they show up to the table and if they are told they can’t sit there, then they will be empowered enough to bring their own chair Amanda:

Melissa: Here at Alverno, every girl has the chance and ability to be who they imagine. An all-girls education provides the perfect environment where young women are encouraged, challenged, and empowered to develop into the amazing leaders, innovators, and thinkers they are destined to become! Melissa:

Kate: I am a product of an all-girls high school education and I am so grateful for my mom’s sacrifices to make that experience possible for me. During those four formative years, I was empowered to be the best version of myself, discovered my voice and confidence in a nurturing environment, and just simply loved going to school to spend the day with my “sisters.” I have both witnessed and experienced Kate:

Q: What was your best/favorite subject when you were in high school? What class or activity was the most challenging?

Linda: It is very hard to pick my favorite high school class. I really enjoyed both English and His tory however, the one I would pick, is also my most challenging. The class was chemistry. Not only was the class interesting, but students really loved the class because the teacher was excellent. He was engaging and interested in us not only as students, but also as people. He was also the volleyball coach and was recently awarded the 2018-2019 CIF Southern Section Distinguished Service and Hall of Fame Award. I think that in high school, teachers are not only teaching subjects, but can also be our mentors. When I went on to college I did not pursue a degree in science; however, my brother, who had the same teacher, did become a chemical engineer and he has said that his interest in the subject is based in large part to a passion he discovered in the high school chemistry class. Linda:

Sharon: I loved my Honors English classes — I am an avid reader, always have two to three books that I am reading at the same time. I loved my performing arts classes – I played the drums and was a dancer! Sharon:

Judy: Math was my best subject, but French and English classes were my favorite classes because of the teachers. AP U.S. History was the most challenging, just couldn’t get all the facts straight. Judy:

Amanda: History and Math. I was a Mathlete, but still struggled with Math and went to tutoring twice a week for it! I enjoyed it, but it took me a little longer to understand new concepts. I loved English when we read novels, but hated grammar practice. Amanda: Melissa: I really enjoyed my Spanish teacher, but my best subject was English. Honestly, I was surprised by how challenging Economics was for me. Melissa:

Kate: My best and favorite subject in high school was English (I love writing and editing). My freshman English teacher not only inspired me to pursue an English degree in college, but also inspired me to pursue a career in education. He is still a big part of my life today. I most struggled in Chemistry. Kate:

Q: As your new journey at Alverno gathers steam, what would you like our Alumnae to know? (about the school, about your position, about education in general… anything!)

Linda: I value that Alverno is a place for such an amazing group of girls. Each girl has special gifts and I believe that here they are inspired, supported and mentored to be all they can imagine. Linda:

Sharon: “In Diversity, there is Beauty and there is Strength”- Maya Angelou Sharon:

Judy: Everyone can do math and it can be fun! Judy:

Amanda: To change the world, we need to start with young people. They have the energy and ability to go out and do better than our generation. Amanda:

Melissa: I am excited and honored to work with every single Alverno student to help them develop a plan for life after high school, no matter where life takes them (a university, community college, a gap year program or a job)! Melissa:

Kate: I am committed to learning and promoting “the Alverno Way” so that we can celebrate the next 60 years! Kate:

Amanda Lepore

Melissa Royal