Alumnae Profiles and Class Notes

ALUMNAE PROFILES

Dr. Peggy Noonan Kranyak ’71, M.D.

As a master gardener and outdoor enthusiast, the principle of “leave a place better than you found it” holds great meaning for Peggy Noonan Kranyak ’71, M.D.—not just in the context of nature. She believes that “improving something, whether it is an organization or a piece of property or relationship, requires one to not be afraid of improving what exists.” Her journey to a successful career in radiation oncology was one of grit and courageous pivots, influenced by a worldview that took shape in her years at Magnificat. With two older sisters who are alumnae (Karen ’63 and Nancy ’66), and her youngest daughter, Eve , who graduated in 2022, Peggy’s connection to Magnificat runs deep.

At Magnificat, Peggy and some of her classmates were introduced by teachers to a program called TORCH (Teen Out Reach Through Christian Help). Through TORCH, she and her friends helped under resourced people in Cleveland, and they embarked on cross country trips to Native American reservations and migrant farms. According to Peggy, these eye-opening experiences, combined with excellent Magnificat academics, the lifelong friendships she gained, and extra-curricular experiences, were paramount to forming her worldview and how she fit into it.

“I am a firm believer in all-girls high school education, run by women for women,” she said. “I love that Magnificat is faith based, and especially now, open to young women of all faiths. I love what the administration is trying to do with sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion. The focus on social justice, earth justice, and spirituality adds to an already great education and prepares students for adulthood in an increasingly diverse and complex world.”

Peggy initially pursued pre-med studies at the University of Cincinnati but shifted to social work because math and science “did not come naturally” to her. However, after she graduated with honors from UC, she realized social work was not the right fit for her. She married, settled in the Cincinnati area, and started a family.

It was the profound experience of childbirth that ultimately inspired her decision to return to school for a medical degree. “Fueled by sheer desperation and lots of prayer” while caring for a baby, she aced two additional years of undergraduate math and science. It paid off with early acceptance into the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, and she welcomed her second child before starting medical school.

Radiation oncology proved to be an ideal field for Peggy, using her strong desire to help people and the case management and crisis intervention skills she honed in social work. Every day in radiation oncology brought new and challenging opportunities. To better understand and serve her patients, she became board certified in hospice and palliative medicine a few years before retiring. Peggy had a distinguished career at the Moll Cancer Center at Fairview Hospital, serving as Director of Radiation Oncology and hospital Oncology Quality Improvement for her first 14 years there, as the hospital was integrated into the Cleveland Clinic. Her team worked hard to improve standards of care, champion nursing qualification in radiation oncology, and build a patient-forward approach. What makes her the happiest, though, is her family. Peggy says adopting her three youngest children—all children of color—was one of her greatest blessings, and witnessing her children suffer in any way motivated her to work for change. To help effect positive change, Peggy actively served as a member of Magnificat’s Anti-Racism Task Force and is now a member of the DEI Advisory Committee. Her advice is “follow your heart, and if at first you don't succeed, do not be afraid to try again. We change, our abilities increase, values and desires evolve. Life can offer a very bumpy ride, and nothing is ever perfect. Don't let that deter you. Work hard, but also find joy and learn how to take care of yourself: mind, body, and soul.”

Lavelle Donaldson ’14

For Mary Therese Lavelle Donaldson '14 , the stars seemed to align for her career starting at Magnificat. Her interest in engineering was sparked during her Genesis project, where she paired with an electrical engineer at GE Lighting. This experience laid the foundation for her future endeavors.

After graduating from Magnificat, Mary Therese pursued her passion for electrical engineering at The Ohio State University. During college, she worked at GE Aerospace, which led to her participation in their Edison Engineering Development Program. Sponsored by GE, she earned her master's in mechanical engineering from the University of Cincinnati.

“It is crazy to think that my Genesis project launched me to where I am today,” Mary Therese said. “My shadowing experience helped me choose my major, then my Genesis mentor helped to pass along my resume to GE Aerospace.”

Now, working as a lead controls engineer at GE Aerospace, Mary Therese is at the forefront of groundbreaking projects. She is currently working on the Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project, a NASA partnership that is conducting ground and flight tests of electrified aircraft propulsion technologies to enable a new generation of hybrid electric-powered aircraft. Mary Therese is responsible for test integration, ensuring seamless communication between different components, and plays a crucial role in system integration work.

Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges the challenges she faced as a woman in a predominantly male engineering environment.

“I remember my first engineering class had 70 men and 4 women,” Mary Therese said. “That was shocking coming from an all-girls environment. I needed to relearn that confidence I had in high school in order to stand up for myself and to one day be a mentor for others.”

She credits Magnificat for preparing her to mentor the younger generation, advocating for greater inclusion and representation in the STEM fields. She encourages young women aspiring to pursue STEM careers to not be limited by preconceived notions, urging them to push beyond perceived boundaries.

Mary Therese lives in Cincinnati with her husband, Nate, whom she met in a physics class at Ohio State. She finds joy in spending time with her family, Irish dancing, and reading.

Crain’s Cleveland Business 40 Under 40:

Stacey Litam, Ph.D. '05

Stacey Diane Arañez Litam, Ph.D. '05 is an assistant professor of counselor education at Cleveland State University, a licensed professional clinical counselor and supervisor, and a diplomate and clinical sexologist with the American Board of Sexology.

She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology and a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from John Carroll University. A pivotal moment in her life came when one of her mentors recognized her potential as a Ph.D. candidate, sparking a realization about the importance of representation in education and research, particularly for the Asian American community.

“At the time, many of the people researching the Asian American community were white, and so it was important for me to get more representation in research,” she said. Now, Stacey is a member of the Forbes Health Advisory Board and is internationally recognized for her pioneering work on the impact of COVID-19 related discrimination on the mental health and wellbeing of disaggregated Asian American Pacific Islander communities and other communities of color. She is also a highly sought after keynote speaker and content expert on topics related to mental health; sexual wellbeing; diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB); and Asian American and Pacific Islander concerns. She was named to the Crain’s Cleveland Business 40 Under 40 in 2023.

Her upcoming book, Patterns That Remain, is set to be published by Oxford University Press and explores the experiences of children of immigrants. Born in the Philippines and relocated to the U.S. at the age of two, her personal connection to the subject matter is profound.

“I really appreciated Magnificat's focus on service,” Stacey said. “[The school] really instilled the values of investing in your community and relationships. I often think, to what extent is my work bettering my community and empowering the next generation of leaders, especially those who don’t have a voice?”

Stacey encourages students to be curious about where their passions and talents intersect, emphasizing that the absence of representation should not deter them. “Just because you don't see someone that looks like you in the space you want to be in doesn't mean you won't thrive there,” she said.

Stacey balances her career with a fulfilling family life. Married with two sons and a beloved dog, she finds joy in activities like volleyball, spending time with her family, traveling, and cooking.

Jenna Shaker Keene '04

Jenna Shaker Keene ’04 was introduced to the world of business and finance by her father, who managed a local family-owned IGA grocery store and invested in the stock market. After graduating from Magnificat, she pursued a degree in finance with a minor in business law at Ohio University. Early internships during college exposed her to the people aspect of banking, which led her to her current position.

“My internships throughout college helped me to realize that I didn’t really want to sit behind a computer and analyze data,” Jenna said. “What I loved was working with and helping people.”

She started her career as an analyst at J.P. Morgan in Columbus and later moved to a Chicago office becoming an advisor within the Private Bank. Currently she serves as executive director at J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Cleveland, where she works as a financial advisor for families and offers guidance on their personal finances including investments, banking, credit, and estate planning. She has played a key role in growing the Private Bank’s presence in Northeast Ohio and was recently named to the Crain’s Cleveland Business 40 Under 40.

“I think of my clients as family,” Jenna said. “You really get to know them. The best part is seeing the success in their financial growth by the advice I have provided to them and their families.”

Beyond her role at the bank, Jenna actively participates in the Women in Transaction committee for the Association of Corporate Growth. In this capacity she promotes events and encourages female involvement within the finance community, fostering a network of professionals within the mergers and acquisitions community.

Reflecting on her time at Magnificat, she acknowledges the school's role in preparing her for success. The rigorous academics and structured schedule cultivated organizational skills that have proven invaluable in her professional life. The Magnificat network has also been a valuable asset, connecting her with diverse opportunities and professionals.

Beyond her career achievements, Jenna is an active volunteer with the LeBron James Family Foundation and the I PROMISE School, among other organizations. She resides in Brecksville with her husband and their two boys. She enjoys being outdoors and loves spending time with her family along with exploring new hiking opportunities in Cuyahoga National Park.

CLASS NOTES

1975

Annette Gorski Mihalik married Dennis Mihalik at the Aviator on April 15, 2023. The two have spent their retirement traveling to Europe, Alaska, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean, along with travels in the U.S. to visit their six grandchildren.

1997

Dawn Stary was ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of San Diego in August 2023.

2004

Katie Russell and husband, Tom, welcomed their daughter Evelyn Maeve in October 2023. Evelyn joins brothers James and Ben.

2010

Michelle Lempke Durkin and husband, Brendan, welcomed their first child, Kennedy Joyce, in August 2023.

Matilde Santillo Sharber married Theodore Sharber on July 29, 2023 in Cleveland.

2011

Kendall Nock Green and husband, Brooks, welcomed Cassidy Elizabeth Green, in November 2023.

2012

Liz Michael Evans married Andrew Evans, on May 28, 2023 at St. Christopher Church. The reception was held at Windows on the River.

2013

Amanda Haas Bergeman won an indie film incubator that allowed her to shoot a short film in Westlake. She screened her short film at the Capitol Theater on Nov. 29.

Rebecca Muellauer Meyer married Chris Meyer last summer in Cleveland. The bridal party included her sister, Victoria Muellauer McKinney ’11, and Christina Below ’13.

2014

Lauren Vassar Yoho married Blake Yoho in July at Church of the Gesu. Several fellow alumnae were in attendance including bridesmaids Alissa Clark ’14 and Nicole Haddad ’14.

2017

Elizabeth Pfahler Marrone married her high school sweetheart, Louis Marrone, on September 16, 2023. The bridal party included Aubrey Montgomery ’17, Lyla Marrone ’17, Stephanie Dormendo ’06, and Emily Clark ’13.