Career Afternoon

Lauren Daue
Photographer

Lauren Daue is a Baltimore-based photographer. She was born and raised in Towson, where she has lived the majority of her life. She spent four years in beautiful Charlottesville where she graduated from the University of Virginia. After graduating, she lived and worked in downtown Baltimore until she married her husband, Jamie. They now live in the suburbs with their daughters, Maggie and Winnie.

Ms. Daue’s interest in photography began many years ago. As her photo knowledge and experience developed, so did her business! With over 12 years of experience, she has worked across multiple genres of photography, and she truly enjoys all of it!

Fall and spring are Ms. Daue’s favorite seasons to shoot photographs outdoors. She loves the beach, books, yoga, tennis, the Peloton, and of course the Ravens and O's!

Jay Hill '17
CEO, Shelley's Scents

Jay Hill ’17, is the CEO of Shelley’s Scents Candle Company (www.shelleysscents.com). She embarked on her entrepreneurial journey in the summer of 2021 learning the art of candle making. She began this business in honor of her late grandmother, Shelley, who was the ultimate candle lover. 

Ms. Hill turned her nostalgic memories into handcrafted scents that she hoped would help others create their own memories. She is proud to have been in business for three years now and couldn’t imagine herself doing anything else.

Karen Kuczynki P'25
Owner, EmKreative

Karen Kuczynski is the principal/owner of EmKreative, a boutique creative marketing firm specializing in helping business owners find their voice and bringing their visions to life.  Her areas of focus include: graphic design, web design, brand identity, social media, marketing, and digital strategy.  Eight years before trading in her suits and dresses for jeans and sweats, Mrs. Kuczynski worked as the Director of Marketing and Business Development for Care Pharmacies, Director of Business Development for Omnicare, and as a pharmaceutical sales representative for Galderma Laboratories.  

When not working, Mrs. Kuczynski enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling with her family, watching sports, and relaxing by the water.  Her daughter Emily is a junior at Maryvale.

Ron Council P'25
Power Solutions, LLC

Ron Council graduated from University of Maryland Law School in 1997 and was admitted to the bar in 1998. He began his legal career as a law clerk for the Honorable Robert Heller of the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County before spending four years in private practice representing a variety of businesses including construction companies, retail stores, and amusement parks. In 2003, he went to work for one of his clients, Power Solutions, LLC, a commercial electrical contractor specializing in data center and hospital construction. Since that time, the company has grown from 250 to 1,800 employees and Mr. Council’s role has expanded from handling legal issues to overseeing multiple departments including safety and human resources.  

Mr. Council’s daughter Neve is a junior at Maryvale who plays soccer and badminton. He also has two sons who attend Rhodes College and Tulane University.

Dr. Ashley Drown 
Catonsville Comprehensive Dentistry

Dr. Ashley Drown graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry in May 2015. She was in the top 10% of her class which earned her membership in Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. After completing dental school, Dr. Drown was accepted into a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program with the United States Air Force at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Dr. Drown continued to serve another three years as a general dentist at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia before joining Catonsville Comprehensive Dentistry in Catonsville, MD.

Dr. Drown knew she wanted to be a dentist since she was in middle school. She attended the University of Georgia (UGA), where she earned a degree in Nutrition Science. She met her husband Travis, a native of Ellicott City, and works as a financial advisor. Dr. Drown and her husband have two sons, Eli and Everett, and a dog, Kirby. They are both avid UGA football fans.

Dr. Marcie Johnson
Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Marcie Johnson, Ph.D, Licensed Psychologist, received her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Iowa and completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Iowa City Veterans Administration. She specializes in neuropsychology and is trained in a range of evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapeutic approaches.

Dr. Johnson has worked with people from childhood to older adulthood. She has conducted individual therapy, group therapy, and psychological assessment. Dr. Johnson offers counseling and therapy for a broad spectrum of mental health concerns. She also conducts psychological assessments for individuals who have academic and learning concerns.

Dr. Johnson grew up in the Baltimore region and obtained her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University in Washington, DC. 

Dr. Jennifer Kakel
Veterinarian at Nutramax Laboratories

Dr. Jennifer Kakel has a degree in chemistry with a double major in biochemistry from Virginia Tech. She graduated in 2002 from the Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Kakel has spent her career practicing small animal medicine. She worked for two years as a technical services veterinarian and product manager at Nutramax Laboratories. 

Dr. Kakel’s veterinary interests include wellness care, internal medicine, dentistry, and ultrasonography. She also enjoys teaching students about pet care and veterinary medicine. When she is not seeing patients, she enjoys time with her husband and four children. Her four-legged family includes a rescue Irish Setter and three cats. She also enjoys reading, playing piano, and hiking. 

Dr. Grace Wessling
Urgent Care Physician with Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, P.C.

Dr. Wessling attended the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore.

Dr. Wessling's interest in medicine began at her childhood family doctor's office. Being taught about health and being treated with kindness and respect made her want to be that kind of presence in others' lives. As a physician now, she has developed a special clinical interest in urgent/acute care, women's health, and preventive medicine.

Dr. Wessling completed her residency at Franklin Square Hospital Medical Center. She is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

 

Erin Coyne '18 
Research Specialist at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine 

Erin Coyne ’18 is a research specialist at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine where she works within a laboratory group studying cancer immunology, specifically for GI cancers. She first became interested in cancer biology during her undergraduate days at the University of Notre Dame.

Upon graduation, Ms. Coyne joined the lab of Dr. Won Jin Ho at   JHU. There she learned how to utilize technologies such as mass cytometry and imaging mass cytometry to profile the tumor microenvironment for clinical and animal studies. She has contributed to several manuscripts detailing discoveries in the field of cancer immunology. She currently leads projects implementing a new immunotherapeutic agent in a pancreatic cancer animal model. Ms. Coyne especially values the life-long learning and collaborative innovation found in her field and hopes to continue working to improve outcomes for patients suffering from cancer.

 

 

Stevie Daniels 
WMAR Meteorologist 

Stevie Daniels joined WMAR 2 News in June 2020 as a meteorologist. She is the Weekday Morning meteorologist on Good Morning Maryland. She comes from Buffalo, N.Y. where she was a meteorologist for WIVB-TV (CBS). While living in western New York, Stevie covered serious lake effect snow events, severe thunderstorms, and flooding along the Lake Erie shoreline. She also conducted multiple live shots out in the field during a Blizzard Warning for over four hours.

Ms. Daniels is a Baltimore native and a proud graduate of Salisbury University on the Delmarva Peninsula. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Atmospheric Science with a minor in Communication Arts. Ms. Daniels grew up in the Hereford Zone and is so thrilled to be back home. She loves the outdoors and enjoys exploring trails and running. She has two cats named Stormy and Sunny.

Elaina Stevers '19
Whiting-Turner Project Manager

Elaina Stevers ’19 earned her degree in Civil Engineering at Clemson University, graduating in December 2022. She now works as a Project Engineer at The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company in Baltimore, Maryland, where her daily tasks include practicing quality control, subcontract management, and collaboration with architects and engineers on a construction site. 

Ms. Stevers graduated from Maryvale in 2019, holding positions as Gym Meet Captain and Student Council Vice President. In her free time, she enjoys being outside, supporting Baltimore sports teams, and spending time with friends and family.

Tracie Wilson
Senior Principal Scientist in Packaging Innovation for McCormick & Company 

Tracie Wilson is the Senior Principal Scientist in Packaging Innovation for McCormick & Company. She has over 30 years experience in packaging development, innovation, and engineering. This includes brand support, manufacturing plant engineering, and innovation technology development. She has received over 80 patents for her work in utility and design, both US and International.

Ms. Wilson attended Michigan State University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Packaging Engineering. Over the course of her career, she has worked in several industries from household and personal care, to infant and adult nutrition, to food. She has been awarded 4 company and 10 industry awards.

Ms. Wilson is an expert in all packaging materials and processes with expanded knowledge in injection molding, blow molding, and paperboard. She has expertise in designing, developing and commercializing a new package from inception to the shelf. Many of her innovative package designs are recognized throughout the world.

Pamela Dick Custer '71

Director of Marketing (18 years - retired in 2019), Gordon Feinblatt LLC

Responsible for communication to clients for 70 corporate attorneys as well as the general public regarding Gordon Feinblatt’s lawyers’ areas of legal experience using written and printed materials, social media, the firm’s website, seminars and legal programs, and the press.

• Colleges/Universities attended: Notre Dame of Maryland University
• Undergraduate major: B.A. in English  
• Volunteer work: St. Vincent de Paul Board of Directors, The Franciscan Center, The Community Law Center.
• Other interests: My interests are my grandchildren (and family), cooking, exercise, travel, and gardening.
• Favorite subject in high school: English was my favorite subject in high school. 
• Advice for Maryvale students: “Do what you love”.

Tracey Dulany P '24

Senior Program Manager, Peraton, a large defense contractor 

My job involves ensuring the cost, schedule and performance requirements are met for a cleared government program to including staffing and personnel to procuring necessary materials and even understanding operational tradecraft and software development lifecycle.

• Colleges/Universities attended: Stevenson University, Towson University, University of Maryland, Baltimore, County, and University of Maryland University College.
• Undergraduate major: Started in computer accounting and information systems, graduated with a B.A.in English.
• Volunteer work: My children’s school HSA board, Habitat for Humanity, Maryvale.
• Other interests: The beach, real estate, real estate at the beach, and home decorating.
• Favorite subjects in high school: English, Spanish, drama, and yearbook.
• Advice for Maryvale students: Set goals, make lists toward them, and do the things you say you’re going to do on those lists. Forward is forward. Take a step no matter how small. Sometimes your forward will be greater than another’s. Sometimes your forward will be less than another’s. Both are ok and necessary. Learn to lift others up, cheer yourself on, and keep going. Get yourself a good playlist, a toolbox, learn how to use them, get AAA, never pay a bill late. You don’t need to know all the answers, you can get those by asking good questions. Don’t be afraid that your next career is forever. It’s never too late to change careers or start again.

Morgan Jenkins '11

Digital Media, Associate Manager, National Basketball League (NBA)

Provide advertising strategy to help advertisers achieve campaign goals and develop new business opportunities. Provide operational support to digital advertising campaigns and projects. 

• Colleges/Universities attended: Temple University '15 B
• Undergraduate major: Sport Management
• Volunteer work: Harlem YMCA
• Other interests: Training for sprinting triathlon 
• Favorite subjects in high school: History, PE, and sociology

Karen Korenman P '27 

Vice President, Portfolio & Strategy, Outdoor, Stanley Black & Decker

Integrate businesses with the aim of improving our processes across the Product Lifecycle, bringing improvement in margin for our products.

• Colleges/Universities attended: Loughborough University, UK - BA Hons, Industrial Design & Technology
• University of Northumberland, UK, - MBA
• Other interests: Hiking, camping, gardening, running - everything outdoors.
• Favorite subjects in high school: Math, Design Technology, Geography, Science
• Advice for Maryvale students:  Keep striving for what you want to achieve, you will get there.  The path might take twists & turns along the way, enjoy the journey as that may change what you're working towards.

Shana Hall Graves, ICF-PCC '95

CEO, Soma Triune Leadership Coaching and Consulting, LLC
Adjunct Faculty, Georgetown University 

I partner with international and domestic leaders to create awareness, modify behaviors, identify barriers, facilitate positive change, and achieve desired personal, professional, and organizational goals. 

• Colleges/Universities attended: Duke University (B.A.), Georgetown University (Leadership & Coaching Certificate), Cornell University (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Certificate)
• Undergraduate major: Public Policy and Political Science
• Volunteer work: Currently mentoring women, Ukrainian coaches displaced by the war
• Other interests: My family/my son Alex, dinner with family, Ravens Football, Duke Basketball, Muay Thai, anything on Discovery or TLC channels, comedy, Uno, Spades
• Favorite subjects in high school: English and Science (Chemistry, Biology, and Physics)
• Advice for Maryvale students: Take calculated risks, do not fear failure, seek discomfort, laugh at yourself, love yourself, invest in yourself, believe in yourself, practice gratitude, and strive to live authentically even in the presence of doubters. 

Sarah Koch '11

Owner, SK Creative

My job entails designing logos, creating brands, developing websites, and producing marketing materials for companies around the globe. 

• Colleges/Universities attended: Susquehanna University
• Undergraduate major: Business Marketing and Graphic Design 
• Volunteer work: Baltimore Saints (a program where I started volunteering while attending Maryvale)
• Other interests: I love to play hockey and lacrosse. I love to ski, snowboard, hike, and travel. 
• Favorite subjects in high school: Graphic Design; Shakespeare (mostly because of Ms. Malone)
• Advice for Maryvale students: Don’t be afraid to take risks, start learning about investing now, and don’t compare your path with others.

Erin Baldwin Todd '03

Partner & Accountant, CohnReznick

I am a certified public accountant (CPA) at a public accounting firm, serving clients in the commercial real estate industry by providing audit and assurance services.

• Colleges/Universities attended:  University of Maryland, College Park
• Undergraduate major: Accounting; Spanish
• Volunteer work:  Former board member of Playworks Maryland; Current board member of CREW Baltimore
• Other interests:  Spending time with my family, cooking, being outside.
• Favorite subjects in high school:  Biology, US History
• Advice for Maryvale students:  Be curious and ask questions, get involved in things that interest you.

Catherine Simanski Dickinson '04

Attorney & Partner, Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A.

Civil Trial attorney for complex personal injury cases.

• Colleges/Universities attended: Villanova University, B.A.; University of Baltimore School of Law, J.D.
• Undergraduate major: Major in Political Science, Minor in Business Law and Corporate Governance
• Volunteer work: Volunteer mock trial coach and judge for high school, college and law school; Volunteer panelist for educational seminars at University of Baltimore School of Law, Gala Committee Member for the Walters Art Museum
• Other interests: Travel, Cooking, Reading
• Favorite subjects in high school: English and History
• Advice for Maryvale students: While it is very important to strive for professional and academic goals, some of your best lessons come from hobbies and unexpected life turns. Making time to do what brings you happiness is crucial to success, so prioritize your free time. It will make you a better student and professional moving forward.

Elizabeth (Liz) Jung '07

Attorney, Law Offices of Marc S. Ward

I represent individuals charged with traffic and criminal offenses in the State of Maryland.

• Colleges/Universities attended: Roanoke College & Florida Coastal School of Law
• Undergraduate major: Sociology with a concentration in criminal justice
• Volunteer work: Platoon 22 & substance abuse/recovery
• Other interests: beach, volleyball, 4 wheeling
• Favorite subjects in high school: History and art
• Advice for Maryvale students: Social media is not real! 

Carrie Polley, P '28

Family Magistrate, Circuit Court for Baltimore County

A family magistrate is an officer of the circuit court who is selected by the judges of that court to hear certain family law and juvenile cases, including uncontested divorces and custody (establishment and modifications) matters.

• Colleges/Universities attended: University of Louisville and University of Baltimore School of Law
• Undergraduate major: Communications
• Volunteer work:  In high school and college, I tutored younger students at a home for troubled youth.  As a private attorney, I routinely provided pro bono services through the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Services.  For years, I was a small group leader for children’s ministry at the Church of Nativity.
• Other interests: Mom to a Maryvale student.  Active in various bar associations; former president, Baltimore Women’s Bar Association. 
• Favorite subjects in high school: Math
• Advice for Maryvale students: Take time to think about what you like to do, and dream and imagine ideal careers. The best way to find out about different careers is to ask people -- family, neighbors, friends, teachers, counselors -- and get them to tell you about their career and college experiences.

Kathleen Hanlon Sinclair '95

Member & Attorney, Silverman Thompson Slutkin & White LLC

I represent corporations and individuals in civil and criminal litigation matters, and I also provide legal advice on a range of legal issues including: criminal law, employment law, civil rights, and commercial litigation.

• Colleges/Universities attended: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; University of Virginia School of Law, ‘02
• Undergraduate major: Psychology & Political Science
• Volunteer work: Loyola Blakefield Mothers’ Club, Boys’ Latin School Parents’ Association; Maryland State Bar Association Lawyer Assistance Program; Loyola Early Learning Center (St. Ignatius Church/St. Ignatius Academy). Maryvale Board of Trustees; Board of Directors, Brown Memorial Weekday School/St. Thomas’ Preschool
• Other interests: former pianist & musical theater participant; avid reader; traveler; swim mom; time with family and friends.
• Favorite subjects in high school:  Music, English, History, Mass Media, Philosophy, and Math (with Mrs. Grant).
• Advice for Maryvale students:  Take advantage of the myriad leadership opportunities that Maryvale provides its students.  Do NOT be afraid to try something new, even if you don’t know if you will excel.  Do not be afraid to fail.  Learn to cherish the blessings of disappointment, difficulty, and discomfort.  Now are the years to stretch and strengthen those resilience muscles as you explore what you love and do not love, and areas in which you excel already or may excel in the future.  Just as you have grown and changed since middle school, you will continue to do so throughout adolescence and adulthood. Take advantage of every opportunity you are given to be a reader and writer.  Don’t forget the humanities, which Maryvale has successfully, quietly, and lovingly taught since its inception. Maryvale’s ability to balance a progressive mindset in the example of Jesus Christ and the framework of Catholicism will be a part of your personal, spiritual, and professional identities as you learn, lead, and succeed.

Maura Doyle Belden, DNP, CRNP '97

Director of Nursing, Comprehensive Transplant Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital
Adult Nurse Practitioner, Johns Hopkins Hospital

Director of Clinical Operations for Transplant Surgery and Oversight for the heart transplant, lung transplant, kidney transplant and liver transplants. Advise practice providers, nurses, and administrative staff.

• Colleges/Universities attended: University of Notre Dame, Division 1 Lacrosse, BA in Psychology, 2001, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing: BSN in 2002, MSN and NP (Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner) in 2005, and DNP (Doctorate in Nursing Practice) in 2010
• Volunteer work: Volunteer at my kids’ school and parish
• Other interests: Married for 16 years to my best friend. Mom of three amazing boys! Love watching my kids play sports! Enjoy working out and doing F45.
• Favorite subjects in high school: Math and Science
• Advice for Maryvale students: Believe in yourself! Maryvale has a lot to offer academically, spiritually, and with extracurricular activities -- embrace all of it! Challenge yourself and be the best you that you can be! 

Melissa Brooks Giese '05

Physician Assistant, Chesapeake Urology Associates, United Urology Group

Advanced practice provider in urology providing care to patients on both inpatient and outpatient basis - including assessments, management, and occasional minor procedures (complicated catheter insertion with or without cystoscopy).

• Colleges/Universities attended: Gettysburg College (Undergraduate), Towson University/ CCBC Essex Physician Assistant Program including Masters of Medical Science (Graduate/ Masters).
• Undergraduate major: Health Sciences, Bachelor of Arts
• Other interests: Yoga, running/walking, cooking, spending time with my family.
• Favorite subjects in high school: Biology, History, Anatomy and Physiology, Art
• Advice for Maryvale students: Be fluid as you journey into college and beyond. Keep your long term goals in sight and work towards them, but don’t forget about the things that are going on in front of you. Take every opportunity- you may surprise yourself! 

Dr. Lisa Jordan P '24

Licensed Psychologist, Private practice and the Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute of Maryland

I provide evaluations and mental health services for adults with anxiety, depression, psychological trauma, substance use disorders, and general life stress.

• Colleges/Universities attended:  Elmira College (B.S. in Psychology); Michigan State University (Ph.D. in Psychology and Urban Affairs); Arizona State University (Postdoctoral program for prevention research)
• Undergraduate major:  Psychology
• Volunteer work:  Helping Up Mission (program for men with substance use issues) and various programs to prevent mental health and substance use problems among youth.
• Other interests:  Dance, art (fabric crafts)
• Favorite subjects in high school:  Psychology, Anatomy & Physiology, Literature (especially the classics)
• Advice for Maryvale students:  Keep your options open because you never know what you will end up doing in life and what knowledge/exposure will be helpful to you.

Paula Murray RN, MSN P '26           

Manager of Nursing Specialty Professional Practice Program, Johns Hopkins Health System

Manage 30 Nursing Practice and Professional Development Specialists that work throughout Hopkins downtown campus and Bayview Campus. Integrate nursing education on both campuses.

• Colleges/Universities attended: University of Virginia for Undergrad; Johns Hopkins Nursing for Masters
• Undergraduate major: Nursing
• Volunteer work: Healing ministry at Church of the Nativity 
• Other interests: Hiking, walking
• Favorite subjects in high school: Biology
• Advice for Maryvale students: Invite Jesus to be part of your studies and career choices. Ask Him to navigate you to a career that will utilize the gifts and talents that He has given you.

Dana Sloane, MD P '24

Gastroenterologist & Department Chief, Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group

Approximately 80% of my time is spent in direct patient care – office visits and procedures – and the other 20% is devoted to managing the operations of my department.

• Colleges/Universities attended: University of Maryland (undergraduate and med school)
• Undergraduate major: Chemistry 
• Volunteer work: Worked in weekend program for special needs children during college.
• Other interests: Gymnastics, ballet, choir, BSU (while in school). More recently, baking and travel.
• Favorite subjects in high school: English, history, chemistry 
• Advice for Maryvale students: 1) Be prepared to hear “no”, and always have a backup plan. 2) Be honest and accountable, in all things. 3) Be committed to yourself and your dreams and try to have fun along the way.