Graduates from FSHA have gone on to achieve great things! See what some of your fellow alums are up to.
Alumna Spotlight- Katherine Ward '88
From her time at FSHA when she was thrilled to be dissecting frogs in biology, Katherine Ward '88 has been highly involved and interested in the sciences. Originally intent on pursuing a PhD in biology, Katherine ultimately chose to turn towards medicine finding it 'the perfect blend of intellectual stimulation and the ability to connect on a deeper level with humanity.'
Currently serving on the faculty at UCLA, Katherine has found her career to be exciting and rewarding. As an Assistant Clinical Professor, Katie is shadowed by up-and-coming doctors as she does bedside consulting. The students are given the opportunity to assess the patient and then work with her to establish a diagnosis. "They may or may not be on the right track and it is my job to help them learn how to assess the patient and how to formulate a therapeutic plan to help them get better" says Katie of her responsibilities at UCLA.
Choosing to study Internal Medicine while in medical school was due to its complexity and requirement that one has in-depth knowledge of the entire body, when it is sending distress signals and why. Katherine's other specialty is Geriatrics which she refers to as "Internal Medicine on Steroids."
"My job in Geriatrics is to distinguish what are the most important medical problems (which are frequently chronic illnesses) that are having a negative impact on the patient's quality of life and to try to alleviate them. Although to some this may sound depressing, I find it particularly rewarding. Most of my patients in their 80's and 90's tell me they're happy they have lived a full life and are not afraid of dying but are afraid of suffering. It is my job to minimize that suffering which can be both challenging and very rewarding. "
After graduating from FSHA, Katie entered UC San Diego, graduating in 1992. She then held a position with the Salk Institute in La Jolla before beginning her Medical School studies at St. Louis University in 1994. After graduating from SLU in '98, Katie then performed her residency in Internal Medicine at Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland from 1998-2001. Following her residency, Katie held a Geriatric Fellowship position at UCLA before going into private practice through the Huntington Medical Foundation. Ultimately, Katie returned to UCLA in 2003 to join the faculty, where she is currently sharing her gifts. While Katie refers to her long education in jest as "too much training", we at FSHA couldn't be more proud of her dedication and continued growth in her field. Her training has made her an educated and gifted doctor, but her heart and spirit are what truly make Katie stand out.
"My biggest accomplishment in my career may seem rather trivial, but it is the daily interaction with my patients and their families. There is nothing that makes me feel more accomplished than hearing them remark on how I have helped them through a very difficult time or comforted them in some way." Words spoken by a true Tolog and a strong representation of what it means to be a graduate of Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy.
Charlene Gonzales Zettel '65
In 1998, FSHA Alumnae Charlene Gonzales Zettel '65 became the first Republican
Latina to be elected to State Assembly. "Relying on her background in health, education and business to provide a unique perspective to statewide policy discussions," Charlene quickly became a well-respected legislator and leader. During her first year in office she was appointed Chairwoman of the Republican Caucus and throughout her two terms, received multiple awards and recognition for her position and exemplary leadership.
Charlene attended the University of Southern California, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. She and her husband, Dr. David Zettel-a successful dentist, have two sons Brent and Jeff.
After Charlene's successful run in State Assembly, she was appointed in 2004 as the Director of the California Department of Consumer Affairs by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. She held the position until 2007, when she retired from office. Also in 2007, Charlene was elected member of the San Diego Regional Airport Authority Governing Board. More on Charlene Coming Soon!
Caitlin Mc Hugh ’04 spent her time at FSHA studying dance. As a member of Saltaltrix, she was able to foster her growth and talent through the intensive training that Liz provided. Even outside
of her dance classes, Caitlin spent much of her time in the studio practicing. She was also part of Ballet of the Foothills through Ballet Petit in La Canada. To this day, Caitlins background in dance has proven highly useful in her profession. Growing up, Caitlin didn’t always want to be a dance and modeling never crossed her mind. She thought about going into a variety of fields including Marine Biology.
In the summer of 2006, Caitlin visited New York and fell in love with it. She made the move and immediately began to go to auditions for dance. Shortly after her move she decided to try modeling and almost immediately found that she had a gift! For more on Caitlin, please visit the Alumnae Communities.
Alumnae Spotlight: Allison Kleine '05
Allison spent the last year abroad in Brisbane, Australia, where she studied marine and terrestrial sciences at the University of Queensland. She received hands-on experience working with animals in the Outback. Some of her favorite memories from her time in Australia include seeing wild koalas on the Great Ocean Road near Melbourne, diving at the Great 
Barrier Reef and meeting all of the amazing people. Allison also took a trip to New Zealand where she went glacier hiking and sailing.
After she returned from her journey, Allison landed an internship with Saphhos Environmental, Inc., and will soon be taking time off before she transfers from the University of Wisconsin to a school in California or perhaps even in the United Kingdom.
To see photos of Allison's trip to Australia and her other experiences this year, click here.
Julie Alberty Overcomes Obstacles to Gain Ph.D.
I graduated in 2002 and in the summer of '03 after my first year of college I almost lost my life. I was involved in a car accident and was left with 18 total fractures, 14 down my spine, including the Christopher Reeves fracture, 3 fractured ribs, and a fractured clavicle. Both of my lungs had collapsed and a seried of other injuries occured. After six months of recuperation I found myself interested in neuropsychology; how the bran sends messages to the body through our spine. My accident was a blessing and helped me discover what I love. I graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a BA in psychology and a minor in sociology in 06 and immediately began my graduate carreer at Loma Linda University. I am now pursuing a clinical psycology Ph.D with an emphasis in neuropsuchology.
Alumnae Spotlight: Gloria Borges '00
Gloria Borges '00, is nothing less than exceptional. ASB Vice President while at FSHA, class president during her junior and senior years at Duke University, part of the oldest law firm in California- she has always pushed herself to excel. 
Gloria is currently a litigator at O'Melveny & Myers, a full service corporate law firm in Los Angeles. A member of the General Trial & Litigation Department, she holds the responsibility of handling multi-district litigation. She is also part of the Intellectual Property & Technology Department. Whether figuring out strategies, researching and developing creative legal arguments or communicating with other attorneys and clients, Gloria finds being an attorney is both rewarding and enriching. MORE...
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