Alumni Spotlight

Juliette Jorgenson ’16 attended ACDS from first through eighth grade. After graduating from Saint Francis High School, she enrolled at Chapman University, where she earned a Bachelors of Arts in Integrated Educational Studies with a minor in Nutrition. She also earned a Masters of Science in Clinical Nutrition from University of The Pacific.

Juliette recently passed her board exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and is excited to begin a career focused on addressing chronic disease at its root. She is particularly interested in improving nutrition literacy and supporting preventative care.

In her role as a dietitian, she works with a digital health start-up called F-U Cancer, which provides nutrition, physical activity, and mental health education, along with resources and community for patients and caregivers impacted by cancer. She also hosts the F-U Cancer Podcast, where she shares evidence-based information, personal stories, and a range of topics for clinicians, patients, caregivers, survivors, and advocates.

Juliette serves as the dietitian for Vivante on the Coast, a luxury assisted living and memory care facility. Her connection to this organization began years ago when she worked as both an undergraduate and graduate research assistant under her former professor and now colleague, Dr. Nasira Burkholder-Cooley, through the Vitality Program. The program focuses on improving physical, nutritional, cognitive, and mental wellness among seniors, making it especially meaningful to now return in a professional role.

Alongside her work in dietetics, Juliette has been a Pilates instructor and personal trainer for the past six years. Teaching continues to be an important part of her life, and she enjoys combining her background in fitness with her work in nutrition. She currently teaches strength classes at Salty Fitness Studio and leads Mat Pilates classes at Match Pilates and Focus Athletics in Irvine, California. She has also taught special events such as Yogalates on the Beach and Pilates Sculpt at Fashion Island.

Juliette is currently in the process of accepting a position at her dream hospital and feels fortunate to have the support of her parents, friends, mentors, professors, and colleagues along the way. Her day-to-day life includes a mix of different interests, part-time roles, and clients, which keeps things both busy and fulfilling. Clinically, she hopes to specialize in Medical Nutrition Therapy for oncology, gastrointestinal, and pediatric populations. Outside of work, she enjoys surfing on the weekends with her boyfriend and close friends, trying new recipes, and sharing her interest in food and fitness on social media.

When reflecting on her time at ACDS, Juliette is grateful for the experiences that helped shape who she is today. One experience that stands out is the Speech and Debate elective with Coach Wardner. At the time, she didn’t realize how impactful it would be, but it helped build confidence speaking in front of others. Those skills later carried over into giving a TEDx talk at Saint Francis on protecting coral reefs, leading large fitness classes and events, and now hosting a podcast.

The ACDS Music and Theater program also played an important role in her growth. The school’s mission of “discovering the gifts in every child” reflects her experience, as it was at ACDS where she first discovered her interest in music. This led to performing in choirs, singing the national anthem for the San Jose Earthquakes and at school sporting events, and later joining the worship team at her church in Orange County.

More broadly, the ACDS community left a lasting impression. The encouragement from teachers and classmates created an environment where she felt supported and motivated. Looking back, it’s clear how valuable that experience was at such a young age.

Some favorite memories include traditions like Pumpkin Carving Night, the Halloween Parade, the Thanksgiving Feast, and DEAR Day, moments that are still cherished today.

There are also plenty of humorous memories. One that stands out is when her dad, Dr. J, would occasionally make school-wide announcements and include a very cheesy joke. One in particular stuck: “What do you call a fairy who hasn’t taken a bath in three weeks?” followed by, “Stinkerbell.” Her classmates would turn to look at her during the pause, while her dad laughed at his own joke. At the time it was embarrassing, but now it’s a favorite memory.

The relationships built at ACDS continue to be meaningful. She remains in touch with several classmates, including her best friend Megan Pombo ’16, whom she has known since fourth grade. She also keeps in touch with some of her “little buddies,” a reminder of those early school years.

Several teachers had a lasting impact as well. Her first-grade teacher, Mrs. Vanessa (Makinster) Galante ’99, has remained a mentor, friend, and role model over the years. During her senior year of high school, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she joined her virtual Pilates classes over Zoom, an experience that helped inspire her to pursue teaching Pilates. Mrs. Turnbull is another teacher who made a lasting impression, always making her feel supported and capable as a student.

Juliette is grateful for her time at ACDS and for the community, experiences, and lessons that continue to shape her today.