Alumni Spotlight

Veronica Eldredge ’08 is a perfect example of how creativity, compassion, and community spirit can combine to shape a meaningful career and life. Currently residing in San Jose, Veronica serves as the Community Engagement Specialist at the Mexican Heritage Plaza, where she leads art classes, helps coordinate signature cultural events, and guides visitors through immersive tours. Her artwork has been published on various book and magazine covers and exhibited locally in the Bay Area. 

Veronica’s educational journey after ACDS started at Notre Dame San Jose, where she graduated from high school in 2012. She then earned her BA in Humanities from Seattle University in 2016, focusing on Community Art and completing double minors in Women’s Studies and Studio Art. These academic experiences built the foundation for her passion for creative expression and advocacy, driving her mission to make art accessible and meaningful in her community. Veronica’s work is a testament to the power of art in fostering connection and celebrating heritage.

One of Veronica’s proudest achievements is publishing her first children’s book. Collaborating with her favorite college professor, Dr. Gabriella Gutierrez y Muhs, Veronica illustrated Ivan y Van. The project blossomed from their shared experiences studying Liberation Theology in Mexico, where their connection deepened and the idea for a creative partnership took root. Book launches in Seattle, San Jose, and Watsonville have brought their story to children and families, with future presentations planned for Sonoma and Guerneville.

A standout moment for Veronica came during a presentation at Windmill Springs Elementary in San Jose, a Title 1 school with a Vietnamese/English dual-immersion program. When a young student asked where seeds come from, Veronica witnessed the impact of her book firsthand. Seeing her work come alive in the eyes of a child was deeply rewarding and affirmed her dedication to nurturing young minds through art.

Reflecting on her time at ACDS, Veronica fondly recalls the school’s tradition of sending students out into the world through experiences such as Science Camp, Yosemite, and Catalina trips. Smaller field trips and immersion activities were equally meaningful. The theater program stands out as a pivotal moment: as a shy transfer student, Veronica was encouraged by Mrs. Curtis to sing on stage, which helped her build confidence. She also remembers exploring Sign Language in middle school and enjoying the variety of opportunities ACDS provided for students to try new things.

Veronica discovered her passion for writing and wrote her first novel at age nine. She treasures the memories of her middle school Creative Writing elective with Miss Michelle Oppenheimer, where she wrote her second novel. The class was engaging and memorable, featuring projects like Twisted Wisdom—the student writing journal—and a field trip to 826 Valencia, a San Francisco nonprofit that empowers young writers. These experiences fueled her love for storytelling and creative collaboration. Veronica is currently working on finishing a poetry book and a graphic novel based on her family’s migration from Ireland, along with other children’s books.    

Significant relationships forged at ACDS continue to shape Veronica’s life. Lifelong friends like Amy Fisher’08 and Adrienne Furniss ’08 remain close, and her connection with Michelle Oppenheimer endures. Veronica credits Michelle for believing in her as a 13-year-old and supporting her accomplishments to this day.

ACDS encouraged Veronica to grow, explore her creativity, and serve her community. It was at ACDS that she first became involved in service through initiatives like the Big Buddy/Little Buddy program. These formative experiences shaped her choices in high school and college, guiding her toward a career centered on community engagement and creative expression.

For current students and younger alumni, Veronica’s advice is simple but powerful: “Explore everything, have fun in your classes, get involved in the local community—find out how you can help, figure out what you like to do, and use it for good.” She stresses the importance of discovering one’s passions and using them to make a positive impact.

For prospective families, Veronica describes ACDS as a place where every student and family can belong and thrive. She emphasizes that even shy students like herself will find a supportive environment and opportunities to flourish.

As Veronica looks back on her journey, she sends her best wishes to the Class of 2008 and a warm hello to Mrs. Robb, who was the first teacher to welcome her to ACDS as a 5th grader and encouraged her to make new friends and to continue writing.

Visit Veronica’s webpage.