Alumni Spotlight
![Tim and Catie Weston]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741281631/almaden/i6gylkz6tp3fwosavbjr/TimandCatieWeston.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741281631/almaden/i6gylkz6tp3fwosavbjr/TimandCatieWeston.jpg","width":384}])
Catie Weston ’06
Catie Weston ’06 attended ACDS from kindergarten through 8th grade and is a member of the class of 2006. Upon graduation from Notre Dame High School, she next enrolled at the University of Puget Sound where she obtained a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Teaching.
According to Catie, the moments that have meant the most to her professionally “are the ones in which a student who has always struggled in math tells me that I have helped shift their perception of math to be more positive.”
ACDS has had an impact on Catie’s career in a marvelous way! She shares, “I loved my experience at ACDS. My memories of my childhood there are filled with feelings of safety, joy, big learning, and support from adults. In my current work at ACDS (Assistant Head of Middle School), my motivation comes from trying to provide a similar experience for today’s students. I have high expectations of what an ACDS education looks like, and I am always striving to create that for our current students.”
A favorite ACDS tradition for Catie was the school play. She stated that she didn’t think she would have participated in theater had it not been part of the curriculum. Because everyone participated, so did she, and she loved it! She added, “One year, the teachers did a play for us, and it was so cool!”
A favorite memory for Catie was pulling up to campus with her class as they returned from a week-long field trip. She also loved Star Lab and expressed gratitude that Mrs. Johnson and Mr. DeMoss brought it back to the school.
Catie shares that the most meaningful relationships to her at ACDS were with her teachers. “Mrs. Hubbard shared her love of math with me, and I eventually taught math in the same classroom in which I learned from her. I still remember the day that she told us how embarrassing her ‘Dear Aunt Sally’ was and asked us to ‘Please Excuse’ her (referring to PEMDAS–an acronym for the order of operations). I’ll admit that I believed she actually did have an aunt named Sally for a minute there.”
Mrs. Edmunson taught us how to diagram sentences, and I now understand what she meant when she explained how diagramming a sentence would help you be successful in life. When I failed a test for the first time, Mrs. Gulati patiently taught me that I actually do need to study for Science. Ms. Hurt once tried to teach us two weeks worth of content in one lesson, and it worked!” Catie concluded with this powerful statement, “My ACDS teachers taught me how to be a teacher more than any Masters degree or teaching credential.”
When asked what advice she would give to future alumni or current students, Catie responded, “You have so many wonderful opportunities at ACDS. Take them! You never know what you might find interesting. It’s a special place!”
Catie is a much beloved teacher and administrator who greatly enriches the ACDS community with her dedication and leadership.
ACDS is proud of our alumni and their accomplishments. Below are a few more alumni spotlights that show just a small sample of the exciting paths they forged after graduating from ACDS. Please contact us to share your ACDS alumni story.
More Alumni Spotlights...
![Dr. Amelia Hanney '14]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1781740089/almaden/ruzmilnpzvst5svrmp6q/AmeliaHanney.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1781740089/almaden/ruzmilnpzvst5svrmp6q/AmeliaHanney.png","width":342}])
Dr. Amelia Hanney ’14 attended ACDS from kindergarten through eighth grade before continuing her education at Leland High School, graduating in 2018. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of the Pacific in 2021 and went on to receive her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in 2024.
Dr. Hanney and her fiancé purchased a dental practice in January. She is a member of both the California Dental Association and the American Dental Association and currently serves on the board of directors for the Redwood Empire Dental Society.
![Veronica Eldredge '08]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1775491880/ydboudfqfpe8rx2ojrx8/JulietteJorgenson16.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1775491880/ydboudfqfpe8rx2ojrx8/JulietteJorgenson16.jpg","width":341}])
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.
![Veronica Eldredge '08]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764352418/almaden/vp4hxsn3db25lwbikiaw/VeronicaEldredge08.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764352418/almaden/vp4hxsn3db25lwbikiaw/VeronicaEldredge08.jpg","width":512}])
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.
![Emily Spikes Alumni Spotlight]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750444519/almaden/fybcom3budhfjb5cd92y/EmilySpikesAlumni1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1750444519/almaden/fybcom3budhfjb5cd92y/EmilySpikesAlumni1.jpg","width":341}])
Emily Spikes ’17 attended ACDS from Begindergarten through 8th grade. Upon graduation from Leland High School she enrolled at Portland State University where she obtained a BFA Art Practice degree. She also earned a Certificate in Graphic Design from UC Berkeley.
Emily is hoping to build a career in publishing and book illustration — combining her love of storytelling, drawing, and design. At present she is continuing her Marketing and Design internship at ACDS with Cathy Shin. Emily states, “Being able to contribute to the ACDS community in a creative way has been a full-circle moment, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to give back.”
Catie Weston '06 attended ACDS from kindergarten through 8th grade and is a member of the class of 2006. Upon graduation from Notre Dame High School, she next enrolled at the University of Puget Sound where she obtained a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Teaching.
According to Catie, the moments that have meant the most to her professionally “are the ones in which a student who has always struggled in math tells me that I have helped shift their perception of math to be more positive.”
![Amiya Bansal 2021]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731529288/almaden/qmi7ryzov887qardqtdm/AmiyaBansal21.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1731529288/almaden/qmi7ryzov887qardqtdm/AmiyaBansal21.png","width":512}])
Amiya Bansal ‘21 started her high school career planning to focus on STEM classes, but she soon found her calling working with public policy and local government. By the end of her freshman year in June 2022 she was serving as both the District 6 Youth Commissioner for the City of San Jose and was working as an intern for Matt Mahan’s campaign for Mayor of San Jose, where she worked on his communication team. After the election, she then worked as a summer intern in the Office of the Mayor where her work focused on homelessness, transportation and public safety.