Class Notes Spring 2025
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1982
James Hage ’82 recently celebrated 40 years of teaching computer science and business courses at Mount Saint Michael Academy.
1983
Sandra (Quick) Starrette ’83 was recently inducted into “Who's Who in Professional Women” in 2023 for the second time. Sandra’s remarkable achievements were previously recognized with the Most Valuable Performer President's Award and a spot in Who's Who in 1994-95, where she was celebrated for her outstanding contributions to her field and community.
1990
Yolanda (Robano) Robano-Gross ’90, celebrated her 10th year as CEO of Options for Community Living. She was also recognized as one of the Power Women of Long Island.
1991
Sheila (Clancy) O'Donnell ’91 has lived in Ireland for 19 years and completed her Master of Science in Sustainability Leadership at the University of Galway. She was featured in Princess Alexandra Rose of No Fixed Abode for her social enterprise focused on sustainable fashion, including garment repair, repurposing, and clothing recycling. MSc Sustainability Leadership Winter Newsletter 2024
Daniel Valeri ’91 was promoted to Chief of Police in New Windsor in 2023. Since 1997 he’s held various roles and is a certified instructor in multiple areas. A graduate of the FBI National Academy, he’s received numerous awards, including Officer of the Year in 2005.
1993
James Haggerty ’93 performed at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, in December 2024. A seasoned musician, he’s played with many music-related stars, but this experience was especially memorable.
1994
Gayle (Gruber) Heimbold ’94 has earned her PhD in Holocaust and Genocide Studies from Gratz College.
1994
Brian Laffin ’94 was inducted into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame as a basketball coach on April 13, 2025.
Raymond J. Mahoskey ’94 is Deputy Chief of Special Operations for the City of Yonkers Fire Department, with 29 years of service. He rose through the ranks from lieutenant to battalion chief.
Kevin St. Onge ’94 published a memoir about his late wife, Susan St. Onge, with a prologue recounting how they met at Marist in 1991.
1997
Michael McDowell ’97 published Demotainment: The Art of Delivering Demos That Engage, Inspire, and Drive Results on Amazon. The book helps presenters drive impact using entertainment techniques. He credits his Marist experience for shaping his career path.
Christine Rosenvinge ’97 is on the American Heart Association - Long Island Board. She and fellow Red Fox Laura Wolfe, MD ’07, have raised awareness at the Go Red for Women’s luncheon.
2000
Jennifer (Nafus) Flanagan ’00 became the Program Lead for D&D at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory.
2000
Manjari (Gangwar) Gangwar-Warty ’00, started JKYog, a nonprofit organization founded by Global Spiritual Leader Swami Mukundananda, focusing on the holistic well-being of the body, mind, and soul.
2001
Jessica Glass ’01, partner at Stenger, Glass, Hagstrom, Lindars & Iuele LLP, was awarded the 2024 ATHENA Award at Dutchess County Chamber’s 18th annual ceremony on December 5, 2024, in Wappingers Falls, New York, for her dedication to mentoring women in law.
2003
Elizabeth (Braun) Luisi ’03 married her husband John Luisi on May 17, 2024, on Long Island.
2005
Jennifer (Spano) Carey ’05, co-wrote an article titled "Addressing Chronic Absenteeism in Middle School: A Cost-Effective Approach," which was published in Children & Schools in April 2020.
2006
Daniel M. Erceg ’06 was appointed Superintendent of Schools for the Saugerties Central School District in June 2023.
Mike McManus ’06, recently published Making Nutrition Digestible, a guide to improving health through nutrition. As a certified nutrition coach, he’s interested in discussing his book and journey on the Marist Connections Podcast.
2007
Sankung Susso ’07 was named 2023 Coach of the Year for Poughkeepsie High School. He has also been featured in the superintendent’s brief for advising the debate club.
Melinda (Martinez) Ramirez ’07 was nominated for the 2025 Nashville Cable Athena Award and recognized as one of the Top 15 Nashville Coaches by Influence Digest Media in both 2024 and 2023.
Cynthia (Meyer) Thomas ’07 was promoted to partner at ArentFox Schiff, effective January 1, 2025. A real estate attorney in New York, specializing in real estate acquisition, financing, and disposition, with a focus on healthcare, multifamily, and industrial sectors. She earned her JD from Hofstra University School of Law.
2009
Stephanie Espina ’09 and her spouse, Thomas Bessette, welcomed Caiden Philip Bessette on December 5, 2024, weighing 8 lbs., 13 oz.
2010
Dr. Jaime (Bonventre) Monteforte ’10/’14M recently earned a PhD in Leadership and Management from Drexel University and has become an influencer in the mom/parenting space on TikTok. tiktok.com/@drjaimealexa
2014
Rebecca (Pratt) Brasley ’14 married her husband, Steven Brasley, in February 2024.
2015
Katelyn Gallanty ’15 founded Grant Drive Group, a business development consulting and advisory firm.
2016
Catherine (Tucci) Byrnes ’16 and Conor Byrnes ’16 were married on September 27, 2024.
2017
Skyler (Van Valkenburgh) Bryant ’17 and Casey Bryant ’17 were married in July 2024.
2018
Monica Luisi ’18 is a White House Reporter for President Trump's administration with Turning Point USA.
2019
Megan (Pastier) Doran ’19 and Kevin Doran ’19 were married on August 16, 2024, on Long Island.
2019
Jessica (Farr) Dodd ’19 married her husband Patrick Dodd on August 24, 2024, at a beautiful winery in southern New Hampshire.
2020
Abby (Villafana) Leone ’20 and Nick Leone ’21, got married on October 5, 2024, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and now reside in Delray Beach, Florida.
2021
Levitt Yaffe ’21 was involved in the Office of Accommodations and Delta Alpha Phi. Yaffe narrates the full story and created the music for his debut work, Two. Two, a coming-of-age story follows a young boy who must lead the galaxy to peace while another man, searches to fix his past mistakes.