On May 22, 2025, we gathered at Avenue in downtown Greenville for a truly special evening—the Head of School Dinner (previously known as the Headmaster Dinner) honoring the Christ Church Episcopal School Class of 2025. This event marked a one of the final times our seniors came together as students before commencement, a meaningful tradition that has taken place for over four decades. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, joy, and reflection as we celebrated their journey and looked ahead to all that’s to come—including bright futures at institutions like Yale, Princeton, Clemson, USC, the United States Air Force Academy, and many more.

All 109 members of the senior class were in attendance, joined by their senior advisors and members of the CCES Leadership Team. Head of School David Padilla, kicked off the evening with a warm welcome, setting the tone for a night to remember.

The program featured thoughtful and inspiring words from guest speaker and CCES Alumni Association President, Robert DiBenedetto '10, who spoke about the importance of being a CCES alumnus. He encouraged the seniors to embrace their new role in the CCES community, highlighting the value of staying connected and the lifelong pride of being a Cavalier. I had the pleasure of also sharing a few words as Director of Young Alumni Relations and Communications, welcoming the Class of 2025 into our vibrant alumni network.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came at the end of the program, when each student received a gift bag from the CCES Alumni Relations Team. Inside were special keepsakes: a newly designed CCES Alumni shirt, a custom alumni mug, a personal note from me, and—perhaps the most heartwarming—a drawing from each student’s Primer buddy. It was a meaningful reminder of how far they've come and the bright future that lies ahead.

To our incredible Class of 2025- I’m so excited for all that’s ahead for you. The Alumni Relations Team and I are cheering you on every step of the way!

See photos from the Head of School dinner here.

For some families, the CCES experience is multi-generational. There are members of the current CCES student body that have parents who attended CCES before them, and even grandparents who are among the earliest graduates of the school. Class of 2000 alumna Grace Hungerford Trail enjoys this multigenerational family connection.

“The CCES experience is deeply woven into my story, as my parents were both graduates, I myself am a graduate, and now my three children attend the school. We are thankful for the lasting impact that the CCES community has had, and continues to have, on our family,” Grace reflects.

Grace and her children – Holmes ‘26, Ellis ‘27 and Mackey ‘32 – attended the annual Alumni Parent Breakfast event on campus last week. The event is an opportunity to celebrate the unique and special bond between parents and students who share in the CCES experience. Approximately 35 families gathered on the PAC stage for an early morning breakfast and time of fellowship before the first bell rang. No one left hungry, and in fact, the Lower School students might have over-indulged on donut holes!

Head of School David Padilla spoke to attendees at the event. He remarked, “We are all both the product of many who came before us and the creators of what we will leave behind.” Mr. Padilla encouraged everyone to think about those family members, community friends, and even strangers who paved the way for today’s students. At the same time, he challenged attendees to think about the legacy they might leave behind and the potential impact they could have on future generations.  To the parents in the room who were all alumni of CCES, he offered, “There is no greater compliment to the school that you entrust us with your children –  the next generation of learners.”   

Alumni Association Board member Foster McKissick ‘00 also attended the breakfast with his daughters, Margaret ‘32 and Anne Murray ‘35. Foster commented, “It’s meaningful to have my daughters be a part of the CCES community and watch them create their own school memories and experience. I’m grateful we can all share in the pride of being a Cavalier together.”

We’ll have coffee, biscuits, and extra donut holes when the annual Alumni Parent Breakfast event rolls around again next year.  In the meantime, we continue to celebrate the legacy of these multigenerational CCES families and all the families who comprise our special community. 

Upon meeting Kaytina Taylor Mills ‘17, you immediately get a sense of her warmth and hospitality. With an infectious smile and welcoming spirit, she exudes the CCES values of Community and Service. A former CCES employee, now a volunteer on the Alumni Association Board, a key member of the leadership team at Augusta Street Market, and a busy mom, Kaytina approaches her days with a commitment to serving others and making a difference in the places she calls home.  

CCES – Where a Commitment to Service Began

A proud 13-year vet and one of four Taylor family siblings to attend the school, Kaytina credits many in the CCES community with positively impacting her journey. She remembers fondly Upper School Psychology teacher Mr. John Zebell, known for his genuine care for students, and first grade teacher Mrs. Nancy Holmes. There was also eighth grade English teacher Mr. Russell Shelley and Mrs. Sloan Cheves in primer. And she can’t forget Mr. Bartley Sides, a member of the college counseling team, who always offered a listening ear, and became a trusted advisor and friend. 

After CCES, Kaytina attended Clemson University and began her professional career with a first job at United Way. But it was back at CCES where she truly found a unique way to combine her passion for education and service. In 2021, she landed the role of Service Learning Coordinator under the leadership of Elizabeth Jarrett ‘82, now one of her dearest friends and mentors. This position afforded Kaytina with the opportunity to foster a culture of giving back among CCES students. Her role included facilitating the school’s internship program, which she helped to revive after the COVID-19 pandemic, and which is now thriving and growing each year.

Serving the Upstate at Augusta Street Market

Kaytina now spends her working hours as an integral member of her family’s business, Augusta Street Market. The Market opened in November 2024, championed by her father Shane Taylor, and is a unique New York-style deli, cafe and market, with an infusion of South Carolina hospitality. Kaytina serves as the Market’s administrative coordinator, blending her love for service with her organizational and leadership strengths. In this position, she manages payroll, hiring, inventory, and accounting and finds satisfaction in constantly learning and evolving. It’s a job that requires precision and attention to detail, traits that Kaytina developed and sharpened through her CCES education. Coupled with these demands, her role at the Market also provides a level of flexibility which allows her to balance work with family life, including raising her one-year old daughter Rilla Grace with husband Sawyer.

Most importantly, Kaytina feels that her work at Augusta Street Market is more than just a job. It’s about making a meaningful contribution. She enjoys building relationships with vendors and partners, ensuring that the Market runs smoothly so that it can be a place for people to gather and share in good food and good company. Located just a few minutes from campus, it’s a place where the CCES and Greenville community can come together, and Kaytina is proud, knowing that she has played a part.

Investing in the Future

As an alumna, Kaytina remains deeply connected to the CCES community through her service as a member of the Alumni Association Board. Through this involvement, she stays connected to the school and its mission and enjoys seeing firsthand how CCES continues to grow and evolve. Representing her fellow classmates and friends by serving on the Alumni Board is a way of giving back and contributing to the next generation.

Kaytina’s trademark positivity and optimism shape her view of the future. Looking ahead, she is excited about the outlook for both her family’s business and the thriving CCES community. Kaytina’s authentic approach to service – to her school, work, community and family – is what leaves a lasting impression on everyone she meets. And of course that contagious smile and big heart.

The CCES community recently hosted two memorable alumni lunches at Clemson University on January 24, 2025 and the University of South Carolina on February 7, 2025. These events were filled with joy, laughter, and a strong sense of camaraderie as faculty, staff, and recent CCES alumni came together to reconnect and share stories.

Recognizing that it isn’t always convenient for college-aged alumni to travel back to Greenville, the CCES team brought the connection to them. With a catered meal, CCES alumni swag, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, these gatherings provided an opportunity for alumni to catch up with former teachers and mentors while also strengthening their ties to the CCES community.

The events featured several familiar faces from CCES, including Head of School David Padilla, Director of College Counseling Linda Schultz, Grade Level Dean of Students Aaron Whited, Upper School English Teacher Matt Jacobssen, and Senior Chaplain Father Wallace. Their presence underscored the school’s commitment to maintaining lifelong relationships with its students, well beyond graduation.

For many attendees, the lunches were more than just reunions—they were opportunities to relive cherished memories, share new experiences, and affirm the lasting impact of their time at CCES. As a new member of the CCES alumni team, I (Cassie) was especially inspired to witness firsthand the deep investment faculty and staff continue to have in their former students' lives. Equally heartening was seeing how much our alumni value their connections to CCES.

These gatherings reinforced the strong bonds that make the CCES community special, and we are beyond grateful for our alumni. We look forward to many more opportunities to connect and celebrate our ever-growing CCES family in the future!

“Everyone has a seat at the table” is a phrase that paints a beautiful picture of unity and belonging. However, the creators of Gratefull GVL wanted to take it one step further. Not only does everyone have a seat at the table, but everyone deserves a seat at the table. 

Guided by this ideology, Gratefull GVL co-founders, and CCES alumnae, Mary Beth Pazdan Cross '77 and Laura Halter Sardone '76 have made it their mission to bring people together, share a meal, and connect the community within all socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. 

Mary Beth and Laura’s story began over forty years ago. In the late 60s and into the 70s, they walked the same halls at Christ Church Episcopal School, knowing of each other but never running in the same circles. Life took them in different directions—both moved away for years, but in time, returned to Greenville. Laura returned in 2008, while Mary Beth found her way back in 2017. It wasn’t until a mutual friend brought them together that their paths truly intertwined. “I didn’t know I was waiting for the right thing to come along” Laura said, as she recalls the time Mary Beth first reached out to her with the idea of Gratefull GVL.

Mary Beth had been inspired by Gratefull Chattanooga which was first launched in 2014 and wanted to replicate it. In 2019, with the playbook and support of Gratefull Chattanooga, Mary Beth and Laura were able to join  forces for the first Gratefull GVL. Working side by side, the two discovered a new friendship far beyond what had existed in their school days. This time around, they found themselves not only in the same circles, but intersecting as kindred spirits and collaborators whose dedication and commitment to the mission of gratitude and generosity has radically impacted and positively influenced the community today.   

This year, the second Gratefull GVL was held on the Monday before Thanksgiving, where Gratefull GVL welcomed thousands of community members on the Main Street Bridge to share a meal with one another. Sitting with strangers shortly became sitting with friends. 

Compared to 2019, this event reached new heights of generosity and impact. Thanks to the remarkable contributions of 44 local restaurants, Gratefull GVL served over 20,000 portions of food with the community. Each dish represented more than just nourishment; it symbolized a shared commitment to inclusivity and care for this place we call home. 

Gratefull GVL is more than a meal—it’s a heart posture. It’s about creating a space where everyone feels they have a seat at the table, regardless of their background or circumstances. In a world often divided by differences, this event ignited the possibility of finding connection and commonalities among strangers. Families, friends, and individuals came together to break bread, share stories, and celebrate what unites us as a community.

As the day came to a close, what lingered beyond the conversations and full bellies was the profound sense of belonging, an uplifting reminder that our community thrives when we come together with open hearts and open hands. 

The success of Gratefull GVL is a testament to the fact that gratitude and generosity are not limited to those we know, but invites in and breaks down barriers so that we can find ways to bridge divides, uplift one another, and ensure that everyone knows they are valued. After all, everyone deserves a seat at the table.

When is the next Gratefull GVL, you ask? The date is not yet confirmed, but with a warm and comforting smile on both Mary Beth and Laura’s faces, when asked this question they responded, “Gratefull will be back.”

*2024 Event Photos by Ziaee Photography

Christ Church Episcopal School recognized and celebrated the achievements of four members of the school community who made large contributions through athletics during their time here. On Friday, October 18, 2024, family, former teammates, friends, and coaches gathered in Rooke Theater to honor CCES Sports Hall of Fame inductees Alyssa Althoff ’11, Hunter Townes ’12, Hayden Latham ’11, and Rodney Adamee. Alyssa Althoff was inducted Russell Shelley, Hunter Townes by Don Frost, Hayden Latham by George Beam, and Coach Rodney Adamee by Charlie Woodward. 

(Note: Hayden Latham ’11, though a member of last year’s Sports Hall of Fame class, is being formally recognized this year.)

Alyssa Althoff ’11

Alyssa Althoff was a four-year member of both the Girls Golf (2008-2011) and Girls Soccer (2008-2011) teams. In soccer, Alyssa was named Team MVP in 2009, 2010, and 2011, and served as Team Captain in 2010 and 2011. In 2010, she earned both the NSCAA/Adidas High School Scholar distinction and a spot on the NSCAA/Adidas High School All-Region III team. She was a three-time All-State selection and a two-time High School Sports Report All-State honoree. Additionally, she was named the 2010 1A/2A Region II Player of the Year. She led the team in goals scored in the 2008 and 2009 seasons and helped lead the Cavaliers to the State Championship in three of her four seasons. 

Following graduation, Alyssa went on to play soccer at Furman University, where she started 95% of her games over a four-year career. She was a two-time team captain, two-time team MVP, and a two-time Southern Conference All-Tournament honoree. She also received the 2014-2015 Furman Student Athlete Achievement Award.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Alyssa was also known for her leadership and service.  During her time at CCES, she served as Student Body President and was awarded both the Presidential Community Service Award and the Blair Babb Smoak Memorial Award. While completing medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina, she received the Rawling Pratt-Thomas Service and Leadership Award (2019). Russell Shelley, Alyssa’s 8th grade teacher and former club soccer coach, notes that Alyssa exemplified the "Cavalier Way" of character, community, excellence, and service. He described her as someone who “remains humble and grounded and always looks to bring people together and serve them.” 

Alyssa gave appreciation to her former teammates, coaches, friends and family for selflessly supporting her and keeping her grounded throughout the years. She reminisced on her memories from her time at CCES and explained that “those little moments culminated to the foundational experience that taught me lessons for life.” As she continues to live out her dreams as an orthopedic surgeon, she hopes to “continue to serve this community, and is honored to be inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame, and to forever be a Cavalier.” 

Hunter Townes ’12

Hunter Townes was a four-sport athlete at CCES, competing in Varsity Golf (2008-2009), Varsity Basketball (2008-2010), Varsity Soccer (2009-2012), and Varsity Football (2009-2012). He was a member of the 2008 state champion golf team, a three-time state champion in soccer (2009-2011), and was voted Offensive Player of the Year for the 2010 soccer season. As the quarterback, kicker, and punter of the varsity football team, Hunter led them to their first state championship in 34 years (2011-2012 season) and was named the Region A South Carolina Player of the Year. Following high school, Hunter was recruited to play at Furman University where he would continue his football and academic career.

Hunter’s teammates speak highly of his leadership, competitive drive, and integrity. Blake Navarro ’12, a former classmate and football teammate, said, “you could always count on him both on and off the field, fostering camaraderie and unity that contributed immensely to our success.” Another teammate, Sam Bylenga ’12, described Hunter as the “spark plug” and “true anchor” of the team during difficult times in both basketball and soccer. Bennett Nalley ’12 added that Hunter’s leadership helped shape the culture of hard work and success that CCES football is still known for today.

Hunter called it “an honor” to be inducted, but more than that, a reminder of the people who helped him get here. He extended special thanks to his parents, coaches, and teammates for the support and for pushing him to be the best he could be every day. He reminisced, not on the statistics and victories, but on the early morning workouts, late night practices, the relationships that he built and still has today. Hunter concluded with his hope that he can “pay it forward and inspire the next generation of athletes” just like he was inspired at CCES. 

Hayden Latham ’11

Hayden Latham was a member of the Girls Varsity Basketball team for six years (2006-2011). She helped lead the girls’ basketball team to their first-ever state championship during the 2008-2009 season and their second-consecutive state championship the next season. She was the only 7th grader to earn a starting position on the team- a testament to her maturity and basketball skills, as noted by former teammate Katie Jackson ’10. Hayden’s individual awards include SC Coaches Association of Women’s Sports 1A Player of the Year, All-Region Player of the Year, Region 2A Female Athlete of the Year, and Greenville County Player of the Year. She also received numerous all-state, all-region, and all-county first-team selections from 2009-2011. Not only is she the first player in school history to score more than 2,000 career points but she also set sixteen individual school records including the most points in a single game (42), most points in a career (2,055), most field goals made in a career (728), and most steals in a season (127), among many others.

In addition to her great athletic success, Hayden was known for her incredible leadership and humility. Former teammate, Meaghan Carrigan Daniels ’13 recalls how Hayden “took the time to mentor me and helped me find my confidence in tight game situations.” Katie Jackson ’10, describes Hayden as an exemplary leader who welcomed everyone to the team and treated all her teammates with fairness. After graduation, she attended Yale University where she continued her academic and athletic career. Hayden then completed medical school at Columbia University and her OB/GYN residency at MUSC and is currently in the second year of a three-year Fellowship as a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellow at Baylor in Houston.

Hayden thanked her family, coaches, teammates, and Cavalier community, explaining that “I could not think of the sport without thinking about all of you and all that you have done for me.” She described how her former teammates and coaches have been with her throughout many different seasons of life, and she now considers them lifelong friends and mentors. She was honored to be inducted, especially alongside Hunter Townes and Alyssa Allhoff, as they were all in school together. She explained that Hunter and Alyssa are “a small sampling of the great community found at Christ Church.” 

Rodney Adamee 

Rodney Adamee coached Boys and Girls Cross Country and Track and Field for 33 years (1984-2018), earning numerous accolades and awards during his career. Under his leadership, Rodney’s teams won eight state championships in cross country and two in track along with numerous individual state champions. Rodney was inducted into the SC Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2011 and was also named the SC Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Coach of the Year numerous times, High School Sports Report Class A Boys Track Coach of the Year (2011 and 2014), and High School Sports Report Class A Girls Track Coach of the Year (2012). In addition, his teams have won multiple region championships and he was named Region Coach of the Year on several occasions.

More than his accolades, Coach Adamee is remembered for his passion, dedication, and care for his athletes. James Quattlebaum ’14 shared that Coach Adamee tremendously influenced his life, teaching him life lessons that he still relies on today. Coach Adamee’s dedication didn’t stop after James’ CCES graduation. During his college summer breaks and even post-college, Coach Adamee continued to help him train for the steeplechase. Caroline Jennings ’13 reminisced on how he planned training runs at fun new locations to keep practices interesting and coordinated post-practice pool parties to make summer training more bearable, both a testament to how “he truly went above and beyond in every capacity as a coach at CCES.” 

Charlie Woodward, current CCES boys cross country coach, assisted Coach Adamee for eleven seasons, from 2007-2017. Coach Woodward explained that “Rodney’s teams had a welcoming atmosphere that attracted students from all parts of the CCES student community and that while he could be gruff at times, he had a high level of empathy for students in difficult situations.” Woodward recalls that even though Adamee was already a successful coach, he continuously pursued coaching and running education for himself, making him a stellar “example to his runners of what it takes to strive for excellence.”

Coach Adamee thanked the CCES Athletic Administration, his fellow coaches, opposing coaches, and athletes for supporting him and making his coaching career both successful and really enjoyable. He explained that when he started his coaching career, he had never seen a track or cross-country meet, but it led to experiences and meeting people that impacted him greatly. Lastly, he thanked CCES for creating a “kind and intellectually stimulating workplace” that he, and his wife, enjoyed throughout their careers. 

Congratulations to our 2024 Sports Hall of Fame inductees! We are thrilled to be able to recognize all their immense athletic efforts and contributions to CCES Athletics and the larger school community. Their legacies continue to inspire and impact generations of Cavaliers.

Dorothy Shain ’08 embodies the saying, “practice what you preach.” During her visit to the Upper School on Monday, she delivered a message on the importance of being kind to everyone you meet and valuing relationships above making a dollar. It just takes one conversation with Dorothy to experience these values in practice firsthand. 

As Founder and Creative Director of Dorothy Shain Fine Art & Design, she has learned how to balance the demands of being both an entrepreneur and an artist. Funding future projects requires a sustainable revenue stream, which is where her creativity shines. She has discovered her niche in collaborative ventures, showcasing her artwork in diverse spaces, from the shelves full of Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits in local grocery stores to the stylish confines of Anthropologie with her bathing suit collections. 

These collaborations would not be possible without the relationships that she has built along the way. In fact her “first big start” came from a conversation about her work with a stranger at a cheap Mexican restaurant in California. The stranger ended up being the assistant to famous actress and screenwriter, Mindy Kaling (best known in her role as Kelly Kapoor on The Office). In a decision showcasing her business prowess, Dorothy traded her artwork for publicity on Kelly’s Instagram page, resulting in thousands of visitors to her website overnight. Without curiosity and kindness, this life-changing moment would not have been possible. 

She shared lessons like this to the students in Sarah Teal’s Innovative Design Class, where students have the opportunity to brainstorm and create their own projects. Sitting around a table, students asked Dorothy questions ranging from “Do you have any pets?” to “How did you build your business?” She went through her website and expounded on some of her favorite projects. 

After class, she spoke at the beginning of the Upper School assembly. Reminiscing on her years at CCES, she shared a story on how this school community comforted her during a difficult time in her life. On the first day of senior year, Dorothy received a phone call from the police department. Her dad, who had embarked on a 1-hour short hike in the woods outside Lake Kiawah, was lost and his cell phone was about to die. As one day turned into three, her family anxiously awaited the return of her father in the parking lot outside of the trailhead. Looking around, Dorothy vividly remembers seeing multiple faculty, staff, and students waiting alongside her. She says, “This community supported me in one of my worst moments and has continued to support me throughout my life.” 

She also gave a shoutout to Suzanne Abrams, a beloved retired art teacher at CCES, who encouraged Dorothy to pursue an art major in college despite her self-described stubbornness. These relationships changed her life and showed her the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion. 

Following assembly, a line of students waited for the chance to shake her hand and ask her a question. She met each student with a warm smile and a generous spirit. Dorothy exemplifies the profound impact of nurturing relationships, embracing opportunities, and embodying the values one preaches, and we are so grateful to her for giving her time and talents back to the CCES community.

In June of 2017, Kelly Gavron Scoggins ’99 was scrolling through Instagram when she came across a friend’s comment on Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Bitty and Beau’s Coffee first opened in Wilmington, NC in 2016 after founders Amy and Ben Wright saw a need for “people with disabilities to become more valued, accepted and included in every community.” According to their website, over 80% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities remain unemployed worldwide. Bitty and Beau’s Coffee employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to close this gap and more importantly create experiences for the average person to come in off the street, grab a cup of coffee, and interact with a person with a disability. After an amazing customer service experience, customers will then see what individuals with disabilities are capable of and potentially re-consider hiring practices within their own lines of work. Ultimately, Bitty and Beau’s hopes to create a ripple effect of change.

The social media post caught Kelly’s eye as she had recently found herself immersed in the world of disabilities. Kelly and her husband, Drew, had the surprise of their lives when they found out they were having twin girls as first-time parents. The surprises didn’t end there though. During her pregnancy, Kelly found out one of her girls, Kit, would be born with a myriad of health challenges including Down syndrome. When she researched the mission of Bitty and Beau’s, she was blown away – “the concept was so simple, yet so powerful.” Kelly and Drew poured time, money, and resources into Kit to help achieve her maximum potential; but they were faced with the honest question: “For what? What good would all the education and early intervention do if there are limited or no employment opportunities available to her as an adult?” Bitty and Beau’s Coffee provided a hopeful answer. 

Fast-forward six years and the Scoggins family opened the doors to their very own Bitty and Beau’s Coffee in Houston, Texas in January of last year. Opening a coffee shop had always been an interest of theirs after they spent several years in West Africa, where Drew worked in economic development. Kelly – a full-time investment advisor at Goldman Sachs – and Drew – founder of an energy company – never felt like the timing was quite right until discovering Bitty and Beau’s, whose mission connected with them on a deeper level. As a for-profit business, the coffee shop would utilize both Drew and Kelly’s gifts and past experiences. It was the right opportunity for the right people at the right time.

Prior to having Kit, Kelly and Drew had never met a person with Down syndrome. While  many people’s lives and families are touched by disability, equally as many are less familiar with this population. Kelly believes that Bitty and Beau’s Coffee reminds its customers that “we are often more similar than we are different.” Inside the shop, the coffee counter is open to encourage social interaction, and the coffee equipment is placed on the back counter rather than the front to provide a window for customers to watch the employees make their coffee. They hope people will come in for a cup of coffee and leave changed for the better. For new parents of children with disabilities, it serves as a beacon of hope. For those who may not interact with individuals with disabilities on a regular basis, the shop provides a comfortable, approachable environment for doing so. Upon reflecting on her own journey as a parent, Kelly said, “raising a child with a differing ability is hard – there are moments of extreme joy and there are challenges; but I firmly believe that Kit is an intentional gift from God.” For the Scoggins family, Bitty and Beau’s is a reminder of the broader purpose and goodness that comes through the challenges. 

The days leading up to opening day provided a beautiful glimpse into the “radically inclusive” community. Cheers abounded as Drew and Kelly announced every employee by name and handed out aprons to the new members of the team. The grins stretching from ear to ear on every new employee shed light on the restorative power of inclusivity. For many, this was their first job. Standing with her sister and brother, Kit watched as people like her regained their sense of purpose through meaningful work. On opening day, two-hour lines wrapped around the block all day. Fast forward and Bitty and Beau’s Houston just celebrated their one-year anniversary, and is proud that all 26 employees with disabilities originally hired are still with the shop today – a remarkable achievement. When Kit was first born, Kelly held onto a bit of wisdom from a friend – “Most of the world will look at Kit and see everything that she is not. But there will come a time when you look at her and only see everything that she is.” Kelly and Drew hope Bitty & Beau’s Coffee Houston is showing what Kit and people like her can offer the world, one customer at a time.

Have any recommendations for who we should spotlight from your class? Email the alumni office at alumni@cces.org. We would love to hear from you! 

“Man makes plans, and God laughs,” Alison Bressler ’09 quipped. Though her plans for the future might be ambiguous, her goals are clear – Alison wants to help the environment, challenge herself, and continually learn every day. Thus far, she is well on her way to achieving those goals. 

Alison’s interests in sustainability and environmental studies began at an early age. She credits the Roper Mountain Science Center’s summer camps for sparking her initial interest, and her teachers at CCES for fanning the flame. An IB student and an arts enthusiast, she believes this combination allowed her to think about what is important in life and what she wanted to do with her time. Helping the environment quickly became her answer. 

Her IB project was a particularly formative experience. She studied the impact of corn ethanol on the environment, and during her senior year, she helped build a rain garden, an environmentally friendly solution for managing storm water, to the left of the Upper School entrance. This experience cultivated her interest in sustainability, and Furman University presented a natural next step in furthering her education. 

The University partnered closely with the Greenville community at the time, particularly in the field of environmental sciences, and Alison quickly got involved. In researching the intersection between farming and agriculture, and its impact on water quality, she realized there was still quite a lot of work to be done in the field. Fast forward to the present day, and Alison now has a Master’s in Water and Wetland Resource Studies and more recently a PhD in Ecology from the University of Michigan. And yet, she still considers her job unfinished. 

Now, however, her work involves people more than petri dishes. She currently works at the University of Michigan’s Graham Sustainability Institute where policy and science come together to “bring world-class research to real-world sustainability challenges.” The state of Michigan, like all states, must meet national standards for its water quality, specifically the water quality of Lake Erie. Nutrient pollution has caused algae blooms in the lake, which harm the environment as well as the fishing and tourism industries in the area. It’s a multifaceted problem that requires buy-in from a wide variety of stakeholders to overcome. 

Enter Alison. As a Collaborative Research Specialist, she meets with the various parties (community groups, researchers, grassroots organizations, farmers, etc.) to educate, collaborate, and hopefully create long-lasting policy solutions to this problem. A job that requires not only strong people skills but credibility in the scientific community as well. “Environmental issues involve people 100% of the time,” she reflects. It also helps to have a PhD, so people trust that you know what you’re talking about, which is important when working with a room full of scientists. 

The University of Michigan uniquely offers an interdisciplinary PhD program, which drew Alison to the program and the area in the first place. Eight years later, Ann Arbor has become home. When she’s not cleaning up Lake Erie, Alison and her husband, Jake, enjoy the local standup comedy scene in the city. Though she’s no longer involved in theater due to her many commitments, she still is an avid fan of the arts, and Ann Arbor provides countless opportunities to be immersed in a vibrant cultural scene. 

One of her favorite places to go to watch shows is the local high school. Not only do they have high quality productions, but it brings back fond memories from her time in theater at CCES. She reminisced about one particular production she served as the stage manager for – Rhinoceros by Eugène Ionesco. “We were high schoolers doing this really cool thing by taking on a very serious and difficult show. It was very different from your typical high school play and we loved it.” 

Facing challenges head on is nothing new for Alison, and she welcomes the opportunity to choose the harder path over the easier one. When looking to the future, it seems likely that will never change. Her ultimate goal is to become a director of a sustainability research center, but she admits, “the path there is a little difficult.” For now, she is content in her current work and finds it challenging enough. “Working with people keeps you on your toes and doesn’t let you get complacent. I’m always asking for feedback and the field is constantly changing.” 

With Alison’s growth mindset and commitment to making the world a better place, her story serves as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of dedication, interdisciplinary learning, and a relentless pursuit of meaningful impact.

Have any recommendations for who we should spotlight from your class? Email the alumni office at alumni@cces.org. We would love to hear from you!