Class Notes

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1950s

Ian Cohn Frank ’57 founded a small clinic, Consultation de la Côte, in Switzerland 22 years ago with nine colleagues. He specializes in systemic individual, couples, and family therapy and enjoys traveling. If others in this line of work would like to connect, Ian can be reached at ianfrank@bluewin.ch.

Lex Brainerd ’59 is gradually shutting down his practice at Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc., (JAMS) and spending more time at his home in Napa Valley working out, reading, and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Despite a recent stroke, he has managed to break 100 in his last two rounds of golf and continues to enjoy the game even if he’d like to hit the ball farther.

Len Edwards ’59 and classmates celebrated their 65th reunion during Homecoming Week in October. Class members included Al McKee, Kim Waterhouse, Larry Brookes, Bob “Gomes” Hahn, Roger Wilkinson, Jim Mason, and the class co-chairs, Larry Heaton and Len Edwards. The cohort enjoyed a catered meal in the faculty lounge, once part of the old study hall in Stent (Douglass) Hall.

Though most are retired, many remain active in their respective communities. We came close to having Lex Brainerd and Mike Devine join us, but they may be aiming for 2029 and their 70th. A highlight of their reunion was a surprise visit from the current Head of School, Than Healy, who gave a spirited talk about current school operations. Len reports that Menlo continues to be an “outstanding institution.”

Members of the Class of 1959

1960s

The Classes of 1964 and 1969 celebrated their 60th and 55th reunions off-campus at self-organized gatherings. See who made it and find more details in the Reunion section!

David Bennett ’68 shares that he and his 1968 classmates enjoyed a wonderful time in New England during a couple of days of fun arranged by Steve Whitehouse. The group had some great dinners (including a lovely dinner at the Kaspers’) and spent time at Barbara and Rob’s ice cream “factory.” David and his wife, Kathy, also enjoyed a delightful time with Mary and Steve Whitehouse exploring Boston, Vermont, and coastal cities, where Steve grew up before coming to Menlo in the 1960s.

Members of the Class of 1968 and their spouses, starting in the back right going clockwise: David Bennett, his wife Kathy, Barbara and Rob Kasper, Tom Belato (center front), Emily and John Templeton, and Steve and Mary Whitehouse

1980s

Richard Vaughan ’80 is newly retired after 33 years teaching music, including the last 23 years at Hillview in Menlo Park. He is getting back to playing cello professionally and building his family’s retirement home in Ashland, OR. He is already looking forward to next summer when his choir, Peninsula Cantare, tours Italy and Slovenia!

Richard Vaughan ’80

Bill Koefoed ’82 and Blake Doll ’17

Bill Koefoed ’82, the CFO of OneStream, and Blake Doll ’17, an Associate from Morgan Stanley, partnered with the high-profile OneStream IPO on Wall Street.

Dan Beltramo, Jr. ’86 married Betsy Klein on August 1 at the Church of the Nativity in Menlo Park. In attendance at the small reception were three generations of Menlo family and friends: Lisa Hewitt ’17, Mike Wyatt ’86, Dan Beltramo, Jr. ’86, Diana Hewitt ’87, Dan Beltramo, Sr. ’55, and Sara Hewitt ’19.

Dan Beltramo ’86 Wedding

Stacey Simon ’87 retired in May 2024, after 25 years in the Mono County Counsel’s Office, the last eight of which she served as County Counsel. She has two sons: Ben (22), a recent UC Berkeley grad, and Charlie (16), a high school junior. Stacey and her family recently moved from their home of 30 years in the teeny-tiny town of Lee Vining, CA (population 350 if you believe the sign), to the larger town of Bishop, CA. They are enjoying being out of the snow and having a bit of “culture” in Bishop. Stacey would love to hear from old friends—she says to look her up if you’re on the “Eastside” of the Sierra.

1990s

Class of 1992 classmates Marc Schiavo, Alexa Savelle Cutler, Romi Mahajan, and Rob Salama enjoyed a dinner get-together.

Members of the Class of 1992 Marc Schiavo, Alexa Savelle Cutler, Romi Mahajan, and Rob Salama

2000s

Evanne Riskas Barcenas ’00 performed with her band, Effie Zilch, at the Guild in January. Fellow alum Megan Keely ’04 opened the show!

Matt Wolf ’00 premiered his latest documentary, Pee-Wee As Himself, at the opening night of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in February in Park City, UT. The two-part film, which explores the life and legacy of Paul Reubens, will soon be available to stream on HBO.

Justine Fonte ’04 writes that the sex ed career that began as Justine’s Senior Project at Menlo continues to grow! Her Audible Original, “How to Talk to Your Kids about Sex,” was released in 2024, and she was featured in the Hulu docuseries Planet Sex in 2023. She is based in NYC but is rarely home, traveling nationally and internationally to deliver keynotes at education and medical conferences. She is co-editing an academic textbook that is set to publish in spring 2025 and is also writing her own book! Follow her moves on Instagram and X @imjustineAF.

Natalie Barrales Rivera ’04 and Johnny Rivera ’02 welcomed a baby girl, Natalie Jaylise Barrales Rivera, on September 24, 2024.

Natalie Barrales Rivera ’04 and Johnny Rivera ’02 and newborn baby girl

Caroline Torosis ’04 was recently appointed Mayor Pro Tem of Santa Monica, CA.

Stephanie Barrales ’06 and Colin Purmal at their wedding

Stephanie Barrales ’06 married Colin Purmal on December 7, 2024, at the Church of the Nativity in Menlo Park.

Lauren Ling Brown ’08 published her first novel, Society of Lies, a suspense set at Princeton about sisters born ten years apart who get involved in the same secret society. Society of Lies was the October 2024 Reese’s Book Club pick!

Lauren Ling Brown ’08 holding her new publication

Kelly Marren ’09, Jack Heneghan ’14, and Mikey Diekroeger ’14 reunited at an event in New York City in the fall of 2024.

Jack Heneghan ’14, Kelly Marren ’09, and Mikey Diekroeger ’14 celebrate in NYC

2010s

Kayci Lacob ’13 made her directorial debut with the film The Book of Jobs, which was featured at the Mill Valley and Portland Film Festivals this fall.

The Class of 2014 enjoyed an informal gathering in San Francisco during the December holiday break.

Left to right in photo: Malia Bates, Meera Kumar, Mikey Diekroeger, Nazlee Habibi, Kelsey Better, Lindsay Karle, Jack Heneghan, Raina Wuthmann, and Lillian Siegel

Lauren Dominguez Chan ’17 just wrapped up two posts she held during the Biden administration—first, writing for the Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, and then, writing for First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. She shared, “First, last, and most of all, I’m grateful to Dr. Murthy and Dr. Biden for the chance to help shape and share their voices with the world.”

We’d love to hear from you!

Have news to share? Use our submission form or email the Alumni Office.

IN MEMORIAM

Alumni

Henry “Diz” Newman ’42 06/2024

John Curry ’58 12/22/2024

Dr. Barry Bennett Lowitz ’59 2/26/2021

Emily Crowder ’13 09/30/2024

Faculty

Mark Aquino 12/7/2024

A passionate, inspiring, and engaging educator, Mark was loved for his sense of humor and the inclusive culture he created. Beyond his Modern World History and Ethnic Studies courses, he fostered strong connections with students as a ninth grade advocate, advisor of the Asian Affinity Alliance (AAA), and founder of Menlo’s first-ever fishing club. From his epic Ken costume during Spirit Week (complete with inline skates) to sharing his love of fishing and his keen ability to bring out the best in our students, Mark’s radiant energy and smile will be dearly missed by our school community.

Lisa Schiavenza 12/2/2024

Former school administrator Lisa Schiavenza worked at Menlo from 1990 to 2014, eventually serving as Director of Admissions for the Middle School. A respected and beloved member of the administration, Lisa was a popular advocate for generations of students. She was known for her infectious optimism, fondness for travel, lifelong thirst for learning, connection to her Norwegian heritage, and deep love of family. Lisa was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and colleague.