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Rochelle Malian - PresidentRochelle grew up in the East Bay town of Martinez with an older brother and younger sister. She graduated from Cal State Northridge with a B.S. degree in Psychology, and then from Samuel Merritt University with a M.S. in Occupational Therapy. She has worked in several settings, but has been working with students with severe disabilities for the County of Santa Clara for the past 11 years. Rochelle & her husband John found the draw of the St. Christopher community when their youngest was small, and she completed the RCIA program to become a member of the Catholic Church. Their children Tamar (class of 2024/Presentation ‘28) and Samantha (class of 2027) have greatly benefited from this community. In the Ladies Guild, Rochelle has been on the Membership team for many years and helps out at events. In the school, she led Project Cornerstone for 7 years and volunteers when she can.
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Veronica Lenz - Vice PresidentI was born in England and grew up in San Jose, where I have been a member of St. Christopher Church since I was a child. I graduated from Willow Glen High School, attended West Valley College, and earned a Bachelors degree in Multimedia Art from San Jose State University. While at San Jose State, I was a member of the swim team.After graduation, I spent 20 years working as an Art Director at an advertising agency. Today, I am a stay-at-home mom. Throughout the years, I have enjoyed giving back to my community by volunteering in the classroom, leading art enrichment, and becoming an active member of P.E.O. International. My husband, Andrew, and I have been married for 23 years and have three children: Madeline (Class of 2024 / Presentation ’28), Natalie (Class of 2026 / Presentation ’30), and Matthew (Class of 2029). This is my first leadership role with the Ladies Guild, and I am excited and honored to be part of the team. I look forward to the year ahead and to getting to know and working with all of you!
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Reyna Downey - AdvisorI grew up in San Jose in the Willow Glen neighborhood. I graduated from Willow Glen High School and then attended Santa Clara University (undergrad), Marymount University (Master’s degree), and lastly, Palo Alto University (doctoral degree). I currently work as a Forensic Psychologist evaluating inmate-patients who are incompetent to stand trial at two correctional facilities. My husband, Sean, and I have one son, Liam (9), and one daughter, Aurelia (5). We were both raised Catholic and joined the St. Chris parish in 2016 when we baptized our son. I joined the Ladies Guild just before COVID and started the Book Club in 2020. Then, I joined the membership team in 2022 and was elected Vice President in 2024. I’m excited for my new role as President this year and look forward to all of our wonderful events and building our community.
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Beth DeBenedetti - Guild CoordinatorI grew up in San Jose and have been part of the Ladies Guild for 10 years. I've been on the Events Committee for many years, and I look forward to my new position as the Guild Kitchen Chair. I am currently a local Realtor at Compass and love helping people reach their Real Estate goals. My husband, Miles, and I have a daughter, Sidney, who is a St. Chris graduate and is currently a sophomore at St. Francis High School, and a son, Eli, who is starting 8th grade at St. Chris. I look forward to another fun year!
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More info coming soon on our amazing Executive Board Members listed below:
- Michelle Arenzana- Secretary
- Alli Dunnam - Guild Coordinator