From art classes to child protection, 2021 graduate Alessia Younas is putting her compassion into action, using her degree and values to advocate for children and families in need.
Alessia Younas – Passion, Purpose and a Heart for Others Read More »
From classroom whiteboards in her childhood bedroom to Year 6 at Doyle, Kate Warchomij’s teaching journey has come full circle. A proud Santa Maria graduate, Kate shares what drew her back to the College, the moments that make teaching meaningful, and how she finds joy beyond the classroom.
From a Santa Girl to Miss W Read More »
From Santa Maria student to global fashion tech CEO, Bernadette Olivier is transforming how the world wears, and shares, style. Her journey blends courage, curiosity, and a strong sense of community.
Bernadette Olivier – Changing How We Wear Fashion Read More »
From her first notes in Santa Maria’s McAuley Building to composing for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, alumni Madeleine Hammond (Class of 2018) has embraced every opportunity. Her journey as a composer, conductor, musician and soon-to-be teacher reflects courage, creativity, and the Mercy value of excellence.
Madeleine Hammond – Composing a Life in Music and Education Read More »
Elke Sprunt (Jenzen, 1988) has lived a life of action and compassion, from school sports to global volunteering. Discover how this inspiring alumni brings hope through Make-A-Wish, and why her journey still echoes the spirit of Santa Maria.
Q&A with Elke Sprunt – A Life of Service, Sport & Heart Read More »
From SimCity enthusiast to Head of Planning at DevelopmentWA, alumni Emily Grindrod (Class of 2007) is shaping Perth’s most iconic spaces, and proving that career paths are not always straight lines.
Emily Grindrod Shaping Communities Through Urban Planning Read More »
From the Santa Maria boarding house to national research leadership, alumna Sarah Vrankovich (2015) is transforming communities through courage, compassion, and groundbreaking work in violence prevention.
Making an Impact – How Sarah Vrankovich is Driving Social Change Read More »
From drafting floorplans to giving individuals a voice, Bianca Carbone’s career shift into speech pathology shows the power of following your passions. Her journey is a reminder to our students and community that the best paths are often the ones we don’t expect.
From Architecture to Speech Pathology – Bianca’s Journey Read More »
From Navy Gap Year to global consulting and now co-leading two social enterprises, Shannon Ziegelaar (Class of 2008) shows what courage, adaptability, and purpose look like in action. Her story is a reminder of how Santa Maria values inspire lifelong impact.
Shannon’s Journey – From Head Girl to Changemaker Read More »
Rochelle O’Brien (2002) didn’t peak in high school, and that’s exactly what makes her story so powerful. Discover how this former boarder is transforming the arts in Carnarvon with passion, purpose and Mercy values.
Rochelle O’Brien (2002): Growing the Arts in Carnarvon Read More »
Rochelle O’Brien (2002) didn’t peak in high school, and that’s exactly what makes her story so powerful. Discover how this former boarder is transforming the arts in Carnarvon with passion, purpose and Mercy values.
Rochelle O’Brien (2002): Growing the Arts in Carnarvon Read More »
Mary Heavens (1974) has spent more than 50 years living the values of Santa Maria College – as a student, parent, social worker and now President of the Old Girls’ Association. Her story is a powerful reflection of lifelong connection, leadership and legacy.
Still Connected After 50 Years – Mary’s Journey Read More »
From singing in Santa Maria’s choir rooms to gracing Europe’s grandest opera stages, Fleur Brockway (’09) shows how big dreams, hard work and WA roots can take you anywhere. Discover her inspiring journey and what’s next for this Aussie opera star.
Fleur Brockway – An Aussie Opera Star Shining Bright in Germany Read More »
Bridget Watkins (Class of 2004) has followed her curiosity from botany to the bush, building a vibrant career in science and agriculture. Her story is a reminder that success can take many paths and each step counts.
From Botany to the Bus – Bridget Watkin Read More »
Ashleigh Hebiton (Class of 2016) once dreamed of performing arts fame – now she’s lighting up interiors with style and purpose. Discover how her unexpected path led to a thriving design career, and how Santa Maria helped her shape it.
Centre Stage to Interior Spaces: Ashleigh’s Creative Career Twist Read More »
From anxious teen to award-winning songwriter, Helen Shanahan’s story began in our Music Department. Her journey has gone full circle, bringing her back to tutor Santa Maria Music students. Discover her inspiring journey and words of wisdom.
From Student to Acclaimed Songwriter – Helen Shanahan’s Full Circle Journey Read More »
When Amanda Huxtable returned to Santa Maria, this time as a teacher, she brought more than just talent. Discover how this alumna turned her passion for performance into a purpose-driven teaching journey that inspires students every day.
How Amanda Ended Up Right Back Where It All Began Read More »
From stage lights to studio sets, Sofia Scafetta (2020) shares her inspiring journey from Santa Maria student to Seven West Media’s Editorial Marketing Coordinator, where creativity, heart and hustle shape her every day.
Sofia Scafetta’s Journey from Santa Maria to Seven West Media Read More »
From student to mentor, Sacha Stronach’s (1989) story is a vibrant blend of creativity, compassion, and community. Discover how her return to Santa Maria is inspiring a new generation of artists.
Sacha Stronach – A Creative Force Behind the Canvas Read More »
When Amanda Huxtable returned to Santa Maria, this time as a teacher, she brought more than just talent. Discover how this alumna turned her passion for performance into a purpose-driven teaching journey that inspires students every day.
How Amanda Ended Up Right Back Where It All Began Read More »
From small-town WA to the heart of NYC, Maggie Cripps (’15) is living proof that courage and curiosity can take you anywhere. Discover how her boarding experience at Santa Maria helped shape her incredible global career.
From Northampton to New York – Maggie Cripps’ Journey Read More »
From student to mentor, Sacha Stronach’s (1989) story is a vibrant blend of creativity, compassion, and community. Discover how her return to Santa Maria is inspiring a new generation of artists.
Sacha Stronach – A Creative Force Behind the Canvas Read More »
Are you a creative Santa Maria alum—or know someone who is? We’re curating stories for Catherine 2025, celebrating alumni whose artistic talents are shaping culture and inspiring others. Submissions close 6 June!
Calling All Creatives – Share Your Story in Catherine 2025 Read More »
From school musicals to flying the Millennium Falcon at Disney, Ciara Sadler’s story is a whirlwind of passion, purpose, and unforgettable adventures. See where her bold choices took her next – and why she’s back where it all began.
Take the Leap – How Ciara’s Disney Dream Came True Read More »
From Perth to the Pilbara, Ruby Mavrick (class of 2018) is turning her teaching dream into reality, 1,500 km from home. Discover how this alumna found connection, purpose and adventure in the red north.
From Perth to the Pilbara – Ruby Mavrick’s Teaching Journey Read More »
From boarding school nerves to surf boat racing victories and a career shift from geology to medicine, Freya Walsh (Class of 2015) proves that embracing challenges leads to incredible opportunities. Read her inspiring journey!
Riding the Waves – Freya Walsh Class of 2015 Read More »
Julia Hales (Class of 1998) has turned passion into purpose, breaking barriers in theatre and advocacy for people with disabilities. From her first role at Santa Maria College to international acclaim with You Know We Belong Together, Julia’s story is one of courage, creativity, and determination.
Julia Hales – Following her Dreams Read More »
Ruth Hatherley, Class of 1995 shares her story – from Santa Maria College to CEO of Moneycathcha Ltd. enabling transparency, trust, and efficiency, her company delivers competitive loan options faster, simplifying the process for consumers nationwide.
Ruth Hatherley – CEO of Moneycatcha Ltd Read More »
Bindi-Lee Byrne’s (Class of 1985) incredible story takes us from her exciting aviation career to her rediscovery of art, fulfilling a lifelong passion. Reflecting on her time at Santa Maria College, she credits her teachers’ encouragement and the resilience she developed for her success today.
From Air Hostess to Artist: Bindi’s Journey of Rediscovery Read More »
Ruth Hatherley, Class of 1995 shares her story – from Santa Maria College to CEO of Moneycathcha Ltd. enabling transparency, trust, and efficiency, her company delivers competitive loan options faster, simplifying the process for consumers nationwide.
Ruth Hatherley – CEO of Moneycatcha Ltd Read More »
