Category Archives: Member Feature

Member Feature: Sunny Fun Jensen Charlebois

Why did you want to join the USC Newcomers’ Club? 
I am new to USC so they let me join. I like to have fun and heard there were playgroups. I was a little disappointed to learn the playgroups were for the kids but luckily I have some kids so they still let me come. I also heard the couples events, craft nights and girls’ nights were really fun . I am happy to report the rumors are true; USC Newcomers Group is not only fun but supportive and resourceful. The people I have met are simply wonderful and their empathy has made the move bearable. 

Where did you recently move from? 
We moved from Bellevue , WA (east of Seattle) in July 2012 to Mt. Pleasant, PA then to USC (Fort Couch then Partridge Dr.) I am now a pro at packing and unpacking…a whole bunch of “stuff”. Let me know I you need help getting settled in. 

Where did you grow up? 
I was born in the country’s “biggest, Little city,” Reno, NV, but I grew up in Wilton, CT. I always like to say I traded in my feathered mullet for a bob and pearls to fit in at the country club. From the desert to the lushness of Fairfield County. 

Where did you go to college and what did you study? 
I went to the University of Washington to study rowing, Speech Communications and English. I got a BA for the last two and a PR certification as well. I also went to Kellogg for a Marketing certification. 

What do you do for your day job? 
Look for a day job. After almost 9 years doing marketing , PR an Analyst Relations at Microsoft and one long year in a technical time warp at a law firm, I am looking for my next role. I love technology and how it can enhance our lives and the way we do business and hope I can fin something that is inspiring and financially rewarding. Yes that was a shameless plug. 

Do you have any kids? If so what are their names and ages? 
I have three active, adorable boys: Gregory (43), Henri (5) and Luc (3). Henri will go to Streams next year and Luc may attend Mt. Lebanon Montessori. Gregory most recently ran the Rippers Ski School at Hidden Valley and he plays my wonderful husband when he is not playing with the boys. 

Do you have any pets? 
Tasman, our white wonder kitty, chased his tail so much we named him after the Tasmanian Devil. He is quite the exterminator and kitty bear. He is our first child and will be 11 in October. 

What do you like to do for fun? 
Clearly I like to make jokes or at least make attempts at humor. I like movies, interior design, writing and being with friends. I like to create and do things that make people happy. 

What books on your shelf are begging to be read? 
Books? Shelf? I know many people are still enamored with the printed page and “the feel” of the paper, but I am a digital girl. I do, however, like the feel of a glossy magazine like Dwell, Architectural Digest, W or Real Simple but I often read even those on my iPad or Microsoft Surface. Umberto Ecco, Hemingway and David Sedaris have written some of my favorite books. 

What’s the biggest goal you are working on now? 
Finding a day job. ( insert thought bubble…Geez another shameless plug. Relentless! At least she didn’t include a link to her LinkedIn profile.) 

What upcoming Newcomers’ event are you looking forward to attending? 
Three words: The. Progressive. Dinner! I had to miss it last year but I am truly looking forward to it this year. Low Country, here we come! 

What other things do you want your fellow newcomers to know about yourself? 
I am more serious than I sound in this profile. I once walked 62 miles in 3 days, lived in Jamaica, got a goat for Christmas and wore Elton John’s glasses. I also really like long walks on the beach (especially on vacation) and yoga.

Member Feature: Pamela Scureman

Why did you want to join the USC Newcomers’ Club?
I joined because my oldest is very outgoing and I thought it would be nice to join a Playgroup for her. My family has done some fun things and met a lot of wonderful people through this club!!

Where did you recently move from?
I was born and raised in Baldwin, PA; a borough about 30 minutes away.

Where did you go to college and what did you study?
I went to The University of Pittsburgh for my undergraduate work and studied Finance with a minor in Economics. I have an MBA from Robert Morris University and I am also a CPA.

What do you do for your day job?
Stay-at-home mom:-)

Do you have any kids? If so what are their names and ages?
Clare, 4 years old, Jack, 2 years old and Danielle, 4 months old.

Do you have any pets?
None yet, though I see a dog and cat in our future!

What do you like to do for fun?
Right now I would say I like to sleep for fun! When the kids are in a routine, I enjoy being outside (walks with the kids & gardening), baking (trying to get more excited about cooking), spending time with family and friends, and I am going to join the choir at church in the next month or so.

What books on your shelf are begging to be read?
So many; I just tried Audible from Amazon.com and picked two books to listen to, “All the Money in the World” and “How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk”. I usually want to read self help books and get bored in the middle. I think listening while doing dishes may work well though:-)

What’s the biggest goal you are working on now?
Keeping up with laundry, dishes & other housework while still finding time to spend with my kids and husband!

What upcoming Newcomers’ event are you looking forward to attending?
The PNC Park tour in May. I told my family and my oldest said “I love this family!” We are all looking forward to the tour and picnic!

Member Feature: Elizabeth McElhone

Why did you want to join the USC Newcomers’ Club?
When we moved to USC my daughter was a year old and I was at home with her full-time. We were both ready to get out and meet some new friends.

Where did you recently move from?
We lived in Scott Twp. for three years. It was very tough to sell our first family home!
Where did you grow up?

Other than while attending school I have lived in Pittsburgh my entire life. I grew up in the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh. If you know anything about this town, you know that my moving to the South Hills qualifies me as either a brave pioneer or a traitor.

Where did you go to college and what did you study?
I have an MBA and degree in Organizational Psychology. I also have completed course work in a joint Social Work/Public Health program at the University of Pittsburgh. I may or may not ever become ambitious enough to go back, but I really like the idea of working in Public Health.

What do you do for your day job?
I have stayed home with my daughter since she was born.

Do you have any kids? If so what are their names and ages?
My wonderful daughter Maura recently turned three.

Do you have any pets?
We have a six-month-old labrador puppy named Maggie.  Before Maggie I had a fabulous lab named Boomer for fourteen years.

What do you like to do for fun?
I have been running since Jr. High School.  I like to run several races each season.  I also enjoy hiking, yoga, working in my yard, and meeting friends for dinner at new/different places.  I love to spend time at the beach every year as well.  As I am typing this I am realizing that I might need some more hobbies!

What books on your shelf are begging to be read?
Sadly none! I used to read a book or two a week, but I have stopped making the time to read during the last several years. I do have several magazines laying around unread though.

What’s the biggest goal you are working on now?
Training my large and lively puppy. As a former marathoner I would love to race that distance again. I am working at increasing my milage, but I am finding that it was much easier to do at twenty!

What upcoming Newcomers’ event are you looking forward to attending?
I would love to get back into reading and attend a book club meeting.

Member Feature: Caryn Jooste

Why did you want to join the USC Newcomers’ Club? 
I was new to Upper St Clair, Pittsburgh and the United States!

Where did you recently move from? 
We lived in southern England in Frensham, a semi-rural village near Farnham.

Where did you grow up? 
in Johannesburgh, South Africa

What do you do for your day job?
I am currently completing a degree in History.

Do you have any kids? If so what are their names and ages? 
I have two boys, Cole is 10 and Ethan is 8

Do you have any pets? 
We have inherited a fish called ‘fish’! He thrives on neglect thankfully!

What do you like to do for fun? 
I love to be outside. I enjoy running and cycling although a recent knee injury has halted that somewhat. I love to read, cook, bake and play games with my boys.

What books on your shelf are begging to be read? 
Loads of history books and books on bringing up boys 🙂

What’s the biggest goal you are working on now?
Finishing this course!

What upcoming Newcomers’ event are you looking forward to attending? 
Haven’t checked what’s on yet.

Member Feature: Cynthia Cable

photo-2

Why did you want to join the USC Newcomers’ Club? 
I moved here to be close to my daughter and her family. They were the only people I knew in Pittsburgh. Being the social animal I am I wanted to expand my circle.

Where did you recently move from? 
It was a double move. My husband Jay was living in San Francisco, CA, while I was selling our former house in Rochester, NY. I commuted between San Francisco, Rochester and Pittsburgh. Our Pittsburgh daughter (Victoria Kulli, a Newcomers member) had several children, a husband who traveled, and was getting her BA in nursing. I enjoyed my grandboys and came here to help. Loved it so much that Jay & I decided to retire here.

Where did you grow up? 
I grew up in Bergen County, NJ. At the time it was a small rural place which I disliked, In retrospect a great place since I had the freedom to ride the bus into NYC and experience all the art and music the city had to offer.

Where did you go to college and what did you study? 
I continued my trips into NYC and went to Parsons School of Design. I began studying fashion illustration but migrated to photography and fine art. My dad, ever the most practical, insisted I get a salable skill, so I went on to Syracuse University. There I continued fine art studies, but included photo journalism.

What do you do for your day job? 
I am retired from my day job. I worked as a cameraman for CNN, a medical photographer, a scientific research photographer for several universities and took photos for newspapers as well. Most recently I was on the board of Visual Studies Workshop, a graduate school connected to the State University of New York at Brockport.

Do you have any kids? If so what are their names and ages? 
I have four kids, Victoria, (Tory) a mother of 4 and a member of Newcomers herself, Alexander, Martin, who lives with his wife and 4 month old in Los Angeles and Anne, a new mother of a 6 month old living in Mt Lebanon. Unfortunately, our hearts were broken when we lost our eldest son Alexander to heart failure about ten years ago.,

Do you have any pets? 
We have a dog, a Golden-doodle who is charcoal gray, named Rosalind, and two Siberian long-haired cats one white and one caramel named after the artists: Hockney and Ruscha.

What do you like to do for fun? 
I paint, I take photographs, which I manipulate in my electronic darkroom and I play with my grandchildren. I also read and belong to the newcomers book group.

What books on your shelf are begging to be read? 
“Harvard Square” by Andre Aciman, “The Deepest Secret” by Carla Buckley,

What’s the biggest goal you are working on now? 
I have a photo show in New Jersey the beginning of May. I’m finishing taking some of the photographs, as well as printing them 13×19″ on a new photo printer. Then I have to frame them.

What upcoming Newcomers’ event are you looking forward to attending? 
The couples events are exciting for us. We look forward to the Progressive Dinner where we both can meet people new to USC. May 31st is the one this year. – the theme will be “A Taste of the Low Country”, that’s coastal southern folks, Yum! Enjoy food from South Carolina and new friends with us.

What other things do you want your fellow newcomers to know about yourself? 
I love to travel, have visited extensively in Europe, Jordan, Cuba, Russia, and much of the USA. I used to design and sew many of my clothes but now I just don’t have the time or desire. I also have a tattoo over my caesarian scar of the initials of my children.

Member Feature: Jennifer Cox

Why did you want to join the USC Newcomers’ Club? 
I wanted to join the USC Newcomers because my husband and I had just had our second child, I wanted to get involved with the Progressive Dinner, and I like going to a book club.

Where did you recently move from? 
Andrew, our son George and I moved back to the area from Cambridgeshire, England.

Where did you grow up? 
I grew up just outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in a small town with a lake called Pewaukee.

Where did you go to college and what did you study? 
I attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison and earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and made the National Dean’s List. Then, I was off immediately to Savannah, Georgia to study Historic Preservation and Museum studies at Savannah College of Art and Design. I graduated with honors earning a Master of Fine Arts two years later.

What do you do for your day job? 
I teach four and five year olds at St. David’s Christian Early Learning Center in Venetia (only about a mile from my house).

Do you have any kids? If so what are their names and ages? 
Andrew and I have two little boys. George is 10 years old and Joss is five years old.

Do you have any pets? 
This year, in October we got a lovely German Wirehair Pointer and named her Marlena.

What do you like to do for fun? 
I love being creative and working with my hands. I paint, draw, collage, stitch (a little), and garden. I also really enjoy being outside! Our family loves camping, swimming, biking and hiking.

What books on your shelf are begging to be read? 
The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt.

What’s the biggest goal you are working on now? 
I have taken on a leadership position at church in the Children’s Ministry. We have begun to shift our curriculum to include Godly Play. This ministry teaches classical Christian language in a way that enhances the child’s authentic experience of God so it can contribute to the creative life of the child and the world. We are just at the beginning so, we are collecting the materials, setting up the classroom and learning the stories to share with the children.

What upcoming Newcomers’ event are you looking forward to attending? 
Book Club and the Progressive Dinner.

What other things do you want your fellow newcomers to know about yourself?
It’s sometimes hard to live in the suburbs, we are all so busy taking care of everyone and everything that it can feel a little bit isolating. Newcomers is a great way to break the ice, find some common ground and reach out to friends. This is an open invitation to anybody needing a friend, call me or drive by and see if we are home. Bring your kids, stay, play, have a cup of tea and a biscuit with me.

Member Feature: Emily Mamakos

Why did you want to join the USC Newcomers’ Club? 
I was looking for a playgroup for my then one year old daughter.

Where did you recently move from? 
I lived in Ardmore, PA, which is a suburb of Philadelphia. I lived there for two years while my husband earned his MBA from Wharton.

Where did you grow up? 
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh. I lived in a small part of the city called Swisshelm Park, which is close to Squirrel Hill.

Where did you go to college and what did you study? 
I went to Duquesne University for both undergrad (elementary education) and masters degrees (reading specialist). I worked as a Reading Specialist in the Penn Hills School District and a math and reading specialist in the Non-Public School Services department of the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit.

What do you do for your day job?
I stay at home with my two younger children.

Do you have any kids? If so what are their names and ages? 
I have three- Evan 16, Olivia 5, and William 2

Do you have any pets? 
No, but my daughter is saving up to buy a dog 🙂

What do you like to do for fun? 
Unfortunately, I don’t get to go out much, but I do like to try new restaurants. Most recently I ate at 9 on 9 which is a restaurant downtown- very good! My husband and I like to take our children to the zoo (when it is warm), the aviary, and the Carnegie museums. I love the beach, and we go every summer to Stone Harbor, NJ.

What books on your shelf are begging to be read? 
I like the idea of reading and miss it, but since having my youngest child I have a hard time finding time to read.

What’s the biggest goal you are working on now? 
Trying to exercise more and to teach my daughter to read. Both are pretty challenging!

What upcoming Newcomers’ event are you looking forward to attending? 
I like the progressive dinner and Morning coffees. I am also going to try a book club (although I might not get to read the book beforehand!)

What other things do you want your fellow newcomers to know about yourself? 
I am happy that we moved to USC and, through participating in different playgroups, I have met many great people and learned so much about this community.

Member Feature: Anjula Singh

Why did you want to join the USC Newcomers’ Club? 
I joined Newcomers to meet new people since I didn’t know a soul when we moved here. Luckily, Newcomers has fixed that.

Where did you recently move from? 
We moved here 4 years ago from Atlanta when my husband joined Bayer’s corporate headquarters in Robinson. While I love my new hometown, this winter has me missing the warmth.

Where did you grow up? 
I grew up in Warner Robins, Georgia (which is just as small town-y as it sounds). But, our claim to fame is that the Pop Warner of Pop Warner Football is Warner Robins.

Where did you go to college and what did you study? 
I went to Emory University in Atlanta for my undergrad (Political Science and English major), and the University of Georgia for my Masters in Journalism and my law degree. Yes, I spent waaaaay too many years in school.

What do you do for your day job? 
I’m the Executive Director of the South Asian Bar Association of North America (SABA North America). It’s a minority bar association representing lawyers of South Asian descent in the U.S. and Canada.

Do you have any kids? If so what are their names and ages? 
One goofy kid, Ayan, age 5. He’s my primary job, the other one is part time.

Do you have any pets? 
Between Ayan and myself, we’re allergic to everything cuddly. And I’m not getting scales in this house.

What do you like to do for fun? 
I love to read as long as there’s a happy ending (which mostly restricts me to romance and mystery), do puzzles, watch movies and bother my husband and son. So, basically, I’ve embraced my innate uncoolness.

What books on your shelf are begging to be read? 
I’ve become a total addict to digitally checking books out of the library, so I have an insane number of books on hold, just waiting for me.

What’s the biggest goal you are working on now? 
My biggest goal is made up of a thousand little goals. I desperately need to get both my house and my work organized. I keep hoping the efficiency fairy will stop by…she hasn’t.

What upcoming Newcomers’ event are you looking forward to attending? 
Two of my favorite events of the year are still on the slate for this year: the Progressive Dinner and the Family Picnic/Egg Roll/Spring Event. Also, Community Day since I’m charge of it.

Member Feature: Julie Welter (DeBisschop)

Why did you want to join the USC Newcomers’ Club? 
When I moved to USC most of my friends lived in various Pittsburgh neighborhoods. I purchased my home because of the excellent schools, walking distance to the rec center and the (relatively) flat back yard. All that was missing was feeling like part of this community. Making friends as an adult, particularly after divorce, can be challenging. After running into Elizabeth Schwall at a a mutual friend’s going away dinner, she convinced me to join newcomers and co-chair the book club. I’m so grateful I took the leap and agreed to both before I had even attended my first meeting.

Where did you recently move from? 
Charlotte, North Carolina.

Where did you grow up? 
I was extremely fortunate to be raised as an expat brat/third culture kid. I was born in Brazil to an American Dad and a Brazilian Mom. My Dad’s job enabled us to live in São Paulo, various parts of the US, Germany and Singapore. I have traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia. Morocco, the Maldives and the Iguazu Falls are at the top of my extensive travel bucket list.

Where did you go to college and what did you study? 
I initially studied early childhood education at Clemson University. I transferred to the University of Pittsburgh where I majored in psychology.

What do you do for your day job? 
My primary job is being a Mom to my two beautiful children. I do a little copywriting and also sell Stella & Dot jewelry as side businesses.

Do you have any kids? If so what are their names and ages? 
Andrew is 5 and will be starting kindergarten at Baker elementary in the fall.  Olivia turns 4 in 2 weeks. She attends Mushroom Family Learning Center in Mt Lebanon.

Do you have any pets? 
I have a dog, Penny, who fell in love with my parents’ dog while they watched her this summer. At this point we share custody. 😉

What do you like to do for fun?
I love discovering small, independently owned restaurants. Luckily Pittsburgh’s food scene is thriving. Since I love food and red wine I exercise a lot. You can find me at the rec center almost every evening. Kettlebell is my absolute favorite class, but love anything that will let me sweat away stress.

Other activities I enjoy include; scouring thrift and secondhand stores for mid-century furniture, cooking, hiking, attending art and literature lectures, painting, blasting really bad pop music while running, Bloody Mary brunches and cheering for the Steelers

What books on your shelf are begging to be read?
I am a voracious reader. My goal is to read a different book every day, but life doesn’t always allow that to happen. 3-4 books per week is about my average. Recent books I have read and highly recommend include; The Rosie Project, You Before Me, The Goldfinch, Burial Rites, What Alice Forgot, Beautiful Ruins and Where’d You Go, Bernadette?

What’s the biggest goal you are working on now?
I’m training to run the half-marathon in May. I’ve had three surgeries since July so may not be the fastest, but as long as I manage to beat the sweep vehicles and raise money for Komen I’ll consider it a win.

I purchased my home from the estate of the original owners. To say it needs updating is an understatement. There is a lot of painting, wall paper peeling and landscaping I need to finish. Luckily, I plan to live here forever since tackling the projects while my children are sleeping makes for very slow progress.

What upcoming Newcomers’ event are you looking forward to attending?
Wine club. I mean, book club are my favorite events. Amazing women, food, wine and books. What else is there, really?

What other things do you want your fellow newcomers to know about yourself?
After years of navigating through early intervention services I have become extremely knowledgable about the various service providers, integrating multi-sensory therapies that result in dramatic language, behavioral and motor improvements, writing IEP goals and advocating for services for your child. My son is the poster child for early intervention success. I have happily shared what I have learned with other parents I have encountered. I am starting a new blog and consulting service for fellow parents. If anyone in the newcomers sees their child struggle, but isn’t sure what options are in the area feel free to contact me. I’m always available for coffee www.MomVocate.com will be live shortly.

Member Feature: Patty Moore

Why did you want to join the USC Newcomers’ Club?
Having moved a few times before, we knew how difficult it could be to meet and make new friends. Also, this was our first move without our children so meeting people through their activities would no longer be possible. We thought a Newcomers club would be a great way to make new friends & sure enough — IT IS!

Where did you recently move from?
Rochester, Michigan. A northern suburb of Detroit.

Where did you grow up?
Just south of Cleveland, Ohio in a city called North Royalton.

Where did you go to college and what did you study?
The Ohio State University. Received a B.S.B.A with a Marketing major.

What do you do for your day job?
For over the past 26 years I have been at home raising our three children — The Best job I ever had! Prior to that I was a Product Engineer for BF Goodrich Chemical and a Department manager/Corporate Trainer for The Higbee Company. Along the way I also got certified as a Jazzercise Instructor. Currently, I am managing our household, keeping the long distance relationships between our children strong, making new friends & exploring Pittsburgh.

Do you have any kids? If so what are their names and ages?
Shannon – 27
Ryan – 25
Daniel – 21

Do you have any pets?
No pets. When my daughter was living with us we always had a guinea pig in the house. Love those piggies.

What do you like to do for fun?
Exercise ( run, bike, racquetball, hike…), Garden, Stampin Up, Read & go to the Theater.

What books on your shelf are begging to be read?
Plan to read Killing Lincoln. Currently, I am reading a fictional series called the Wheel Of Time. My sons got me hooked on it. Each book is about 800-1,000 pages and there are 14 in the series.

What’s the biggest goal you are working on now?
Finishing the renovations and interior decorating we started on our home 14 months ago.

What upcoming Newcomers’ event are you looking forward to attending?
The Sweetheart Soirée on 2/8/14 and the Progressive Dinner in May are high on my list. My husband, Ken, has particularly enjoyed the Couples Events. It gives him an opportunity to meet other people as well.