Alumnae.

Preparing Hearts for Consecration On Monday, August 10, Archbishop Chapelle High School had the privilege of welcoming Katie Ibarra ’06 back to campus to speak with faculty and staff as the school prepares for a meaningful beginning to the new school year. Katie delivered a thoughtful and faith-filled presentation in anticipation of Chapelle’s consecration to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, which will take place on Thursday, August 13, during the first school Mass of the year. During her presentation, Katie reflected on what it means for the Sacred Heart to be our refuge. She invited faculty and staff to consider how they can create that same sacred space for our students, one where they feel known, loved, protected, and supported as they grow in faith and confidence. As we enter a new school year, this time of reflection served as a beautiful reminder of Chapelle’s mission to educate young women in a Catholic community rooted in faith, love, and trust in God’s providence. We are grateful to Katie for sharing her wisdom, her faith, and her love for Chapelle with our faculty and staff. As we prepare to consecrate our school to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, please join us in praying that our campus continues to be a place of refuge, growth, and grace for every student who walks through our doors.

Archbishop Chapelle Welcomes New Faculty and Staff for the 2026–2027 School Year Archbishop Chapelle High School is excited to welcome several new faculty and staff members to our campus for the 2026–2027 school year. Each brings unique gifts, experience, and enthusiasm to our school community, and we are grateful to have them join the Chapelle family. As we begin a new year rooted in faith, learning, and sisterhood, these new members of our faculty and staff will help support our students both inside and outside the classroom. From academics and the arts to student support and campus operations, their roles will make a meaningful impact on daily life at Chapelle. Pictured in the back row, from left to right, are: Erin Hanby, Administrative Assistant to the Associate Head of School Katie Brandstetter ’96, Theology 8 Teacher Madalyn Adams, ARC Coordinator Kimi Klotz, Digital Education Specialist Allie Gressaffa, English I and English 8 Teacher Pictured in the front row, from left to right, are: Beverly Gossett, English IV Teacher Liz Griffith, Geometry Teacher Erin Cariello ’00, English II and Academic Seminar Teacher Abby Linegang ’20, AP United States Government and Politics, Civics Honors, and Western Civilization Teacher Patrick Linegang, DE Music Appreciation, Advanced Band, Beginning Band, and Fine Arts Survey Teacher We are especially proud to welcome home several Chapelle alumnae who are returning to serve the next generation of Chipmunks, continuing the legacy of excellence, leadership, and love for their Alma Mater. Please join us in giving a warm Chapelle welcome to our newest faculty and staff members. We are so excited for all they will bring to our students, our campus, and the year ahead!

Alumna Spotlight: Tara Centanni Reese ’88 Elected President of CCSCC Archbishop Chapelle High School is proud to celebrate Tara Centanni Reese ’88 on her recent election as President of the Council of Catholic School Cooperative Clubs (CCSCC). Tara has dedicated her professional life to education, serving 23 years with Jefferson Parish Public Schools. She currently works as a Master Teacher (Instructional Coach) at Isaac G. Joseph at Stella Worley, a PreK–8 school. For more than a decade, she has served as a Master Teacher in various schools across the parish, mentoring educators and supporting instructional growth. Her commitment to learning began long before her career in education. Tara earned her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing in 1997 and her Master’s in Education in 2006, both from the University of Holy Cross. Beyond the classroom, Tara has consistently stepped into leadership roles within both educational and Catholic communities. She has served as President, Vice-President, and Secretary of the University of Holy Cross Alumni Board, as well as on Chapelle’s Alumnae Board. At St. Clement of Rome, she served as President and Vice-President of the Co-Op Club, and for the past four years, she has been a member of the Hospitality Committee for Chapelle’s Parent Club. Her election as President of the CCSCC comes after 10 years of service on the council, including time as 2nd Vice-President and participation on numerous committees. Reflecting on her time at Chapelle, Tara shares, "Chapelle prepared me both academically and spiritually for the path I have taken. It gave me the skills and confidence to succeed in my profession while instilling the values, faith, and commitment to service that continue to guide my volunteer work." We are incredibly proud of Tara’s leadership, dedication to Catholic education, and continued service to our community. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!

Class of 2021 Celebrates 5 Years at Rock ‘n’ Bowl On Saturday, July 18, the Class of 2021 came together to celebrate their 5-Year Reunion at Rock ‘n’ Bowl, and it was a night to remember! From the moment they walked in, it was clear that the bond of sisterhood is still going strong. The evening was filled with laughter, hugs, and plenty of memories from their time at Chapelle. It didn’t take long for the dance floor to fill as classmates reconnected and celebrated five years since graduation. Each alumna received a special 5-Year Reunion exclusive trucker hat, a fun keepsake to mark this milestone and commemorate their first official reunion together. The hats were proudly worn throughout the night as the class danced and enjoyed being back together. Five years may have passed, but once a Chipmunk, always a Chipmunk. We loved seeing the Class of 2021 back together and can’t wait to watch them continue to shine in the years ahead.

Bunco history was made! 🎲✨ Over 150 alumnae gathered in our cafeteria for our largest Bunco turnout ever! The energy, laughter, and reconnecting made it a night we’ll always remember. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and to the many hands that helped make the event such a tremendous success. We’re so grateful for this amazing alumnae community!💚

Alumna Spotlight: Brigid Higgins Van Timmeren ’87 Named Principal of St. Cletus Elementary Archbishop Chapelle High School is proud to celebrate alumna Brigid Higgins Van Timmeren ’87 on her appointment as the new principal of St. Cletus Elementary School. Brigid shared, “It is with great joy and excitement that I become the new principal of St. Cletus Elementary School. My journey in education has been fueled by a commitment to my Catholic values and academic excellence nurtured long ago by my family, close friendships, and the dedicated faculty at Archbishop Chapelle High School.” A lifelong servant-leader, Brigid brings more than 26 years of experience in education and over 30 years in music ministry at St. Rita Catholic Church to her new role. Most recently, she served in leadership positions at Metairie Academy for Advanced Studies and with the Jefferson Parish Talented Music Program, where she mentored teachers and supported students in achieving academic and creative excellence. Brigid’s commitment to Catholic education is rooted in Gospel values and a deep belief in servant leadership. Her dedication to mentoring teachers and forming students spiritually and academically reflects the mission we hold dear at Chapelle. We are incredibly proud of Brigid and the impact she will continue to make in Catholic education. Congratulations, Mrs. Van Timmeren! Our Chapelle family is cheering you on! 💚

The Class of 2006's 20-Year Reunion at Cork Wine & Martini Bar! We had the joy of celebrating the Class of 2006 at their 20-year reunion — our unforgettable Katrina Class. 💚 Their senior year was marked by one of the most challenging moments in our city’s history, yet their faith and sisterhood carried them through. You may notice one gentleman pictured with the class — during the unique circumstances following Hurricane Katrina, one young man graduated alongside these Chipmunks. He will always be an honorary part of the Chapelle family. Nearly twenty years later, the Class of 2006's bond is just as strong.💚

Alumnae Giving Back at Acorn Camp 💚🐿️ Each summer, Acorn Camp fills our campus with laughter, energy, and the joyful spirit of young girls experiencing Chapelle for the first time. What makes it even more special? So many of the leaders guiding them were once campers and students here themselves. A large number of our Acorn Camp counselors are proud Archbishop Chapelle alumnae who have returned to the place that helped shape them. Now, they are the mentors, role models, and friendly faces creating meaningful memories for the next generation. From leading activities and cheering on campers to sharing stories of their own Chapelle days, these alumnae embody the lasting impact of our school community. While not all of our incredible camp staff are graduates, the presence of so many alumnae highlights something truly beautiful: the Chapelle sisterhood does not end at graduation. It continues in service, leadership, and the desire to give back. Seeing our graduates return to campus to pour into young girls is a powerful reminder that Chapelle is more than a school — it is a lifelong home.








