Alumnae Choose 901

graphic with Choose 901 and eight smaller photos

 

On 901 Day, we celebrate our alumnae who have chosen to make Memphis their home and invest their lives in this incredible city. Their love for the 901 shines through in everything they do, helping to shape a brighter future for all of us. We checked in with just a few of the many Turkeys proud to call the 901 home. 

  • Nica Cabigo Graunke ’10, Director of Clinical Operations, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
  • Tami Sawyer ’00, Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk
  • Carey Faber Campbell ’03, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Plastic Surgery Group
  • Grayce Gordon ’10, Associate Veterinarian, McGehee Clinic for Animals
  • Catie Jane Berger Myers ’05, Lead speech-language pathologist, Methodist North Hospital
  • Kristi Ryan ’06, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury
  • Kelly Turner ’08, BSN, RN, Registered Nurse, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital
  • Frances Leslie ’06, 6th grade Reading Teacher, Memphis Rise Academy

Nica Cabigo Graunke ’10

Director of Clinical Operations 
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Two years ago, Nica Cabigo Graunke ’10 moved back to Memphis to be closer to family,, and the return brought many gifts. 

“I’ve been lucky to have gained so much more from Memphis than I ever imagined,” she said. “Professionally, I wake up energized and centered every day, working toward such a pure mission at St. Jude. My husband Ben [SMS Middle School History Teacher] and I feel like we've both found our dream jobs here in Memphis.”

As Director of Clinical Operations, Nica optimizes clinic operations so that St. Jude’s medical providers can solely focus on treating patients and advancing cures for pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases.

Nica also serves on the board of My Town Miracles–a non-profit working to alleviate burdens and barriers for Memphis youth–and will be the Vice Chair for Cirque du CMOM, a fundraiser for one of her family’s favorite Memphis landmarks, the Children's Museum of Memphis.

“I've found the Memphis community gives to you what you're willing to give to it. If you pour love, time, and effort into our city, it comes back to you tenfold through the amazing communities, programs, and people here. I'm so grateful I get to make Memphis home for my kids, like my parents did for me.”


Tami Sawyer ’00

General Sessions Court Clerk
Shelby County Government

Tami Sawyer ’00 chose to return to Memphis because she says her heart belongs to this city. She says all aspects of her life that she holds dear are rooted in the 901 – her family, community, education at St. Mary’s and the University of Memphis, and her legacy of civil rights activism.

Deeply committed to her community, Tami was recently elected as the first woman to serve as Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk. She was previously the youngest woman elected to the Shelby County Commission. 

Using her background for positive change, Tami shared, “The privileges of education and experience I’ve gained are best put to use serving our city. Memphis deserves people who love it and are committed to making it the best place it can be for everyone.”

St. Mary’s had a profound impact on Tami’s life. “Former history teachers Mrs. Patrick and Ms. Traffas instilled in me the importance of understanding history to avoid repeating past mistakes,” she said.  St. Mary’s English teachers nurtured her passion for writing, “teaching me how to use words to empower and inspire others.”

“Attending a school dedicated to fostering strong, intelligent young women gave me the confidence to stand tall in a world that often tells girls they aren’t enough, equipping me to break down barriers that women continue to face today,” Tami said.


Dr. Carey Faber Campbell ’03

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Plastic Surgery Group

Returning to Memphis in 2018 after her medical training, Dr. Carey Faber Campbell ’03 felt a deep pull back to the community that shaped her. Now a thriving plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Carey’s practice focuses on facial and body rejuvenation, as well as post-traumatic and post-cancer reconstruction. Her return to Memphis was motivated by a love for the close-knit environment where her practice has flourished, and where she cares for both lifelong friends and new faces who have embraced her.

Carey and her husband, Rob, are passionate supporters of the arts and environmental conservation. They are actively involved with ArtsMemphis, Conservation thru Art, and the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. “This is a city where your desire to get involved is met with open arms and welcoming faces,” Carey said.

Reflecting on her years at St. Mary’s, Carey is filled with gratitude. “St. Mary’s taught me that my voice matters, that I could achieve anything I set my mind to,” she shares. The school’s lessons in determination and compassion continue to guide her daily as a physician and mother. Carey’s two daughters are now Turkey’s, carrying forward the legacy of strength, care, and community that St. Mary’s instills in every girl.


Dr. Grayce Gordon ’10

Associate Veterinarian
McGehee Clinic for Animals

For Dr. Grayce Gordon ’10, every day as a small animal veterinarian at McGehee Clinic for Animals is a dream come true. With a deep love for helping the pets of Memphis stay healthy and happy, she embraces the daily challenges of her profession with passion and enthusiasm.

Grayce earned her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Molecular Biology from Auburn University before pursuing her doctorate in veterinary medicine at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Following veterinary school, Gracye chose to move back to Memphis—a city she loves—to be closer to family and friends. Her decision was made even more special as it allowed her to be in town for the arrival of her niece.

Reflecting on her path, Grayce feels incredibly grateful for the solid foundation St. Mary’s provided, which helped her excel in college and vet school. “I often found my college courses to be easier,” she shared, thanks to the rigorous preparation and support she received at St. Mary’s. This solid educational foundation was crucial in shaping her academic and professional success.


Kristi Ryan ’06

Associate Real Estate Broker  
Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury

As a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury, Kristi Ryan ’06 is truly living her passion. For her, real estate isn’t just about selling houses; it’s about helping people find their place in Memphis and showcasing all the vibrant energy the city has to offer. 
Kristi proudly considers herself a "cheerleader for the city," actively encouraging others to embrace Memphis as home. Beyond her professional life, she finds deep fulfillment in giving back, dedicating her time to meaningful causes, participating in service projects, and engaging with community groups like the Midtown Memphis Rotary Club.

After spending eight years in Los Angeles, Kristi was drawn back to Memphis in 2015, captivated by the city's vibrant growth and transformation. "That exciting energy was bolstered by the realization that it was important for me to live in a city where I could make a difference," Kristi shared. "I wanted to come home to give back to the place that had given so much to me."

Her journey has been deeply influenced by the education she received at St. Mary’s, which she describes as "unparalleled." The strong foundation she built there shaped her into a well-rounded individual, equipped to handle the many facets of her career. "St. Mary's gave me the foundation to thrive in whatever role the moment demands," Kristi reflects, highlighting the lasting impact of her alma mater on her professional success.


Kelly Turner ’08, BSN, RN

Registered Nurse
Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital

As a registered nurse in the operating room at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Kelly Turner ’08 is more than just a caregiver—she's a lifeline for the children of Memphis. Her work goes beyond a career; it's a calling that allows her to make a profound impact during some of the most critical moments in her young patients’ lives.

Returning to Memphis after college gave Kelly a fresh perspective on the city she calls home. “It was exciting to come back and experience all the new and different things Memphis has to offer,” Kelly shared. “I love the people, the culture, the location, and so much more.” She feels deeply grateful for the chance to give back to the community she loves, especially by providing care and support to children when they need it most.

Kelly’s journey has been profoundly influenced by her time at St. Mary’s. “St. Mary’s taught me to be confident in myself, to love and serve others well, and to work hard at whatever I do,” Kelly reflected. The education and experiences she gained laid the foundation for her success. “So much of who I am was shaped by St. Mary’s and the countless lessons and experiences I had there.”


Catie Jane Berger Myers ’05

Lead speech-language pathologist
Methodist North Hospital

After living in Spain, England, Texas, and Massachusetts, Catie Jane Berger Myers ’05 returned home in 2004, knowing that “Memphis is where I belong.” 

“Returning was the easiest decision, and the city welcomed me home with open arms,” Catie  Jane said. “There’s a powerful momentum I feel here—a drive to do better, make a difference, and strive for more- and I’m proud to be part of it.”

Today, she is a lead speech-language pathologist at Methodist North Hospital, and previously, she worked with children with autism and other developmental delays. Catie Jane shared that she takes the hard work and positive attitude that she learned at St. Mary’s with her to work every day.

“St. Mary's instilled in me the belief that nothing is beyond my reach,” Catie Jane said. “St. Mary’s equipped me with exceptional time management skills, emphasizing that as long as I complete my work, there’s always time for fun. I'm grateful to enjoy a healthy work-life balance, a value cultivated in me during my years at St. Mary’s. 


Frances Leslie ’06

6th grade Reading Teacher
Memphis Rise Academy

As a reading teacher at Rise Academy, Frances Leslie ’06 often reflects on her education at St. Mary’s. 

“St. Mary's did a great job preparing me for the type of thinking I had to do as an English major,” she said. “I also felt very prepared to teach grammar. I have been thrown into teaching a lot of different subjects during my career, and I'm grateful for all the classes I took that I never thought I'd use.”

After college, Francis moved to rural Alaska, where she taught middle school language arts at Hogarth Kingeekuk Sr. Memorial School. She moved home to Memphis in 2017 and is grateful to be close to family and fellow Turkeys!

“When I was living in Alaska, I would come back to Memphis a couple of times a year, and I really enjoyed spending time with my friends from St. Mary's,” Francis says. “Now I get to see them all the time!”

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