VOL. 127 | NO. 188 | Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Memphis Newsmakers
Ciaramitaro Joins Grace-St. Luke’s as School Counselor
By Kate Simone
Licensed clinical social worker Courtney Ciaramitaro has joined Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School as school counselor. She will work primarily with middle school students.
Hometown: Memphis
Education and work experience: I am a licensed clinical social worker and was in private practice for the past 12 years. I attended the University of Memphis (Bachelor of Arts in social work) and the University of Tennessee (Master of Science in social work).
Family: Husband, Charlie; daughters Caroline, Grace and Cate.
Favorite quote: “People may forget what you say or do, but they won’t forget how you made them feel.”
Favorite movie: Anything from the ’80s – “Sixteen Candles”
The sports team(s) you root for: The University of Memphis and Memphis Grizzlies
What’s playing on your stereo right now? 92.9, Gary Parrish Show
Activities you enjoy outside of work: Reading, watching sports and spending time with family.
What talent do you wish you had? I wish I could sing.
Who has had the greatest influence on you? My mom. She taught my sister and me to be confident and compassionate women.
What attracted you to Grace-St. Luke’s? I was excited about the opportunity to develop a new counseling program. Grace-St. Luke’s has always been a special place to me, and I wanted to give back to it with this new challenge.
What are your goals in your new position? I want to create a safe and nurturing environment for all students as they face the challenges of adolescence. In addition, I am excited to be able to provide learning experiences and programs that address adolescent emotional development.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment? My family
What do you most enjoy about your work? I enjoy the daily interaction with the students.
If you could give one piece of advice to young people, what would it be? I would say be yourself and find something you like and do it. Don’t define yourself by your peer relationships.
Shelly McGuire has joined Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School as director of enrollment. McGuire previously served as director of admissions at Park West and Central Park Montessori schools in New York.
Dewanna Lofton has joined Leadership Memphis as director of communications and alumni engagement. Lofton is a certified business coach and founded InnerScope Life & Career Coaching last year.
Ken Moody has been appointed director of community relations at Central Defense Security. Moody most recently served as interim human resources manager. In addition, Cecilia Paulsen has been named human resources manager. She brings 10 years’ nonprofit and corporate experience to the position.
Lindsey R. Steffgen has joined McNabb, Bragorgos & Burgess PLLC as an associate attorney. Steffgen will concentrate her practice in civil litigation, family law, insurance defense, motor vehicle accidents, nursing home defense and personal injury.
John B. Burgess, managing member of McNabb, Bragorgos & Burgess PLLC, has been admitted to practice law in the state of Kentucky by the Kentucky Office of Bar Admissions and the Kentucky Supreme Court.
Ruffin Elizabeth Flowers has joined Renaissance Group as director of marketing. She will oversee marketing efforts for the firm’s architectural, engineering, planning and interiors service.
Aaron Reagan and Robb Parker of The Eclectic Eye have become Tennessee licensed dispensing opticians. Both completed a three-year apprenticeship under Eclectic Eye lead optometric physician Dr. Michael Weinberg and passed three exams.
Thirteen Thomason, Hendrix, Harvey, Johnson & Mitchell PLLC attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2013 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. They are: Albert C. Harvey, J. Kimbrough Johnson, Jerry E. Mitchell, William H. Haltom, Kemper B. Durand, Stephen W. Vescovo, J. Martin Regan, Stephen C. Barton, Christopher L. Vescovo, Michael E. Keeney, Rehim Babaoglu, Joseph M. Clark and Brian S. Faughnan.
Kyle Patrick Mullin has joined Crew Training International as quality manager. In his new role, Mullin will document processes and procedures to help CTI obtain ISO9000/9001: 2008 certification.
Eighteen Burch, Porter & Johnson PLLC attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2013 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. They are: Nathan A. Bicks, C. Thomas Cates, W.J. Michael Cody, LeeAnne Marshall Cox, Joe M. Duncan, Jef Feibelman, Jennifer Hagerman, Douglas F. Halijan, David J. Harris, Les Jones, Lisa A. Krupicka, Allen T. Malone, Charles F. Newman, Joel Porter, R. Michael Potter, Thad S. Rodda Jr., W. Rowlett Scott and Laurel C. Williams.
Johnna Tanner of University of Tennessee Health Science Center has had her article “Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma Awareness” published in PA Professional magazine. Tanner is a certified physician assistant and academic coordinator for physician assistant studies in UTHSC’s College of Allied Health Sciences.