Plaid Pathways

In this episode of Plaid Pathways, we sit down with Ursuline alumna, Claire (Blanshard) Webb, class of 1997. Claire’s Plaid Pathway brought her back to Ursuline in 2015, where she serves as the Director of Alumnae Relations. In this interview, we uncover the surprising twists and turns that Claire took after leaving Ursuline, and what ultimately led her back to her alma mater. And within this conversation are echoes of many guests we’ve heard from earlier season. Claire reflects on the transferable skills she gained through both paid and volunteer work, speaks to the struggle of feeling worthy of returning to work after pausing to stay home with children, as well as highlights the non-linear path many women’s lives follow. And at the center of the conversation is Claire’s genuine ✨ joy ✨ for all things Ursuline! She lives the adage, “do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life.” We hope you enjoy this behind the scenes take on one of Plaid Pathways very own hosts!Plaid Pathways is a place where Ursuline alums share their stories and wisdom, with an emphasis on what women need to know at different points in their lives and careers. Tune in to hear about the many “plaid pathways” Ursuline Academy of Dallas graduates have taken to arrive where they are today.💌If you have any suggestions for future guests or topics, please let us know at [email protected]. 🎧 Thank you so much for tuning in -  we’ll be back after summer break with Season 2! Guest: Claire (Blanshard) Webb (‘93) Hosts: Sarah Crain (‘03) & Caitlin RatheProducer: Caitlin RatheCover Art: Leah Daugherty

In this episode of Plaid Pathways, we sit down with Ursuline alumna Wells (Gibbons) Housson, class of 1993, for a thoughtful and deeply affirming conversation about transitions across a woman’s life. A board‑certified clinical psychologist specializing in women’s health, Wells brings both professional expertise and personal insight to topics that feel especially resonant in today’s culture of comparison and perfection.What begins as a reflection on childhood and adolescent transitions—moving from middle school to high school, stepping into independence in college—quickly broadens into an honest discussion of adulthood: the transition to motherhood, navigating relationships with aging parents, and the quiet pressure many women feel to “get it right” in every role they inhabit. Throughout the conversation, Wells returns to a consistent and powerful message: transparency matters, and community is essential. Rooted in the Ursuline spirit, this episode invites listeners to remember that no one is meant to navigate life’s transitions alone. Whether you are a parent, a student, or a woman standing at the threshold of change, this conversation offers compassion and perspective that growth is not a competition—it is a shared journey.Plaid Pathways is a place where Ursuline alums share their stories and wisdom, with an emphasis on what women need to know at different points in their lives and careers. Tune in to hear about the many “plaid pathways” Ursuline Academy of Dallas graduates have taken to arrive where they are today.💌If you have any suggestions for future guests or topics, please let us know at [email protected]. 🎧 Thank you so much for tuning in -  we’ll share the last episode of Season 1 on May 4 before our summer break! Guest: Wells (Gibbons) Housson (‘93) Hosts: Sarah Crain (‘03) & Claire Webb (‘97)Producer: Caitlin RatheCover Art: Leah Daugherty

In this episode of Plaid Pathways, we sit down with Ursuline alumna Jenn Cook, class of 2007. Jenn’s career journey spans journalism, counseling, higher education, and ultimately HR in the corporate world—proof that meaningful work doesn’t always follow a straight line. What begins as a conversation about career transitions quickly becomes a deeper reflection on how women learn to tell the story of their experience, especially when their path includes pivots, pauses, or leaps into unfamiliar territory.Along the way, Jenn offers thoughtful and practical insight into topics so many women quietly wrestle with: career gaps, returning to the workforce, advocating for fair compensation, and recognizing the value of skills gained both inside and outside formal roles. Stay‑at‑home parents, career‑changers, recent graduates, and seasoned professionals alike will find reassurance here. Rooted in the Ursuline spirit, this episode is a reminder that confidence is formed over time—by honoring where we’ve been, recognizing the value of our work in every season, and walking forward with trust and intention.Plaid Pathways is a place where Ursuline alums share their stories and wisdom, with an emphasis on what women need to know at different points in their lives and careers. Tune in to hear about the many “plaid pathways” Ursuline Academy of Dallas graduates have taken to arrive where they are today.💌If you have any suggestions for future guests or topics, please let us know at [email protected]. 🎧 Thank you so much for tuning in -  we’ll share our next episode on April 6! Guest: Jenn Cook (‘07) Hosts: Sarah Crain (‘03) & Claire Webb (‘97)Producer: Caitlin RatheCover Art: Leah Daugherty

In this episode of Plaid Pathways, we catch up with Evie Lalangas, class of 2001. Evie is a healthcare attorney working right at the intersection of law, policy, and the rapidly evolving world of modern medicine. We fully expected to spend our time digging into her career and the future of healthcare—but as sometimes happens in the most meaningful conversations, the path shifted.Instead, we found ourselves diving into something far more universal and deeply resonant: the reality of being a working mom in today’s world. Evie had recently returned to work after the birth of her third child, and our conversation opened up into an honest and vulnerable exploration of the postpartum experience and the demands of working motherhood. SAHMs - don’t worry - you get some love in this episode, too! Balancing work and motherhood is a conversation so many of us have lived, are living, or will one day face, and we’re grateful to Evie for taking us there with such openness.Plaid Pathways is a place where Ursuline alums share their stories and wisdom, with an emphasis on what women need to know at different points in their lives and careers. Tune in to hear about the many “plaid pathways” Ursuline Academy of Dallas graduates have taken to arrive where they are today.💌If you have any suggestions for future guests or topics, please let us know at [email protected]. 🎧 Thank you so much for tuning in -  we’ll share our next episode on March 2! Guest: Evie Lalangas (‘01) Hosts: Sarah Crain (‘03) & Claire Webb (‘97)Producer: Caitlin RatheCover Art: Leah Daugherty

In this episode of Plaid Pathways, we sit down with Lori Ashmore Peters, Class of 1987. Lori reflects on navigating major life changes and shares accessible guidance on estate planning—what to do now, what documents matter most, and how to talk about legacy with loved ones. Practical, compassionate, and immediately actionable, this episode demystifies wills, trusts, probate, and more so you know everything you need to ensure your family is cared for and protected in the future. Plaid Pathways is a place where Ursuline alums share their stories and wisdom, with an emphasis on what women need to know at different points in their lives and careers. Tune in to hear about the many “plaid pathways” Ursuline Academy of Dallas graduates have taken to arrive where they are today.💌If you have any suggestions for future guests or topics, please let us know at [email protected]. 🎧 Thank you so much for tuning in -  we’ll share our next episode on February 2! Guest: Lori Ashmore Peters (‘87) (and resources like Do I Really Need a Will? from The Ashmore Law Firm here)Hosts: Sarah Crain (‘03) & Claire Webb (‘97)Producer: Caitlin RatheCover Art: Leah Daugherty

In this episode of Plaid Pathways, we sit down with Michelle White, Class of 1998, to talk about health, hormones, and the power of reinvention. Michelle shares her journey from a Big Four accounting firm with global client work to stepping away during COVID and retraining as a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner—illustrating how transitions into motherhood and out of the corporate world can open doors to new purpose. Michelle traces her plaid pathway from a high‑intensity career to motherhood and, ultimately, to becoming a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner focused on women’s health. She demystifies what perimenopause is (and isn’t), explains why symptoms can feel unpredictable, and shares practical strategies you can use right away - namely tracking symptoms, prioritizing quality sleep, and dialing in nutrition. Most of all, Michelle offers a mindset shift: listen to your body and let transitions become a pathway to strength, not stress.And in the closing segment, Michelle describes one of her favorite UA moments - where her 1984 Ford Club Wagon Van was among one of the “Cool Cars on Campus”. See a 📸 from the 1997 yearbook here.Plaid Pathways is a place where Ursuline alums share their stories and wisdom, with an emphasis on what women need to know at different points in their lives and careers. Tune in to hear about the many “plaid pathways” Ursuline Academy of Dallas graduates have taken to arrive where they are today.💌If you have any suggestions for future guests or topics, please let us know at [email protected]. 🎧 Thank you so much for tuning in and we can’t wait for the season ahead -  we’ll share our next episode on January 5! Guest: Michelle (Stevens) White (‘98) (and her 🎙️podcast “Inspired Wellness”)Hosts: Sarah Crain (‘03) & Claire Webb (‘97)Producer: Caitlin RatheCover Art: Leah Daugherty

In this episode of Plaid Pathways, we sit down with Anne Price, Class of 2020, to tackle a topic that’s top of mind for so many families: college affordability. Anne shares how her own journey—from Ursuline to Loyola Chicago and now a career in healthcare supply chain consulting—was shaped by her determination to make higher education affordable. She did this by becoming a college scholarship guru, skills she honed during her senior year at Ursuline and has honed since. Anne’s story is packed with practical strategies and hard-earned wisdom on finding, tracking, and winning college scholarships.Whether you’re a parent planning for college costs, a student navigating applications, or an alum looking to support the next generation, this conversation is full of actionable advice. Anne’s insights on budgeting, organization, and persistence will inspire you to start early, think creatively, and approach the process with confidence. If you’ve ever wondered how to uncover hidden opportunities and turn effort into real results, this episode is for you.Plaid Pathways is a place where Ursuline alums share their stories and wisdom, with an emphasis on what women need to know at different points in their lives and careers. Tune in to hear about the many “plaid pathways” Ursuline Academy of Dallas graduates have taken to arrive where they are today.💌If you have any suggestions for future guests or topics, please let us know at [email protected]. 🎧 Thank you so much for tuning in and we can’t wait for the season ahead -  we’ll share our next episode on November 3! Guest: Anne Price (‘20)Hosts: Sarah Crain (‘03) & Claire Webb (‘97)Producer: Caitlin RatheCover Art: Leah Daugherty

In our first full episode of Plaid Pathways, we sit down with Caytie Langford, class of ’98, to talk about transitions, confidence, and the winding journey that led her from nonprofit fundraising to coaching and real estate entrepreneurship. Caytie shares how her Ursuline roots shaped her voice, her values, and her mission to empower women to pursue their “big, bold thing”—whatever that may be.This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone navigating change, questioning their worth, or wondering how to pivot toward purpose. Caytie’s insights on building confidence, embracing your calling, and honoring your unique gifts are both practical and deeply inspiring. Whether you’re in the middle of a career shift, a personal transformation, or just need a reminder that you’re worthy of your dreams—this episode is for you.Plaid Pathways is a place where Ursuline alums share their stories and wisdom, with an emphasis on what women need to know at different points in their lives and careers. Tune in to hear about the many “plaid pathways” Ursuline Academy of Dallas graduates have taken to arrive where they are today.💌If you have any suggestions for future guests or topics, please let us know at [email protected]. 🎧 Thank you so much for tuning in and we can’t wait for the season ahead -  we’ll share our next episode on November 3! Guest: Caytie Langford (‘98)Hosts: Sarah Crain (‘03) & Claire Webb (‘97)Producer: Caitlin RatheCover Art: Leah Daugherty

What inspired Plaid Pathways? In this bonus trailer, hosts Sarah Crain (‘03) and Claire Webb (‘97) share the story behind the podcast—how it came to be, what it means to them, and why they believe it matters to the Ursuline community. You’ll hear about the power of shared experiences, the strength of the Ursuline sisterhood, and the vision for a podcast that celebrates expert graduates and the many paths they’ve taken. Whether you’re a recent grad or decades out, this episode is a warm invitation to connect, reflect, and celebrate the plaid.If you have any suggestions for future guests or topics, please let us know at [email protected]. Thank you so much for tuning in and we can’t wait for the season ahead!

From Ursuline, for Ursuline - we can’t wait to share the first season of Plaid Pathways with you! As we prepared to launch season one, we kept unintentionally coming back to the theme of transitions. This season, our guests talk about any and all life transitions, from returning to work after maternity leave, to finding ways to fund their dream college, mental breakthroughs such as finding their authentic voice, and reframing “the change” of perimenopause. As the old saying goes, “the only constant in life is change,” so we're shedding light on some changes in that could be in your past, present, or future.Plaid Pathways is a place where Ursuline alums will share their stories and wisdom - with an emphasis on what women need to know at different points in their lives and careers. Tune in to hear about the many “plaid pathways” Ursuline Academy of Dallas graduates have taken to arrive where they are today and listen for great advice that these experts think ALL women should know.If you have any suggestions for future guests or topics, please let us know at [email protected]. Thank you so much for tuning in and we can’t wait for the season ahead!