Faye Smith Mandell

Our Alumni Spotlight shines a light on the inspiring journeys of our school's alumni who have made impactful contributions in their careers and continue to embody the values and mission of St. Martin de Porres Catholic School. This month, we proudly feature Faye Smith Mandell, a licensed clinical social worker and Vice-Chair of the St. Martin de Porres Catholic School Foundation Board. Ms. Mandell graduated from St. Martin de Porres Catholic School in 1965.

Reflecting on her time at the school, Ms. Mandell shared, "I am so appreciative to my parents for having the foresight to enroll me in St. Martin de Porres Catholic School, knowing that I would receive an excellent education. Not only did I receive an impeccable education at St. Martin St. Martin de Porres Catholic School, but also, the exceptional sisters and lay teachers strengthened my confidence and empowered my drive to succeed in life. Equipped with my academic knowledge, confidence, and drive, I was among those who desegregated Dreher High School. I graduated from there with honors. After graduating, I moved to Los Angeles and attended U.C.L.A., where I received my B.A. with honors in Psychology. Lastly, I received a Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California (the other USC) and received the Tommy Trojan Award for excellence. Subsequently, I earned a license in Clinical Social Work and have dedicated my life to providing psychotherapy to youth, adults, parents, and families. Also, thanks to St. Martin St. Martin de Porres Catholic School, my mastery of yearly English (grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure) propelled me to writing successful proposals for Federal and State funding."

"St. Martin de Porres Catholic School stressed the importance of giving back to your community. In that vein, my daughter and I established The David C. Mandell Memorial Scholarship Fund, named after my late husband and Arielle’s dad, who was the Executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Venice and worked tirelessly on behalf of lower socio-economic youth and their families. Since its inception 16 years ago, the Fund has awarded over $50,000 in college scholarships to lower-income senior high school students."

"I have served as a director of non-profit agencies, and have received awards including a resolution from the City of Los Angeles for my work with youth and families, together with a Trailblazer award for the Mandell scholarship. As a past member of the Beverly Hills/West Chapter of the Links, Inc for 30 years involved in youth programming and service, I decided to leave, in good standing, to concentrate on my family, my private practice, and devote more time to the scholarship in my husband’s name."

"In no way am I stating my accomplishments to brag, I am simply stating that a poor, Jim Crow Era girl was ingrained by family with the message that a good education is a must and was given an opportunity to begin life with a sturdy and steady building block of knowledge, acceptance, confidence, and commitment and values that enabled me, and drove my future to achieve positive goals and to become successful. Thank you, Mother and Daddy! Thank you, St. Martin de Porres Catholic School! I am very proud to serve on the St. Martin de Porres Catholic School Foundation Board and welcome other alumni to join us. Your involvement and contributions can help continue the legacy of providing quality education and nurturing the next generation. Together, we can ensure that future students have the same opportunities that shaped our lives for the better. Thank you for your support!"