ALUMNI PROFILE
Sarah Heimermann Sharp ’ 06 & Cathey Heimermann Stoner ’ 06
“ Sisters Sarah and Cathey have lived a unique , journey to motherhood through sickness , surrogacy , and faith . During Sarah ’ s battle with cancer , Cathey served as surrogate to baby John Ryder Sharp born in 2021 .”
What have you been up to since you graduated from CPA ?
Sarah : We feel really blessed . Since Cathey and I started our podcast , “ Talk To Me Sister ”, we have influenced women around the globe struggling with health or fertility issues , supported organizations that have supported us like American Cancer Society , and we both have individual career pursuits that we love . Personally , I feel blessed to be well and doing what I am doing . I am co-host with Cathey for the “ Talk To Me Sister ” podcast , recently joined Synergy , a Henricksen company , as their director of client engagement , and most importantly , I am a mom to Charlotte and John Ryder ! I feel so lucky to have my dream family . After CPA , I pursued a degree in interior design and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture from UT-Knoxville . I still love to paint and sell my art locally . I am doing a lot , but I always say , “ When you are stuck in bed for 375 days , you do it all because you CAN ”.
Cathey : Since graduating from CPA , Sarah and I both married our high school sweethearts ! I received my Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Samford University and Master of Science in Human Environmental Sciences from UA . I completed my dietetic internship at UAB and started my career as a dietitian . Six years ago , I began a small business specializing in women ’ s health , never knowing that Sarah ’ s uniquely female cancer would lead to our podcast and philanthropy with the American Cancer Society , where all funds raised go to female-led cancer researchers and STEM programs for young girls . Currently , I split my time between motherhood , podcasting , consulting , and hold a position as a clinical educator for a pharmaceutical company . Most excitedly , I had the honor and joy of being Sarah ’ s gestational surrogate , and we praise God for her son ’ s life , who was born into her arms August of 2021 .
“ You don ’ t know how much you need Jesus until He is your only option .”
How did your experience at CPA prepare you for your current pursuits ?
Both : CPA was more than just an educational experience . It prepared us spiritually and socially . We forged some of our most important relationships there that we still have today . CPA faculty taught us confidence , speaking skills , how to write , and prepared us for college and the real world .
Are there any specific people at CPA you feel shaped your growth as a person ?
Sarah : Ms . Carroll taught me how to write , specifically how to write accurately and beautifully . Mr . Carpenter taught me how to love what you do , be passionate about history , and most importantly , how to be kind to everyone . Ms . Pollock taught us how to laugh it off and not take life so seriously . Mr . Delvaux taught us to dig deeper spiritually . He really opened up our eyes and hearts at a young age .
Cathey : I think of so many coaches and teachers who changed my life . Mr . Dark taught me how to read for fun and enjoyment . I realized I was a good student in Mr . Carpenter ’ s class . His class taught me how to study for “ MY ” brain . He made us work hard , but he extended us patience and grace at the same time . It sounds extreme , but I know for a fact I would have never made it through college or grad school without his class preparing me . Also , shout-out to the crazy creative faculty and whoever approved us performing a compilation of Queen songs at the Lip Sync all three years of middle school . We had the time of our lives and the confidence and bravery it takes to do things like that extends through adulthood .
The community of CPA is like no other . When Sarah was sick , our 2006 class showed up ! Even those we had not talked to in a decade sent money , food , called to check on us , and showed up on our doorsteps to pray . It was an outpouring of love I ’ ll forever be grateful for .
48 PURPLE & GOLD FALL 2022