March 1, 2021
Mountain Shadows Foundation Welcomes Ann Kinsey Schu to the Board of Directors
by Sheryl Wilde
Although there are many things of which Ann Kinsey Schu (“Annie”) can be proud, she says, “What I am most proud of is my relationship with my husband, Aaron, and the life we have created together with our son, Thomas, and our dog, Lady.”
Annie learned about the importance of family from her parents. “I was so lucky. My parents were always very supportive.
“I loved playing softball, and my parents were always supportive of me. My mom was the glue that held us all together. My dad, though he wasn’t one of my coaches, was always involved. He tossed me balls in the backyard, drove me to all my games and practices, stayed there all day, and drove me home again.”
Annie played Division I Varsity Softball at the University of Pennsylvania from 2005 to 2008. She was Team Captain in 2007-2008. “My dad flew out to watch my games every weekend during my senior year. It was his last chance to see me play. It was very special.”
She was named to the University of Pennsylvania Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019, awarded Ivy League Player of the Year in 2007, and First Team All-Ivy League, 2005 to 2008.
After receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Minor in Sociology, from the University of Pennsylvania in 2008, Annie served at the Children’s Aid Society in the Bronx, New York, where she acted as a Family Foster Care Caseworker and Educational Coordinator. “My goal was to reunite children with their parents by providing needed services. I also supervised visits between parents and children and worked with schools and teachers. It was challenging work. I was often dealing with extreme situations. But it was also very rewarding. I loved working with children.”
Annie then decided to attend the University of San Diego School of Law, San Diego. She was awarded a Juris Doctor degree in 2014.
While at the University of San Diego School of Law, Annie earned several awards, including the James A. D’Angelo Outstanding Child Advocate Award. She was Editor-in-Chief, Volume 51, of the San Diego Law Review.
Currently, Annie is an Associate at Blanchard, Krasner & French in La Jolla, where she focuses primarily on family law matters, including premarital agreements, postmarital agreements, and divorce. She also represents clients in estate planning and trust litigation. She is a Director of the La Jolla Bar Association.
“I learned from my parents that if I’m going to do something, to do it 100%.
“My dad is dyslexic. The system failed him, but he worked hard and still made a success of himself.
“Several years ago, my parents moved to San Diego to be closer to us. It’s nice to have them close. They are great with Thomas. He’s 17 months old. It’s such a fun age. He’s running and talking. All is new to him. And I see the world through his eyes. Everything is fun again.
“I have everything I need. I have my family’s support, but I know many people don’t have that support. I think that’s where my passion for foster kids comes from. Life can sometimes be stressful. If I still get stressed, even with everything I have — well, I can’t imagine not having that support.”
Now, as Annie joins the Mountain Shadows Foundation Board of Directors, her commitment is to expand her circle of support to our Mountain Shadows residents and clients.
And we know she will do it – 100%.
Welcome to the Mountain Shadows family, Annie!