Kaela Cote-Stemmermann, Class of 2010
Finding Her Voice in Journalism
For Kaela Cote-Stemmermann, storytelling isn’t just a passion—it’s a profession. As the Newsletter Editor for City Cast Washington, D.C., she’s carved out a niche in journalism, connecting communities through daily newsletters and podcasts. City Cast, a rapidly expanding digital platform, brings local news to life in cities across the country, and Kaela is at the heart of it all in the nation’s capital.
Before landing at City Cast three years ago, Kaela honed her skills in communications and journalism across a range of fields, including environmental nonprofits, international relations, and the State Department. Today, she thrives in a role that allows her to engage with the city firsthand—exploring, experiencing, and sharing the stories that shape Washington, D.C.
Her path to journalism began with a strong academic foundation at Oak Meadow. Graduating from middle school in 2010, she went on to attend the Cambridge School of Weston (CSW), drawn to its inclusive, student-led approach—something that echoed the Montessori values she cherished. Kaela recalls MAKING THEIR MARK that Oak Meadow’s rigorous academics prepared her well, making high school coursework feel manageable compared to some of her peers.
From CSW, she headed west to Scripps College, a prestigious liberal arts institution in Southern California, where she majored in International Relations and Chinese. Her studies took her abroad to China, where she spent a semester immersing herself in language and culture. That experience led to a post-graduate role at the Chinese Consulate, leveraging her skills in international communication. While she no longer speaks Chinese fluently, she credits this global perspective with shaping her approach to journalism today.
Reflecting on her time at Oak Meadow, Kaela says, “Socially, it was a win.” The friendships she formed remain strong—so strong, in fact, that her graduating class still stays in touch, even sharing a Spotify family account. More than that, Oak Meadow nurtured her critical thinking skills, the ability to approach problems creatively, and, perhaps most importantly, the gift of time management. She vividly remembers middle school work plans and the structured independence they fostered—skills she now uses daily in her fastpaced career.
Beyond academics, Oak Meadow encouraged exploration outside the classroom. The school’s theater program was “life-changing,” helping her overcome stage fright, master public speaking, and balance extracurriculars with coursework—experiences that directly translated to her work in journalism today. Ski Club introduced her to a sport she never would have tried otherwise, eventually leading her to competitive cross-country skiing in high school. An early Oak Meadow performance of Irish step dancing at Monday Morning Meeting inspired her to take up the art herself, a passion she pursued competitively until college.
Now based in Washington, D.C., Kaela has fully embraced city life. She works remotely but meets weekly with her City Cast colleagues, balancing professional deadlines with her personal passions, including rock climbing. And every day, she puts into practice the skills she first developed at Oak Meadow— organization, adaptability, and a love of learning.
