Ordinary Work Extraordinary Impact

Real stories from inspiring panelists who use their place of work to influence society. Be encouraged that your current season in life holds extraordinary potential!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLXQux4nQBA

We are so grateful to the stellar line up of panelists who spoke at Walnut Grove’s Ordinary Work Extraordinary Impact event in May. Their testimonies and hard-earned advice made for an afternoon that was moving, instructive, and edifying. 

Ginger Saldanha, a criminal defense attorney in the South Bay area, shared how she brings her Catholic faith to the work place – hanging a crucifix and image of Our Lady in her office, and changing her phone screensaver to images of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Statements like these are bold and brave in the legal world and, she explained, have certainly come with a cost, but have started many conversations, which in some cases have led to redemption and conversion. She also said that she only takes clients who agree to some form of at least appearing to change their ways (e.g. attending church, getting clean, reforming their life) and then she lets the Holy Spirit take it from there.

Rachel Mason, a plastic surgeon in the Las Vegas area, talked about a different, less overtly Catholic approach – as a business owner she struggled to create a healthy office culture until she implemented Optimal Work with her team. Optimal Work is a methodology that helps people achieve peak performance and deep engagement, or “flow”, at work. She explained that in weekly staff meetings she invites each colleague to share a problem she encountered during the last week and then reframe it as a challenge. With ideals and virtues all grounded in the Catholic faith, Optimal Work has completely transformed her staff and led to the formation of a healthy office culture, helping her staff to think about the issues they used to complain about as opportunities for growth.

Dia Boyle, author of The Thoughtful Home, and a longtime homemaker from Minnesota, wove the experiences of three panelists together, explaining that we are all homemakers, whether at home full-time or part-time, each responsible for guiding the people we live with to be flourishing persons in society. She advised developing the habit of “paying attention” to our kids and our spouse, so that we know how to best help them to thrive. She also recommended intentionally spending time with our families, in natural, relaxed ways, such as nightly family dinners and having fewer cars than there are people in the house (more required carpooling and time spent together). 

Over 50 ladies attended the event. After Roxie Beckles, the event moderator, initiated a round of questions for all the panelists, the audience added provocative questions of their own.

One attendee asked Rachel and Ginger how they respond to the question or criticism that they should be at home full-time. Rachel and Ginger agreed with one another that God has given them each specific gifts, which enable them to do God’s work in the midst of the greater culture. Another audience member pointed out that if families could all create thriving members of society, perhaps Ginger and Rachel would be out of a job. This received a nod of agreement from the panelists and a warm laugh from everyone present. 

Following the panel, guests were treated to a delightful reception of wine and charcuterie on the Boles’ welcoming backyard patio. Thank you again to our panelists for sharing their experiences and to the Boles family for hosting such an enjoyably edifying event!

~ Caroline Merrill

GINGER SALDANHA - Lawyer 

Ginger Saldanha brings more than three decades of experience as a criminal defense attorney to her work, navigating some of the most complex and high-stakes cases in the legal system. As managing partner of her Newport Beach firm, she approaches the law not only as a profession, but as a responsibility and a calling—one that demands clarity, prudence, and a deep respect for justice. In addition to her private practice, she is deeply committed to pro bono work in the recovery courts, where she has been given the gift of meeting individuals at the lowest points in their lives. That work has opened profound apostolic opportunities, allowing her to accompany others with compassion, hope, and a belief in the possibility of redemption. Her perspective highlights how even in adversarial environments, work can become a path of integrity, discipline, service, and grace. RACHEL MASON -  Plastic Surgeon 

Dr. Rachel Mason is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of La Femme Plastic Surgery, where she integrates high-level medical practice with a strong sense of vocation. Drawing on the principles of Optimal Work, which she has implemented within her own team, she will share how cultivating attention, reframing challenges, and pursuing intentional growth can transform work from a source of stress and potential burnout into a path of personal excellence, service, and human flourishing.  DIA BOYLE - Author of The Thoughtful Home

Dia Boyle is a longtime homemaker and author of The Thoughtful Home who brings decades of lived wisdom to the often-overlooked vocation of domestic life. She invites us to recover the home as a place of serious, skilled, and meaningful professional work—one that forms persons and offers a path of profound spiritual growth. 

“On Saturday afternoon, we had the opportunity to listen to women from a wide variety of professions living out their Catholic faith. The afternoon left us inspired, and knowing that God has a unique and important plan for each of our lives, using our gifts and talents in a meaningful way.” - Lia Rosenberger Photographer: Dora Olaiz