Country Magazine, February 2026

CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY AT CHICAGO’S LARGEST JEWELRY STORE.

More Than Storage. It’s a

Lifestyle

Luxe Corsa Auto Suites isn’t just a place to store your cars— it’s an elite community where speed, style, and sophistication converge. The development features 121 meticulously crafted luxury auto suites, each o ering a private, secure, and customizable space to showcase and store your prized vehicles.

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Email or call for current availability info@luxecorsa.com (224) 662-0000 Images of customized units.

AskConnie

Ask Connie: Stewarding Homes, Honoring Legacies

Q: When I’m choosing an agent, what do you believe makes a real estate advisor truly extraordinary in today’s market?

A: For sellers, a home is never just a property —it’s where life unfolded. Milestones were celebrated, families grew, and memories were made. Yet it’s important to remember that memories live in your heart, not in the walls of your home. When it comes time to sell, the goal is to honor that emotional connection while thoughtfully positioning the lifestyle the home represents.

Selling a luxury home is not simply a transaction; it’s a carefully guided transition. Pricing and positioning are critical. Homes that are strategically priced, professionally prepared, and impeccably presented from day one consistently outperform those that are not. Early decisions—such as pre-listing inspections, professional cleaning, thoughtful staging, and maximizing light and flow—set the tone and can significantly impact both timing and value.

Luxury homes also aren’t sold by data alone. In established, discerning communities, it’s essential to work with an advisor who understands how luxury buyers think and how lifestyle, presentation, and storytelling influence perception. Thoughtful preparation, targeted marketing, and skilled negotiation help protect not only the financial outcome, but the legacy of the home itself.

Whomever you choose to market your home and represent your legacy should share this philosophy: balancing emotion with experience, discretion with exposure, and strategy with service. A true luxury advisor offers a white-glove, concierge-level experience, managing every detail with care, precision, and respect—so sellers feel confident, supported, and well represented throughout the process.

Ultimately, a luxury agent doesn’t simply list a home—they steward it. The right partnership ensures that the home’s story is told with integrity, its value is protected, and the transition is handled with the professionalism and care it deserves.

AIROOM KNOWS BASEMENTS

ahead of the curve

We are proud to be the #1 luxury brokerage firm in Barrington.

RUG CLEANING

25% off

Please call 847.202.0600 to schedule your professional area rug cleaning service, and present your coupon at time of order. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 2.28.26

Rugport has an inventory of over 10,000 rugs. We are the largest handmade rug store in the Midwest and are among the top ten in the nation. We offer a wide range of handmade rugs from around the world, including antique, traditional, modern, contemporary, and transitional styles.

In addition to our extensive selection of rugs, our services include custom handmade rug creation, repair, restoration, stair rug installation, nano rug protection, and cleaning.

We are also pleased to feature unique antique accessories and furniture curated by Lee Youngstrom of Barrington, in collaboration with Irongate Designs, exclusively at RUGPORT.

YOUR FURNACE and BOILER EXPERTS

Locally Owned & Operated Since 1973 “ I’m a long time North Shore Realtor and Cahill is the only company of its kind that I recommend. They are honest, friendly and knowledgeable. All my clients who have used them feel the same way. 5 Star service! ”

There and Back Again

There’s no one reason or route to walk the Camino de Santiago, which is why so many—like Barrington’s Kai Glowacki—keep returning.

Robb Steals Time to Swim

Kildeer’s Chris Robb—a multiple state swimming medalist at Stevenson High School in the 1980s— resurfaces as an open water marathon swimmer.

Healing Takes Full Shape

Embody Mental Health guides patients toward balance through integrated, trauma-informed care.

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COUNTRY Magazine is published 10 times annually by JWC Media.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

There’s something magical

about February. It’s the middle of the winter season where the shortened sunlight hours, cold air, and snow on the ground are starting to wear slightly thin. Yet, we know that the hibernation allowed during February is soon to give way to the fast pace of our daily lives. To that end, I hope you all thoroughly enjoy this quiet month before we begin to turn to spring.

I am delighted to have Kai Glowacki return to the pages of Country with tales of another walk through Europe. He is full of joy, inspiring, and a true adventurer. I’d love to hear your thoughts on his travels, and I’m hoping there might be a third installment to this series.

Aimée Vickers shares her journey as an entrepreneur in Closer Look where we get a peek into what makes her tick. And Embody Health’s Marie Gorman focuses on the whole body in her mental health practice, a new approach that is revolutionary.

e second annual Premier Doctors section is impressive—so many amazingly talented individuals right here in our community.

Closing out the issue is the story of Marta Aznavoorian, a Barrington High School graduate, who is now a concert pianist. Truly remarkable. Enjoy this mid-winter month, Megan Weisberg Editor-in-Chief megan.weisberg@jwcmedia.com

Closer Look’s Aimée Vickers wearing Max Mara, neimanmarcus.com

“We just installed all new windows at our house and we love them! Before we made our decision we went to the manufacturer’s plant to see how the windows were made. We were concerned at first because Russ’s price was more than half of his competitor’s quoted price. After our tour we were very comfortable with our decision. Installation day was quick and painless. Our house was left in great condition. I highly recommend this company!”

CULTURE, MURMURS & STYLE

Williams Athletic Club

Country Magazine sat down with Susi Proudman, founder and CEO of Williams Athletic Club, to learn about this new brand in the apparel space.

What was the impetus for starting Williams Athletic Club? Williams Athletic Club was born from a simple but persistent frustration: women were being asked to choose between performance and polish. After more than three decades developing products for some of the world’s most respected global brands, I witnessed how technical innovation was advancing, yet women’s golf and sport-lifestyle apparel remained overly logo-driven, trend-focused, and rarely built to last. I wanted to create a brand that honors women who play sports as part of a full, multifaceted life, where what they wear on the course transitions seamlessly into everything that follows. What is the gap in the marketplace that Williams Athletic Club is filling? Williams Athletic Club provides elevated performance apparel that is re ned, timeless, and crafted with the same rigor as luxury fashion. Our focus is not on fast trends or loud branding, but on fabric innovation, exceptional t, and

a wardrobe approach that allows women to invest once and wear often, whether it be on the course, at the club, or beyond.

Who is your customer? Our customer is con dent, discerning, and deeply engaged

in an active lifestyle, but she does not de ne herself by a single sport. She appreciates understated luxury, thoughtful details, and brands that re ect her values of authenticity, longevity, and modern femininity. She is not chasing trends; she is building a wardrobe.

What can we expect from Williams Athletic Club in the years ahead? Williams Athletic Club will continue to build thoughtfully and with intention. You can expect continued expansion and investment in innovation, with new fabrications, re ned silhouettes, and versatile pieces that elevate the way women experience sport-lifestyle dressing. We are not here to be everywhere; we are here to build something lasting. williamsathleticclub.com

SHANA VITEK

EQUITY PARTNER

BEERMANN

LLP

Shana Vitek is an Equity Partner at Beermann LLP, the largest family law firm in the country. For more than 20 years, she has practiced divorce and family law exclusively. She handles a wide range of cases, including divorces for business owners, high-profile and high-net-worth clients. Vitek’s ability to handle any type of case has allowed her to become one of only a few attorneys in Illinois to be Board Certified in Family Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. She is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and serves on the Board of Governors for the Illinois Chapter. “Every family is different, so each case that I handle needs an individualized approach,” she says. “All initial consultations include information about the alternatives to litigation and keeping the divorce process out of court.” In addition to being a litigator, Vitek is also a trained mediator, arbitrator, and collaborative attorney. If a case can be handled using a cooperative approach, that is her preferred process. “It is more respectful, allowing the parties to decide what is best for their family while maintaining confidentiality and keeping sensitive personal details out of the public record.” Vitek believes it is important to give back to the community. She is Chair of the Beermann LLP Family Law Clinic. In partnership with Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, this first of its kind family law clinic provides pro bono legal services to individuals going through domestic relations proceedings who could not otherwise afford legal representation. “We feel strongly about giving back to the community, and given the size of our firm, we are in a unique position to make a big difference for clients who would otherwise go unrepresented in family law matters,” says Vitek. For more information visit beermannlaw.com/team/shana-l-vitek.

FORME®

A transformative solution for daily posture training, Forme® was engineered by an orthopedic surgeon. Forme®’s patented posture transformation technology instantly transforms your whole body alignment, giving you the foundation of good posture to allow you to function and live at your highest potential, everyday. Forme has brought transformative impact to the equestrian community by introducing posture-correcting apparel designed to support riders’ health, performance, and recovery. Equestrians face constant strain on their core, shoulders, and back from hours of training and competition. Forme’s patented technology naturally aligns the body, improves breathing, and activates muscle memory for better stability in the saddle. Riders report reduced pain, enhanced endurance, and greater confidence, allowing them to focus fully on connection with their horses. Trusted by athletes across disciplines (not only equestrians), Forme empowers athletes to perform stronger, recover faster, and sustain long-term musculoskeletal wellness. forme.science

BETSY JANE

Betsy Jane’s high-quality fragrances represent the intersection of wellness and home, elevating daily life. Founded by Katy Khurana and hand-poured in Wilmette, these beautiful candles inspire moments of peace and enchant the senses—providing a clean, slow burn and a delicious aroma that envelops your space. Inspired by family, nature, and the serenity of Chicago’s suburbs, the Core Collection is available year-round and includes five fragrances: Northshore, Sheridan, Coast, Banyan, and Rose. These 12-ounce double-wick candles o er unique fragrance combinations ranging from bright and energizing citrus notes, to marine notes of sea salt, peony and mint, to woody, spicy scents of leather, teakwood and clove, and more. Seasonal scent collections, including the Betsy Jane Valentine’s Duo (Chantilly and Santal), are available in limited-edition batches throughout the year. shopbetsyjane.com

Luxury skincare brand, BONJIL is redefining beauty as a multi-sensory experience. Transforming daily routines into purposeful, indulgent rituals, engaging all five senses—sound, scent, touch, sight, and taste—while delivering visible results. Each formula blends advanced bioengineering with rare, high-performance actives like Marine Collagen, French Caviar Extract, and Probiotic Ferments, o ering both visible results and a deeply calming, immersive application experience.

As part of the sensory experience, BONJIL’s Aesthetic Alcove music boxes transform skincare into a symphony of the sense—where sound, touch, and scent flow in harmony to restore balance and beauty. Learn more at bonjil.com

PEACE OF MIND PLANNING

Thoughtful estate planning from Russo Law is built on trust, empathy, and experience.

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

Every year, Russo Law O ces has several clients who open estate planning conversations with the same refrain: “I wish I had done this sooner.” With children grown and retirement approaching, many admit estate planning had been on their to-do list since their kids were young—but life got in the way.

“We reassure them that it’s not too late—and that they’re not alone in starting this process later in life,” says rm owner Allyson Russo.

Once a thoughtful estate plan is in place—one that responsibly protects their children—clients feel an immediate sense of relief. “ ey leave with the peace of mind they’ve been missing,” Russo explains, “knowing the right structures are now in place to ensure everything runs smoothly, whatever the future brings.”

And the experience doesn’t end there. “Not only do clients trust us, but many are so happy with the process that they refer other family members to us as well,” Russo adds. “We consider that to be the greatest compliment.”

It’s a familiar story at Russo Law O ces, where estate planning, probate, trust administration, and small business advising are the rm’s primary focus.

Russo began practicing estate planning in 2010 after years in corporate business law. She has worked at large international rms and boutique estate planning practices in Boston and Chicago and holds an LL.M. in Taxation from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, a J.D. from the University of Michigan, and a B.A. in Mathematics, magna cum laude, from Boston College.

In 2014, she founded Russo Law O ces, which has since grown to include four attorneys and three paralegals. “We work as a team,” says Russo, “so there’s always someone available when a client needs us.”

Being locally based is another advantage. “Many of us live right here in the community,” Russo says. “We love working with our neighbors and contributing in a meaningful way.”

“Estate planning has always appealed to me,” she adds. “Our goal is to help people nd the comfort that comes with a solid plan—peace of mind, clarity, and security.”

Many clients come to Russo Law when they have young children and want to ensure their families are protected. “ ey want to leave things in good order,” Russo says.

With every client relationship, trust is paramount. “Beyond experience and technical knowledge, empathy and discretion are essential,” she explains. “Every family is di erent, and these conversations aren’t easy. No one likes to think about what happens after they’re gone, so we do everything we can to make the process as positive and reassuring as possible.”

It’s often those complexities that cause people to delay estate planning—especially when they’re young and healthy. “But that’s actually the best time to do it,” Russo says. “If something unexpected happens, having a plan in place when your children are young matters most.”

e bottom line: if you want your wishes honored, your assets distributed as intended, and decisions kept out of the courts, an estate plan is essential.

“We have a dedicated team to help you every step of the way,” Russo says. “Life is unpredictable, and our mission is to make sure your family and livelihood are protected.”

For more information, visit russolaw.com.

After studying at Pepperdine and earning her MBA from Carnegie Mellon, Grand Rapids native Aimée Vickers built a diverse career in entertainment and corporate America. Moving to Barrington in 2020 with her husband and blended family of five kids, Vickers shifted toward entrepreneurship to create something meaningful and flexible for her family. As such, she opened YogaSix Barrington in 2022, inspired by her lifelong love of yoga and her desire to build a warm, modern community space that strengthens people from the inside out.

EDITED BY MORGAN HOGERTY / PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD HAIR AND MAKEUP BY DORIA DEBARTOLO / STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

Actress to play you in a movie?

Meghann Fahy

Person from history to travel with?

Frida Kahlo

Look for inspiration?

I’m continually inspired by our yoga teachers and the community we’ve built

Favorite book? e Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemmingway

Most beloved cookbook? e Modern Proper @themodernproper

Dinner party hack?

Make most of everything the day before so you can focus on the details day-of

What’s in your bag?

Summer Fridays Lip Oil, phone, Rodina Botanicals Wild Meadows cuticle oil, Barebells protein bar, Mentos gum, a change of clothes for after yoga and my never ending to-do list!

Gadget:

AIMÉE LOVES

Scent:

Barrington spot:

Hostess gift to receive:

APRÈS SKI

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF IAN MCLEOD

The Barrington Junior Women's Club annual fashion show fundraiser was an Après Ski Fashion Show that took place in the chicest chalet in town. Guests indulged in signature cocktails, decadent bites, luxe boutique shopping, and dazzling live and silent auctions—all with a touch of alpine glam and plenty of apres-ski fun. Proceeds benefited BJWC's community programming, local nonprofit grants, and scholarship recipients. bjwc.org

firm meets the precision of boutique practices. Our collaborative team of specialized attorneys works seamlessly across disciplines, delivering tailored solutions for every legal need.

David Yurman, Starburst 18k Gold Tennis Bracelet with Diamonds, mytheresa.com

ON OUR RADAR

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THE MODERN GENTLEMAN

The team at Elite Clothes for Men explore how intention, craftsmanship, and versatility are reshaping the suit and sport coat for today’s world in this quarterly column.

WORDS BY PETER OSTROWSKI / PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASKO OMEROVIC

In 2026, men’s tailoring has shifted from rigid corporate uniforms to a philosophy of “intentional elegance.” e suit and the sports coat remain the pillars of a man’s wardrobe, but their roles have become more uid. Men no longer wear a suit because they must; they choose either a suit or a sport coat as an expression of personal style. is year’s suit is de ned by “ e New Structure.” After seasons of oversized silhouettes, tailoring has returned to a balanced, architectural shape. Natural shoulders, slightly higher waistlines, and trousers with a clean drape create a look that feels modern yet timeless. Fabric innovation is at a high point, with high-twist wools and bamboo-silk blends o ering breathability and wrinkle resistance. For those ready to invest, the Elite Clothes For Men Custom Program provides a precise 2026 t built around proportion.

If the suit is cohesive, the sport coat is versatile. Designed to stand alone, it embraces richer textures and more expressive patterns. Heritage fabrics like Donegal tweed, hopsack, and open-weave linen have returned, adding tactile depth that a smooth worsted suit cannot match.

e sport coat has also become the essential “bridge” garment for an increasingly hybrid professional world. Paired with dark denim or re ned chinos, it reads polished yet approachable—appropriate for a meeting, a gallery opening, or dinner.

A key shift in 2026 is the “separation” of the suit. Men are wearing high-quality suits as modular pieces: the jacket as a sport coat, the trousers with knitwear. is approach extends wardrobe utility and encourages experimentation with color, moving beyond the traditional navy-and-charcoal palette toward tones like olive, terracotta, and sand.

Mastery of 2026 style lies in understanding the nuance between suit and sport coat: one symbolizes re ned structure, the other expressive versatility. Together, they de ne modern elegance.

Elite Clothes for Men is located at 202 S. Cook Street in Barrington. For more information or to schedule a personalized appointment, call 224-655-2234 or visit eliteclothesformen.com.

Look

THE DIVORCE TRANSFORMATION: A NEW BEGINNING

Divorce is increasingly recognized not as a failure but as an opportunity for personal growth, emotional healing, and a fresh start toward a more fulfilling life.

WORDS BY SHANA VITEK / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE BERRE STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA / HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST

For many people, the word divorce still raises images of courtroom battles, endless con ict, and a process designed to punish rather than protect. After 23 years of practicing family law in Illinois, I can say that this outdated narrative no longer serves the people going through it. Divorce is not the end of a story—it is a transition. And when approached intentionally, it can be the beginning of a healthier, more stable, and more ful lling chapter.

e modern divorce starts with a shift in mindset. Instead of asking, How do I win? the more productive question is, Where do I want to be when this is over? at question—simple as it sounds— forms the foundation of a successful divorce strategy.

At the very beginning of the process, attorney client communication is critical. No two families, nances, or futures are the same. Yet many people come into divorce assuming there is a standard formula or a one-size- ts-all approach. ere isn’t. A good attorney listens rst; they learn what matters most to their client, and tailor a strategy accordingly.

is is why early, honest, conversations are so important. Clients should be prepared to discuss and prioritize their goals for post-divorce life at the start. Is nancial security the top concern? Stability for children? Preserving a business, minimizing con ict, or maintaining a workable co-parenting relationship? ese priorities guide every decision that follows. Without them, cases tend to drift—issues pile up, emotions take over, and the process becomes longer, more expensive, and more exhausting than it needs to be.

When your attorney knows what you want at the end of the process, the path forward becomes clearer. Strategies can be developed to achieve those goals as e ciently as possible. at e ciency is not about rushing—it’s about intention. It means focusing energy and resources where they matter most, rather than ghting battles that don’t move you closer to the life you want.

Divorce, of course, is emotional. Even the most level-headed people can get pulled into the weeds when old resentments surface or con ict escalates. is is where having clearly de ned goals becomes invaluable. When things get heated, we go back to them. We refocus on the future rather than relitigating the past. Goals act as an anchor, reminding everyone involved—clients, attorneys, and sometimes even opposing parties—what truly matters.

Another critical but often overlooked part of modern divorce is understanding the range of processes available. Many people are surprised to learn that a signi cant number of divorces are resolved without ever stepping into a courtroom. Negotiated settlements, mediation, and other collaborative approaches can reduce stress, save money, and are con dential, preserving dignity for everyone involved. ese options are often better not only for spouses, but also for children and extended families.

Unfortunately, many clients begin the divorce process without knowing these alternatives exist. Lack of information breeds fear.

When people assume court is inevitable, they brace for con ict— even when it may not be necessary. Education changes that dynamic. Understanding the available paths empowers clients to make informed decisions and gives them a sense of control during a time when much can feel uncertain.

Ultimately, the modern divorce is about a partnership with your attorney that is not adversarial or transactional—it is collaborative and forward-looking. When clients are informed, heard, and focused on the future, divorce becomes less about what is ending and more about what is being built.

Divorce will never be easy. But it does not have to be devastating. I strongly believe that division of a family is not synonymous with the destruction of a family. With clear goals, open communication, and clear information, it can be a process that leads not just to closure, but to hope for a brighter future ahead.

For more information, visit beermannlaw.com and follow @shanavitek on Instagram.

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There and Back Again

There’s no one reason or route to walk the Camino de Santiago, which is why so many—like Barrington’s Kai Glowacki—keep returning.

WORDS BY ANTHONY HEAD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY KAI GLOWACKI

Kai Glowacki is back in Barrington—at least for now. Since May 2023, he has made repeated trips to western Europe to walk the Camino de Santiago, a network of historic pilgrimage routes dating to the ninth century. For him, the Camino is a journey that never truly ends.

e Camino de Santiago ( e Way of St. James) began with medieval pilgrims traveling to the tomb of Saint James the Apostle at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, an autonomous community in northwest Spain. Over the centuries, multiple routes to this destination developed across Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal—each with its own spurs, traditions, and personal motivations.

Glowacki has completed two routes solo, and two of his adult children accompanied him on a third route. Modern pilgrims like Glowacki carry their own reasons for walking—and for returning. “You will never take the same hike twice. Maybe that’s why so many return to the Camino again and again.”

the status

Following his mother’s death, Glowacki completed his rst pilgrimage in November 2022. Now planning his fourth trip, he explains that while the scenery and fellow pilgrims change with each route, certain emotional experiences remain constant. “When I’m walking, I’m thinking deeply, and seeing everything around me at the same time, so it’s … more like prayer or meditation,” Glowacki explains.

On June 7, 2025, Glowacki was one of the 15,000 to 20,000 people from around the world who gathered at Paris’ Church of Saint-Sulpice, a grand historic cathedral dating to 1646, to start a pilgrimage on the Camino Francés ( e French Way). His backpack was adorned with patches from previous pilgrimages, and his hand-painted banner bloomed with religious iconography—the St. James Cross and an eagle representing both strength and St. John the Evangelist.

From Paris, the pilgrims walked about 50 miles southwest toward Our Lady of Chartres Cathedral, moving together through the French countryside with a shared esprit de corps. “ ere were Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, church groups, tourists, and thousands of people like me,” Glowacki says. “It’s a growing movement with the younger generation. We reached Chartres Cathedral on Pentecost Monday. ere were banners waving and church bells ringing, and the smell of incense lled the air. ere was a lot of joy. I felt at home.”

“There was a lot of joy. I felt at home.”

After reaching Chartres, Glowacki continued alone to the Normandy Coast to visit the 11th-century Romanesque abbey sitting at the pinnacle of Mont-Saint-Michel. Feeling pulled to explore further, he traveled another 90 miles to Brittany, which has its own branch of the pilgrimage route. ere, he walked through the walled city of Saint-Malo and visited the Saint-Vincent-deSaragosse Cathedral.

“I didn’t originally plan Saint-Malo at all,” Glowacki says. “It was a spontaneous decision, and I liked it very much.”

Glowacki’s daughter Veronica, 29, says the Camino brought her father’s passions—walking, nature, and faith—into powerful alignment.

“I’m so proud of him. When he came back from that rst trip, he was still my same dad, but he returned very happy and feeling accomplished.”

In September 2024, Veronica and her brother, Anthony, 37, joined their father for a 10-day, 150-mile walk from Portugal into Spain.

“ is was very much outside my comfort zone,” Veronica says. “But I knew I’d regret not doing this with my father. It was so meaningful to him.”

Anthony adds, “Every day you wake up and walk for eight to 10 hours. It tests you mentally and physically because you just have to keep moving.”

“You absolutely must take care of your feet and break in your shoes long before you begin,” Anthony says, recalling an early and common setback. “You’re accountable to yourself, but if you can’t make it, that becomes a crisis on the trail. It de nitely surprised me because I hadn’t understood the magnitude of what he did.”

“ e beginning was hard,” Veronica says. “My dad was knowledgeable, and that gave me comfort. As it went along, it became calm. e eucalyptus trees smelled so wonderful. e scenery became magical—ancient Roman roads, old bridges. It felt meditative.”

Glowacki, who had endured

his own challenges on earlier trips, knew the Camino’s unspoken covenant: pilgrims look after one another. His experiences also taught him to look for other possibilities. “ ere are so many di erent routes,” he says. “I wanted to take one where you have to take a boat to Padrón, in Spain, to walk the last stage toward Santiago. In the beginning, Anthony and Veronica didn’t think it made sense.”

Yet, Glowacki was eager to share the Camino’s lesson— sometimes the way that seems least logical becomes the most transformative. “Along the way, there are 12 crosses and the ruins of a castle. My son said it reminded him of e Lord of

the Rings ey both thought Padrón was very signi cant.”

On a drizzly day, the Glowacki family reached Santiago de Compostela as bagpipers played to welcome pilgrims into the city. ere were people everywhere, experiencing a range of emotions.

“ ey were laughing at me because I was acting like a boy again,” Glowacki says, recalling the memory of his children that day. “I was so excited. And they felt it too.”

Anthony says, “ ere was relief and even a bit of disbelief that it was over and we’d arrived. Lessons were learned, and now, I have the experience, so I’d do it again for sure.”

“With more distance from the trip, the more I long for it,” Veronica adds. “I know it was really hard, but I’d love to do it again, maybe even by myself.”

Both siblings say their father’s perspective has broadened—and theirs along with it. “ e Camino never ends,” they now say. “ e Camino is a journey, like life, and it’s important to keep moving.”

For Glowacki, staying open to life’s possibilities remains a robust calling. Many Camino routes remain unexplored, and the pull is as strong as ever.

e Camino keeps calling to Kai Glowacki. And soon, he will once again be there.

“The Camino is a journey, like life, and it’s important to keep moving.”

ROBB STEALS TIME TO SWIM

Kildeer’s Chris Robb—a multiple state swimming medalist at Stevenson High School in the 1980s—resurfaces as an open water marathon swimmer.

WORDS BY BILL MCLEAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD

Chris Robb was a four-limbed sh since he can remember. A native of Bu alo Grove, he gave swimming a try at the age of 6. at attempt went about as swimmingly as a certain British ocean liner’s maiden voyage to New York City in 1912.

“I could barely nish a lap,” he recalls.

But Robb continued to return to the pool throughout his childhood and ended up collecting three top-eight relay state medals as a member of Stevenson High School’s boys’ swimming and diving teams from 1985-1989. e future scientist hit the books rather than the water at the University of Nebraska, majoring in chemical engineering. e father of two (25-year-old Christopher and 21-year-old Isabella, with his wife, Flor) served several pharmaceutical companies, most recently, at Amgen, a global biotechnology company, as executive director of business development in Deer eld before retiring on January 6, 2026. It was at Horizon erapeutics, in 2013, when he rst heard about Open Water Chicago (OWC) from a colleague’s friend and decided to “get back into swimming.” Launched in 2007, OWC provides opportunities for outdoor swimming, tness, and endurance sports in Chicago.

“ e group trains in Lake Michigan every week, beginning at 5:30 a.m.,” Robb says. “It’s very informal. We swim a mile each time. My rst time, it was cold, my ears got cold, and I got dizzy. No swim cap. e water temperature was 70 degrees. Seventy degrees now is warm to me.”

Some two years later, he started signing up for competitive swims, including the annual Big Shoulders 5K Swim

in Lake Michigan. On September 21, 2025, it took Robb 55 minutes, 29 seconds to complete two miles at the Chicago River Swim on September 21, 2025, an event organized by Barrington’s Doug McConnell, co-founder of the nonpro t A Long Swim and an open-water marathon swimmer who completed the crossing of the English Channel in 2011, the Catalina Channel in 2012, and Manhattan Island, among other marathon swims.

A Long Swim designs and manages open-water swimming events that raise funds for collaborative ALS worldclass research. It has raised around $2 million to date. Robb swims for the late Paul Launer of Barrington. A cheer dad like Robb, Launer died from ALS in 2015. e last time humans raced in a Chicago River Swim was in 1927, when an Illinois Athletic Club member named Johnny Weissmuller nished in rst place. If the name sounds familiar, you must go ape over ape men. Weissmuller portrayed Tarzan in 12 movies between 1932 and 1948.

“Epic,” Robb says of the experience. “ e scenery, the architecture, the atmosphere of the event—all cool. I felt honored to be part of it. Doug McConnell is ercely competitive but humble at the same time. People had asked me, ‘Wait, is it safe to swim in that river?’ It is now. It did not smell funny, taste funny, and I did not get an infection or illness.”

e historic event raised $150,000 for ALS research and youth swim safety education, all while celebrating decades of environmental progress.

Speaking of lengthy periods of time, Robb plans to stick with swimming for as long as his arms and legs can agitate water. In addition to maintaining his status as an OWC “Lake Monster” and maybe one day earning the OWC moniker “Ice Monster” for having completed a Lake Michigan swim in frigid conditions, he trains four to ve times a week in the pool (3,000 yards per visit) at Lifetime Fitness in Lake Zurich.

His workouts there aren’t casual ones. ere’s a fellow swim dart who trains there as well and whom Robb knows is clearly faster than he is. Robb would like nothing more than to steadily close the gap between the pair in the chlorinated water.

“For me, swimming is meditative,” he says, adding he appreciated the discipline the sport had instilled in him as a teen. “And it’s good for you, physically and mentally. I could always count on swimming to give me a lift after a tough day at work. Since joining OWC, every time I had to travel for work, I’d pack my suit and goggles.”

Robb and Flor rst met as young employees at the Amoco in Bu alo Grove. He worked the cashier. So did she. ey raised a son and daughter who both helped raise the roof as cheerleaders at home Lake Zurich High School games. Christopher, one of the rst male cheer members at LZHS, continued his cheer career at Michigan State University. Isabella was Teen Miss Lake County and still competes in pageants while she is nishing her senior year at the University of Tennessee.

Robb is a lm noir bu . His favorite all-time $ick in the genre is e Postman Always Rings Twice. e TV channel Classic Turner Movies is always on when he’s ddling around at home, and his guilty viewing pleasure is watching episodes of the reality show Selling Sunset

Now that he’s a young retiree, a half-decade shy of 60, he has more free hours each day to slake his thirst for those pastimes.

“People have asked me, ‘What do you plan to do in retirement?’” Robb says. “I’ve told them, ‘Go for more swims.’”

For more information, visit alongswim.org and openwaterchicago.com

On Your Mark, Get Set

Swim!

Local swimmer Chris Robb, 55, o ers advice—gear-wise and technique wise—for those itching to log miles in the water regularly.

Former Stevenson High School swimming standout Chris Robb (Class of 1989) returned to the sport of his youth in 2013, joining Open Water Chicago.

A two-time state fth-place medal winner in relays (400-yard freestyle in 1987, 200-yard medley in 1988), the current Kildeer resident now stays in super shape by training at a local Lifetime Fitness several times a week and racing in a handful of distance events each year.

He wears a Speedo jammer—a knee-length, form- tting suit designed to reduce drag and improve hydrodynamics—and Sporti HydroEdge Celerity Photochromic Goggles.

“For open-water swimmers, those goggles are the best because they’re more comfortable around the eyes,” says Robb.

While training, nothing beats donning Zygo underwater headphones, he adds. He dubbed his 11-hour, 5-minute playlist “Swim Ultimate.” It’s mostly rock songs from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, along with country tunes.

Sporti also makes power swim paddles that you attach to your thumbs.

“ ose,” Robb explains, “force you to do strokes properly. E ciency in the water is so important in swimming.”

But executing a smooth kick, he insists, should be the No. 1 aim of a swimmer at any level.

“It all starts with the kick in my opinion, then bring in the arms,” Robb says. “Wear fins while training; they create friction and they’re helpful for muscle strengthening. A good kick helps you attain balance, coordination, and rhythm. With a good, e cient kick, your pace will improve.”

—Bill McLean

SINCERELY,

For decades, M.J. Miller has built a legacy in Barrington, shaping lives and his community with the care and brilliance of a finely cut diamond.

WORDS BY JANIS MVK / PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP

Barrington has its landmarks and its stories, and among them, Mike Miller stands as a living testament to a community’s heart and history. Also known as M.J., founder of M.J. Miller & Co.—Barrington’s go-to ne jeweler for more than half a century—Miller’s story isn’t just of professional success. It’s a love letter to the community that’s shaped, supported, and allowed him to pour his energy back into the people who call it home.

Miller’s journey stands as a heartfelt tribute to a community he has devoted decades of service, mentorship, and a dedication to offering only the best. “Barrington is my home. I have great friends, a wonderful community, and it’s been my place of business—both pharmacy and jewelry—for 58 years,” he says. “I sell happiness, and I’ve enjoyed this community for my entire career.”

His relationship began long before he ever opened his doors as a jeweler. At 10, his uncle—one of Barrington Hills’ developers— brought him along to help maintain the acreage. ose summers planted his roots. “I got to know Barrington well, enjoyed the people, and fell in love with the community,” he says.

By the age of 16, Miller had the privilege of spending a day with world-renowned jeweler, Harry Winston. at one day was the equivalent of a college education, recalls Miller. Winston said to him, “I’ll give you one piece of advice,” Miller recalls, “even I, Harry Winston, can’t own everything. But everything I own will be the best.

If everything you o er is the best, you’ll be treating your clients right, and that will carry on for generations.”

After returning to Barrington after attending pharmacy school in North Dakota, Miller bought Esh Pharmacy allowing him a chance to launch his career. However, Winston’s words stayed with him. He decided to divide the building, running pharmacy and jewelry side-by-side. Although an uncommon pairing, it became a local xture.

“I followed Harry’s advice,” Miller says. “I give my clients the best quality available, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the most expensive. We have pieces from $100 to millions. ere’s something here for everyone, but it will always be the best quality.”

at principle of quality has always been matched by a deep commitment to people. His father had instilled that long before Winston ever appeared in his story. His father’s message was simple: reach out, mentor, and help young people who are struggling and need guidance. Miller took that to heart mentoring countless young individuals and helping them nd direction—whether that was personally or professionally.

Fueled by the words of his mentors, paired with his own tenacity

“I sell happiness, and I’ve enjoyed this community for my entire career.”

and dedication to guide others with the best service, Miller built his own legacy that embodied those values. He has been a cornerstone supporter of local philanthropic organizations—Barrington Youth Services, the Masonic Lodge, Gateway Foundation, and GiGi’s Playhouse, among others.

One of his biggest personal accomplishments was starting Turning Point USA with the late Charlie Kirk. “I had never heard an adult professional speaker do what Charlie could do at 18,” says Miller. ey met for dinner, talked ideas, and Miller recognized potential that needed nurturing. He provided the support that allowed Kirk to begin helping college students who felt unheard. ese relationships are born not of obligation, but of genuine connection and his belief that investing in people is the most meaningful way to invest in a community.

“I’ve run my business with the highest ethics, a commitment to education, and a focus on taking care of people’s needs,” he says. “Being there to guide young people through difcult times is important to me. I’ve been through many challenges in my life, and I want to help them nd the right direction.”

Mike Miller

Despite the decades behind him, Miller is hardly slowing down. “Now in my older age, I’ve cut back to working only 100 hours a week,” he wryly says. To him, success is never accidental. “It takes patience, hard work, integrity, stamina, grit, dedication, and long hours. Being great to your clients—every single one of them—is what it’s all about. Enjoy your journey, because it truly becomes your life.”

From those early days cutting land to a lifetime devoted to helping others, Miller has forged a lasting legacy in the community he loves. Nurturing and guiding young people, supporting local organizations, and helping Barrington thrive—like the trusted jeweler he is—has made others shine their brightest. Honoring the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring the next generation, Miller’s legacy carries that love and dedication forward.

Healing Takes Full Shape

In moments when life feels overwhelming, Embody Mental Health o ers a sanctuary for whole-person healing, guiding individuals through the pain of grief, trauma, and stress with care and clarity.

Founded by licensed clinical social worker Marie Gorman, this Barrington practice’s name captures its essence—healing that begins with the connection between mind and body.

Gorman’s journey towards mental health began early, sparked by empathy and shaped by personal loss. As a teenager, she experienced the traumatic loss of a dear friend. e impacts of this tremendous loss led her to engage in trauma-informed grief therapy with a licensed clinician. By participating as a patient, Gorman experienced rst-hand the bene ts of therapy-based mental health care. In response, Gorman dedicated her education and career to understanding psychological trauma, or what’s often referred to as traumatic stress or PTSD. “I knew then that I wanted to be a part of bringing the same emotional and psychological healing to others that my therapist had o ered me,” Gorman re ected.

In 2020, Gorman launched Embody Mental Health, a practice designed to help patients not just survive but rediscover safety and authenticity within themselves. “I started my practice to provide specialized care for people experiencing

ences of every person, we provide care that is compassionate, equitable, and empowering,” says Gorman.

Despite the growing awareness around mental health, stigma still lingers. However, Gorman is passionate about dismantling it. “ e biggest misconception about mental health is that ‘there is something wrong with you’ if you need therapy,” she observes. “In reality, it is far more likely that there is something ‘wrong’ with your environment that has contributed to the challenges you are facing.”

At Embody, therapy is reframed as an act of strength and self-care; a way to nurture wellness as one might care for their physical health. “We often think about wellness in terms of exercise, nutrition, or sleep,” she notes. “But our emotional and psychological well-being are deeply connected to all of those things. When we take care of our minds, our bodies respond.”

Gorman, Lossau, and McGarvey don’t view their patients by their pathology or diagnosis. “We view people as whole and complex,” explains Gorman. “We believe that e ective mental health care includes incorporating the impacts of social systems, culture, history, environment, and access to resources to respond holistically to the needs of the patient.”

is philosophy extends beyond the therapy chair. e clinic also focuses on preventing and treating intergenerational trauma by working with parents to promote healing that ripples

“The biggest misconception about mental health is that ‘there is something wrong with you’ if you need therapy...”

the impacts of trauma and grief,” she explains. “I wanted to create a practice that not only treats symptoms but also addresses the root causes.”

With her degree from Jane Addams College of Social Work and specialized training in trauma-informed yoga, Gorman cultivated a practice rooted in both science and soul. She built her foundation on social work principles, evidence-based modalities, and the mindful wisdom of traditional yoga practices. Over time, she developed a particular specialization in complex trauma, perinatal mental health, and traumatic grief— elds that require both clinical expertise and genuine human understanding.

Today, Embody Mental Health is home to three dedicated clinicians—Gorman herself, Macy Lossau, a licensed social worker tending to people navigating the e ects of complex trauma, and Deb McGarvey, a licensed social worker who specializes in grief and loss.

Gorman, Lossau, and McGarvey believe that therapy is not a one-size- ts-all process. e three therapists take a person-in-environment approach, recognizing the broader context of an individual’s life, including their community, culture, and systemic in uences. Committed to inclusivity and equity, clinicians create a safe and a rming space for people of all backgrounds and identities. “By honoring the unique experi-

outward—to families, communities, and future generations. “Our hope is that people who engage in therapy at Embody feel more supported and more capable of living their authentic lives as a result of their care,” she says.

What comes with total embodiment healing are somatic practices, including mindfulness, breathwork, and trauma-informed yoga. ese strategies help patients reconnect with their bodies, processing the physical weight of trauma and freeing what the mind alone cannot carry. is integration and implementation, Gorman says, “has been shown to increase resilience and improve physical symptoms.”

In pursuit of integrated healing, Embody bridges the gap between mental and physical care through collaboration. Together with local medical professionals, Gorman’s practice aligns treatment to support every aspect of a patient’s wellness. is shared care often leads to what she describes as “mutual progress toward treatment goals,” as mind and body gradually move in harmony toward balance. It’s a testament to the power of holistic, mind-and-body-centered healing, where clinical care and compassion intersect.

Embody Mental Health is located at 148 S. Northwest Highway, Suite 202, in Barrington, embodymentalhealth.com, @embodymentalhealth.

Premier Doctors

Health and well-being deserve nothing short of exceptional attention, and these Barrington-area medical and wellness professionals are rede ning what modern care can be. From dentistry and internal medicine to spine surgery, each brings advanced expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a deeply personal approach to every patient encounter. eir care goes beyond treating symptoms, focusing instead on prevention, holistic wellness, and individualized solutions that support long-term vitality. By combining innovation, collaboration, and empathy, they create an environment where patients feel informed, supported, and empowered—turning complex health decisions into con dent, manageable steps and fostering wellness that lasts a lifetime.

PRODUCED BY KEMMIE RYAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES GUSTIN, IAN MCLEOD, MARIA BERRE PONCE, AND KATRINA WITTKAMP

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

HAIR & MAKEUP BY DORIA DEBARTOLO AND LEANNA ERNEST

Sponsored content

CHIRAG PATEL, M.D.

HANSA MEDICAL GROUPE

SPECIALTY: Internal Medicine & Geriatrics in Senior Living

EDUCATION: University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine

AWARDS/HONORS: American Academy of Home Care Physicians; American College of Physician Executives, Argentum Association, American Senior Housing Association, LeadingAge

As founder and CEO of Hansa Medical Groupe, Dr. Chirag Patel has built the largest senior living primary care network in the Midwest, that exclusively provides on-site medical services across more than 150 communities in seven states. His innovative model integrates Internal Medicine, Neurology, and Pain Management directly within Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care settings—o ering residents compassionate, coordinated care without ever having to leave home.

Dr. Patel’s forward-thinking approach has redened health care delivery in senior living, blending clinical excellence with convenience, empathy, and trust. By emphasizing prevention, communication, and continuity, Hansa Medical Groupe has reduced emergency visits and hospitalizations by nearly 60 percent in the communities it serves—improving outcomes and quality of life for thousands of residents. “Our goal is simple,” he says. “To help seniors live longer, healthier lives with dignity and independence.”

Inspired by the dedication of nurses, caregivers, and community sta , Dr. Patel continues to champion collaboration and innovation at every level. His leadership extends beyond medicine—advocating for the senior living industry on Capitol Hill, partnering with national operators and investors, and helping shape a sustainable, patient- rst model for the future of elder care nationwide.

Hansa Medical Groupe is located at 5250 Old Orchard Road, Suite 300, in Skokie, and 405 North Wabash, Suite 4710, in Chicago, 847-920-0902, hansamg.com.

LAUREN MATTEINI, M.D., FACS, FAAOS

& RACHEL PASSOW, PA-C

FOX VALLEY ORTHOPEDICS

SPECIALTY: Spine Surgery

EDUCATION:

Dr. Lauren Matteini: M.D., Georgetown University School of Medicine; Board Certi ed, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Rachel Passow: B.S., University of Minnesota, Twin Cities; MSPAS, University of Wisconsin – La Crosse

HONORS/AFFILIATIONS:

Dr. Matteini: Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS); Fellow, American College of Surgeons (ACOS); Founder, Boss Lady Docs

A respected spine surgeon with a reputation for precision, compassion, and collaboration, Dr. Lauren Matteini is rede ning what modern spine care can be. Board-certi ed and fellowship-trained, she brings advanced expertise in motion-preserving and minimally invasive techniques that help patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and return to the activities they love—o en faster and with less discomfort. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, Dr. Matteini leads with an approach that blends technical mastery and emotional intelligence. “Many people who come to me don’t need surgery— they need honest guidance, empowerment, and a plan that helps them move forward,” she says. Her direct, empathetic communication style fosters trust and encourages patients to take an active role in their health.

Joined by Rachel Passow, PA-C, the duo provides seamless, patient-centered treatment from diagnosis through recovery. Together, they deliver spine care that is as thoughtful as it is e ective. Passow works both in tandem with Dr. Matteini and also sees patients independently. Educated and trained in the Midwest, Passow nds the complexity of the spine specialty to be incredibly rewarding and especially enjoys the opportunity to work closely with patients and their families.

Alongside Dr. Matteini, the duo provide top-notch, thoughtful care to patients who come from Illinois and beyond for spine care. Beyond the operating room, Dr. Matteini is the founder of Boss Lady Docs, a Chicago-area network of more than 200 female physicians supporting one another through mentorship and collaboration. “Teamwork makes medicine better,” she says. “When we empower one another, we elevate the standard of care for everyone.”

Fox Valley Orthopedics is located at 420 W. Northwest Highway, Suite M, in Barrington, 855-386-7846 and has three locations in Elgin, fvortho.com/matteini, linkedin.com/in/ drlaurenmatteini, @drlaurenmatteini and @boss_lady_docs.

AGNIESZKA “AGGIE”

IWASZCZYSZYN, DMD HART DENTAL

SPECIALTY: General Dentistry

EDUCATION: B.S. in Biology, Loyola University of Chicago; DMD, University of Illinois Chicago, College of Dentistry

AWARDS/HONORS/ACCOLADES: OWL Award for Professional Excellence and Rookie of the Year Award, Barrington Chamber of Commerce; American Academy of Implant Dentistry Implant Maxi Course; member of Chicago Dental Society, American Academy of Dentistry, Illinois State Dental Society, American Academy of General Dentistry

Dr. Aggie Iwaszczyszyn believes dentistry should feel personal, not procedural. As founder of Hart Dental, she set out to rede ne what a dental experience can be—a calm, honest, and compassionate partnership built on trust. Founded in 2018, Hart Dental was created as a response to the rise of corporate dentistry, o ering patients something rare: integrity-driven, relationship-based care for all ages.

Known for her approachable, reassuring style, Dr. Aggie, who works alongside her mother, Dr. Iwona Iwaszczyszyn, takes pride in creating an atmosphere where patients feel heard and safe. “I want patients to know they can ask questions without fear or judgment,” she says. “Respect and understanding are where good care begins.”

Her philosophy blends empathy with excellence. She combines advanced imaging technology, biomimetic techniques, and a holistic understanding of oral health to deliver conservative, evidence-based results that protect both smile and structure.

Dr. Aggie is passionate about guiding patients through today’s overwhelming world of online health information. “Our role as doctors isn’t to compete with the internet,” she explains. “It’s to translate it—to help people make sense of what they read, separate fact from fear, and nd condence in real, science-based care.”

Hart Dental is located at 728 W. Northwest Highway in Barrington, 847-865-4278, hartdentalbarrington. com, @hartdentalbarrington.

SUNNY SHARMA, M.D., FACP, DIPABLM, CMD, RMO

DR. SUNNY SHARMA – MORE THAN A DOCTOR

SPECIALTY: Concierge Internal & Lifestyle Medicine

EDUCATION: B.S., University of Illinois at Chicago; M.D., Windsor University School of Medicine; Residency, West Suburban Medical Center

AWARDS/HONORS: Lifetime Achievement Awards for Compassionate Doctor, Patients’ Choice, and OnTime Physician

Dr. Sunny Sharma believes medicine should be personal, preventive, and profoundly human. As a double board-certi ed Internal and Lifestyle Medicine physician, he helps patients design wellness—beyond simply treating disease. rough his concierge practice, Dr. Sharma integrates nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, and purpose into every individualized care plan.

A native of the northwest suburbs, Dr. Sharma is the rst physician born at Ascension St. Alexius to return and practice there—bringing his career full circle. Known for his holistic, evidence-based approach, he blends training from Harvard in Health & Wellness Coaching, Cornell in Nutrition, and MIT in AI in Healthcare to deliver care that unites cutting-edge science with genuine connection.

“Medicine should heal the whole person,” he says. “My goal is to help patients live longer, feel stronger, and rediscover joy in their daily lives.”

Dr. Sharma continues to inspire through national presentations, educational initiatives like Plants Over Pills, and leadership within the Food as Medicine Network—advancing a future where prevention is the foundation of modern health care.

Dr. Sunny Sharma – More an A Doctor is located at 1555 Barrington Road, Doctors Building 1, Suite 310, in Ho man Estates, 224-273-6010, sunnysharmamd.com, @sunnysharmamd.

JOHN Q. COOK, M.D.

WHOLE BEAUTY INSTITUTE

RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, ATTENDING SURGEON, DIVISION OF PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

SPECIALTY: Plastic Surgery

EDUCATION: B.A., cum laude, Yale University; M.D., Northwestern University Medical School; M.S., Surgical Research, University of Illinois; post-graduate training, Rush University Medical Center and Northwestern University Medical Center

AWARDS/HONORS: U.S. News & World Report Top Doctor; Castle Connolly Top Doctors (over 10 consecutive years); Best Doctors in America; America’s Best Surgeons; Healthgrades Recognized Doctor; New York Times Super Doctors List; Marquis Who’s Who List

e foundation of Dr. John Q. Cook’s approach to plastic surgery and aesthetics is a passionate commitment to naturalism. For both surgical and aesthetic treatments, his goal is to create a result that looks like it belongs to the patient’s natural structure. “I love making people feel better about themselves. When we make a person look better, this enhances their self-image, and they take better care of themselves,” he says, explaining that his purpose is to be a trusted advisor to his patients. “In this way, plastic surgery and aesthetic treatments can be a gateway to better health and well-being, especially if we provide gentle encouragement along the way. As someone who is deeply interested in aesthetics, I want to nd a way to help each person achieve their very best form, and always in a way that respects each person’s natural structure.”

Dr. Cook has lectured at national and international meetings about his faceli technique under local anesthesia, the structural technique of breast li , which repositions natural tissue, the integration of facial surgery with medical aesthetics, and advanced techniques of body contour. “People have gone through a lot of extra stress over the past few years. I have changed my approach so that much of my surgery is done under local anesthesia, which has signicantly improved safety and the overall patient experience,” says Dr. Cook, who along with his team at the Whole Beauty® Institute in Chicago and Winnetka o er a continuum of surgical and medical aesthetic treatments individualized to each patient’s needs.

Whole Beauty® Institute is located at 737 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 760, in Chicago, and at 118 Green Bay Road in Winnetka, 312-751-2112 (Chicago), 847-446-7562 (Winnetka), johnqcookmd.com, wholebeautyinstitute.com, skinshopmd.com.

GAURAV SINGH, M.D., MPH, FAAD, FACMS

CITY OF HOPE® CANCER CENTER

SPECIALTY: Dermatology & Mohs Micrographic Surgery

EDUCATION: M.D., M.P.H., University of Miami; Dermatology Residency, New York University; Fellowship in Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology, University of California, San Diego

AWARDS/HONORS: Most Cited Researcher, Doximity; Presidential Volunteer Service Award; American Medical Association Research Award; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research Award; Je erson Award for Public Service

A leading expert in skin cancer management and treatment, Dr. Gaurav Singh brings world-class surgical skill and a deeply human approach to dermatologic care. As a double board-certi ed dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic surgeon at City of Hope Cancer Center, he combines innovation, precision and compassion to deliver the best possible outcomes.

Dr. Singh’s philosophy is simple: medicine works best when it’s a partnership. Known for his calm, communicative style, he takes time to listen and cra personalized treatment plans that t each patient’s goals and lifestyle. Having performed more than 10,000 Mohs and reconstructive procedures, he has extensive experience in treating both routine and highly complex skin cancers.

Regularly invited to lecture at national and international conferences, Dr. Singh also mentors future physicians and leads research in skin cancer management. “Earning a patient’s trust is a privilege,” he says. “My goal is always to treat the disease while restoring con dence, comfort, and quality of life.”

e experts at City of Hope Chicago’s robust skin cancer and melanoma program treat all stages of disease from initial diagnosis to advanced stages, which spans recurrent and metastatic disease and skin reactions from certain cancer treatments.

Dr. Singh practices at all three Chicago-area City of Hope locations: 2520 Elisha Avenue in Zion, 833-466-0843; 160 Upper E. Illinois Street in Chicago, 312477-2400; and 9300 Waukegan Road in Morton Grove, 847-675-3900, cityo ope.org/chicago.

SARA DICKIE, M.D.

SURGICAL AESTHETICS + RECONSTRUCTIVE ARTS

SPECIALTY: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of the Face, Breast, and Body

EDUCATION: University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine; Integrated Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Residency, University of Chicago Hospitals

AWARDS/HONORS: President-Elect, Plastic Surgery Foundation of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons; Diplomate, American Board of Plastic Surgery; Maliniac Fellow, Plastic Surgery Foundation; Castle Connolly Top Doctor 2025 & 2026; Volunteer Surgeon, Fresh Start Surgical Gifts; Medical Director, One Magni cent MedSpa (Wilmette, IL)

In the evolving world of modern medicine, Dr. Sara Dickie is known for her exceptional surgical technique and consistently outstanding outcomes by blending precision, insight, and empathy into every patient encounter.

A self-described realist, Dr. Dickie approaches her work with both scienti c rigor and compassionate clarity. “My goal is to help each patient truly understand their options,” she says. “Education allows people to take an active role in their care, and that leads to better outcomes.” Her individualized approach ensures that every patient receives the highest level of surgical expertise, along with enhanced con dence and trust.

Re ecting today’s appreciation for Quiet Luxury, Dr. Dickie believes subtle, re ned results make the most meaningful impact. A delicate enhancement restores con dence, boosts energy, and elevates everyday life. “ e art of surgery creates harmony and is more natural than noticeable,” says Dickie. Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Dickie extends her expertise serving on the board of directors for the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), actively engaging in the advancement of quality patient care and safety, physician training, ethics, research, and innovation in plastic surgery at the national level.

Beyond the operating room, Dr. Dickie stands out as a physician who pairs precision with purpose—a trusted expert with steady hands and generous spirit who makes a profound di erence locally and beyond.

Surgical Aesthetics + Reconstructive Arts is located at 9000 N. Waukegan Road, Suite 130, in Morton Grove, 847-999-7800, website: sara.surgery, email: scheduling@sara.surgery, Instagram: @sara.surgery.

LORI A. HALVORSON, AUD, FAAA, ABAC, CH-TM

DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY

DUET

HEARING PRESERVATION

SPECIALTY: Ear-to-Brain Hearing Health

EDUCATION: Doctor of Audiology, Arizona School of Health Sciences

AWARDS/HONORS: Mensa Member; O cial Safety Partner, Road America Racetrack; Adjunct Speaker, Northwestern University

Dr. Lori A. Halvorson has rede ned what it means to hear well. Founder of DUET Hearing Preservation, she pioneers an Ear-to-Brain approach that strengthens the brain’s listening pathways rather than simply amplifying sound. With more than 25 years of clinical experience, Dr. Halvorson blends expertise, curiosity, and compassion in a practice that bridges medicine, neuroscience, and longevity.

At the heart of her work is the DUET Method of Care™, a proprietary, biologically driven system for optimizing hearing and cognitive health. Integrating advanced biologic testing, functional auditory neuroscience, patient education, and personalized treatment, it addresses the complete pathway from Ear to Brainstem to Brain. Its guiding principles—Diagnostic Precision, Understanding Biologic Function, Education and Engagement, Treatment and Transformation—rede ne hearing care, emphasizing measurable outcomes and lifelong auditory tness.

Dr. Halvorson’s interventions enhance speech timing, reduce background noise, and preserve long-term auditory function. e DUET Method™ combines structured educational modules, biologic testing frameworks, and reproducible treatment protocols to optimize hearing and cognition.

An Adjunct Lecturer at Northwestern University and humanitarian volunteer with Hearing the Call, Dr. Halvorson embodies her philosophy: “Fitter, Not Just Louder™.” She sees patients at DUET Hearing Preservation in Lake Forest, Lake Forest Hearing in North eld, and Chicago, helping individuals preserve clarity, cognition, and con dence for life.

DUET Hearing Preservation is located at 267 E. Westminster Road in Lake Forest, 847-295-1185 and Lake Forest Hearing is located at 400 Central Avenue, Suite 100, in North eld, and 1030 North Avenue, Suite 300, in Chicago, 847-295-1185.

GEORGIA G. SPEAR, M.D., M.S. & SONYA BHOLE, M.D. NORTHWESTERN MEDICINE

- FEINBERG SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, LYNN SAGE COMPREHENSIVE BREAST CENTER

SPECIALTY: Breast Imaging EDUCATION:

Dr. Georgia G. Spear: B.S., Northwestern University; M.D., University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Residency (Chief Resident) and Fellowship in Breast Imaging, Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Dr. Sonya Bhole: B.S., Biology, Summa Cum Laude, Virginia Commonwealth University; M.D., Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine; Residency and Fellowship in Breast Imaging, Northwestern Memorial Hospital AWARDS/HONORS:

Dr. Spear: Chief of Breast Imaging and Vice Chair of Women’s Imaging, Northwestern Medicine; Professor of Radiology; Medical Director, Lynn Sage Comprehensive Breast Center; Susan G. Komen Civic Award; Phi Delta Epsilon Honoree; Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society; Iron Arrow Honor Society

Dr. Bhole: Director and Physician Lead, Ambulatory Breast Radiology, Evanston, Northwestern Medicine; Associate Professor of Radiology; Founder and Host, You’re a Doctor, Right? Podcast

At the forefront of women’s health, Dr. Georgia G. Spear and Dr. Sonya Bhole are shaping the future of breast health through early detection, advanced imaging, equitable access to care, and patient empowerment.

Dr. Spear, a national leading expert in breast cancer screening and early detection has advanced equitable access to care through innovation, research, education, and legislative advocacy. Dr. Bhole, an accomplished educator and clinician, is dedicated to empowering patients through information and engagement—bridging the gap between science and everyday understanding.

eir shared philosophy is simple yet profound: every woman deserves timely, compassionate, and personalized care. rough innovation, mentorship, and advocacy, they continue to rede ne excellence in breast imaging—ensuring that every patient feels informed, supported, and seen.

Northwestern Medicine – Lynn Sage Comprehensive Breast Center is located in Northwestern Memorial Hospital 250 E Superior Street, Fourth Floor, in Chicago, nm.org, Instagram: @youreadoctorright.

STEVEN BLOCH, M.D.

BODY BY BLOCH AND SKIN DEEP MEDICAL SPA

SPECIALTY: Plastic Surgery

EDUCATION: B.S., Syracuse University; M.D., Downstate Medical Center; General Surgery residency, Northwestern University; Plastic Surgery residency, University of Wisconsin

AWARDS/HONORS/DISTINCTIONS: Top Doctor, Castle Connolly; Top Doctor, U.S. News & World Report; Former President, Chicago Society Plastic Surgery

With an appreciation for classical art and sculpture, Dr. Steven Bloch is a master at working with the form and function of the human body. It’s this infusion of art and science that expertly guides his work as a leading plastic surgeon in the Chicago metropolitan area.

“Our appreciation for beauty remains steadfast in our desire to create the perfect ‘line,’” says Dr. Bloch. He is the founder of Body by Bloch and Skin Deep Medical Spa in Highland Park where his patients, each with varying visions for what they hope to achieve, come to him for his distinct craft and industry knowledge. “ e trust that the patient puts in me to alter their appearance is a bond between us,” he shares. “I usually start my consultation with a new patient by asking them what bothers them and what their expectations are.” It’s this degree of care and expertise that has fueled Dr. Bloch’s stellar reputation in the industry, resulting in appearances on e Oprah Winfrey Show, Discovery Health Channel, NBC, CBS, WGN, and Fox News, as well as print features in Vogue and Allure.

With four decades of experience in plastic surgery, Dr. Bloch has a unique ability to understand a patient’s vision based on skill, art, technique, and experience. He nds that his work o ers patients added con dence to engage with the world around them. In younger patients, Dr. Bloch works with integrity to modify their anatomy and match their vision for how they wish to look. Working to undo the ravages of time is typically the ambition for his older patients, in which case, Dr. Bloch expertly restores a more youthful body, which, as he shares, can “translate into a more vigorous and engaged interaction with the world around them.”

Body by Bloch and Skin Deep Medical Spa are located at 1160 Park Avenue West, Suite 2E, in Highland Park, 847-432-0840 (Body by Bloch), 847-432-0426 (Skin Deep Medical Spa), bodybybloch.com, skindeepmedicalspa.com.

PREMIER DOCTORS DIRECTORY

BREAST IMAGING

Sonya Bhole, M.D., Northwestern Medicine – Feinberg School of Medicine, Lynn Sage Comprehensive Breast Center, Specialty: Breast Imaging, 250 E Superior Street, Fourth Floor, Chicago, nm.org, @youreadoctorright

Georgia G. Spear, M.D. M.S., Northwestern Medicine – Feinberg School of Medicine, Lynn Sage Comprehensive Breast Center, Specialty: Breast Imaging, 250 E Superior Street, Fourth Floor, Chicago, nm.org

DERMATOLOGY

Gaurav Singh, M.D., MPH, FAAD, FACMS, City of Hope® Cancer Center, Specialty: Dermatology & Mohs Micrographic Surgery, 2520 Elisha Avenue, Zion, 833-466-0843; 160 Upper E. Illinois Street, Chicago, 312-477-2400; 9300 Waukegan Road, Morton Grove, 847-675-3900, cityo ope.org/chicago

GENERAL DENTISTRY

Agnieszka “Aggie” Iwaszczyszyn, DMD, Hart Dental, Specialty: General Dentistry, 728 W. Northwest Highway, Barrington, 847-865-4278, hartdentalbarrington.com, @hartdentalbarrington

HEARING HEALTH CARE

Lori A. Halvorson, AUD, FAAA, ABAC, CH-TM, Duet Hearing Preservation and Lake Forest Hearing, Specialty: Ear-toBrain Hearing Health, 267 E. Westminster Road, Lake Forest (Duet Hearing Preservation); 400 Central Avenue, Suite 100, North eld (Lake Forest Hearing); 1030 North Avenue, Suite 300, Chicago (Lake Forest Hearing), 847-295-1185 (Duet Hearing Preservation); 847-295-1185 (Lake Forest Hearing), lakeforesthearing. com, @duethearing; @lakeforesthearing

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Chirag Patel, M.D., Hansa Medical Groupe, Specialty: Internal Medicine & Geriatrics in Senior Living, 5250 Old Orchard Road, Suite 300, Skokie; 405 North Wabash, Suite 4710, Chicago, 847-9200902, hansamg.com

Sunny Sharma, M.D., FACP, DIPBLM, CMD, RMO, Dr. Sunny Sharma – More an A Doctor, Specialty: Concierge Internal & Lifestyle Medicine, 1555 Barrington Road, Doctors Building 1, Suite 310, Ho man Estates, 224-273-6010, sunnysharmamd.com, @sunnysharmamd

PLASTIC SURGERY

Steven Bloch, M.D., Body by Bloch and Skin Deep Medical Spa, Specialty: Plastic Surgery, 1160 Park Avenue West, Suite 2E, Highland Park, 847-432-0840 (Body by Bloch); 847-432-0426 (Skin Deep Medical Spa), bodybybloch.com; skindeepmedicalspa.com

John Q. Cook, M.D., Whole Beauty Institute; Rush University Medical Center, Specialty: Plastic Surgery, 737 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 760, Chicago and 118 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, 312-7512112 (Chicago); 847-446-7562 (Winnetka), johnqcookmd.com; wholebeautyinstitute.com; skinshopmd.com

Sara Dickie, M.D., Surgical Aesthetics + Reconstructive Arts, Specialty: Aesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Face, Breast, and Body, 9000 N. Waukegan Road, Suite 130, Morton Grove, 847-999-7800, Website: sara.surgery, scheduling@sara.surgery; @sara.surgery

SPINE SURGERY

Lauren Matteini, M.D., FACS, FAAOS, Fox Valley Orthopedics, 420 W. Northwest Highway, Suite M, Barrington, 855386-7846, fvortho.com/matteini, linkedin. com/in/drlaurenmatteini, @drlaurenmatteini, @boss_lady_docs

Rachel Passow, PA-C, Fox Valley Orthopedics, 420 W. Northwest Highway, Suite M, Barrington, 855-386-7846, fvortho.com

A WORLD OF WELL-BEING

Journey through Guatemala’s dramatic landscapes, then savor a nourishing recipe.

Green Vitality Mocktail

Twisted Alchemy transforms fresh fruit into cold-pressed juices relied on by mocktail enthusiasts for exceptional flavor and consistency.

RECIPE AND PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TWISTED ALCHEMY

INGREDIENTS

• 2 ounces Twisted Alchemy 100 percent Cold-Pressed Persian Lime Juice

• 1.5 ounces Twisted Alchemy 100 percent Cold-Pressed Pineapple Juice

• 2 ounces fresh cucumber juice (or blend and strain half a cucumber)

• 4–5 fresh mint leaves

• Top with sparkling water or coconut water

• Cucumber ribbons or lime wheel for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

In a shaker, muddle the mint leaves. Add the cucumber, lime, and pineapple juices with ice, then shake gently to combine. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass lled with ice, and top with sparkling water for a crisp nish or coconut water for extra hydration. Give it a light stir and garnish.

For more information, visit twistedalchemy.com.

Broccoli Salad

WORDS, STYLING, AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY FOOD EDITOR MONICA KASS ROGERS

When the local grocer puts an enormous box of gorgeous broccoli out for 69 cents a head, I donned my brainstorm beanie and hoped for !orets of inspiration! e result? My best broccoli e ort to date.

To make this composed salad, you’ll roast the !orets, oven-crisp and maple-glaze the chickpeas, mix in some chopped nuts, dates, and red onion, and toss everything together with a creamy lemon tahini dressing. For the best texture, be sure to eat the salad right after adding the chickpeas.

SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS

FOR THE ROAST BROCCOLI

• 2 large heads fresh broccoli

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Sprinkling of salt and garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon fresh minced oregano leaves

FOR THE SALAD

• Roast broccoli from above

• 1/2 cup nely chopped pitted Deglet Noor dates

• 1/2 cup chopped cashew nuts or roasted pecans

• Small bunch fresh cilantro, stems discarded, leaves chopped to make 1/2 cup

• Small bunch fresh parsley, stems discarded, leaves chopped to make 1/2 cup

• 1 small red onion, nely chopped

FOR THE CRISPY CHICKPEAS AND GLAZE

• 1 29-ounce can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed well

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Pinch salt

FOR THE TAHINI DRESSING:

• 1/2 cup tahini, stirred well before measuring

• 1/2 cup very nely grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or a bit more to taste)

• Juice of a large, fresh lemon to make 3 tablespoons

• Pinch of salt

• Several grinds of black pepper

• 1/4 cup water, or more as needed to make a smooth dressing

METHOD

With two racks as near to center position as possible, preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cover two sheet pans with parchment paper.

Drain, rinse, and dry chickpeas with paper towels. Spread the chickpeas on one of the prepared sheet pans and roast for 10 minutes. Remove chickpeas from oven. In a large bowl, combine oil, salt, paprika, and maple syrup. Stir in the chickpeas to coat well. Pour glazed chickpeas back onto the parchment-lined pan and place in oven for another 20 minutes until very well crisped.

Trim and discard the exterior of each head of broccoli’s main stalk. Cut broccoli into medium-sized orets (a bit bigger than bite-sized). Add all to a large bowl and toss with the olive oil, salt, minced oregano, and garlic powder. Spread orets on one of the prepared sheet pans. Roast for 30 minutes, tossing occasionally for even browning.

While the vegetables and peas roast, make dressing. In a medium bowl, combine tahini with nely grated parmesan, maple syrup, lemon juice, and garlic. Add water and blend well. Add more water if too thick. Season with salt and pepper.

In a large serving bowl, toss roasted broccoli with dates, nuts, cilantro, parsley, and red onion. Right before serving, add crispy chickpeas and toss with dressing, or plate individually and add a few dollops of dressing to each serving bowl.

TAPESTRY OF CULTURE

Traveling from Antigua’s colonial charm to the spiritual calm of Lake Atitlán, a Guatemalan journey weaves incredible experiences into a fabric of beautiful memories.

WORDS BY DUSTIN O’REGAN

Like a handwoven huipil, the traditional, embroidered, loose- tting tunic worn in Central America, our journey through Guatemala was threaded with history, beauty, nature, and culture. From the baroque streets of Antigua to the serenity of Lake Atitlán, each stop added a new strand to the fabric of our experience.

ANTIGUA

We began in Antigua, the former capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala—shaped by earthquakes, twice abandoned, and ultimately reborn as one of the world’s most beautifully preserved colonial cities. Nestled between three volcanoes, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a baroque treasure of cobblestone streets, pastel facades, and crumbling convents. Within its tight one-kilometer grid are 73 Catholic structures built by 13 di erent religious orders, making it both spiritually and architecturally enchanting. Strolling the streets, I couldn’t help but be reminded of Mexico’s San Miguel del Allende, Antigua’s “twin city.”

Our home base, Villa Bokéh, is Antigua’s most re ned retreat and was recently recognized by the 50 Best Discovery list, an international guide highlighting the world’s top accommodations. Founder Claudia Bosch and her three daughters have transformed the former private home into a Relais & Châteaux luxury boutique hotel that is a soulful refuge where art and hospitality converge. Surrounded

“If you love a flower that lives on a star, it is sweet to look at the sky at night. All the stars are a-bloom with flowers ... ”

–Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, e Little Prince

by 6 acres of lush gardens, it is the largest hotel property in the city and a haven of thoughtful design. e hotel’s sophisticated blend of Guatemalan colonial architecture and modern detail was envisioned by Katy Jay, Claudia’s daughter, in collaboration with Paliare Studio, and the family’s personal art collection infuses the space with warmth and personality.

Each of the 15 rooms is distinct, brimming with vibrant local textiles and artisanal ceramic tiles. My suite, Indigo No. 8, featured a cozy loft for children above an expansive primary suite and two balconies with glorious views of the pond, cypress trees, gardens, and volcanoes. e light-drenched bathroom featured bird motif tile and an enormous tub beneath tall French doors, which ung open for the most scenic of soaks. Even the room key, adorned with a handmade tassel, was a small work of art.

Our rst evening, we gathered around a round table for a welcome dinner with Chef Javier in the hotel’s dining room. Seated beneath a vaulted brick ceiling and beside a roaring replace, we feasted on a menu celebrating Guatemalan ingredients and culinary air. e rst course was an upside-down pu pastry tart with heirloom tomatoes, oranges, smoked beetroot, goat cheese mousse, toasted pumpkin seeds, watercress, Maldon salt, a honey-lemon emulsion, and chili dust. is was followed by oven-roasted chicken

breast with black mole, baby potatoes, and avocado mousse with jalapeño and cilantro. Dessert? A heavenly chocolate mousse with cypress-infused white chocolate ganache, cookie crumble, lemon purée, and pistachio sponge.

at night, I discovered a tiny Worry Doll resting on my pillow. Tucked beside it was a note explaining the Guatemalan legend that if you whisper your worries into the doll’s ear and place it beneath your pillow, it will carry your troubles away as you sleep. I followed the ritual, and the next day I awoke with a mind free of concern.

On our rst morning, we were invited to visit the chicken coop to retrieve eggs for a custom-made omelet. Following breakfast, Antigua’s colorful streets beckoned. Highlights included stopping beneath the iconic yellow clock tower and peeking into vibrant doorways lled with artistic treasures. Don’t miss Colibrí for exquisitely hand-crafted textiles or a co ee stop at Artista de Café, where the espresso is extraordinary. Call ahead to arrange a barista-led co ee tasting where you will learn the art of co ee-making and enjoy the nest Guatemalan co ees paired with traditional local sweets. For lunch, we reunited at Villa Bokéh’s Casa Cristal, a contemporary reimagining of a greenhouse where Chef Marcos Saenz served family-style dishes showcasing modern Guatemalan avors.

As the sun dipped behind the volcanoes, we returned to the city center to visit UL’EW, a hidden speakeasy named after the K’iche’ word for “earth.” Accessed through a phone booth and hidden curtain, UL’EW is all mystery and alchemy—cardamom-scented water served on co ee leaves, no menus, just mood-based cocktails conjured on the spot. Each drink is unique, both in its ingredients and presentation.

Following this chic cocktail hour, we returned to Villa Bokéh

FOOD & TRAVEL |FIRST CLASS

to dine under the stars at 3.1, the property’s ne dining restaurant, where we savored a tasting menu that beautifully fused Guatemalan heritage with French culinary technique.

LAKE ATITLÁN

e next morning, we departed for Lake Atitlán where we would stay at Casa Palopó, the Bosch family’s second Relais & Châteaux property, an intimate boutique hotel perched high above the lake. e three-hour drive was beautiful, taking us through highland roads framed by purple wild owers and swaying trees. For those preferring a faster arrival, the hotel o ers helicopter service, landing guests on its private helipad in under an hour. Eventually, we caught our rst glimpse of Lake Atitlán. e lake, Central America’s deepest, is vast and still and encircled by three volcanic peaks—Tolimán. Atitlán, and San Pedro.

Each of Casa Palopó’s 15 rooms is a vibrant expression of place— bold colors, reimagined local furniture, vivid textiles, hand-selected Guatemalan art, and balconies with mesmerizing views. Even the amenities impress—hello, Dyson hairdryers. e atmosphere is hushed, and the lake view is dreamlike.

We began our visit at Kinnik, the hotel’s lakeside beach club and open- re restaurant. Built entirely from Guatemalan-sourced materials, the restaurant’s mustard yellow walls, volcanic stone, and rich

“Atitlán is Como with additional embellishments of several immense volcanoes. It really is too much of a good thing.”

–Aldous Huxley

woods create an atmosphere that feels grounded in tradition but contemporary in spirit. Just below Kinnik, bright yellow loungers and striped umbrellas o ered sunbathers a spot to watch paddleboarders skim across the crystalline lake.

Over the course of two days, we savored two very di erent lunches at Kinnik courtesy of Chef Jorge Peralta. e rst lunch featured an array of charred, grilled, and smoked meats, served family-style beside the water, while the second lunch o ered treasures from the sea paired with house-made sauces and warm tortillas.

After our pescetarian lunch, we rode the hotel’s private funicular up the mountain—a cinematic ride through a lush garden path—to reach the main property. Climbing a cobblestone footpath, we reached a broad wooden deck just beyond the hotel’s helipad, where we took part in a traditional Mayan ceremony. With volcanoes rising in a perfect ring around us, Tomás, the hotel’s resident shaman, lit a great re encircled with ears of corn and bright petals and then invited us to set intentions. I can’t explain what caused tears to stream down our cheeks or how all six of us felt our collective energy feed the re but it was a beautiful journey of gratitude and re ection. e most powerful moment of the hour-and-a-half ceremony came as Tomás chanted to the wind spirit, and a sudden gust lifted the ames skyward. is was the most emotional ceremony of all my travels—pure, spiritual, and deeply moving.

From the platform, the view stretches toward Cerro de Oro, the small mountain across the lake whose rounded shape inspired the famous drawing of a boa constrictor digesting an elephant in e

Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, who once stayed nearby. !is classic story recounts how the cares of the adult world can dull imagination. A visit to Casa Palopó rekindles a childlike wonder as guests are encouraged to slow down, breathe, and reconnect to nature’s beauty. One tool in this journey of reconnection is the painting kit found in each guest room. I set mine up on the terrace overlooking the lake and let the scenery guide my brush.

Following the ceremony, we visited the villa and its in nity pool, where we sipped tea and watched the sun set in a blaze of gold and lavender. Dinner followed at 6.8 Palopó, the hotel’s signature restaurant named for its kilometer marker on the lakeside road. !ere, we dined on creamy corn soup, Guatemalan ceviche, and a standout, handmade ravioli lled with Icha-J Pá Sakil, a traditional herb-andpepita sauce from Santa Catarina Palopó.

back down its painted streets. Our guide shared that each of the 12 surrounding Mayan towns has its own language, textile traditions, and customs.

Later that day, we visited Pintando Santa Catarina Palopó, a community revitalization project supported by the Bosch family and championed by Claudia. !e initiative transforms homes with color and pattern, engaging locals in art, identity, and pride.

Our nal stop was Katy Jay’s concept store, where the creative force behind Villa Bokéh and Casa Papoló has created a vision that beautifully intertwines design, culture, and philanthropy.

!e next morning, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast beneath a vine-covered trellis, where hummingbirds itted from ower to ower. !en we boarded a boat bound for San Juan La Laguna, one of the area’s most artistic villages. We explored artisan co-ops and workshops, browsed hand-dyed fabrics, toured honey, cacao, and co ee producers, and climbed the hill to the town’s ancient church before strolling

Our farewell meal was a fun, interactive “make and build-yourown tortilla” dinner with fresh tortillas! Before bed, I sat on my terrace and lit my meditation kit on the eve of a Mayan new moon, feeling eternally grateful for this trip. With the scent of burning sage and the twinkling lights across the lake beneath a hazy full moon, I set my intentions and sent gratitude into the universe.

Like the huipil, our time in Guatemala was layered and entirely one-of-a-kind. What began as a vacation became a meaningful journey. !e best news for those seeking their own Guatemalan adventures is that American Airlines recently introduced a direct ight from O’Hare to Guatemala City, making visiting this amazing country easier than ever.

For more information, visit villabokeh.com, casapalopo.com, and plansouthamerica.com.

High-conflict divorce often arises when cooperation breaks down and disputes become increasingly adversarial. In these situations, emotional reactions and rushed decisions can create unnecessary risk and prolong the process.

At The Law Office of Fedor Kozlov, P.C., high-conflict divorce cases are approached with structure, preparation, and steady judgment. Each matter is guided by a clear legal strategy designed to maintain control of the process while protecting financial and family interests.

While efficiency is always preferred, not every divorce can be resolved quietly. When negotiation is no longer effective, careful preparation and disciplined representation become essential. From settlement discussions to courtroom proceedings, clients receive straightforward counsel and composed advocacy focused on longterm outcomes.

& HOME

Schumacher Charleston

Schumacher, the 135-year old venerable American design house, announces the opening of its first showroom and design shop in the newly developed Charleston Design District in Charleston, South Carolina. It will include a traditional to-the-trade showroom experience exclusively tailored for interior designers as well as a luxury shop where designers and design aficionados alike can source accessories and antiques. Stop in if you happen to be traveling or look online at schumacher.com.

Vein

Specialized treatment of:

Varicose Veins • Spider Veins • Venous Ulcers

Lymphedema • Cosmetic Facial & Hand Veins

Supervised Weight Loss

and feel your best.

MILLION A sea view villa on a Spanish island, a property in Italy’s famed Venice, to a compound ready property in Barrington … one could be yours for $3 million.

BALEARIC ISLANDS

$3 million SPAIN

This Minorcan villa is in beautiful Binibeca Vell, one of the most exclusive and sought after areas on the island. On the ground oor is a grand living-dining room with a replace, access onto a porch with a sea view, kitchen,

The Details: 6 Bedrooms, 4 Baths • 3,300 square feet, $909 per square foot • Direct access to the sea, private parking Contact: Adela Ródenas, Engel & Völkers Mahón, +34 971 36 92 75

three double bedrooms, and two bathrooms. e upper oor has a separate entrance, two double bedrooms, one bathroom, and various terraces with incredible views across the sea. Sta quarters with an independent entrance have a bedroom, bathroom, and laundry.

$2.9 Million

Along the elegant Corso Fogazzaro, where the facades of historic buildings line up like pages of a timeless story, stands this magni cently restored townhouse. Each space is

The Details: 6 Bedrooms, 6 Baths • 3,229 square feet, $898 per square foot • Two garages on the ground floor, private outdoor space Contact: Engel & Völkers Vicenza, +39 0444 158 2498

a perfect balance between matter and light, between the solidity of tradition and the lightness of design.

23 W COUNTY LINE ROAD

$2.9 million

BARRINGTON HILLS

The main residence showcases antebellum architecture, with a beautiful spiral staircase, 10-foot ceilings and ve custom replaces. e spacious two bedroom, two bath coach house o ers a full kitchen, living and dining areas, and three-car garage. e expansive heated in-ground pool

The Details: 5 Bedrooms, 4.1 Baths • 7,500 square feet, $386 per square foot • 13.4 acre equestrian estate Contact: Tricia Wood, The Dean Tubekis Team, Coldwell Banker The Groves, 847-702-2322, twood@deantubekisteam.com

has a large fully-equipped pool house. On the property is a 22-stall heated stable, 200 feet by 60 feet heated indoor arena, outdoor arena, and 11 fenced turnout pastures. A mahogany viewing room with bathroom, o ce, kitchen with washer and dryer, wash rack, two tack rooms, and feed room complete the stable.

Healthy Mouth → Healthy Body

Your mouth is the mirror of the rest of your body. What is your body trying to tell you?

Your oral health directly impacts your heart health, immune system, fitness, mental health, and risk for chronic illness, among other things.

How does Root Dental do dentistry differently?

A whole-body approach to dentistry

More time with each patient

Focus on getting to the root cause

The most up-to-date technology. 3D CBCT X-Rays Saliva Testing Digital Intraoral Scans

Dental care built to last!

We believe in personalized treatment based on what you WANT and need!

OFFICE OF MAGGIE GROTHE, DMD

What our Patients are Saying:

“Root Dental has now become my new dentist. Their attention to detail, professionalism, courtesy and understanding of the new technology that’s emerged in the field of dentistry is unmatched.

Dr. Grothe is my dentist for life!” - Matt

“Root Dental continues to offer outstanding dental care appointment after appointment. I know that they will work with me to address my dental needs in a systematic way that is supportive to all of my other needs as well! Thank you, Root Dental!” - Nicole

GRAND PIANIST

Concert pianist Marta Aznavoorian—a Barrington High School graduate— works the pedals hard and showcases her kinetic mettle in every performance.

WORDS BY BILL MCLEAN / ILLUSTRATION BY BARRY BLITT

Marta Aznavoorian was introduced to music at a young age, and decades later, her dream career as an international concert and recording pianist shows no signs of rallentando (“gradually slowing down” in piano-speak).

Aznavoorian made her professional debut at 13 with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the late Sir Georg Solti. As a founding member and pianist with Lincoln Trio, the mother of three earned a Grammy nomination in the category of Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance in 2017 for the group’s album Trios from Our Homeland is past October Aznavoorian—a piano faculty member at DePaul University and an artist in residence at the Music Institute of Chicago—teamed up with Evanston-based composer Stacy Garrop to perform the critically acclaimed “Invictus,” a piano concerto with the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra at Chicago’s Harris eater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park.

“I feel so fortunate to be part of the music world and deeply grateful for the opportunity to perform wonderful music alongside exceptional musicians. I consider it a gift.”

Audience members at last fall’s world premiere of “Invictus” were treated to quite a performance. Aznavoorian and Garrop have been friends for years. Garrop’s rst piano concerto was commissioned by and written for Aznavoorian—in the wake of a profoundly di cult period in the pianist’s life—and served as part of the Ear Taxi Festival 2025, a landmark event showcasing contemporary concert music.

and I arrived at something deeply meaningful and special.”

Aznavoorian didn’t simply tickle the ivories throughout “Invictus,” which is Latin for “unconquerable” or “undefeated.” She attacked the keys with aplomb, often moving vigorously in her seat to fully capture her interpretation of the work based on the late 19th-century poem by William Ernest Henley.

“I wanted to commission a work that would inspire others to persevere and overcome daunting challenges,” Aznavoorian says. “In this concerto, the piano soloist becomes the protagonist who ultimately triumphs over adversity. rough close collaboration, Stacy

Henley lost a leg to bone disease, underwent further surgeries to save the other, and wrote “Invictus” as a declaration of strength and perseverance.

“I wanted it to be physical and full of energy, so that it would represent defeating hardships,” Aznavoorian says of the look of her presentation at Harris eater. “I’ve been told that I play the piano as if I’m dancing.”

Aznavoorian grew up in a strict Armenian household while attending Barrington High School. e eldest of Peter and Christine’s three musically gifted children (middle child Marty was a violinist but pursued a career as a physician), Marta “loved Barrington, and loved Barrington High School.” “I had so many wonderful teachers,” she shares “across a number of departments—who fully supported my commitment to music and were always interested in it.”

Aznavooria established the nonpro t foundation Keynote Productions in 2022. Dedicated to fostering educational opportunity through music, it provides scholarship support to talented students from underserved communities, helping them pursue advanced studies in the music arts.

“I love bringing music to life and creating moments that audiences can feel and remember.”

Marta and her younger sister, cellist Ani, are set to stage the “Beethoven, Brahms, and Barrington with the Aznavoorian Sisters” event at Barrington’s White House on March 1, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Visit martaaznavoorian.com for more information.