East Cobb, GA January 2026

Here's to Health and Wellness in the New Year!

Happy New Year and welcome to our January issue - our “Health & Wellness” edition! As we turn the page on 2025 and set intentions for the year ahead, we’ve gathered a collection of  stories and resources to help you nurture your mind, body, and lifestyle in thoughtful, sustainable ways.

In this issue you'll read about Wildwood Eyecare, a Marietta-based practice blending innovation and personalized care to keep your vision healthy, East Cobb Counseling offering inclusive mental-health support and holistic practices to help people build resilience and how healthy, plant-based foods is a new way to spark fun and mindful eating habits.

We invite you to join us in celebrating Kitchen Designs Group whose new 40,000 sq. ft. design center in Marietta and the success of restauranteurs whose growing company is a testament  to grit, determination, innovation and love for their craft.

As you browse through this issue, we hope you’ll find inspiration to care for yourself - holistically. Life moves fast and wellness isn’t just a New Year’s resolution - it’s a journey, an ongoing practice. Whether you’re tending to your physical health (vision or what you eat), investing in your inner life (mental health, self-discovery), or cultivating spaces that support your well-being (home, design, comfort) choices matter.

Thank you for joining us at the start of a brand-new year. Here’s to your health, growth, and well-being inside and out.

KEVIN KASETA, PUBLISHER @EASTCOBBCITYLIFESTYLE

January 2026

PUBLISHER

Kevin Kaseta | kevin.kaseta@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Lisa Thibault | lisa.thibault@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Emily Anne Jackson

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Rei Kaiser

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Wendy Edwards, Rei Kaiser, Dr. Kimberly Seheult, LPC, CPCS, RPT, EMDR

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Pena Rosa Studios

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Voted Cobb County’s Best Retirement & Assisted Living Communities 7 Years in a Row!

“We’re honored that Sterling Estates of East Cobb was Voted Best Assisted Living Community in My East Cobb and that Sterling Estates Communities have been recognized “Best of Cobb” for Retirement, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. We’ve been serving Seniors in greater Atlanta for over 25+ years now... We invite you to come and experience what sets us apart.” Marshall Gill, COO & Partner, Sterling Estates Senior Living Communities

“What I’ve learned is that all communities talk about wellness and socialization... but they don’t have the wellness center, green space, programming and staffing that Sterling Estates has. No one can match what Sterling provides for their residents period. My parents are thriving at Sterling Estates... bet yours will too.” ~ Susan S.

With Home Prices so High - Never Been a Better Time to Sell & Move into One of Our Sought After Rental Cottages

business monthly

Celebrating Coach Jerry Mahon

Cobb County Assistant and Offensive Line Coach Jerry Mahon retires after a remarkable 50-year career in coaching and teaching. Mahon has impacted students at Lassiter, Wheeler, and over a decade at Pope. He is known for "caring for the heart of the athlete significantly more than he cared about the result of a game", said Pope AD Josh Mathews. Colleagues praised his dedication, faith-based leadership, and lasting influence on players, coaches, and the community.

Custom Dwellings Celebrated for Award-Winning Design

Custom Dwellings designers

Stephanie Ives & Amy Chu were awarded the National Kitchen and Bath Georgia’s Designs of Distinction Award for Best Primary Bath. Known for their thoughtful and unwavering attention to detail, Custom Dwellings has earned a reputation for creating homes offering lasting character and elevated livability.  Their collaborative design build process ensures every project reflects a balance of inspired design, practical function and exceptional craftsmanship. 678560-0600 | customdwellings.com.

Cobb County Chamber Selects 2025 Citizen of the Year!

Michael Paris, President/CEO of the Council for Quality Growth, named the Cobb Chamber’s East Cobb Area Council 2025 Citizen of the Year. The award honors individuals whose leadership, service, and exceptional contributions positively shape the community and serve as an inspiring example to others. Recipients are selected through local nominations and recognized for making East Cobb a better place to live. Paris received the 2025 award at the East Cobb Area Council breakfast at Indian Hills Country Club.

Photography by Cobb Chamber of Commerce

Cobb County Schools Celebrate a Season of Gratitude

Cobb Schools marked Thanksgiving with festive lunches, family events, and kindness across the District. From shared holiday meals to turkey bingo and food donations, students and families embraced the spirit of gratitude. “When I walk down the halls, I feel empowered every minute I’m there,” said Pine Mountain Principal Dr. David Nelson. “It brings in the community, our hearts are all in the same place, and we're thankful,” said Cobb Schools Board Chair David Chastain.

Photography by Cobb County Schools

Celebrating 50 Years of Serving Atlanta!

Jewelry Artisans owner Jamie Kresl, in partnership with Susanna Rohm of Rohm Global, celebrated in style as the beloved Atlanta jeweler marks 50 years of serving the community. A packed house enjoyed giveaways, festive bites, and Mahjong inside the store’s beautiful showroom and custom design center. The evening highlighted Jewelry Artisans’ legacy of craftsmanship, connection, and one-of-a-kind designs. Pictured - Jamie Kresl, Molly Rozelle Klopfenstein, Eileen Vickery Thurmond, and Suzanne Cagle.

Photography by Rohm Global

ARTICLE BY DR. KIMBERLY SEHEULT, LPC, CPCS, RPT, EMDR

GROWTH OF EAST COBB COUNSELING

DEEP HEALING, WHOLE-PERSON WELLNESS, AND A STRENGTHENED TEAM

East Cobb Counseling continues to grow—purposefully and with heart—as the needs of the East Cobb and Marietta community evolve. At the center of this growth is Founder and Clinical Director, Dr. Kimberly Seheult, whose 25 years of depth-oriented psychotherapy have shaped the practice into a trusted sanctuary for emotional healing, nervous-system support, and integrative mental wellness. What began as Kimberly’s solo vision has now become a collaborative practice of nine clinicians, each chosen for their clinical excellence, compassion, and ability to make clients feel truly seen. (Finding nine clinicians who all appreciate neuroscience and good coffee is no small feat, but somehow Kimberly managed it.) For more than two decades, Dr. Seheult has helped clients move beyond surface-level symptoms to the deeper patterns and wounds that shape their lives. Her approach blends Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, Polyvagal Theory, somatic therapy, and attachment-focused work, creating a safe and grounded space where clients can breathe deeper, understand themselves more fully, and soften into healing at a pace their nervous system can tolerate. Kimberly leads with empathy, attunement, and a deep respect for each client’s internal world—qualities that have guided the entire practice’s culture and philosophy.

WELCOMING TWO NEW CLINICIANS: LAURA LIM SANG AND ANNIKA ZENN

To meet growing community needs and expand wrap-around care, East Cobb Counseling is excited to welcome two new clinicians whose work beautifully complements the practice’s integrative approach.

Psychotherapist Laura Lim Sang, MSW, brings expertise in EMDR, CBT, expressive therapies, and trauma-informed healing. She works with youth, teens, adults, and student athletes navigating anxiety, depression, identity challenges, eating concerns, and performance-related stress. Laura has a unique ability to help teens feel comfortable enough to talk—and athletes feel understood beyond their stats and schedules. With her relational, grounded style, she offers clients the space to rebuild confidence, regulate emotions, and rediscover balance.

Neurodevelopment & Behavior Specialist, Annika Zenn, expands the practice’s capacity to support neurodivergent children, teens, and young adults. She works with individuals navigating autism, ADHD, dyslexia, emotional-regulation challenges, and behavioral complexities. Annika partners closely with parents to translate overwhelming behaviors into actionable, compassionate strategies. Families often describe sessions with her as “clarifying,” “hopeful,” and “finally someone who gets what we’re dealing with.”

“UNDER DR. KIMBERLY SEHEULT’S LEADERSHIP, THE PRACTICE CONTINUES TO GROW NOT FOR THE SAKE OF GETTING BIGGER—BUT TO BETTER SUPPORT EVERY PERSON.”

Together, Laura and Annika help strengthen East Cobb Counseling’s ability to serve clients across the lifespan with depth, skill, and warmth.

A WRAP-AROUND MODEL THAT SUPPORTS EVERY GENERATION

East Cobb Counseling’s unique strength is its ability to support individuals from childhood through older adulthood, offering services that include:

• Play therapy and emotion regulation for young children

• Tween and teen therapy for anxiety, identity, friendships, academics, and sports pressure

• Dedicated support for teen athletes navigating perfectionism and performance stress

• Adult psychotherapy for trauma, attachment wounds, burnout, and major life transitions

• Neurodivergent support for children, teens, young adults, and families

• Senior mental health care addressing grief, loneliness, and changing life roles

Families often describe the practice as “the one place where every age can get support without starting from scratch.”

BEYOND TALK THERAPY: FUNCTIONAL NUTRITION & GENETIC TESTING

One of the most distinctive aspects of East Cobb Counseling is its integration of functional nutrition and genetic testing through the 3X4 Genetic Blueprint. Clients gain insight into inflammation, brain chemistry, detox pathways, metabolic function, and stress responses - information that can dramatically enhance emotional resilience. Paired with personalized nutrition and lifestyle guidance, clients receive whole-body support that complements and deepens the work they do in therapy.

ROOTED IN COMPASSION, GROWING WITH INTENTION

With expanded services, new specialties, and a shared commitment to deep, attuned care, East Cobb Counseling remains a place where healing is accessible, personalized, and meaningful. Under Dr. Kimberly Seheult’s leadership, the practice continues to grow not for the sake of getting bigger—but to better support every person, at every stage of life, with warmth, expertise, and just enough humor to remind clients that healing doesn’t have to feel heavy every step of the way. eastcobbcounseling.com

Providence Dental Spa Pairs High-Quality Dentistry With Spa-Like Experience the Whole Family Can Enjoy

ARTICLE BY WENDY EDWARDS

The Art of Exceptional Care

For as long as he can remember, Dr. Jason Mann felt called to a career centered on helping others. When he discovered his passion for dentistry, he knew he wanted to offer more than exceptional clinical care. He wanted to transform the way patients feel about visiting the dentist. Driven by that vision, Dr. Mann created Providence Dental Spa, a practice that merges advanced, high-quality dentistry with a soothing, spa-like atmosphere. His goal to provide an experience that comforts, calms, and truly elevates every patient’s visit remains central to the practice’s philosophy.

At Providence Dental Spa, the patient experience is the foundation of everything they do. Dr. Mann and his team devote extensive time and energy to creating an environment that feels welcoming, gentle, and surprisingly enjoyable. This is an experience many patients may not realize is possible in dentistry. Dr. Mann explains, “Most patients do not have an interest in how composite or porcelain is layered in achieving the primary aesthetic result, but they are keenly focused on how they were treated, and if they were heard in trying to achieve their primary goal or the chief complaint that brought them to the office. If we can focus on achieving a successful result through listening, it makes it so much easier and delivers patient oral care”. This focus on listening and compassion anchors every interaction.

To enhance the experience even further, Dr. Mann and his team offer amenities designed to ease anxiety and encourage relaxation. Patients can enjoy warm blankets, comfortable headphones, a beverage station, and soothing paraffin hand wax treatments. Dr. Mann believes that combining these comforting touches with the expertise of their highly skilled team creates a transformative approach where relaxation and oral health work together seamlessly.

Providence Dental Spa’s true strength lies in its talented team. Their dental professionals pair exceptional clinical skill with a commitment to patient education, creating personalized treatment plans focused on long-term health. By staying current with advanced technology, they ensure every service, from cleanings to complex procedures, meets the highest standards of care.

As Dr. Mann states, “We built the office to look and feel like a spa, but it's not about our walls or the building, it's about our wonderful people and the care they provide for everyone who walks through our doors, from the young to the young at heart! So, from general dentistry, and routine care including hygiene, to implants and smile makeovers to oral surgery, our practice makes it easy for the entire family to receive the dental care they deserve”. This commitment to comprehensive, family-centered care is evident throughout the practice’s broad range of services.

Providence Dental Spa offers advanced treatments beyond standard dentistry, including Botox for TMJ therapy, sleep apnea appliances, and surgical implant placements. With sedation options to ease anxiety and a growing demand for specialized care, the practice has expanded from three to 21 operating rooms, enhancing comfort, efficiency, and patient access.

Providence Dental Spa gives back by supporting fundraisers and organizations like Dental Lifeline, helping underprivileged patients access essential dental care. “We always encourage each team at every practice to maintain their involvement and always look how to get further involved within the community”, says Dr. Mann.

Always seeking ways to serve more families, Dr. Mann continues to expand the practice’s reach. With locations in East Cobb, Newnan, and Macon, Providence Dental Spa is poised to bring its unique blend of comfort, compassion, and high-quality dentistry to patients throughout the metro area. providencedentalga.com

J. Christopher's A Winning Recipe

Celebrating 30 Years Nourishing Bodies, Hearts and Hometowns

After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and as the saying goes, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” So, when Jay McCann and Chris Brogdon grew tired of The Original Pancake House’s famously long wait, they set out to create their own warm, welcoming breakfast spot; a restaurant that would unite friends, family, and the broader community around comforting, thoughtfully crafted food.

Restaurant success stories, however, are rare. With most establishments closing within the first 13 months, the journey ahead was steep and uncertain. Long, exhausting days and even longer nights became the norm as Jay and Chris searched for the perfect location, assembled a passionate and reliable team, and worked tirelessly to develop a menu that was both delicious and distinctly memorable. Yet, with unwavering encouragement from friends and family, J. Christopher’s proudly opened its doors on a cold January morning in 1997 in Marietta, Georgia, earning a humble $157 on its very first day.

ARTICLE BY WENDY EDWARDS

Since that milestone moment, Jay and Chris have grown their vision into 24 successful locations across Georgia and Tennessee. If you asked Jay what truly fueled their success, he would say it was the people. The community didn’t just support the restaurant, they shaped it. “…Very early on, a customer ordered biscuits and gravy. When I told him we did not have biscuits and gravy, he replied, ‘This is the South! If you don’t have biscuits and gravy on your menu, you’ll be outta business within a year.’ I promptly added biscuits and gravy to our menu, and it remains one of our top sellers,” says Jay. Listening closely to guests has remained a cornerstone of their approach. “We have followed our guests' lead by introducing healthier/special diet items like Turkey Sausage, Turkey Bacon, Veggie Sausage, Impossible Burger, Gluten-free bread, Almond Milk and vegetarian options. Also, for the first time we are testing out alcoholic beverages! Mimosas and Bloody Marys,” Jay relays.

Still, longtime crowd favorites anchor the menu—beloved dishes like the Blueberry Crunch Cakes, “The Benny,” J’s Classic Club, and the flavorful hash skillet “Route 66”. Newer creations, including Chicken & Waffles, Avocado Toast, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, and the Pot Belly Benny, have also secured enthusiastic, lasting fan bases.

As J. Christopher’s looks toward the future, there is no intention of slowing its momentum. Despite the challenges of the Covid pandemic, intensifying breakfast-market competition, and the staffing struggles facing small businesses everywhere, the brand continues to evolve and thrive. With renovations at the East Cobb location and a new store opening in Newnan, J. Christopher’s remains committed to growing its restaurant family, serving communities through service and philanthropy and bringing people together through food, one of life’s greatest joys. East Cobb Restaurant  - 770-579-6800 1205 Johnsons Ferry Road, Marietta.

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Welcome to this Fighting Town Creek retreat, a Keith Sumner–built masterpiece blending luxury and nature. Featuring soaring 25-foot ceilings, a stone fireplace, chef’s kitchen with Viking appliances, and a serene primary suite with private balcony, this home is crafted for elevated mountain living. Outside, enjoy a heated saltwater pool, jacuzzi, and a water pavilion ideal for entertaining. A true turnkey escape designed for unforgettable moments in the North Georgia mountains.

KITCHEN DESIGNS GROUP

Celebrating a New Era Built on Craftsmanship, Community, and Experience

ARTICLE BY REI KEISER PHOTOGRAPHY BY PENA ROSA STUDIOS

Marietta isn’t just where Kitchen Designs Group does business— it’s where its story begins. Born at Kennestone Hospital, raised in Marietta neighborhoods and educated at Marietta Junior High, founder Tony Brown's connection to the city is deeply personal. What began as a small operation almost two decades later has grown into a thriving design, cabinetry, and stone manufacturing company employing more than 40 professionals. The heart of the company’s success lies in a leadership partnership built on hometown pride and decades of proven, professional experience.

“Our goal has always been simple,” says Denise Brown. “Give families and builders real value—true craftsmanship at a fair price—without ever compromising quality.”

A PARTNERSHIP BUILT ON EXPERIENCE: ENTER DENISE BROWN

A pivotal moment in the company’s evolution came when Denise Brown joined the organization. With decades of design–build experience, including more than 20 years with a respected company, Denise brought a sophisticated understanding of project management, residential design, and construction logistics. Her influence reshaped both the creative direction and operational systems of the business. Together, her seasoned expertise and the founder’s deep-rooted Marietta foundation transformed Kitchen Designs Group into a full-service design, cabinetry, and fabrication leader.

Our goal has always been simple,” says Denise Brown. “Give families and builders real value—true craftsmanship at a fair price—without ever compromising quality.”

FROM LOCAL STARTUP TO 40 TEAM MEMBERS

Since opening almost twenty years ago, Kitchen Designs Group growth has been steady and deliberate. Investments in skilled talent, advanced fabrication equipment, and strong supplier partnerships helped the company build a reputation for creativity, dependability, and premium craftsmanship at economical prices.

The combination of Tony’s Marietta roots and Denise’s decades of design-build expertise has guided the company’s expansion every step of the way.

DEEP MARIETTA ROOTS THAT GUIDE THE BUSINESS

Launching and keeping the business in Marietta was a natural choice. “This community made me who I am,” Tony shares, and that sentiment drives the company’s philosophy: every project should be treated with the same care and pride you’d give your own home.

That approach defines the customer experience. Kitchen Designs is known for professionalism, attentiveness, and hands-on involvement from first conversation to final installation. Clients are treated like neighbors—because often, they are.

A 40,000-SQUARE-FOOT VISION FOR THE FUTURE

The company’s new 40,000-square-foot corporate office and fabrication center represents a bold new era. The facility includes a full showroom, collaborative design studios, modern workspaces, advanced stone-cutting technology, and a full-service custom cabinet workspace where cabinetry can be designed, built, modified, and finished onsite.

The state-of-the-art environment allows Kitchen Designs to maintain complete control over quality—from cabinet construction to stone fabrication—ensuring precision, consistency, and faster turnaround times. This fully integrated process, paired with a limitless portfolio of flooring options, kitchen appliances, unique hood designs, tile, hardware, and more, creates a seamless experience that elevates every project. Together, these capabilities amplify their ability to deliver exceptional products at accessible prices, giving clients everything they need for a new build or renovation under one roof.

A TEAM WITH HEART

More than 40 associates now make up the Kitchen Designs Group family: designers, fabricators, installers, customer support, and client experience liaisons —all working with shared purpose and pride. Leadership has built a culture of collaboration, respect, and craftsmanship that customers feel the moment they walk through the door.

A GRAND OPENING THAT MARKED A NEW CHAPTER

The grand opening marked a new chapter as Kitchen Designs Group celebrated the official launch of its new Atlanta headquarters, located in the heart of Marietta. Local builders, designers, architects, and suppliers gathered for an evening of tours, entertainment, food, and live demonstrations—an event that underscored the strong partnerships behind the company’s success. The depth of the relationship Kitchen Designs Group has with its supplier partners shines through in the way Kitchen Designs Group shares holidays, weddings, family milestones, and everyday celebrations with them, reflecting a bond built on genuine trust and mutual respect. This new chapter also expands the company’s growing footprint and presence, adding to a list of thriving city locations stretching from Tennessee to Atlanta to Florida and even Texas.

WHAT CLIENTS CAN EXPECT

It’s a true testament to their client partnerships, many of which have flourished for decades and continue to grow with each new generation.  Families, designers, real estate professionals and builders can expect attentive service, professional guidance, transparent pricing, and craftsmanship backed by decades of combined expertise. Kitchen Designs Group manages everything from concept to installation, ensuring every detail is handled with precision and care.

A VISION FORWARD

The future includes expanded material offerings, increased fabrication capabilities, and continued innovation. Yet one thing remains constant - Kitchen Designs Group is a Marietta-born, family-owned business built on honesty, craftsmanship, and service. For Kitchen Designs Group, every project is deeply personal. Community is invited to stop by anytime to tour the showroom, explore materials, and meet with a member of the team, whether walking in or scheduling an appointment. It’s an open-door environment where clients, neighbors, and industry professionals are always welcome— and where every visit is the beginning of something thoughtfully made. kitchendesignsgroup.com

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Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?

Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.

DISCOVER 13 HUB LANE – WHERE STYLISH LIVING MEETS BOUTIQUE CHARM IN ROSWELL & MARIETTA

Located in the Roswell MarketPlace and also at The Avenue East Cobb, 13 Hub Lane is a curated lifestyle boutique offering furniture, home décor, art, apparel, jewelry, gifts, and more (www.13hublane.com). Alongside home decor & furnishings, the boutique features a stylish selection of women’s apparel—from everyday staples to standout statement pieces. Transform your home & apparel with unique pieces and tailored design services.

Complimentary one-hour design consultations—with their talented design team from concept to completion to craft a space that fits your taste and personality.

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Roswell: 10800 Alpharetta Hwy, Suite 402, Roswell Avenue at East Cobb: 4475 Roswell Road, Marietta

PLANTS TAKING CENTER STAGE IN Kitchens and Cafés

ARTICLE BY REI KAISER

As the new year begins, many of us are looking for ways to feel lighter, more energized, and more intentional about our health. Plant-based eating and drinking have surged in popularity, offering a simple, flavorful approach to achieving these goals. From vibrant meals to nutrient-rich beverages, plants are taking center stage in kitchens and cafés alike.

Plant-based diets emphasize whole fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds. These foods are naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting digestion, heart health, and overall vitality. January is a natural time to embrace this lifestyle, whether you’re a longtime vegan or simply seeking to add more plant-based foods to your menu.

Beyond meals, plant-based drinks are making waves. Smoothies packed with leafy greens, berries, and plant-based protein powders have become a morning staple, while herbal teas, oat- or almondbased lattes, and adaptogenic beverages provide soothing, immune-boosting options throughout the day. Even alcoholic drinks are evolving, with wine, beer, and cocktails increasingly crafted without animal-derived fining agents.

One of the joys of plant-based living is its creativity. Hearty lentil stews, colorful Buddha bowls, cauliflower “steaks,” and jackfruit tacos prove that plant-forward meals can be indulgent, comforting, and satisfying. At the same time, plant-based eating is environmentally conscious, reducing carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices — a perfect complement to New Year resolutions about wellness and mindful living.

For January and beyond, consider exploring plant-based cuisine in small, approachable steps. Swap one meal a day for a fully plant-based option, experiment with new colorful smoothies or herbal teas, or try a plant-forward cooking class in person or online. With so many delicious, nourishing options, eating and drinking plant-based is less a restriction and more a celebration of vibrant, healthful living — the perfect way to start the year healthy.

Why Vision Care Needs to Be on Your New Year Wellness Checklist

SEE CLEARLY IN 2026

ARTICLE BY EAST COBB CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF

As screen time climbs to all-time highs and digital demands continue to shape daily life, our eyes are working harder than ever. While the New Year often inspires early morning workouts, cleaner eating, and lifestyle resets, 2026 may be the perfect time to broaden your definition of wellness—starting with your vision.

For the team at Wildwood Eyecare, a longstanding East Cobb - Marietta favorite with more than 75 years of combined optometry experience, eye health is a cornerstone of whole-body wellness. The trio behind the practice has spent decades enhancing patients’ vision, providing trusted guidance, and managing both routine and complex medical eye needs. Their reputation is built on loyalty, deep community roots, and a standard of care that goes far beyond the typical eye exam.

What truly sets Wildwood Eyecare apart, however, is the dynamic, deeply experienced team that surrounds the doctors and elevates every patient encounter. From the moment a client walks through the door, they’re greeted by associates who know not just their prescription history, but their preferences, their concerns, and the little details that transform an appointment into a genuinely personalized experience

Full-scope optometrist Dr. Nicole Mardak, who joined Wildwood nearly 12 years ago, has witnessed remarkable advancements in ocular disease detection, prevention, and treatment. She emphasizes that optometrists are far more than providers of glasses and contacts - they’re essential members of every healthcare team.

“Retinal imaging has become part of the wellness visit and allows us to detect early signs of glaucoma, macular degeneration, and systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and autoimmune disorders,” she explains. “The retina is the only place in the body that gives doctors a non-invasive view of the vascular and nervous system. It offers incredibly valuable insight into overall health.”

Wildwood Eyecare integrates this state-of-the-art technology with personalized care that sets them apart. Appointments are intentionally unrushed, allowing doctors to understand each patient’s unique lifestyle, needs, and concerns. They invest in the newest diagnostic tools to preserve longterm eye health, and their optical boutique carries distinctive frames and specialty lenses that cannot be found elsewhere—including eyewear tailored to occupations, digital demands, and specific hobbies like golfing, knitting, or fishing.

CONTINUED >

“This New Year, commit to proactive eye care! Early detection of eye conditions can prevent irreversible damage and allow for clear, comfortable vision to last a lifetime,” Dr. Mardak urges.

The Wildwood team is also known for fitting contact lenses for even the most challenging cases, including high astigmatism and keratoconus. With the ability to fit every modality—from daily disposables and custom soft lenses to rigid corneal and scleral lenses—Wildwood is equipped to help patients achieve comfort and clarity, no matter the prescription.

As 2026 begins, Dr. Mardak encourages patients to shift from reactive to proactive eye care. “This New Year, commit to proactive eye care! Early detection of eye conditions can prevent irreversible damage and allow for clear, comfortable vision to last a lifetime,” she urges.

HEALTHY HABITS FOR CLEAR VISION IN 2026

While maintaining long-term eye health begins with a skilled optometrist, small everyday habits can significantly reduce strain and support vision longevity.

1. Practice the 20-20-20 Rule

“When we look at screens, we blink only one-third of our normal rate,” says Dr. Mardak. This dramatically increases dry eye symptoms, now appearing in younger and younger patients.

Her advice: every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This relaxes your focusing system, reduces fatigue, and keeps eyes comfortable.

2. Protect Against UV Damage

Bright sunlight doesn’t just create temporary discomfort—over time, it contributes to serious damage,

even blindness. Wearing sunglasses labeled 100% UVA/ UVB protection is a must for both children and adults.

3. Eat for Eye Health

A nutrient-rich diet plays a vital role in maintaining 20/20 vision. Leafy greens and colorful fruits and vegetables are especially beneficial, while smoking should be avoided at all costs due to its link to macular degeneration and other vision-threatening conditions.

4. Schedule Routine Eye Exams—Even If You See Well

Many ocular diseases, including glaucoma, develop silently. “Regular eye exams are essential for everyone,” says Dr. Mardak. “They offer peace of mind and help detect sight-threatening problems long before symptoms appear.”

A PRACTICE ROOTED IN COMMUNITY, COMMITTED TO CARE

Wildwood Eyecare has remained an independent, patient-centered practice for more than 50 years, serving East Cobb with integrity, continuity, and personalized medical expertise. Whether it’s helping someone see clearly for the first time, supporting long-term eye conditions, addressing injuries, treating infections or offering personalized lens solutions, we’re dedicated to protecting the gift of sight for every patient.

In Dr. Mardak’s words, “I became an optometrist because nothing is more rewarding than helping people see clearly and care for their most precious sense—their vision.” Start 2026 with clarity—literally. To schedule your comprehensive eye exam, visit wildwoodeyecare.com

This January, Protect Your Vision Against Glaucoma with Early Detection

WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve— the pathway that sends visual information from your eye to your brain. When the optic nerve is damaged, it can lead to vision loss or blindness. Glaucoma often develops without warning signs, making it hard to notice changes in vision until the condition has already progressed.

WHO IS AT RISK?

Anyone can get glaucoma, but some individuals are at higher risk, including people who:

• Are 60 years and older

• Are Black/African American & over 40 years old

• Are Asian American or Hispanic/Latino

• Have a family history of glaucoma

• Have myopia (nearsightedness) which is associated with structural changes in the eye that can increase glaucoma risk

HOW CAN I PROTECT MY EYES?

Routine comprehensive eye exams are the most effective way to protect your sight. When glaucoma is detected early, timely treatment can slow—and in many cases prevent—vision loss, helping you preserve clear, healthy vision for years to come.

Sources: National Eye Institute, Glaucoma Research Foundation

Nicole Mardak, O.D. • Heather Zutaut, O.D. Stuart Tasman, O.D.

Prioritize your eyes this year. Schedule your eye exam today!