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HEALTH & WELLNESS

JA N UA RY 2 02 6

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / E L KHO R N

LIFESTYLE LETTER

A Fresh Start, Inside and Out There’s something about January that feels like taking a deep breath. After the rush of the holidays, the gatherings, the sugar and the nonstop pace, it’s nice to hit pause and think about what really fills our cups. For me, this season is less about big resolutions and more about small, steady choices that add up to feeling good again. That’s exactly what this issue is all about - health, wellness and finding balance in ways that actually fit your life. And we’re lucky to live in a community full of people who help make that possible. At Live IT FWD, you’ll find a coach who's passionate about helping clients move forward - literally and figuratively. Their approach to personal training and coaching is about more than just hitting fitness goals; it’s about creating momentum in every area of your life. Omaha Wellness Collective offers something just as powerful - community bringing together a whole community of healers and practitioners who remind us that wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all. For those looking to dig deeper, Renovare Functional Health brings a root cause approach to wellness. Their focus on functional medicine helps uncover why your body feels the way it does, offering long-term solutions that help you thrive, not just get by. And because wellness extends beyond our own walls, FirstLight Home Care reminds us that caring for others, whether it’s a parent, a neighbor or someone recovering from illness, is an essential piece of the health puzzle. Supporting others strengthens our community in ways that matter most. So as we step into 2026, I’m focusing on what feels sustainable: quiet mornings, movement that energizes and people who make life richer. However you define wellness, I hope this issue inspires you to take one small step toward living it out. Here’s to fresh starts, good health and finding joy in the process.

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Stephanie Lewis stephanie.m.lewis@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Hailey Zebley hailey.zebley@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Nichole Peringer nichole.peringer@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Nichole Peringer, Hailey Zebley, Janette Calabro, Stephanie Lewis, Ana Mayer C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Nicholas Fisher, Jennifer Studanski, Cara Bresette-Yates, Omaha Supernovas, Hooton Images

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Cheers!

STEPHANIE LEWIS, PUBLISHER @ELKHORNCITYLIFESTYLE

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Elkhorn City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Elkhorn area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Elkhorn City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

32 38

Featured

18 26 32 38 8

The Omaha Wellness Collective A Community of Connected Healing

Strong by Design

LiVE iT FWD Redefines Women’s Wellness at Every Stage

26 On the Cover

Departments

A bold, colorsplashed dumbbell set against an energetic graffiti backdrop captures the vibrant, forwardmoving spirit of LiVE iT FWD Coaching.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Mental Wellbeing WELLNESS

Healthy Lifestyle FITNESS

Family Care PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Expert Help HEALTH + WELLNESS

Local Limelight SPORTS + RECREATION

Locally Sourced HEALTH + WELLNESS

Realty Report REAL ESTATE

Events

A Purpose-Driven Path

How Tracy Connor Builds Compassionate Care at FirstLight

Exquisitely You

A Fresh Approach to Midlife Wellness

Photography: LiVE iT FWD Coaching

Featured Speakers & Panelists

Featured Keynote

Mary Ann O’Brien Founder & CEO of OBI Creative & Forbes Author

The Women with Voices Summit brings together women from the Omaha metro and beyond for a day of connection, courage, and purpose. Through powerful stories, shared wisdom, and meaningful dialogue, we create space for women to rise — individually and collectively — toward the futures they’re building, fearlessly.

Tickets

Fearless Futures | 2026 Summit January 24, 2026 1-6 PM Zenia Omaha JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / E L KHO R N

JANUARY 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

HAILEY ZEBLEY

7 HAILEY ZEBLEY

SARAH LEMKE, FASTER STUDIOS

DANA OSWALD

1: Shoppers browse Ava Collection pieces during the Heidi Marie Private Jeweler sip-and-shop. 2: Heidi Marie Private Jeweler holiday sip- andshop event. 3: At the Radiance & Renewal event, BloomIV owner Roberta Tonjes talks about the benefits of IV therapy. 4: Guests gather and mingle at the Radiance & Renewal holiday shopping event with Elite Aesthetics by Jackie. 5: North Italia opens its first Nebraska location in the Village Pointe shopping center. 6: Cabinet IQ owner Greg Allen and family, wife Kali and children Huxley and Everly, at the showroom ribbon-cutting. 7: More than 30 local makers and artists were on display at the Holiday Modern Market.

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JANUARY 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Level Up Your Golf Game Year-Round with GolfTRK Elkhorn Ready to level up your golf game yearround? GolfTRK Elkhorn is launching soon, and presale memberships are now open! Expect a sleek, modern facility featuring cutting-edge technology including TrackMan simulators and a PuttView putting green, all designed for serious practice and play. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned player, GolfTRK Elkhorn promises a premium indoor golf experience designed for game improvement. Contact GolfTRK Elkhorn to schedule a tour today!

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business monthly CONTINUED

INTERIOR DESIGN | FURNITURE | ACCESSORIES | ART

After 40 Years, Beyond the Vine Announces Store Closing For the past 40 years, Beyond the Vine Flowers and Home Decor has proudly served the community as a trusted florist and purveyor of high-quality artificial florals, faux greenery and seasonal decor. The business has made the difficult decision to close its doors as a small boutique retailer. All remaining decor will be discounted, and the team welcomes community members to stop by the showroom to say farewell. Photography by Beyond the Vine

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THE

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / E L KHO R N

SMALL SPACE? BIG IDEAS!

business monthly CONTINUED

Kitchen designs that maximize every inch

Cabinet IQ of Omaha Opens Local Showroom Cabinet IQ of Omaha has officially opened its doors, bringing premium kitchen cabinets, countertops and expert design services to the Omaha Metro area. The new showroom invites homeowners to explore custom and stock cabinetry, meet experienced designers and schedule complimentary consultations. With a focus on craftsmanship, creativity and a signature 6-star service experience, Cabinet IQ aims to elevate kitchens and help homeowners confidently bring their renovation visions to life. Photography by Dana Oswald

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / E L KHO R N

THE OMAHA WELLNESS COLLECTIVE

What began as a tiny seed, a desire to help those in need of care and counsel, has grown into a haven and refuge: a practice of 15 clinicians, each bringing unique backgrounds and specializations. It is a place where people who started as colleagues and became partners come together to support the needs of a growing community. Picture a tree planted along the banks of the Missouri River, its roots deep and intertwined. This is the Omaha Wellness Collective, a gathering of restoration believers dedicated to renewal and hope. Here, souls are rooted together and healing begins. Juline Mosser is the unintentional seed planter in this story. She started her own practice in 2012, and what began as a personal endeavor has since grown into a full-fledged gathering of soul nurturers. In 2023, the practice was officially named Omaha Wellness Collective.

M EN TA L WE LLB E IN G | WE LLN E SS

ARTICLE BY NICHOLE PERINGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICHOLAS FISHER

A COMMUNITY OF CONNECTED HEALING

Juline Mosser, founder of Omaha Wellness Collective

Mosser, who lives in Valley, Nebraska, with her husband, Rick, their children, ages 5 and 7, and their dog, Louie, recounts the story with an air of amazement. “It was kind of an accident,” Mosser says. “Incredible people kept coming my way, and now all of us have built these impactful practices together. Most of us have full books, which is remarkable.” The collective’s approach differs from a traditional hierarchical practice. Instead, it functions like a network of independent clinicians who refer and collaborate seamlessly. Think of it as a health center where clinicians work side by side, supporting one another and fostering their clients’ growth, like roots expanding and strengthening together. This tree-like model reduces mental health stigma, increases accessibility for those who may struggle to find diverse treatment options, and offers an ever-growing menu of specializations within a thriving ecosystem.

PLANTING THE SEEDS: FROM SOLO PRACTICE TO COLLECTIVE ROOTS

Mosser, a LIMHP, Ph.D., and a certified sex therapist, graduated with her master’s degree in 2012, earned her LIMHP in 2014 and completed her Ph.D. in 2024, all while building her personal practice. Originally known as Mosser Therapeutic Services, her early work focused on empowering women seeking healing during their prenatal and postnatal journeys. Soon, the practice began attracting the attention of other clinicians, and the Omaha Wellness Collective was born. “I started as a sole provider. My last name is Mosser, so it was Mosser Therapeutic Services. As the practice grew, I realized the name, no longer reflected what the practice truly represented. My goal became to create a truly collaborative space for clinicians who passionately love what they do,” she says. In 2023, a group of clinicians joined Mosser, and the beginnings of a thriving, collaborative mission took root. CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / E L KHO R N

Mosser describes the partnership as a beautiful collaboration. “There may be a client of mine who I think would benefit from EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, to get to the root of an issue. If I’ve taken them as far as I can with a particular concern, it’s amazing to know I have a clinician right next door to refer them to.”

BRANCHING OUT: DIVERSE SPECIALTIES AND HOLISTIC GROWTH

The services offered by the Omaha Wellness Collective are expansive and include, but are not limited to, perinatal and postnatal care, certified sex therapy, EMDR for trauma reprocessing, inclusive support and teen counseling. What began as a maternal care practice has grown into a diverse umbrella of support that evolved alongside client needs and practitioner callings. “If you go to the website, everybody has different specialties they provide,” Mosser says. “It’s been so fun to work with the

M EN TA L WE LLB E IN G | WE LLN E SS

provisional therapists as they’re exploring different areas and finding what they absolutely love.” With three locations throughout the Omaha metro area, accessibility remains a priority for Mosser and her team. “Access is already such a challenge for so many, like a stay-at-home mom who cannot leave her littles to come receive counseling. Telehealth has come a long way, but we try our best to be as available as possible for our people here in Omaha.” At the Omaha Wellness Collective, specialties extend outward much like interconnected branches. Clients benefit from this approach because, unlike fragmented medical systems where communication between providers is limited, these clinicians can collaborate, troubleshoot and offer the most holistic care possible. “This is the beautiful part about the collective. Everyone genuinely respects each other’s skill set and can say, ‘I’m not the best fit for this person, but I completely trust this other clinician and can send them over,’” Mosser explains.

WEATHERING THE STORMS: NAVIGATING MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES

The evolution of mental healthcare has moved far beyond the stigmas of past generations, when seeking therapy was viewed as a sign of weakness. Now, Mosser is encouraged by the growing openness around mental health. “I would have never dreamed that during an NFL game there would be a commercial for mental health therapy. It’s amazing that we’ve grown in that direction.” Yet challenges remain. There are not enough practitioners to meet demand. Barriers such as financial strain, transportation, cultural isolation and the pressures of the “sandwich generation” persist. And though society may seem more connected through social media, many people feel more isolated than ever. As a practitioner specializing in women’s mental health, Mosser sees firsthand the silent suffering experienced by many. “Many, especially women, are living life in isolation. They may have acquaintances or people in their life, but we were made to be with people. We were not made to live alone.” CONTINUED >

“MY GOAL BECAME TO CREATE A TRULY COLLABORATIVE SPACE FOR CLINICIANS WHO PASSIONATELY LOVE WHAT THEY DO.” JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / E L KHO R N

GROWING FORWARD TOGETHER

The canopy that covers clients at the Omaha Wellness Collective is wide and welcoming, strengthened by clinicians who love what they do and advocate tirelessly. Its vision, shaped by founder Juline Mosser, is grounded in trust, collaboration and passion, creating a place where no one works or struggles alone. It is a community much like a tree whose leaves draw strength from shared branches. Looking ahead, Mosser plans to launch a podcast with fellow clinician Dr. Sheena Leadford, modeled in part after the style of Dr. Ruth. With a growing need for guidance in areas of sexual health, Mosser and Leadford find themselves turning away three to four referrals each week. The need is great. The Omaha Wellness Collective emphasizes a simple truth: no one is meant to do life alone. Every person is invited to face the struggles of their past, seek help and plant their own seeds of hope, health and healing. It is an invitation to build villages and embrace vulnerability. In Omaha, there stands a stalwart tree of community, a place where everyone is invited to stay awhile, find rest and take shelter under its branches. It is a reminder that wellness grows collectively, one root and one branch at a time.

M EN TA L WE LLB E IN G | WE LLN E SS

UNDER THE CANOPY

From Mosser’s perspective, this loneliness is something clinicians can help clients navigate. “Something I hear often from these incredible women is how embarrassed they are to share, vulnerably, with another woman. These preconceived notions keep them from engaging with potential friends.” It is common, she states, for women to create a narrative about another woman based on brief interactions. “I tell mamas all the time: go to the book club and challenge those inner stories of ‘they’re judging me.’ Someone has to be vulnerable and say, ‘I’d love to go do this thing.’ And don’t give up if you hit a barrier and someone says no.” Mosser and the clinicians at the Omaha Wellness Collective share a common goal: to help clients get to the root of their struggles. “Once you can do that, you can really begin to see growth and healing,” she says. Through societal storms and shifting landscapes, the Omaha Wellness Collective has remained resilient, bending but not breaking, rooted in a deep desire to help its community heal and thrive.

Founded by Juline Mosser, Omaha Wellness Collective brings a uniquely collaborative approach to mental and emotional well-being. Home to a community of independently contracted therapists, the collective offers a wide range of specialties under one roof, allowing clients to find a provider whose style, training and lived experience feel like the right fit. It’s team supports individuals, couples and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, perinatal challenges, relationship concerns, identity exploration and sexuality or intimacy issues. At the heart of their mission is a commitment to creating a warm, non-judgmental and deeply affirming environment. The practice welcomes clients from all backgrounds, and prioritizes care that honors each person’s unique story. From evidence-based trauma modalities like EMDR to specialized perinatal and couples therapy, clinicians tailor their work to help clients build resilience, strengthen relationships and gain clarity in seasons of transition or stress. Offering telehealth or in-person treatment at three locations including 4141 N 156th St., 3614 N 163 Plz., and 4917 Underwood Ave. in Omaha.

LET’S RETHINK YOUR NEXT MOVE In real estate, it’s easy to focus on surface details— like price, bedrooms, or square footage. Those answers matter, but they don’t tell the full story. Better results come from better questions: What’s the long-term value? Are there hidden costs? Does this home support your lifestyle now—and in the future? I help clients ask the questions that lead to smarter, more confident decisions.

The right questions don’t just get you a home — they get you the right home, on the right terms, at the right time.

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STRONG ARTICLE BY HAILEY ZEBLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER STUDANSKI

DESIGN

LiVE iT FWD Redefines Women’s Wellness at Every Stage For years, Meghan Hayes lived in a world where strength was something you pushed through, an expectation, a requirement, a box to check. Athletic, determined and constantly in motion, she never imagined an injury would become the turning point that reshaped not only her body but her philosophy on what it means for women to feel strong. Like many women of her era, she viewed nutrition not as fuel but as deficiency: cut carbs, eat less, shrink. That setback became the spark for LiVE iT FWD, a business built not on quick fixes or aesthetics but on confidence, capability and a deeply personal understanding of how women come to know their own strength. Growing up petite, yet teased for her “thunder thighs,” Hayes internalized messages many women know too well–that certain bodies are acceptable and others are not. Learning to strength train after her injury changed everything. It grounded her. It made her feel capable. It transformed strength from an external label into something lived.

A CAREER REIMAGINED

Hayes always gravitated toward work centered on how women live, move and fuel their bodies. She first explored dietetics before shifting to exercise science with a strong nutrition emphasis. Over the years, she added certifications in nutrition, wellness and behavioral coaching, blending them into an integrative approach that became the foundation for LiVE iT FWD Coaching.

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | FIT N E SS

Yet the fitness world didn’t initially feel like home. “I didn’t want to be a personal trainer,” she admits, recalling a culture that glorified being “super lean and cut.” It felt performative and disconnected from the support she once needed. She also battled imposter syndrome, a feeling many women conceal. Eventually, Hayes chose to stop shrinking. She embraced the imperfections and the evolution. She called her philosophy “LiVE iT,” a nod to letting one’s story unfold authentically. Her full coaching program became LiVE iT FWD, a reminder that progress is personal.

COACHING THAT BEGINS WITH LISTENING

In a wellness landscape filled with rigid programs, Hayes takes a human-first approach. “I meet clients where they are,” she explains. “My job isn’t to have them follow my exact path. It’s to help them uncover theirs.” She leads with confidence but defines it differently. “Confidence is something different to everybody. For me, it’s someone who embodies who they truly are, someone willing to push and find out what they are capable of.” Women soon discover strength and nutrition aren’t things to fear; they’re tools that set them free.

STRENGTH TRAINING AND NUTRITION FOR THE MODERN WOMAN

One of Hayes’ biggest missions is debunking the myth that women will bulk up from lifting weights.

“I meet clients where they are. My job isn’t to have them follow my exact path; it’s to help them uncover theirs.” CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / E L KHO R N

“Confidence means something different “They won’t,” she says plainly. Strength training is essential, especially for women over 35 who rely on muscle to support metabolism, hormonal changes, joint health and long-term well-being. She encourages women to shift away from cardio-only mindsets and strength train two or three days a week. It’s not about perfection; it’s about learning your power, rep by rep. When it comes to nutrition, Hayes helps women understand their relationship with food, the habits, triggers and emotions that dictate how they eat. She doesn’t restrict; she rebuilds trust. Her approach helps women fuel their bodies for strength, energy and real life. It’s about intention, not perfection. This philosophy anchors the LiF Method Nutrition Course, the signature system behind LiVE iT FWD’s nutrition coaching. Built for women 35+, the LiF Method is grounded in three essentials: Learn It, Live It, Own It; reconnecting women to what works for their bodies, their season of life and their values. LiVE iT FWD Coaching guides women through three phases: Build the Foundation, Strengthen the System and Fortify for Life, offering a roadmap instead of another quick fix. The LiF principles are simple: • Strength should fit your life, not consume it. • Fueling should feel supportive, not restrictive. • Consistency beats intensity. • Women don’t need more motivation — they need structure. • Progress over perfection. Hayes teaches women they don’t need to be smaller to be powerful; they need to be strong, fueled and free.

A COACHING EXPERIENCE BUILT FOR REAL LIFE

LiVE iT FWD was designed for women juggling families, careers, hormones and full schedules. Hayes’s onboarding process reflects that simplicity. Clients begin with an intake form that provides a full picture of their life and goals. While seeing Coach MegS twice a week in her private studio is ideal for some, LiVE iT FWD offers online, hybrid and in-person options tailored to real schedules. Week one focuses on strength training. “I don’t want to overload them,” Hayes explains. “It’s okay to learn you can or can’t do a weight. Then we talk about progression and what success looks like.” Nutrition and wellness coaching begin in week two.

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | FIT N E SS

to everybody. What it means for me is somebody who can embody who they truly are, someone who is willing to push and find out what they are willing to do.”

REDEFINING SUCCESS FOR WOMEN AT EVERY AGE

Coach Megs offers a full gym studio for private and semi-private training sessions

Hayes challenges the concept of “accountability,” believing it often masks deeper fears: fear of trying, fear of failure or fear of success. “We get in our own way not understanding what we’re scared of,” she says. You don’t need a perfect plan; you just need a beginning. Success often looks like better sleep, more energy, reduced inflammation, fewer migraines and feeling strong again, especially for women navigating perimenopause or menopause. Many clients arrive wanting weight loss or wanting to feel like a past version of themselves. Hayes helps shift those expectations. She doesn’t dismiss goals; she reframes them, guiding women toward strength, health and meaningful, sustainable change. LiVE iT FWD Coaching mirrors Hayes’s voice: punchy, honest and grounded in compassion. Phrases like “strong enough to start” and “strong, fueled and free” have become rallying cries for women ready to stop starting over. She is expanding her speaking engagements to reach girls, teens, young adults and women 35+ with one core message: You Are Strong Enough to Start. Finding your strength can be as simple as reaching out to Coach MegS at liveitfwd.com or following her on Instagram @liveitfwdcoachmegs and Facebook at LiVE iT FWD Coaching.

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / E L KHO R N

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ARTICLE BY HAILEY ZEBLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER STUDANSKI

How Tracy Connor Builds Compassionate Care at FirstLight

Tracy Connor, owner of FirstLight Home Care in Omaha

A PurposeDriven Path

For Tracy Connor, home care was never just a profession. It’s a calling shaped by family, forged through personal hardship and sustained by an unwavering commitment to helping others live safely and with dignity. With more than 23 years in the healthcare industry, Connor’s journey into home care began long before her first official role. It started in hospital rooms, recovery chairs and late-night check-ins with loved ones. Connor cared for her grandmother through cancer treatments and later supported her spouse through diabetes, kidney issues and heart complications. Those

FAM ILY CA R E | P RO FES SION AL SE RVICE S

That purpose fuels the team’s commitment to being responsive, informed and present for every family they serve. It also shapes Connor’s daily routine, which begins each morning with reading caregiver notes from the previous 24 hours. These notes, small windows into a client’s day, guide follow-ups, identify needs and ensure no concern goes unnoticed. From there, the day often moves quickly: intake calls from families exploring care options, urgent requests from clients transitioning home from the hospital and regular communication with healthcare partners across the community. In an industry where timing matters, Connor is intentional about remaining accessible. “The phone is answered during business hours; it doesn’t go to voicemail,” she emphasizes. “It’s important to answer the phone and not make them go through any more strife or emotion.” CONTINUED >

The FirstLight Home Care team: Christy Culver, Molly Bostwick, Paul Connor and Tracy Connor

years of caregiving laid the foundation for a career rooted in empathy, patience and purpose. “A lot of me getting into the business was caring for family,” Connor says. “It’s where my heart was.” That heart-led approach eventually brought her to FirstLight Home Care, where Connor was asked to step into a leadership role. Today, she oversees a team that works together to ensure clients can age safely and comfortably in the homes they love.

MEETING A GROWING NEED WITH PERSONALIZED CARE

The home care landscape is evolving as people live longer, opt to remain in their homes and seek support that strengthens their independence rather than limits it. FirstLight meets that need through relationship-based care, pairing clients with caregivers not just for tasks, but for connection. Connor describes the industry as purpose-driven, a space where the work is deeply human. “Our ultimate goal is helping that client. It’s our mantra, building the relationship and really giving them joy each day. Especially this time of year, we want them to have the best days,” Connor says. JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / E L KHO R N

“IF THE THOUGHT CROSSES MY MIND THAT I SHOULD DO SOMETHING, THEN I SHOULD TAKE THAT STEP. THAT’S GOING THE EXTRA MILE, BEING THAT NEEDED RESOURCE.”

FAM ILY CA R E | P RO FES SION AL SE RVICE S

Paul Connor, son of Tracy Connor and Client Care Specialist at FirstLight Home Care

THE ART OF CAREGIVER MATCHING AND WHY IT MATTERS

A key part of FirstLight’s approach is thoughtful caregiver vetting. Connor considers not just experience and references but compatibility, matching caregivers to clients based on diagnosis, comfort level and personality. This careful approach has contributed to a caregiver retention rate above the national average, which Connor takes immense pride in. “We go beyond just checking references,” Connor says. “Families deserve to know the people coming into their homes are supportive, experienced and truly care.”

WHERE PURPOSE MEETS REWARD

Despite the demanding pace, the most meaningful rewards come in quiet, heartfelt moments, including handwritten thank-you notes, emotional phone calls and stories from families who feel seen, supported and less alone during difficult chapters. One memory stands out: a veteran’s spouse who called to express deep appreciation after Paul, Connor’s son, attended the memorial service. For Connor, it was more than a gesture; it was validation. “It confirms we’re doing the right thing,” she says. Connor also shared a guiding personal philosophy: “If the thought crosses my mind that I should do something, then I take that step. That’s going the extra mile, being that needed resource.” That instinct, to lean in rather than step back, shapes every decision she makes.

A FAMILY LEGACY OF CARE

Purpose runs in the family. Connor’s son, Paul, previously worked in memory care and at CHI St. Elizabeth’s Lincoln Campus before joining FirstLight

as a client care specialist. Both he and his brother cared for their father during his illness, continuing the family’s tradition of compassion through action. Watching Paul step into the care coordinator role has been a profound source of pride. “It means everything that he’s helping other people now,” Connor says. As for the future, Connor isn’t planning on leaving anytime soon. The work is too meaningful, the need too great and the Omaha community too important to her. Serving families day after day, year after year, is more than a job. It’s FirstLight’s purpose and their promise. Alongside Connor, Christy Culver serves as office manager, equally passionate about the care FirstLight provides. Together with human resources specialist Molly Bostwick, the team is ready to serve seniors aging in place throughout Omaha. Connor can be reached at FirstLight Home Care through the contact portal on their website, omaha. firstlighthomecare.com or at (402) 614-0413. Call today if you are looking for a new way to provide care to aging loved ones while maintaining their sense of self and dignity.

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EXQUISITELY You

A FRESH APPROACH TO MIDLIFE WELLNESS ARTICLE BY HAILEY ZEBLEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CB YATES PHOTOGRAPHY

EXP E RT H E LP | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

Brittany DeVall Heyden, the Vitality Queen, Functional Medicine & Executive Performance Strategist

For more than 20 years, Brittany Heyden worked in traditional nursing and healthcare leadership, building a career rooted in evidence-based practice and patient-centered care. Over time, she noticed a recurring pattern: women continued to struggle despite “normal” lab work and standard treatment plans. When she eventually faced her own unresolved health issues, it deepened her conviction that true wellness requires a more comprehensive, integrated approach. This realization eventually shaped the foundation of the Renovaré Method™, her whole-person philosophy for identifying root causes and restoring balance throughout the body. Blending functional medicine with lifestyle, emotional well-being and nervous system regulation, Renovaré, meaning “to renew,” guides women toward feeling vibrant, resilient and connected to their authentic selves. Her introduction to functional medicine began during her own health challenges, including persistent cardiac arrhythmias that conventional testing couldn’t fully explain. Exploring integrative approaches revealed the profound influence of nutrition, gut health, detox pathways and stress physiology. Motivated by these insights, she completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in an accelerated eight-month timeframe and redirected her career toward holistic, root-cause care.

A BROADER VISION FOR HEALTHCARE

As a nurse practitioner, Heyden felt drawn to functional medicine, inspired by the deeper investigative work and the ability to spend meaningful time with patients. She established a virtual practice to expand access to integrative, root-cause care across Nebraska and South Dakota, removing barriers that often prevent women in rural regions from receiving comprehensive wellness support. CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / E L KHO R N

“It opened my eyes to the possibility that there was more to health, wellness and medicine than what I’d been taught. I felt deeply called to help the women who were exhausted, frustrated and desperate for real answers,” Heyden says. Her approach supplements, rather than replaces, traditional care. One of the concepts that most transformed her perspective was the use of optimal lab values, which reveal subtle dysfunction long before disease develops. Combined with an understanding of the gut as the body’s foundation, this helped her trace chronic symptoms back to deeper systemic imbalances. “Our systems become overwhelmed when the gut, liver, lymphatic system and detox organs aren’t functioning the way they were designed to. When those pathways slow, toxins accumulate faster than the body can clear them, and that’s when symptoms begin,” Heyden explains.

SUPPORTING WOMEN THROUGH COMPLEX HEALTH JOURNEYS

EXP E RT H E LP | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

THE FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE FRAMEWORK

Her care model follows the “Five Rs”: remove, replace, re-inoculate, repair and rebalance. Nutrition, restorative sleep and nervous system regulation form the foundation. Even simple somatic practices help support regulation and calm. “If our mind isn’t healthy, our body won’t be either. There’s a direct connection, and they have to communicate. There must be a healthy flow between them,” Heyden says. Supplement protocols are introduced gradually to ensure tolerance and absorption. Many women begin with deficiencies in magnesium, vitamin D and essential fats, and even small corrections can create meaningful change. “Healing isn’t fast.” Heyden explains. “It’s not a pill that works overnight. It’s an evolution and ultimately a lifestyle.”

“We have to learn to love ourselves unconditionally. That doesn’t mean we can’t strive to grow, but we have to love ourselves in every phase of life.”

Today, she works primarily with women seeking clarity around how nutrition, stress, hormones and lifestyle shape their well-being. Healing, she emphasizes, is both gradual and holistic. “We criticize ourselves and try to live up to social standards of perfection. We have to learn to love ourselves unconditionally. That doesn’t mean we can’t strive to grow, but we have to love ourselves in every phase of life. We morph, change and evolve,” she says. Her assessments are comprehensive, exploring childhood patterns, stress exposure, sleep, diet and environmental triggers. She pairs this with extensive

lab work, including full thyroid panels, mineral levels, insulin markers, GI mapping and advanced hormone testing such as the DUTCH test.

THRIVING IN EVERY SEASON

Heyden believes every woman deserves to feel “exquisite, amazing and vibrant.” Midlife, she says, is not a decline but a moment of profound transformation. “We have to start honoring our bodies and allowing our minds to rest instead of constantly pushing.” Her guiding message remains: “Be exquisitely you.” Explore the experience at www.brittanyheyden.com, where science meets soul and transformation begins.

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LOCAL SUPER N OVA SHINES BRIGHT Norah (Sis) TeBrake, Outside Hitter for the Omaha Supernovas, talks nutrition, routine, and Major League Volleyball

ARTICLE BY JANETTE CALABRO PHOTOGRAPHY BY OMAHA SUPERNOVAS

We sat down with Norah (Sis) TeBrake just as she was about to take the floor for the Omaha Supernovas in the 2026 Major League Volleyball (MLV) season, ready, focused and raring to go. Standing 6-foot-1 and playing outside hitter, Norah’s journey began at Papillion–La Vista High School before exploding onto the national stage at Creighton University, where she graduated in 2024 as a four-time All-BIG EAST selection and helped lead the Bluejays to the NCAA Elite Eight. Her momentum didn’t stop there. She claimed gold with Team USA U21 at the Pan American Cup in both 2022 and 2023, was taken 3rd overall in the 2024 MLV draft, and played a pivotal role in the Orlando Valkyries’ 2025 MLV championship triumph. Now, she’s landed right back at home, bringing her elite skills, championship pedigree and hometown pride to fuel the Supernovas’ next title run.

A: Anything explosive! Anything fast. I love single-leg squats and lunges. That’s really beneficial for the way I need to move as a volleyball player.

Q: WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE AS A PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE?

Q: NORAH, WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PLAY VOLLEYBALL?

A: I started playing when I was eight or nine. My mom taught me a lot growing up and definitely got me interested in the sport.

Q: DO YOU FOLLOW A SPECIFIC NUTRITION PLAN?

Q: GREATEST SPORTS MOMENT?

Q: HOW DO YOU STAY CONDITIONED IN THE OFF-SEASON?

Q: ANY RITUALS?

A: It’s important to let ourselves go through the motions in the off-season. LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | S P ORTS + RE CRE AT ION

Q: WHAT’S ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE EXERCISES?

A: I went from starting all four years of college to starting at the bottom again as a professional. That was tricky to navigate. I think it’s important to realize my worth is not in my performance as an athlete. My faith is important, and it helps me to avoid the pressure of performing as a high-level athlete.

A: I figured out what makes me feel good, but I never followed a plan or diet. I focus on eating whole foods and lots of protein and carbs for energy.

What I’m doing now may benefit me in May. I run on my own. The Supernovas sent us a program, so I’ve been doing a mix of that. A place to stay active without volleyball is kind of fun and a little break in the off-season. Lifting and mobility are two of my most important things, along with training.

A: The first that comes to mind is making the Sweet 16 and the Elite Eight my Senior year at Creighton. It was a dream come true.

A: Not really, but I love to dance before a game. I like to groove. It’s just who I am!

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / E L KHO R N

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Start the New Year Well-Rested Why People Are Rethinking Melatonin and Turning to Nebraska-Made Brik Sleep Gummies As the calendar flips to 2026 and we settle into new health-focused routines, many of us are thinking about what it might feel like to wake up genuinely refreshed. But as more adults recommit to sleep as the foundation of their well-being, one surprising trend is reshaping the nighttime ritual: a growing move away from melatonin. For years, melatonin gummies dominated nightstands and bathroom cabinets. Today, consumers are asking tougher questions. Headlines have highlighted everything from inconsistent potency to lingering grogginess the next morning. Others are rethinking the idea of taking a hormone nightly, especially after experiencing vivid dreams or the so-called “melatonin hangover.” The more people talk about sleep, the more they’re searching for gentler support, something that works with their body, not against it. That shift has created space for an unexpected Nebraska-born solution: Brik Sleep Gummies.

NEBRASKA INNOVATION MEETS A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP

Brik comes from the husband-and-wife team of Scott Utech and Tessa Porter, a candy scientist known in the gummy vitamin world for pushing boundaries long before gummies were trendy. Porter developed Brik’s flagship “Berry Bliss” flavor in her Omaha candy innovation studio, Sprinkk,

ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOOTON IMAGES

LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | HE ALT H + WE LLN E SS

while production happens just a few hours away in Albion. The whole brand is rooted in Nebraska, its values, its work ethic and its knack for smart, simple solutions. What truly sets Brik apart is what’s not inside: melatonin. Instead, each gummy is powered by PeptiSleep™, a plant peptide engineered to support the body’s natural sleep cycle. Think of it as nudging the body toward rest rather than flooding it with a hormone. For many adults trying to reclaim healthier habits, especially at the start of a new year, that difference is meaningful.

“WE TRIED IT AND IT WORKED SHOCKINGLY WELL”

The path to launching Brik wasn’t part of a long-term plan. Porter had been exploring peptide applications when PeptiSleep™ landed on her radar. She and Utech tried it casually, more out of curiosity than anything else, and were stunned by how deeply and naturally they slept.

Brik creators, husband and wife team, Scott Utech and Tessa Porter

“We weren’t trying to start a sleep gummy company. We just tried something that worked shockingly well,” Utech says. “Once we experienced it for ourselves, we knew we could offer a melatonin-free option that supports rest naturally.” A week before their wedding, they launched Brik.

TURNING A CULTURAL SHIFT INTO A NIGHTLY RITUAL

Their timing couldn’t have been better. Since November alone, more than 10,000 melatonin-related news stories have emerged nationally, fueling conversations about dosage, dependency and long-term use. Suddenly, consumers who never questioned melatonin are rethinking it and looking for alternatives that feel modern, gentle and rooted in science. Brik is designed to fit seamlessly into this next era of sleep. The gummies are dye-free, gluten-free and free of artificial

sweeteners. They are meant to be part of a calming nightly ritual, something that helps you unwind, fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and wake up ready for whatever January and beyond brings. This is only the beginning. Brik Nutrition plans to grow its “Build Your Stack” lineup with additional sleep and wellness offerings, aiming to become a go-to for people who take rest seriously.

A FRESH START, POWERED BY BETTER SLEEP

As we settle into a new year and rediscover our routines, the idea of waking up energized feels more essential than ever. Whether you’re rebuilding healthy habits, reclaiming your evening wind-down or simply looking for a sleep solution without melatonin, Brik offers a distinctly Nebraska-made answer, rooted in science, crafted with intention and created by two people who just wanted to feel rested again. Learn more at BrikSleep.com.

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / E L KHO R N

realty report A S A M P L E O F R E C E N T LY S O L D P R O P E R T I E S I N A N D A R O U N D E L K H O R N ACTIVE LISTINGS

AVG SALES PRICE

% LIST PRICE

CLOSED SALES

PRICE PER SQ FT

AVG DOM

ARBOR VIEW

$483,437.00

100.10%

$246.34

BARRINGTON PARK

$1,177,500.00

94.69%

$263.33

BLUE SAGE CREEK

$930,124.00

101.20%

$328.67

BLUESTEM MEADOWS

$745,664.00

101.20%

$332.26

COVENTRY RIDGE

$556,243.00

100.90%

$300.04

FIRE RIDGE

$522,983.00

98.10%

$235.60

FIVE FOUNTAINS

$1,002,100.00

97.72%

$384.60

INDIAN CREEK

$835,338.00

98.31%

$321.70

$573,935.00

98.50%

$269.89

THE GROVE

$469,478.00

99.55%

$212.49

THE PRAIRIES

$1,432,008.00

99.90%

$427.34

WESTBURY FARM

$745,040.00

98.80%

$329.52

WINDGATE RANCH

$730,775.00

97.70%

$340.94

WINTERBURN

$315,363.00

99.00%

$214.94

NEIGHBORHOOD

INDIAN POINTE

This data is a sampling of sold properties from January 1, 2025 - December 3, 2025—source: Great Plains Regional MLS.

R EA LT Y R E P ORT | REAL ESTAT E

JANUARY 2026

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

WE EKE N D S T H RO UG H JANUARY 11TH

Farnam Winter Pop-Up 3320 Farnam St., Suite 2101, Omaha | 10:00 AM Visit the Farnam Winter Pop-Up, where 15 local makers and boutiques will be ready for the winter crowd, welcoming the new year with an array of seasonal delights. Cookies, candles and handcrafted jewelry are among the many items to peruse along Farnam Street. VAR I E S T H RO UG H JA N UARY

Winterland at Heartwood Preserve Free Public Ice Skating Heartwood Preserve, 301 N. 145th St., Omaha | 3:00 PM Through Feb. 1, 2026, the community is invited to enjoy free ice skating at Heartwood Preserve, courtesy of Applied Underwriters. Lace up your skates and glide across the outdoor rink. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or stepping onto the ice for the first time, free skate rentals and skate aids are available for all ages. JA NUA RY 8T H

Supernovas Season Opener CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St., Omaha | 7:00 PM The Supernovas are kicking off the season with an exciting home opener against the San Diego Mojo. Cheer on Omaha’s professional volleyball team as they return to the court for a high-energy matchup. Grab your seats, bring the spirit and get ready for a night of worldclass volleyball action!

CONTINUED >

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events

CONTINUED

JA NUA RY 2 3 RD - 2 5T H

Midlands International Auto Show CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St., Omaha | 10:00 AM Head to the CHI Health Center this January to witness the premier auto event of the Midwest. In operation for more than 20 years, the Midlands International Auto Show features activities for the whole family, including Monster Trucks, the Chevy Kids Club and a Truck Driving Simulator. Visit Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. JA NUA RY 2 4 T H

The 4th Annual Women With Voices Summit Zenia Omaha, 450 S. 193rd St., Elkhorn | 12:00 PM Surround yourself with hundreds of like-minded women from Omaha at the 2026 Women With Voices Summit: Live Your Why, Fearless Future. A day of courage, connection and community, the summit provides a space to grow into a fearless future. Tickets can be purchased online by searching “The 4th Annual Women With Voices Summit” in Nebraska or at Eventbrite.com. JA NUA RY 3 1 ST

The Country Legends Tribute Experience The Relevant Center, 21220 Elkhorn Dr., Elkhorn | 8:00 PM The Country Legends Tribute Experience will grace the stage of the Relevant Center at the end of this month, paying homage to country legends including Luke Combs, Dolly Parton and Shania Twain. Guests can enjoy line dancing, compete in the best-dressed competition and enter giveaways while enjoying the live entertainment.

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