Paradise Valley, AZ May 2026

PRIVATE JET TRAVEL REVOLUTIONIZED

WHAT MAKES EYE IN THE SKY SO INNOVATIVE?

lying private has never been more accessible.

Eye In The Sky is an exclusive marketplace with a verified community of private jet owners, operators and flyers where members can seamlessly buy and sell seats or empty legs, all on a single integrated platform.

WHO IS EYE IN THE SKY FOR?

Whether you’re a frequent first-class flyer looking to enjoy all the benefits and convenience of private aviation without the full cost of chartering an entire aircraft, or a private jet owner, charter customer or private jet card holder wanting to offset costs by offering your available seats, this platform is your one-stop shop.

Eye In The Sky doesn’t take a percentage or commission from any connections made or flights/seats sold; just a $65 monthly subscription with unlimited ability to transact.

Eye In The Sky is redefining private aviation—giving you full access to private air travel without the archaic barriers.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Host and Flyer Accounts:

“Hosts” are the members who are posting existing flights hoping to fill empty legs or available seats. “Flyers” are the members who are looking to purchase a flight or seat on those posted flights.

Search Posted Flights:

Hosts can post and Flyers can search all empty legs or available seats on existing flights in one easily searchable place—1,500+ flights on the platform daily!

Direct Communication:

Hosts and Flyers can communicate directly within the platform about details of posted flights; arrange payment, negotiate dates, time, pets, etc.

Interests:

Can’t find the flight you’re looking for? You can post an “Interest,” creating a group chat within the platform to connect with others of similar searches and needs—letting the demand create the supply!

Eye In The Sky brings the private aviation industry to one searchable and easy-to-use place, making it possible to search, buy, sell and transact all in the palm of your hand.

HOW DO YOU JOIN THE REVOLUTION?

Eye In The Sky is disrupting the industry by providing a greener, more accessible and more cost-effective flight path for all who use it. It’s time to embrace the ridesharing revolution of private aviation; 42% of private planes fly empty, Eye In The Sky aims to take that number to ZERO.

Eye In The Sky is not available to the public as it is by invitation only to continue to curate a dynamic and professional network. However, as a valued member of the Paradise Valley City Lifestyle community, you are invited to join this exclusive network and bypass the existing waitlist.

THE BLU HOUSE

A study in light, architecture, and desert landscape, The Blu House presents a refined Paradise Valley residence designed as both sanctuary and statement. Defined by handcrafted terracotta tiles that shift in tone as desert light evolves, the home blends modern architecture with a serene botanical setting.

Clean lines, museum-like interiors, and expansive gardens frame Camelback Mountain views while creating a seamless dialogue between indoor and outdoor living. Thoughtfully composed and quietly sophisticated, The Blu House reflects a new era of forward-thinking design in Paradise Valley.

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Unstoppable.

With the World Cup this summer, we wanted to track down someone special with a soccer connection and stumbled upon Morgan Reid Allen, our May Women’s Issue cover mama. Morgan, married to Suns standout Grayson Allen and mom to sweet Em, poses ever-so-sweetly on our cover debuting her baby bump with #2! Morgan has a sports story entirely her own, full of professional soccer moments, the turmoil of injury, and moving forward with motherhood.

This issue is all about female force. Women taking risks, because if you don’t try, you’ll definitely fail. Women reinventing themselves. Women telling their own stories. Women breaking boundaries and barriers. It’s an issue packed with powerhouse ladies, many juggling kids, life, heart, and hustle. Unstoppable... a consistent theme throughout this issue.

It's also a fitting time to share very exciting news!

I am endlessly proud and humbled by the momentum surrounding our Paradise Valley City Lifestyle community. Your embrace, support, friendship, and readership mean the world to me. With that comes an announcement.

Beginning next month, I’m also taking over as owner of Scottsdale City Lifestyle.

What we’re doing through our publication, platform, and the community we foster is immensely intentional, and this acquisition expands that reach in a major way.

The two publications will remain distinct and entirely their own, now united under one ownership and one vision, creating an incredibly strong and influential media footprint in the state.

Together, we will show up across Paradise Valley, Arcadia, Biltmore, and all of Scottsdale, from Old Town past Silverleaf.

Amidst the craziness of everyday life between momming, work, and everything in between, this opportunity for growth has led me to pause and reflect. No matter where you are in life, we should all take a moment, especially as women wearing so many hats, to embrace and honor where we’ve been, the road that got us here (often bumpy, but scenic), where we are today, and where the path may lead.

For me and my family, this is a moment of savoring. I’ve never felt more professionally fulfilled. I get to be deeply rooted in this incredible community, support the home where we’re raising our boys, elevate our partners, and story-tell every single day.

I also want to express appreciation for the foundation laid by the former owner and team of Scottsdale City Lifestyle. And mostly, to our community, thank you for your trust and for welcoming PVCL and SCL into your homes and your hearts.

Finally, as May brings Mother’s Day, we celebrate moms of all kinds and the many ways that role is lived every day. My forever favorite title will always be mom.

NADINE BUBECK, PUBLISHER @PARADISEVALLEYCITYLIFESTYLE

PUBLISHER

May 2026 Visit our Instagram

Nadine Bubeck | nadine.bubeck@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kathleen Bade; Mila Lopez, MD, Founder of Luxury Lifestyle Medicine™; Dr. Michael Wolff, MD; Brook Choulet, MD; Jennifer Russo

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

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We guide high-net-worth individuals, corporate executives, and families through many market cycles, led by a thorough understanding of their unique situations and an unwavering commitment to their best interests. Discover the difference of true partnership.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Marcia Mintz (President & CEO, BGCAZ) and Renee Parsons- Today’s Kids, Tomorrow’s Stars Gala 2: An evening honoring Robert Shippy’s impact celebrating outstanding Youth of the Year finalists- BGCAZ Gala 3: Carolina Herrera fashion show featuring the Spring 2026 collection in support of Fresh Start 4: Carolina Herrera fashion show featuring the Spring 2026 collection in support of Fresh Start 5: Fresh Start Women’s Foundation Honored Founder Pat Petznick Wick & Fashion Icon Carolina Herrera with Inaugural ICON Award- 30th Annual Gala 6: Fresh Start Executive Board of Directors members- Fresh Start’s 30th Annual Gala, The Phoenician 7: VP SaksGlobal/GM Neiman Marcus Scottsdale, Regional Director at Neiman Marcus Group, & Brand Experience Manager Neiman Marcus Scottsdale- Fresh Start’s 30th Annual Gala

Want to be seen in the magazine?

HEALTH MONTH

Is Hearing Loss And/Or Tinnitus Linked To Menopause? MAY IS WOMEN'S

The Truth About Healthy Hearing and Menopause

An area of emerging research has found a link between hearing loss, tinnitus, menopause, and hormone therapy. According to doctors at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, hormone therapy—whether pills, patches with estrogen only, or estrogen combined with progesterone—may increase the risk of hearing loss and tinnitus. Studies also show that women who experience menopause later, after age 50, may have a higher risk of hearing loss.

If you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves or turning up the volume more often, you are not alone. Hearing loss affects millions of women, and menopause may be one of the contributing factors. Research from Harvard Health Publishing suggests that prolonged use (10+ years) of oral estrogen may increase the risk of hearing loss and tinnitus, especially in women who experience menopause after age 50.

Estrogen plays an important role throughout the body, including the muscles, heart, brain, bones, and even the auditory system. Estrogen receptors are located in the ear and auditory pathways. After menopause, estrogen levels drop, which may reduce blood flow to the cochlea in the inner ear and potentially impact hearing. Progesterone also decreases beginning in the mid to late thirties, and together these hormonal changes may contribute to hearing loss, tinnitus, and sometimes vertigo later in life.

If you are taking hormone therapy, it is important to monitor your hearing and use hormone therapy only as long as necessary. The most important step is to have your hearing evaluated by a doctor of audiology to determine the cause, as there are many possible causes of hearing loss and tinnitus.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing medical conditions, reviewing medications with your doctor, and avoiding loud noise can all help protect your hearing as you age. So, what can you do to protect your hearing? Book an appointment to learn more.

Professional athletes. Celebrities. Even the late Pope traveled to Germany to access it. Now it is here in Scottsdale. And Dr. Goyle is the only physician in Arizona certified to perform it.

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FROM PRO SOCCER TO NBA WIFE, NAVIGATING IDENTITY, MOTHERHOOD, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

HER OWN GAME

Before she was the wife of Phoenix Suns standout Grayson Allen, before she became a mom, and before the Valley started to feel like home, Morgan Reid Allen was already living the kind of life little girls dream about when they lace up cleats for the first time. Morgan grew up in a house full of athletes, committed to Duke by her sophomore year of high school, competed at the highest levels of youth soccer, represented the United States at the U-17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan, and went on to play professionally in the NWSL.

Sports taught her how to compete, how to recover, how to lead, and how to keep going when plans change. They also gave her perspective. The kind that comes from being drafted by your hometown team, winning a championship as a rookie, getting traded, hustling through the realities of women’s professional sports, and then facing a career-ending hip injury that forced a different future than the one you once imagined.

Today, Morgan’s life looks different, but her competitive fire, self-awareness, and gratitude haven’t gone anywhere. She’s grounded, articulate, and deeply present in this chapter, one that includes a daughter, a baby boy on the way, and a husband whose NBA career keeps life moving at a familiar athlete’s pace.

For our May Women’s Issue, as we tune into the World Cup this summer, Morgan reflects on chasing that same stage herself, competing at the highest levels of the game, and what it looks like to still love it just as deeply... now, from a different season of life.

“IF IT CAME DOWN TO WHO WOULD OUTWORK THE OTHER PERSON, THAT WAS WHERE I FELT STRONGEST.”

YOU GREW UP IN A FAMILY WHERE SPORTS WERE EVERYWHERE.

I had a basketball in my hands before a soccer ball, which is ironic now. My mom was an All-American point guard at Ohio State and coached my basketball teams growing up, so I was in the gym as soon as I could walk. My dad, also an athlete at Ohio State in wrestling, coached my soccer teams. They actually met in the weight room; still one of my favorite stories.

I grew up with a dual love for sports. It was soccer and basketball. I played AAU basketball, high school basketball, travel, USA soccer… I tried to fit as many sports into my life as I possibly could.

I have a sister and three brothers, so our house was full, loud, and competitive in the best way.

WHEN YOU WERE LITTLE, WHAT DID YOU DREAM OF BECOMING?

I wanted to play soccer. I wanted to play for Team USA. I never really saw sports ending. It was in my blood. And it’s funny, because even though I’m not playing professionally now, I did kind of end up with sports still being part of my everyday life. I’m married to a professional athlete. We still make everything competitive.

WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE MOST ABOUT YOUR PARENTS, ESPECIALLY AS A MOTHER YOURSELF?

My parents had five kids all playing competitive sports at the same time. We were almost never in the same state on a weekend, but they just made it happen. And that takes time, energy, money, planning, and sacrifice, but they never acted like it was a burden. That’s what I appreciate most. They were always happy for us, always there when we succeeded, and always there when we didn’t.

YOU COMMITTED TO DUKE EARLY.

My club team was incredibly successful. We won three national championships, and that brought a lot of attention to our team. I committed to Duke by my sophomore year of high school. They offered me a full ride.

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AT ONE POINT, WERE YOU TRULY DECIDING BETWEEN SOCCER AND BASKETBALL?

Yes. I went to Duke recruit camp for basketball too, and part of that recruiting conversation was that they would try to make it work if I wanted to do both. But once I got there, it became very clear that the commitment level was too high. You couldn’t really be all in on both, and our soccer team was very good. We made it to the Final Four twice.

WHAT KIND OF PLAYER WERE YOU?

I played anywhere on the back line, mostly left. A lot of it came down to one-on-one battles; I’m not going to let you beat me. That was my mentality. Especially in college, I played outside back, so there was a ton of ground to cover, a lot of people racing to the ball, a lot of physicality. That’s where I thrived. I was technically solid, but what made me a great player was grit. If it came down to who was going to hustle harder, compete harder, or outwork the other person, that was where I felt strongest.

YOU AND GRAYSON (ALLEN) BOTH WENT TO DUKE. DID SPARKS FLY RIGHT AWAY?

We were friends for a few years first. Duke is much smaller than people realize, and the athlete community is really close because you end up doing a lot together. We started dating senior year and have been together ever since.

DID YOU GO TO EACH OTHER’S GAMES?

Oh, yes. I went to a lot of his home games, and he would come watch me too, which definitely made me nervous. I was nervous before every game anyway, but knowing he was there added a little something. Once the whistle blew and I touched the ball, however, the nerves disappeared.

DID YOU ALWAYS THINK YOU’D GO PRO?

Yes and no. I was pre-med at Duke, so I always had a second path in mind. But after our senior year, when we lost in PKs in the Final Four, I just didn’t feel done. It felt like an unfinished story. I wanted more.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE GETTING DRAFTED BY YOUR HOMETOWN TEAM?

Very special. I was drafted by the North Carolina Courage, which was basically right by where I grew up.

AND THAT TEAM WON IT ALL YOUR ROOKIE YEAR.

Huge. Not everyone gets drafted and then immediately lands on a team that wins the regular season shield and the championship. We won in Portland, and it was such a beautiful turnaround from the heartbreak of losing in the Final Four in PKs. So special.

AT THE SAME TIME, GRAYSON WAS HEADING INTO THE NBA.

We understood what the other one was going through. My rookie year, I didn’t play a ton, which was new for me. I had started every game in college, so it was humbling. Then his rookie year, he didn’t play a ton either. He spent some time in the G League and played in about thirty games. He was fantastic and still didn’t get the minutes you’d think. So it was really helpful to have someone who could understand that emotional side of professional sports. The uncertainty, the frustration, the work behind the scenes.

INVEST IN INTEGRITY

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“NONE OF IT LOOKS EXACTLY HOW I PICTURED IT WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, BUT THAT’S PART OF WHAT MAKES IT FEEL SO SPECIAL NOW.”

THAT KIND OF ATHLETE-TO-ATHLETE UNDERSTANDING FEELS RARE IN A RELATIONSHIP.

It is. There are things people don’t fully get unless they’ve lived it. Even now, basketball is a never-ending job. He can be “home,” but if it’s game day, he’s at the gym for hours, he needs his nap, he has his routine, he’s mentally preparing. I completely understand the sanctity of a game-day nap because I had my own game-day rituals. So I think being athletes helped us understand each other’s mindset and recovery and what it takes to show up.

YOU WERE EVENTUALLY TRADED TO ORLANDO.

It was my first real experience moving away from home. Orlando was a great opportunity because I got to play more. But it was also adult life in a new way. I wasn’t near my parents. Grayson had also

been traded to Memphis, so we were both navigating new cities, new teams, new systems, new coaches.

YOU’VE BEEN VERY HONEST ABOUT THE ECONOMICS OF WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL SOCCER.

The minimum salary when I got drafted was $19,000 a year. You can’t live off that. So I was private training, working camps, doing social media marketing, doing athlete model shoots, hustling however I could. That’s what all of us were doing. You did it because you loved the game so much you were willing to sacrifice for it.

AND YET, YOU STILL SPEAK ABOUT THAT CHAPTER WITH GRATITUDE. Because I would do it again. I got to compete at the highest level with the best players in the world. NWSL had the best of the best. Even if the money wasn’t there, the experience mattered.

YOU ALSO REPRESENTED THE U.S. AT THE U-17 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP IN AZERBAIJAN.

When I was younger. I got called up to the national team around 13, and then made the U-17 World Cup roster in high school. Azerbaijan wasn’t even a country that had been on my radar before that. Soccer gave me the chance to travel the world and see places I never would have seen otherwise. But what really stands out is that it was the first time women in Azerbaijan were allowed to attend sporting events. That made the experience feel bigger than soccer. It was a meaningful moment for women’s rights, for the game, for progress. Grateful I got to be part of that.

YOUR CAREER ENDED BECAUSE OF INJURY.

It was really hard, but maybe not in the way people think. I had torn over 50% of my labrum off the bone, had bone growth on my hip socket, bone growth on my femur. They had to fully reshape the bone of my hip and reattach the labrum with anchors. It was a major surgery and a very long recovery. But by that point, I was so physically limited that I wasn’t even debating whether I should try to keep playing. I could barely lift my leg. I just wanted to live normally again. So in a strange way, I didn’t have the dramatic emotional conflict of “should I keep going?” because my body made it clear.

AND YOU KNEW YOU WANTED TO BE A MOM ONE DAY...

The doctor basically told me that if I went back to play professionally, the odds of needing a total hip replacement in the next five years were very high. I knew I wanted kids. I knew I wanted to coach them, run around with them, live a full life physically. A fake hip by 28 didn’t sound like the future I wanted.

DID COACHING HELP YOU HEAL?

Yes. When we lived in Milwaukee, I coached a high school team right after surgery. I was on crutches. I couldn’t physically show them much, but it was this beautiful reminder that even when my body was really limited, my brain and my experience still had so much value.

AND NOW YOU HAVE A DAUGHTER.

Just like my mom, I put a ball in her hands early. I think because I’m the oldest of five, I’ve felt like a mom since I was young. I definitely want to be steady, loving, and present, but I also love that my daughter already has this little spark in her. That spunk. I want her to stand up for herself. I want to help shape that, not dim it. I think sports gave me so much confidence and resilience, and I hope I can pass that on.

YOU’VE ALSO SPOKEN BEAUTIFULLY ABOUT THE GROWTH OF WOMEN’S SOCCER.

The league has grown exponentially in just five years. The minimum salary is no longer what it was. There are more teams. Stadiums are full. Attendance is incredible. The opportunities for girls now and twenty years from now are so much bigger than what I had.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE VALLEY THAT FEELS DIFFERENT FOR YOU AND GRAYSON?

We’ve moved a lot, but when we got to Arizona, it felt different. Then we moved into our house two years ago and said, no matter

what happens with basketball, we’re keeping this house. That was a huge feeling for us. We finally formed a home base. We love it here. We love the people.

WHY WAS SAYING YES TO THIS MAGAZINE COVER IMPORTANT TO YOU?

Because this place feels like home now. In the beginning, it was more transitional. I still had work in Milwaukee, I got pregnant, everything was moving quickly. But now we’re more grounded. We have rhythm.

We have a support system. And once those pieces start fitting together, you’re able to be more present and involved and feel like you’re really part of a place. That matters to me.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST GRATEFUL FOR IN THIS SEASON OF LIFE?

Our little family. I feel proud of Grayson. I feel grateful to be here. I feel grateful to be raising our kids in a place we love. And I feel grateful for where life has landed after all the twists and changes and hard moments. None of it looks exactly how I pictured it when I was younger, but I think that’s part of what makes it feel so special now.

IG @morgan_reid

Want to snag little Em’s style? Head to Garage Boutique & Concept Store in Old town. Styled in a blue Chloé dress, a studded soccer purse, and an adorable pink dress.

THE MISSING LINK IN WOMEN’S HEALTH

BY DR. ADAM LOIACONO, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS

For women, stem cell therapy is becoming relevant for a reason that isn’t talked about enough. As we age, it’s not just hormones that shift. The body’s ability to repair itself at a cellular level declines, and that impacts everything from recovery to inflammation to how tissues regenerate.

Many women first notice it subtly. Workouts feel harder to bounce back from. Injuries linger. Sleep doesn’t restore the same way. There’s more stiffness, more inflammation, more fatigue, even when labs look “normal.” What’s often happening is a breakdown in cellular communication. The body isn’t signaling repair the way it used to.

What most people don’t realize is that stem cells aren’t just building blocks, they act more like messengers. They release signaling molecules that tell damaged tissue how to heal, reduce inflammation, and recruit other cells to repair. That signaling function is actually where much of the benefit comes from, not just the cells themselves.

For women, this becomes especially relevant during perimenopause and menopause. As estrogen declines, inflammation tends to increase, collagen production drops, and musculoskeletal support weakens. That’s why joint pain, tendon issues, skin thinning, and even slower wound healing can suddenly appear, even in otherwise healthy women.

Stem cell therapy is being explored for women dealing with chronic joint pain, soft tissue injuries, autoimmune conditions, pelvic health concerns, and even fertility support. It’s also gaining traction in regenerative aesthetics because it works beneath the surface, improving skin quality at a structural level rather than just temporarily treating it.

It’s not a quick fix and it’s not for everyone. But for women who feel like their body isn’t responding the way it used to, despite doing everything “right,” this approach offers something different. It focuses on restoring function, not just managing symptoms, and that’s where the real shift is happening.

MEET ADAM LOIACONO

Founder of The LEGACY Membership & host of Finding Small Wins

Dr. Adam Loiacono is a performance physical therapist with fifteen years across the NBA, MLS, and NWSL, including serving as Director of Rehabilitation & Performance for the Phoenix Suns. A Doctor of Physical Therapy and board-certified Sports Clinical Specialist, he merges movement, medicine, and precision systems to create measurable results.

Welcome to the next chapter in your LEGACY.

BEYOND THE BUZZER BEATER

HOW SARAH KRAHENBUHL TURNS SPORTS INTO SOMETHING FAR BIGGER THAN THE GAME

Sarah Krahenbuhl holds one of the most meaningful roles in Arizona sports, but the title alone does not tell the story.

As Executive Director of the Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation and Senior Vice President of Community Engagement, Sarah sits at the intersection of leadership, philanthropy, player relations, youth programming, and community impact. She helps oversee millions of dollars invested back into Arizona, thousands of volunteer hours, player and alumni programs, youth basketball initiatives, and the kind of off-court storytelling that reveals who athletes really are when the lights are not on them. It is a powerful position. It is also one she did not necessarily chase.

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY SARAH KRAHENBUHL

“I am not one of those that have chased working in sports my whole life like many of my colleagues,” she says. “I wanted to be a teacher. However, I was just lucky to have taken a chance on something I didn’t really know about and it fit.”

An Arizona native, Sarah went to Liberty Elementary, Chaparral High School, started at the University of Arizona, then finished at ASU. The sports world entered the picture almost by accident. She needed an internship to graduate and found one with the then Phoenix Coyotes in fan development.

“Hockey was foreign territory for me. I had to study what hockey was,” she laughs.

Sarah drove “a huge oversized U-Haul truck all around the state,” hauling inflatables to parks, clinics, festivals, parades, and community events, teaching kids how to play a sport most Arizona families had never touched.

“I fell in love with the community side of it. I fell in love with being around kids and the excitement they got when they walked up to see the mascot.”

That internship lasted four months.

A full-time role followed. And amidst Sarah’s rise, still in her twenties, came the moment that turned a job into a calling.

Her very first Make-A-Wish involved a little girl named Rachel Determan.

Rachel was in remission from leukemia. Her wish was to meet hockey star Shane Doan. Sarah helped coordinate the visit, bringing Rachel and her family up from Tucson. They were in the locker room when Shane walked in and handed Rachel a jersey.

“Rachel just went silent. She was awestruck. It was just a magical moment for the entire family.”

A few years later, Rachel’s cancer returned, and she lost her battle. Sarah went for the funeral. When she walked in, she saw the jersey Shane had given her displayed near the memorial.

“There’s a moment that you realize, this is so much more powerful than wins and losses on the court. This is a responsibility that’s indescribable.”

The job, for Sarah, was never just about activating a brand or filling a calendar. It became about stewardship.

“Sports aren’t just a logo. They’re a community asset.”

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That understanding has shaped everything about the way she leads now.

Sarah joined the Suns in 2012 as Director of Phoenix Suns Charities. Over the years, her role expanded and evolved with the organization. Today, her scope is vast. The Foundation invests more than $5 million into the community through grants and giving. Her team helps generate more than 3,000 volunteer hours from team members. They oversee player and alumni programs, youth camps and clinics, and Jr. Suns and Jr. Mercury programming that reaches 25,000 kids. They fund basketball programs, yes, and so much more. STEM through basketball. Career development through basketball. Exposure, access, opportunity, and joy.

“We love using our sport to change lives and investing in communities,” she says.

One of the things that sets her apart is the way she works with players. At the start of each season, Sarah and her team sit down with every single one, not to hand them a generic list of appearances, but to ask better questions. What matters to them. What shaped them. What feels real.

Nine times out of ten, she says, players begin with the obvious.

“Youth basketball, kids playing in the community, basketball, basketball, basketball,” she says. Then comes her favorite part. “I say, you all say the exact same thing. Let’s go deeper.”

That deeper conversation is where the real stories come out.

One player talked about his love for the saxophone. That detail led Sarah and her team to connect him with Rosie’s House, where kids in Title I schools receive free music lessons.

Another player simply wanted people to be kinder to each other.

“That led to a partnership with Be Kind People Project, including in-game seat upgrades and community touch-points designed around that core value.”

Sarah lights up when she tells these stories, because this is where her work becomes visible in a different way. The public sees the player. She sees the person behind the player and then builds the bridge.

“Authentic connection. That’s really been our success.”

That word, authentic, comes up often with her. Mission matching. The right person with the right cause for the right reason.

That instinct has also shaped the way she moves through leadership as a woman.

For years, sports was a room where she was often the only woman with a big title. She remembers being in those rooms in her late twenties and having to learn, in real time, how to own her space.

“I’ve had to do a lot of work on myself to have the confidence to speak up.”

It did not arrive all at once. It came with time, maturity, mentors, and repetition. It came with being encouraged again and again until she finally believed what others saw in her. And perhaps a little bit of defiance too.

That edge, paired with her warmth, is part of what makes Sarah so compelling. She is deeply gracious, deeply thoughtful, and also very clear. She knows who she is now. She knows the value of her voice, although she has to remind herself everyday to use that voice.

And while her role is high profile, the most revealing parts of her story are the ones that happen outside the spotlight.

A mom first. They are part of her life, her work, her values, and sometimes literally part of the job.

For much of her career, she watched women leave the business after having children because they could not make it work. Sarah wanted to model something different. She remembers being six weeks postpartum when Devin Booker was surprising nonprofits with grants through the Foundation.

“I wasn’t going to miss it,” she says. “I had a baby on the boob. And I just didn’t care. I had to be there.”

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There is another story she tells. When her son saw her at the arena, he clung to Sarah so tightly she could not get him off. She had to go out on the court for a pregame presentation, so she went anyway, child attached.

“I can remember being so nervous that I was going to get in trouble for that.”

Instead, women came up to her afterward and expressed the impact it made.

“That was so awesome that you took your kid out there, they said.”

That’s the reality of women in leadership. Often, they’re not trying to break barriers, they’re just showing up and getting through the moment.

“I think if you show up and do the right thing, it just naturally happens.”

At her core, beyond the title, beyond the teams, beyond even leadership itself, everything she does is rooted in one thing: service.

“Giving back is the whole point of being a human. It’s your obligation of being alive.”

That belief extends beyond the Suns and Mercury. It is part of why she co-founded Copper Club, a community designed for busy, philanthropic, professional women who were craving something real.

“Women specifically lose themselves and often don’t prioritize themselves.”

Copper Club was born from that truth. Not just a networking concept. A response to a real need. A place where a woman can show up not as executive director, not as mother, not as the one holding it all together…

“...I can just show up as Sarah for a moment in time,” she says.

For someone who grew up in Arizona, there is also something especially powerful about where she has landed. She is not just serving a franchise. She is serving the place that raised her.

“I say this all the time: I don’t feel like I work for the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, Valley Suns,” she says. “I feel like I work for Arizona. I just have the ultimate privilege of using the teams to make my great state better.”

That may be the best way to understand Sarah Krahenbuhl. She is a respected executive. She is a woman in a power position. She is helping shape one of the most visible and impactful community platforms in the state.

But underneath all of that, she is still the Arizona girl who found her way into sports by chance, then spent the next two decades turning that chance into purpose.

And in a world obsessed with what happens under the lights, Sarah has built a career illuminating what matters after the buzzer.

MAY, CURATED

A MONTH OF STANDOUT DINNERS, COLLABORATIONS, & EXPERIENCES AT THE MARKET

HALL WINE DINNER (May

8)

An evening designed for those who appreciate exceptional food and wine. Indulge in a thoughtfully curated multi-course dinner, each dish paired with standout selections from Hall Wines—bringing together seasonal ingredients, elevated technique, and perfect pairings.

Friday, May 8, 2026

6:30 PM

$135 per person

The Market by Jennifer’s

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH (May

10)

Celebrate her the way she deserves. A beautifully curated brunch experience filled with seasonal favorites, thoughtful details, and a setting designed to make the day feel special from start to finish.

Sunday, May 10, 2026

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

The Market by Jennifer’s 3603 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix Reservations recommended

MARKET POP-UPS (MAY HIGHLIGHTS)

A full month of standout experiences at The Market. From chef collaborations to curated dinners and special events, May brings something new each week— designed to gather, celebrate, and experience the best of the season.

MAY 7

Eddie Matney Dinner

MAY 8 Hall Wine Dinner

MAY 10

Mother’s Day Brunch

MAY 15

Jason Asher Collaboration Dinner

MAY 16–23 Restaurant Week

WORD OF Mouth, REIMAGINED

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY SHARI SHIPLEY AND KG HAGEDORN

In a world where everyone has an opinion, Arcadia’s Shari Shipley and KG Hagedorn are betting on something far more valuable than noise.

Trust.

Not the kind purchased through boosted posts or buried inside anonymous five star reviews from people you don’t know. Real trust. The kind passed between women in a group text at 6:12 a.m. when someone needs a pediatrician, a plumber, a preschool, a speech therapist, or a new set of extensions by Friday.

That is the heartbeat behind Reffer, the app Shari Shipley and KG Hagedorn co-founded to turn word of mouth into something far more useful than a disappearing text thread. Their platform allows users to save, share, and discover recommendations from people they actually know, or at least know enough to trust.

“Some of the most important decisions in our lives are still made through conversation. Through a text. Through a friend saying, use this person, trust me. Reffer takes that exchange and gives it a home,” says Shari.

It’s a deceptively simple idea, which is often the case with the smartest ones. Because once they say it out loud, the response is almost always the same. Of course. Why doesn’t this already exist?

HOW

The answer, in part, has everything to do with the lives these women have lived.

For Shari, the lightbulb moment did not arrive in a boardroom. It arrived in chaos.

Long before she was building a tech platform, she was a Yellowbook sales rep knocking on doors and learning, up close, how much business is driven by reputation.

“That was really where I discovered the power of word of mouth,” she says. “When you are out there face to face, business to business, you see quickly that people buy from who they trust. They ask their neighbor. They ask the business next door. They ask the person who has already used the service. That stuck with me.”

Then life shifted. She married former Arizona Cardinals standout A.Q. Shipley and stepped into the reality of NFL life, which from the outside can look glossy, exciting, and enviable. And at times, it is. But there is another side to it, one that rarely makes the highlight reel.

In 2020, during the uncertainty of COVID, Shari found herself with a six week old baby, a two year old, and a husband who called after stepping out for coffee to say he had signed with Tampa Bay and needed to be there in 24 hours.

“It was a shock,” she says. “I had never done a real football move. We had a baby and toddler. We were in the middle of a pandemic. And suddenly I needed to become the logistics department for our entire family overnight.”

What followed was a mad dash through the invisible labor women are so often expected to carry without commentary. She needed doctors, schools, movers, a realtor, car transport, childcare, local services, beauty appointments, all of it. And as she looked around, she realized the information existed, but only in fragments, like among shared documents exclusive to NFL wives.

“AT REFFER, EVERYONE’S AN influencer. WHY SHOULDN’T

THE PERSON MAKING A GREAT recommendation GET SOME credit FOR IT?”

“There was so much amazing information being shared, but there was nowhere to save it in a way that made sense. Beyond a group text thread, I wanted the recommendation to be available when you actually need it, not just in the moment it was sent.”

What Shari experienced wasn’t isolated. It was simply one version of a much larger, shared reality. KG recognized it instantly, because her own path, though different on paper, carried the same invisible weight.

The wife of a veteran Navy SEAL who served more than eleven years, KG had seen what transition looks like when the infrastructure around a family disappears overnight. The support is there while service is active. Then suddenly, it’s not.

“When you get out of the SEALS, all the support goes away,” she says. “And I think people don’t always understand how jarring that is. It’s not just a career change. It’s an entire ecosystem disappearing. The medical support, the systems, the people who know how to navigate things for you. Suddenly you are doing all of it yourself, and often you are doing it while your family is also carrying the emotional weight of that transition.”

What rushes in to replace it is the reality of everyday life most people take for granted until they’re forced into it under pressure. Medical care. Specialists. Waiting lists. And like Shari, KG saw how much of that burden is quietly absorbed by the one holding the family together.

“It’s not just in sports or the military… it’s universal. The invisible burden is real. It’s everything we carry, manage, and solve behind the scenes, often without anyone seeing it.”

Reffer may have gained early traction through professional sports, but its core idea has always been much bigger than athlete families and relocation circles. It’s about the modern exhaustion of managing life through too many channels with too little confidence in what is real. It is about motherhood. Community. Overwhelm. Credibility. And the longing for recommendations that still feel human in an era increasingly built on impersonality.

“I would never trust a stranger’s recommendation on my Botox,” KG says. “I would never trust them for an OBGYN. For the things that actually matter, for the people touching your face, your kids, your health, your home... you want somebody real behind the recommendation. You want context.”

That line lands because it gets at the deeper tension Reffer is tapping into. For all the promises of technology, people are craving discernment, not just access. They want someone to tell them where to go, but more importantly, they want to know who told them.

The app’s earliest strategic move was to begin where the pain point was most obvious. Professional sports.

“When you start to build an app, build an MVP,” Shari says. “You start with the most viable product. For us, that meant starting where we knew the need was urgent and obvious. We knew professional sports couples and families were constantly moving, constantly rebuilding, constantly looking for resources under pressure. We understood that world firsthand, so it made sense to start there.”

So they did. The sports world became Reffer’s first proving ground.

In just over a year and a half, Reffer has expanded into more than fifty professional sports teams, a milestone that says as much about the founders as it does about the product itself.

“To get into one team and to work with one team is so difficult. These are highly protected spaces. They don’t open their doors easily, and they shouldn’t. So the fact that Reffer has been welcomed in the way it has tells you something. It tells you the need is real,” says KG.

Now many of those teams are using Reffer as part of onboarding and orientation, offering it to incoming families as a practical tool from day one. The platform’s private group function allows them to create protected internal communities where recommendations stay credible and resources do not get lost. And outside of those private ecosystems, public facing lists from trusted names add another layer of interest and influence.

“The biggest question from A.Q.’s fans is always where do you go to eat, where do you buy your meat,” Shari says. “People want the real places. They want to know what someone they trust actually uses, not what they were paid to post about.”

It turns out curiosity is part of the business model. So is authenticity.

“At Reffer, is everyone’s an influencer,” KG says. “Why shouldn’t the person making a great recommendation get some credit for it? Why shouldn’t the business be able to thank them? Influence has become this big polished thing online, but in real life, influence is still your friend telling you where to go.”

Still, no story like this is built on a good concept alone. It is built on stamina. And in that regard, both women speak with refreshing honesty about what it has taken to get here.

If Shari is the high octane connector, the sales strategist, the relationship builder who can open doors and create momentum, then KG is the systems architect, the analytical operator, the one shaping product, operations, fundraising, and roadmap. Together, they have the kind of yin and yang every startup claims to want and few actually find.

”I’ve always wanted to be a creator. I love building the thing behind the thing. The systems. The roadmap. The problem solving. That’s where I light up,” says KG.

They are also both mothers, which means the work has never existed in a vacuum. It has unfolded in the middle of pickups, practices, guilt, ambition, fatigue, and the impossible mythology of work life balance.

“If I had even known a fraction of what I was getting myself into with app development, would I have done it?” Shari says. “The answer is yes. But it has absolutely been a shock to my soul, my life, my work life balance. It’s been consuming in the best and hardest ways.”

KG’s definition of balance is far less romantic than the term itself.

“I don’t think multitasking is real, at least not in the way women are told it should be. I’ve had to redefine it in a way that feels honest.”

There is wisdom in that.

That may be the hidden story inside Reffer. Not just a company solving a need, but two women refusing to choose between caregiving and ambition, between motherhood and creation, between community building and personal drive.

And their lives outside the app reinforce that same instinct. Shari founded WINI, the Women in Need Initiative, which has built a volunteer network serving women and children across Phoenix. KG is a founding member of PCH Sage, a giving group focused on pediatric mental health through Phoenix Children’s.

And when it comes to their entrepreneurial advice?

“Just do it,” Shari says. “Trust yourself enough to start.”

Download the free app: ref-fer.com

rachel@theviridianscottsdale.com

At Choulet Performance Psychiatry®, we specialize in working with elite athletes, executives, and high-achieving adolescents to strengthen mental resilience, optimize focus, and sustain peak performance under pressure. Our approach is highly personalized, evidence-based, and designed for individuals who expect excellence in every domain of their lives.

For those seeking not just mental wellness, but a measurable edge in how they think, perform, and live, this is the work that creates lasting change.

chouletperformance.com

Since 2017, AO been transforming homes into refined, functional spaces that bring a sense of calm and effortless living. My approach is rooted in my background as both a teacher and a mom, where creating thoughtful, efficient systems became essential to everyday life.

Together with my dedicated team, we design beautifully tailored organizational solutions that are as practical as they are sophisticated— helping your home feel seamlessly curated and exceptionally livable.

THE ART OF PERSUASION

ARTICLE BY DR. KAREN LISKO, AUTHOR, SPEAKER, COACH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY DR. KAREN LISKO

I’ve spent more than 30 years studying persuasion in boardrooms, courtrooms, and corporate teams, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this. The difference between being heard and being overlooked is rarely about intelligence. It’s about how an idea is delivered in the moment it matters.

I see incredibly capable women walk into meetings every day with thoughtful, well-formed ideas, and then something shifts. Many soften the point. Many qualify it. Or they hold it back altogether. Not because they don’t know what they’re doing, but because they’re trying to overmanage how they’re perceived while they’re speaking.

That’s where persuasion breaks down.

So instead of thinking about persuasion as something you add, I want to reframe it as something you trust you already possess. And then add voice to it in specific ways.

1IF IT FEELS LIKE MANIPULATION, IT PROBABLY IS. AND PEOPLE CAN TELL.

When people hear the word persuasion, they often think manipulation. I understand why. There’s a lot of it out there. A manipulator narrows the information they give you. They lean on fear or guilt to influence your decision. We’ve all experienced it. It can work, but only in the short term, and it invariably leads to resentment.

Persuasion is different. It respects the person on the other side of the conversation. It focuses on giving enough context, logic, and good intention so someone can make a decision with more awareness, not less. You are still framing your argument, of course, but you’re doing it in a way that assumes the other person is capable of thinking it through.

That’s why persuasion lasts and manipulation doesn’t.

2

THE BIGGEST MISTAKE I SEE ISN’T WHAT WOMEN SAY. IT’S WHAT THEY DISCOUNT.

One of the most consistent patterns I see is women editing themselves in real time.

They’ll start with a strong point, then soften it with something like, “I could be wrong,” or “this might not be right, but…” Those phrases are so automatic that most people don’t even realize they’re saying them.

What’s fascinating is that those statements are often followed by their most insightful contribution.

But those qualifiers signal to the listener not to fully prioritize what’s coming next. So the idea lands with less weight than it should.

3

PROFESSIONAL DOESN’T MEAN BEING LESS PERSONABLE. IT MEANS MORE CREDIBILITY.

When I ask people to describe the most persuasive speakers they know, they always describe someone who is both personable and professional. And yet, so many women walk into a meeting and actively try to add more formality rather than showing personality.

They think it makes them more credible.

It doesn’t.

Decades of research show that credibility is built on a combination of competence and warmth. If you remove warmth, you lose connection. If you remove competence, you lose trust. You need both working together.

6

THE BELIEF YOU’RE SEEN AS LESS CREDIBLE IS OUTDATED, BUT IT’S STILL SHAPING BEHAVIOR.

Women often say, “There’s only so much I can do, we’re still seen as less credible.”

That belief used to be grounded in research. It isn’t true anymore in many professional environments. That’s what the current research finds.

And yet, the outdated belief persists.

What I see now is women holding themselves back based on a dynamic that has already shifted. The external barrier has lowered, but the internal behavior hasn’t caught up.

YOU DON’T NEED BETTER WORDING. YOU NEED LESS OVERTHINKING.

Some of the least persuasive moments I see come from people trying too hard to get their wording exactly right.

I call it mental teleprompting.

The irony is that those same individuals can explain something clearly and confidently in a normal conversation. The skill is already there. It just disappears when the setting feels more formal.

The goal isn’t perfect phrasing. It’s clear thinking delivered with conviction. Be your own teacher on this. Watch how you frame persuasive points to your most trusted friends. Trust that  your instinctive logic to framing your point can work in the professional setting.

STRUCTURE AND SPEAKING OFF THE CUFF ACTUALLY COEXIST WELL.

And when you add a simple approach called the “What/Why,” you’re free to ad lib while making a clear point. Start by voicing “what” you want to assert followed by “why” it is significant.

I learned this not from theory, but from sitting through countless meetings and noticing who consistently landed their point and who didn’t.

Another simple technique I teach is something most people overlook.

Enumeration.

If you say, “There are three things we need to consider,” you’ve just created a verbal contract with your listener. They expect you to finish those three points. It keeps their attention, and it gives you a built-in way to hold the floor. Bonus - It cuts down on being interrupted.

7 8 9 10 4 5

SPEAKING SLOWER DOESN’T MAKE YOU MORE CREDIBLE. IT OFTEN DOES THE OPPOSITE.

This is one of the biggest myths I hear repeated. People are told to slow down to sound more authoritative. But research consistently shows that a slightly faster, conversational pace is perceived as more credible.

When we’re passionate about something, our pace naturally increases. The key isn’t to slow everything down. It’s to use pauses intentionally so your strongest points have space to land.

IF YOU WANT TO BE PERSUASIVE, ASK BETTER QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU GIVE BETTER ANSWERS.

One of the most underused persuasion tools is curiosity. Before you present your position, ask a thoughtful question. Not a surface-level one, but something that helps you understand how the other person is thinking. Two things happen. You get better information, and you’re perceived as more intelligent. That second point is backed by research. People who ask strong questions are consistently rated as more capable, even before they offer an opinion.

WHEN YOU’RE FACING RESISTANCE, DON’T START WITH YOUR ARGUMENT. START WITH ALIGNMENT.

When someone strongly disagrees with you, the instinct is to defend your position.

What works better is something most people don’t expect.

Genuine agreement.

Not “I see your point, but…” That doesn’t count. Everything before the “but” gets dismissed. What works is something like, “You’re right, we do need to approach this differently.”

That creates a moment of respect. And that moment is where persuasion has a chance to happen. Then advocate your point with genuine respect.

IF YOU’RE IN THE ROOM, YOU ALREADY HAVE PERMISSION TO CONTRIBUTE.

I’ve worked with professionals at every level, and one thing is consistent. The people who add the most value are not always the most senior. They are the ones willing to speak.

You may not have all the answers. You don’t need to. You may have the question that shifts the entire conversation. And that’s just as valuable. Don’t wait to be called on. Your initiative is your permission slip.

WORK WITH DR. KAREN LISKO

Becoming more persuasive isn’t about adding more fluff. It’s about removing what gets in the way.

Dr. Karen Lisko works with companies, leadership teams, and high-performing professionals to refine how they communicate, influence, and move decision makers to action.

Her approach focuses on real-world application. Strengthening delivery, structuring ideas that land, and building confidence in high-stakes conversations, from boardrooms to presentations.

karenlisko.com

The Ultimate Luxury is Longevity

True independence for the modern woman means moving with confidence through every decade. Whether you are navigating a high-impact career, professional philanthropy, or a vibrant social calendar, concierge home care is the secret to protecting your healthspan. It is a proactive investment in ensuring your physical freedom matches your ambition.

Invest in the Health of ‘Future You’

The “Pre-Hab” Mindset: Don’t wait for a fall. Invest in RN-led strength and mobility sessions now to preserve bone density and balance for the future.

Early Detection: Private-pay care allows for consistent clinical monitoring (blood pressure, hydration, and nutrition) that catches subtle “red flags” before they become medical events.

Dedicated Health Reserves: Utilize HSAs or dedicated savings to cover the gaps in care that standard insurance ignores – like 24/7 post-surgical support or travel nursing.

RN Care Management: Hire a dedicated expert to advocate for your wellness to coordinate medical calls, synchronize specialist appointments, and build a customized roadmap to help you reach your long-term health goals.

Common Reasons Women Choose Concierge Care

Post-Surgical Recovery: Discreet, professional recovery at home after elective or necessary procedures.

Chronic Conditions: Expert management of autoimmune, cardiac, or neurological health without the hospital or outpatient stress.

Transition Leadership: Stabilizing your environment after a health shift to maintain your household’s harmony

The Team Select Advantage

Our RN-led strategy and your dedicated Nurse Care Manager is your clinical advocate and “Health COO”, respecting your home, your privacy, and your pace.

PLAY, DINE, UNWIND

This summer, weekends at Mountain Shadows are all about savoring the best of the desert. Start the day on the greens with stunning Camelback Mountain views, gather for a memorable meal as the sun begins to set, and end the evening unwinding in comfort just steps away. Sunset yoga and morning sound healing are included with your weekend stay. Relaxation awaits.

5445 East Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 mountainshadows.com | 855.421.0205

A friendship, a cocktail, and a very smart idea.

REINVENTING THE POUR

PROVIDED

There is something especially compelling about women who decide to begin again. Not because reinvention is easy, but because it rarely comes from a place of comfort. More often, it begins with a quiet realization that something no longer fits.

For Adrianna Baum and Lacey Boyett, the launch of Club 13 is not simply the debut of a new beverage brand. It is the result of years of evolution, friendship, instinct, and the courage to listen when something inside says it is time for a new chapter.

Club 13, their wellness mixer designed to be paired with alcohol, was born from a question they kept asking themselves.

Both women live deeply in the world of wellness. But like many women navigating their forties, they still enjoy the ritual of sharing cocktails.

“We do all the things,” Lacey says with a laugh. “We exercise, we take supplements, we care about our health. But we still love our cocktail. And we realized we were taking all these vitamins and minerals after drinking just to feel better the next day.”

At some point, the question became obvious.

“Why isn’t all this already in the drink?” she says.

The answer would become Club 13. But the brand itself is only part of the story.

At its core, this is a story about reinvention.

ADRIANNA

Adrianna is now on her third career.

That sentence alone might make some people uncomfortable. For her, it eventually became freeing.

She began her professional life in the hair industry, a field she truly loved. For nearly a decade she ran her own studio and built a career in beauty.

“I loved it,” she says.

Eventually, her body began to push back. The physical demands of the work forced her to reconsider her path.

“It was heartbreaking. I had to make a decision about what direction to go next.”

The next chapter arrived through family. Her husband Scott had begun gaining traction in real estate, and Adrianna decided to step into that world alongside him.

She earned her license and eventually became a key part of what would become Griggs Group Powered by the Altman Brothers, one of the top brokerages in Arizona.

“I was really at the back end of it. I helped build the systems, the operations, the events. I was doing a lot behind the scenes to get everything running.”

The brokerage grew quickly and successfully. But once the momentum settled, Adrianna began feeling something she could not ignore.

“I looked back and realized it just wasn’t where I needed to be. I felt this pull back toward health, wellness, and beauty.”

The moment of clarity did not arrive neatly.

“The biggest fear was waking up at 41 and thinking, what am I doing? I’m on my third career change,” she admits. “I almost felt lost.”

But that discomfort forced her to confront something deeper.

“I had to look in the mirror and say, it’s time for me,” she says. “I’ve always done a lot for other people. This was the moment where I needed to do something for Adrianna.”

In 2025, she became certified as a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, beginning a quiet return to the world of wellness.

Looking back now, she sometimes laughs at how long it took.

“I say this to myself all the time… Why did I wait so long?”

CONTINUED >

“We do all the things. We exercise, we take supplements, we care about our health. But we still love our cocktail.”

LACEY

Lacey’s professional path took a different shape.

Her early career began in sales at Yelp during the company’s startup phase, an environment that demanded hustle and resilience. Eventually, she transitioned into HR software sales.

“I was miserable. I realized I didn’t want to spend my life convincing people to do something they didn’t want to do.”

That realization sparked another pivot. Inspired by her high school Spanish teacher, one of the most influential people in her life, Lacey decided to become a teacher herself.

Then life changed again.

“I got pregnant,” she says.

For the next decade, she devoted herself almost entirely to raising her daughters.

Motherhood became the center of her life, something she speaks about with deep respect. But she is also honest about the identity shifts that can happen during those years.

“Being a mom is the most important thing I’ve ever done, but there were definitely moments where I felt like I was just a mom.”

The word “just” lingers.

“I know it’s not just... It’s the best job there is. But I also knew I had more to give.”

In 2022, she enrolled in the Nutritional Therapy Practitioner program, largely out of personal curiosity.

“I wanted to understand food as medicine and how to support my family better.”

At the time, there was no business plan attached to it.

But that shared certification would soon become the unexpected bridge between two friends.

CLUB 13

Adrianna and Lacey have been friends for 17 years. They met through their husbands in Manhattan Beach and built the kind of friendship that allows for honesty, humor, and the occasional argument.

“We’re basically sisters,” Adrianna says. “We can fight, talk it out, and move forward.”

For years they had talked about starting something together. A supplement company. A beauty line. Different ideas surfaced but never fully materialized.

Then one day in Spring of 2024, Lacey called Adrianna with a realization.

“I had this moment where it just clicked,” she recalls. “I said, what if we put the supplements we’re already taking into the cocktail mixer itself?”

Adrianna’s reaction was immediate.

“I was like: that is freaking genius.”

Club 13 was born.

The mixer contains a proprietary blend of 13 vitamins, minerals, and herbs designed to support three pillars of health: hydration, gut support, and liver support.

“We have electrolytes, vitamins B and C, a prebiotic, but we are most excited about the herbs that support liver detox,” Lacey explains. “They’re working while you sleep to help your body recover.”

The first three flavors will launch as a margarita mix, sparkling grapefruit, and ginger beer.

And most importantly, everything is clean.

“No artificial sugars, no artificial colors, nothing synthetic. When you see it in a glass, it literally looks like fresh squeezed juice,” says Adrianna.

The product may be simple, but the partnership behind it is anything but.

Adrianna is fiery and outward facing, someone who thrives on connection and momentum. Lacey is more technical and creative, focused on the architecture of the brand itself.

“She’s the Velcro,” Lacey says of Adrianna. “She connects people and makes things happen.”

“And she’s the brand architect,” Adrianna adds. “She builds the vision.”

Their dynamic is one reason they ignored the common advice not to go into business with friends.

“We balance each other,” Lacey says.

When asked what this moment feels like… as they embark on debuting their passion project… both women pause before answering.

Then Lacey reflects:

“Alive.”

And continues.

“To be in this creative state of mind again, building something, having momentum, doing it with your best friend… it’s a buzz. It’s fun.”

Adrianna nods.

“Such a high,” she says. “I’m like, wow. It’s happening. We’re doing it.”

They are clear that their ambitions for Club 13 are significant. They envision partnerships with luxury hospitality groups, global distribution, and eventually scaling the brand for acquisition.

But beneath the strategy is something more personal.

Adrianna believes women often enter their most powerful chapter later than society expects.

“I truly believe your forties are your prime. I used to be terrified of getting older. Now I feel this fire in me.”

For Lacey, the motivation is equally clear.

“I want my daughters to look at me and say, wow, my mom created something,” she says.

And maybe that’s the real story behind Club 13.

Not just a cleaner, smarter cocktail mixer.

But two women deciding that the version of themselves they are becoming deserves something new.

Join the club and start sipping this summer: sipclub13.com

Slaying Spring & Summer Style

AMY YOUNT ON THE TRENDS, TONES, AND MUST-HAVES DEFINING THE SEASON

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY AMY ATELIER

SPRING/ SUMMER

For her take on seasonal style, we connected with Amy Yount, owner and buyer of AMY Atelier, a contemporary women’s boutique in Scottsdale for over 20 years.

BRANDS TRENDING FOR SPRING/SUMMER

Alemais, Vanessa Baroni, Mother, A.L.C., Self-Portrait, Veronica Beard, IRO, Saloni, SPRWMN

These brands are creating very on-trend color stories and styles that reflect Spring/Summer 2026’s soft, preppy, Parisian feel with a nod to an 80’s aesthetic.

COLORS TRENDING FOR SPRING/SUMMER

Muted tones… hues of blue, lilac, lemon yellow, soft pink, greige

ESSENTIALS

ESSENTIALS FOR THE SEASON

Monochromatic relaxed sets, western trims, statement ruching, totally fresh shorts and dresses (purge your older go-to’s), raffia

PATTERNS TO WATCH

Bohemian scarf prints, 80’s polka dots, Mykonos-ready stripes, round English florals, zebra

WEAR THESE SHORTS

Bermudas, long and tailored, flutter styles, skorts

CONTINUED >

TRENDS

DRESS TRENDS

Midi and ankle length, luxury airy fabrics that can be worn casually yet beautifully, lots of dots and florals

ABSOLUTELY IN VS. DEFINITELY OUT

IN: scarf as a belt or for western flair, soft and elegant dressing, oversized sunglasses

OUT: baggy oversized bottoms with bra tops, micro dainty jewelry, fast fashion

shopamyatelier.com

ARTICLE BY NADINE BUBECK PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY LOLO WOOD

LOVING ON Lolo

From MTV to Motherhood

Lolo Wood is often recognized before she’s fully understood.

For some, she’s the breakout personality from  Wild ‘N Out For others, a familiar face from  Ridiculousness. For many, she’s known through headlines tied to her relationship with NFL star Odell Beckham Jr. But none of those versions tell the full story of the woman who now calls the Valley home.

In these images, butterflies appear as a recurring motif subtle, intentional, and layered with meaning that becomes clearer as her story unfolds.

“I joined the military a day after I graduated high school,” she says. “I skipped that phase where you figure things out slowly.”

Raised between states and shaped by a hardworking single mother, Lolo learned early what responsibility looked like. By 15, she had a job. By 16, she had bought a car with her savings.

“I learned young what it meant to work. I don’t just accept imposed limitations, as when my mom would say that we cannot afford something. I would think, okay, then, how  can we? That mindset never left me.”

It is a through-line that still defines her.

“I’ve always been a bit of a nonconformist. I doubt the status quo. You don’t have to accept faith if you can change it.”

That character trait carried her through eight years in the military as an intelligence analyst, where structure, discipline, and accountability became fundamental to her Modus Operandi and aided a peculiar conundrum she still carries today.

“I’m actually introverted. But when there’s a camera or a mic, a switch flips. I associate that version of me with work.”

That switch would take her further than she ever anticipated.

Discovered through social media, she began modeling while still in the military, traveling back and forth from Texas to Los Angeles on her days off.

“After a 12-hour work rotation, I’d drive to LA for a shoot, glam up and drive straight back to put my Air Force uniform on. That was my normal back then.”

One of those early opportunities placed her in a music video for Justin Bieber, playing his love interest. It was a moment that, on paper, signaled arrival but in reality, marked her first real encounter with public scrutiny.

“That was the first time I experienced hate at that level. Fans were so protective of Justin. I didn’t fully understand it at the time, but it opened my eyes to what comes with being seen.”

From there came MTV. Wild ‘N Out. A national platform. A rapidly growing audience.

“I was just 19. I didn’t grow up thinking I’d be on TV. I just always admired the confidence and composure people had on screen. But I never thought that would be me.”

And yet, it was. People loved Lolo.

What followed looked effortless from the outside. Appearances, hosting, eventually Ridiculousness. But internally, the experience was more complex.

“It felt like I dropped into that world. I was in it, but not from it. There was always a part of me observing from outside looking in.”

It’s a perspective that becomes clearer in hindsight.

“At the time, I was just trying to keep up, not trying to belong.

That awareness followed her into a highly public relationship with NFL’s Odell Beckham Jr..

“I’ve seen so many versions of myself and ‘my’ story online that aren’t true. This is me taking my voice back.”

“People think they know you. They spin narratives. And at first, that was hard for me. I care about my reputation. I wanted to correct things. But you can’t control how people choose to see you.”

Over time, that need to correct public perception gave way to something more grounded.

“I had to grow out of that. You just live your life and let people think what they want.”

Life continued to evolve. A move. A new environment. And then, motherhood.

“Motherhood rewrote my internal software completely. Everything changed. The way I think. The way I act. What matters.”

Their son, Zydn, became the center of that shift. Not just emotionally, but philosophically.

“I don’t look at him as a little boy. I look at him as a future man. That changes how you show up. I parent very intentionally. Responsibility comes first. Everything else follows.”

But that transformation came alongside one of the most challenging seasons of her life.

After welcoming Zydn, Lolo made the decision to step away from her relationship with Odell. It wasn’t dramatic. In fact, they’re the best of friends to this day, and peacefully co-parent.

“We were young and in love. We grew together, but also grew in different directions. Odell needed to focus on his recovery and career, and I had to focus on nurturing a new life.”

What followed was a period of rebuilding and creating a life in Arizona.

“I was in a dark place,” she says. “I had a newborn, went through a separation, relocation and self-isolation; I isolate to process things before I am ready to reemerge. I didn’t really have a support system.”

And then, loss.

The passing of her best friend became a defining moment, one that reshaped her perspective entirely.

“I hit the proverbial rock bottom. Losing someone like Jacky changes everything. It makes you realize what actually matters.”

It’s also where the symbolism seen throughout this photoshoot begins to take on deeper meaning. Butterflies were her best friend’s favorite.

“The last time Jacky visited me, we hiked Piestewa Peak. On the first hike I took alone after her passing, a large orange butterfly landed nearby, staying with me as I watched the sunset.”

Experiencing loss clarified something deeper.

“I don’t believe in becoming a victim of your circumstances. We all go through things, but you have to decide what you do with it.”

That decision is now reflected in how she lives and creates.

“I’m very intentional about what I put out on social media. I don’t just post anything. I create responsibly.”

Her new series, Finding Lolo, is an extension of that intention.

“I’ve seen so many versions of myself and ‘my’ story online that aren’t true. This is me taking my voice back. Sharing my experiences in a way that people can actually take something from it that serves them.”

There’s a noticeable shift in her content. It’s more reflective. “Finding Lolo” is all about recalibrating her values, coalescing her principles around a life ideology that is congruent with her beliefs, and among them is a concept she wants to resurrect and reintroduce.

“I’ve been studying the difference between feminism and femininity,” she says. “And I think we got lost in the translation. Being feminine does not make you weak. There’s power in softness, wisdom in grace, purpose in service.”

It’s not a rejection of strength. It’s a redefinition of it.

“You can be strong and soft. Independent and nurturing. Both can and should coexist.”

There’s grounding confidence in the way she speaks now. Not the kind that demands attention, but the kind that comes from experience.

“I didn’t always recognize what I was doing at the moment, but now I can look back and say that I’m proud of myself.”

It’s a quiet statement. But it carries weight.

Because the story of Lolo Wood was never just about where the world first saw her.

It’s about everything she became after.

“I’m still figuring it out,” she says. “But I trust myself. I’m in a phase of transmutation, like my own metamorphosis into a butterfly.”

IG @lolowood_

“Now I trust myself. I’m in a phase of transmutation, like my own metamorphosis into a butterfly.”

TANYA TALKS

The Power of the Jump

As it’s the Women’s Issue, I wanted to share who I am beyond real estate.

I’m a fearless skydiver. I’ve taken the plunge all over the world, often alongside my husband. It’s our ritual, our reset, our reminder that growth lives on the other side of fear. Still scared? Good. That’s your sign to jump.

Because fear isn’t your enemy. It’s your compass. I’ve watched clients turn hesitation into million-dollar closings by moving with the fear instead of waiting to feel ready. Stop trying to eliminate fear. Learn to use it. That’s how anxiety becomes ROI.

That same mindset is exactly how I approach real estate.

Since earning my license in 2018, I’ve sold over 200 homes totaling more than $150 million in volume, while maintaining a 98.9% average list-to-sale price ratio. I lead a top-producing team, offering a seamless, full-service experience for every stage of the process.

As a part-owner of Arizona Home Funding, I’m able to guide my clients with a deeper understanding of financing and the full real estate landscape. I’m also an active investor, with a portfolio of shortand long-term rental properties, giving me firsthand insight into building wealth through real estate.

As an Arizona native, I know this market inside and out. From pricing strategy to negotiation, I help my clients maximize value, move with confidence, and close strong.

Because whether it’s jumping out of a plane or stepping into a major financial decision, the goal is the same. Move with clarity. Trust your instincts. And don’t wait to feel ready.

www.hausofreal.com | 623.680.6022

Ryan Serhant

Scan the QR code for my full notes on Believing, Behaving, Becoming Abundance.

Luxury isn’t defined by square footage - it’s defined by precision, trust and world-class execution. That’s the SERHANT. Standard.

ANCHOR TO ANCHOR: The Resilient Mary Jo West

A Tribute to My First Mentor & Arizona’s First Lady of TV News

ARTICLE BY KATHLEEN BADE, BREAKING BADE PODCAST

ARCHIVE IMAGES PROVIDED BY

MARY JO WEST

Mary Jo West has been a presence in my life for 50 years.  When she hit the airwaves at KOOL-TV Channel 10 in 1976, she shattered a major glass ceiling as Arizona’s first female prime-time anchor; a massive shift for a conservative market that had long been an all-male stronghold. I was only 8 years old when she came into my living room in Northwest Phoenix and redefined the horizon for little girls everywhere.  She wasn’t just a face on the news, she was news and quickly became a local landmark. Around the Valley, she was the person kids dressed up as on Halloween and the voice everyone tried to mimic at the dinner table, including me.

Fast forward to 1989... I became her college intern. It felt like a total glitch in the matrix. There I was an ASU journalism student, standing in front of THE Mary Jo West, then presiding over station operations at Phoenix 11, the city’s government-access cable channel. At that stage of her career she was behind the camera, just as I was trying to get in front of it. By the mid-90’s, I was walking the same halls she did at KSAZ-TV (Channel 10) as an anchor in my own right, at the very place she once forced open the doors for women like me to walk through.

Those were some unwelcoming rooms. Her co-anchor, the venerable Bill Close, was twice her age and number one in his time slot. He was “encouraged” to bring on a female co-anchor following an FCC ruling to hire more women and minorities.

“In my first interview he asked me some private information” Mary Jo recalls. “Bill was of a different generation.”

The arc of their relationship went from vulgar-and-vocal critic to valued mentor, culminating in Bill asking Mary Jo to speak at his funeral many years later. It would be the first of many times Mary Jo ultimately won the room in her career, but the personal toll was heavy. Both her mental health and two marriages suffered under the weight.

CONTINUED >

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“During my time getting somewhat to the top, I didn’t have balance. I didn’t have a pair of shoes that weren’t high heels. I was too obsessed with my career. I didn’t want to let women down,” she reflects.

In 1980, that exhaustive pursuit of breaking news, broke her. While covering the Democratic and Republican National Conventions on location (an honor and first for the Phoenix station), Mary Jo worked at a feverish pace to meet the demands and deadlines, not sleeping for 5 straight days. When she returned home, she was manic.

“It was the worst time of my life. I plummeted into the other side of mania; clinical depression.”

The station quietly sent her to a psychiatrist, but the drugs weren’t effective like they are today. She went to Camelback Hospital for a series of three shock therapy treatments.  Two weeks later she was back on the air. “And it was never discussed by anybody,” she recounts.

In signature Mary Jo fashion and determination to make a difference, she did eventually go public with her battle with clinical depression, accepting invitations to The Oprah Winfrey Show and to speak at the White House Mental Health Conference - advocacy that continues today with Mary Jo insisting: “It’s not a weakness, it’s an illness.”

Dismantling social stigmas is the common thread running throughout her entire body of work. From exposing a lack of wheelchair access for veterans and documenting the first adaptive rafting trip down the Colorado River to interviewing inmates at then Florence State Prison to examine the dark psychology of rape, Mary Jo has consistently pushed taboo topics into the light. At one point, she even enrolled in the police academy for two weeks to ensure her story accurately portrayed the training.

“I’m still sore,” Mary Jo jokes.

Having watched Mary Jo work both from afar and up close, I can say unequivocally: she is a portrait of resilience and a master of reinvention. She’s had to be. From the start, she fought for her identity - beginning with her name, a tribute to her parents Mary Anne and Joe - while navigating the “cosmetic burden” and scrutiny of being a woman on television. Despite all her success, she says she never quite grew a skin thick enough.  As she beautifully puts it: “I still have a heart that’s easy to break, but a backbone of steel.”

And it’s been tested time and again.

CONTINUED >

After six years at Channel 10, she was tapped to anchor the overnight news for CBS Network in New York.  And aside from befriending Diane Sawyer in an otherwise unfriendly environment, the schedule wreaked havoc on her body. After a year, she returned to Phoenix at the invitation of Channel 3 to be the first female managing editor of the newsroom. Three years of disappointing ratings forced her out.

“I threw myself a three-month pity party,” she confesses, but the setback proved to be a turning point.

Now a free agent, she was commissioned by a local church to interview Mother Teresa for a documentary; a meeting that led her and her then husband, Dick Mahoney to adopt a baby from an orphanage in Honduras. Today, Mary Jo calls her daughter the greatest blessing of her life, followed closely by her three grandchildren.

At almost 78, Mary Jo is nowhere near finished writing her own story or “letting the O word in,” as she says.

“I mean thinking of yourself as old. You still matter. You still can make a difference.  Don’t give up.”

You’ll still find Mary Jo informing the public today, trading in the old anchor desk for the information desk at Sky Harbor Airport.  She says she’s often taken aback people still recognize her; a testament to her legacy that includes a Peabody, a pair of Emmys and countless accolades. She was also the first woman inducted into the Arizona Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame.

As for being called  “Arizona’s First Lady of TV News,” Mary Jo says “I’m humbled and honored. They can’t take that away from me.”

No they can’t.

Nor can her impact on women and girls be denied as illustrated by Mary Jo’s favorite piece of viewer feedback. The reaction of a little girl watching her on tv: “Look Mom, girls can be newcasters, too!”

“That just means the world to me,” says Mary Jo. Me too. I was one of those little girls.

Want more from Mary Jo? Listen to her podcast interview on the “Breaking Bade” podcast, streaming everywhere.

KATHLEEN BADE

A 14-time Emmy® Award-winning anchor and reporter, Kathleen Bade spent three decades as a trusted voice in the Phoenix, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Now retired from the daily news desk, she stays active as a host, moderator, coach, and podcaster.

IG @kathleenbade

Level Up Workshops

INVESTING IN ARIZONA’S FUTURE

With mentorship and guidance more important than ever, Rosaki Hilt, AI specialist, is making a meaningful impact on Valley youth through his Level Up Workshops, a program designed to empower students with tools they need to succeed both personally and professionally.

Built around leadership, goal setting, and personal development, these workshops provides students with real-world insight that often extends beyond what is taught in the classroom. Through engaging and interactive sessions, students are encouraged to think critically about their future while developing the mindset needed to pursue their goals with confidence.

“Level Up Workshops is about showing students what’s possible when they believe in themselves and commit to their goals.” -Rosaki Hilt

A major component of the program’s growing impact is its partnership with William, a collaboration expanding the reach of the workshops throughout the community. Together, Rosaki and William bring a dynamic energy to the program, sharing personal experiences and lessons that resonate with students navigating their own journeys.

“Working with William allows us to connect with students in a real way. When they hear authentic stories and experiences, it resonates with them.”

Recently, Rosaki and his workshops were featured on Arizona’s Family, highlighting the initiative’s mission to provide mentorship and leadership development opportunities for youth throughout Arizona.

The goal? To inspire the next generation to dream big, build strong character, and take ownership of their future, equipped not just for success but for leadership.

Inside the energy, evolution, and on-air chemistry behind Arizona Midday’s dynamic duo

If Arizona Midday feels like it’s having a moment... it is.

The longtime 12 News staple has been part of the Valley for years, but with its hour-long format, there’s a fresh energy on screen. At the center of it are Destry Jetton, a familiar face who’s been part of the show for more than 18 years, and Rachel Cole, who brings nearly 15 years in journalism and two Emmy Awards. Off camera, we caught up with the ladies for a few quick hits…

RACHEL COLE

Arizona Midday in three words: Entertaining, fun, informative

The vibe on set is always: Controlled chaos

My co-host is the queen of: Misplacing her phone

The moment I knew this role was so me:  The moment I was invited to share what I’d slightly to change to draw viewers

What surprised me most about stepping into this show:  The workload! 32+ segments a week is our wheelhouse

One thing I still carry with me from earlier in my career: Moving an interview forward with more details for the viewer

Our on-air dynamic works because: We both bring energy & experience

Off camera, we’re usually talking about:  Potential on-location segments and dupe products

Our hype song: Whatever’s stuck in our head that day

The most “only on Arizona Midday” moment:  Our endless stream of bloopers that turn into TV magic

A segment we’d love to do more of:  A version of coffee talk w/ various guests

My go-to hot spot right now: Pinyon

My hosting superpower: Never running out of things to say

My co-host’s hidden talent:  Building show rundowns: morning, noon and night

Women who inspire me right now: They know who they are…!

The best advice I’ve received in my career:  Keep your eyes and mind open to every opportunity

A small daily ritual: Morning coffee break!

My go-to way to reset after a long day: Playtime with my puppy

Right now, this chapter of life feels like: Show evolution for Midday

DESTRY JETTON

Arizona Midday in three words: Fun, energetic, community

The vibe on set is always: Welcoming

My co-host is the queen of:  Ad-libbing and one-liners – She’s hilarious!

One thing I still carry with me from earlier in my career: Be kind and help out

Our on-air dynamic works because:  We both love the show, love to laugh, and love to connect with others

Off camera, we’re usually talking about: What’s next!

Our hype song: “Sea Animals” (that we made up)

My favorite type of segment to film: On location in the community finding new places to see and visit

A recent guest or moment that stuck with me: Harold’s in Cave Creek has great chicken wings!

My go-to hot spot right now: I love any Postino

My hosting superpower: Making people feel comfortable

My co-host’s hidden talent: She knows every line from every movie! She’s funny, smart, has no ego, and is kind to everyone.

The best advice I’ve received in my career:  Do what you love

A small daily ritual I never skip:  Collagen in my coffee (hoping it works!)

Something people would be surprised to learn about me: I’m an identical twin

My go-to way to reset after a long day: Real Housewives

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At the Heart of It

HEART BALL COMMITTEE:

THE WHY BEHIND THE WORK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death among women.

For our Women’s Issue, we connected with five members of the Heart Ball committee to understand the why behind their involvement.

In their own words, they share what drives them, what they’ve learned, and why this work matters far beyond a single evening.

Kendra Riley

At 14, my heart would start racing unexpectedly. Sometimes it lasted minutes, sometimes over an hour. I wore a heart monitor, and the doctors told me I could continue living with it, but it would likely increase over time.

By the time I was 20 at the University of Arizona, it was happening so often that I struggled to walk up stairs. That’s when I had heart surgery. Using heat, they destroyed the extra electrical pathway causing the issue.

It’s been 23 years, and I haven’t had a problem since.

That experience, combined with my father’s own heart condition, is what inspired me to give back and raise awareness through the American Heart Association.

Being part of the Heart Ball Committee goes far beyond one evening. It’s about education. It’s about helping people understand how common heart issues really are. Every single person on our committee has a story.

What I wish more people understood is how preventable so much of this can be. The numbers are real, but so is our ability to change them.

DeeDee Vecchione

My connection to heart health has always been my family.

Both my parents had strokes. Several of my uncles had heart attacks, some resulting in sudden death. But the moment that changed everything for me was my husband’s diagnosis.

He hit his head at work while picking up a pen. That led to a CT scan. His head was fine, but the scan revealed plaque in his heart. After further testing, we learned he needed a quadruple bypass.

He had absolutely no symptoms. He was active and healthy, so the diagnosis was a complete shock.

That experience taught us how silent heart disease can be and how important it is to advocate for your own health. There are diagnostic tools available, but many are only used when symptoms appear. We have learned you have to ask questions. You have to push for answers.

The work of the American Heart Association provides life saving tools, research, and treatment, but education is just as important.

People hear “know your numbers,” but it’s more than that. It’s understanding what those numbers actually mean. Calcium scores, stress tests, genetic markers. These are the things that can save your life.

If my husband hadn’t hit his head that day, I would be telling a very different story.

Andrea Robertson

My connection to heart health started with my father.

He had a TIA stroke that almost went undiagnosed. Because of my experience advocating for my daughter, I knew how to push for answers. That instinct changed everything.

We discovered he needed a triple bypass, with one artery completely blocked. The surgery was successful, but years later, those bypasses failed.

Because of research and advancements made possible by the American Heart Association, my father became one of the first patients in the country to receive a breakthrough device that cleared his arteries.

Today, he is doing incredibly well. Without that technology, he would not be here.

That is what this means to me.

The Heart Ball is more than an event. It is innovation, education, and advocacy. It is women coming together to create real change in our community.

And it became personal for me in another way.

What I thought was stress turned out to be AFib. Because of what I learned, I recognized the signs and got help. That knowledge changed everything.

Denise Voss, 2026 Phoenix Heart Ball Chairman

My connection to heart health is both deeply personal and rooted in the community around me. Over the years, I’ve seen how heart disease touches nearly every family, from friends to loved ones to so many individuals right here in Phoenix. At our Heart Ball Kick Off, I asked the room to raise their hand if they had been impacted by heart disease. Nearly every hand went up. That moment has stayed with me. It reinforced just how real and shared this is.

Since joining the Heart Ball committee, I’ve come to understand the depth of that impact and the responsibility we carry to create change. I serve because I know we can make a difference.

While the Heart Ball is a meaningful evening, the work is year-round. It’s about advancing the mission of the American Heart Association by funding critical research, expanding CPR and AED training, and improving community health through education and prevention.

Real impact happens when a community comes together with purpose.

Beatrice “Bea” Rocklin

My passion for supporting the American Heart Association comes from a deeply personal connection to heart disease in my family. For generations, men on my father’s side suffered from strokes and heart attacks. After losing my father 17 years ago, I made it a priority to educate myself and my loved ones on recognizing warning signs and reducing risk factors.

That knowledge became lifesaving when I was able to help a family member receive urgent care during a stroke, minimizing long-term effects. It reinforced just how critical awareness and quick action can be.

More recently, losing my brother to a heart attack at a young age has deepened my commitment even further. It’s why I continue to advocate for heart health, promote CPR training, and encourage healthier lifestyles within our community.

While the Heart Ball is an incredible annual event, the work extends far beyond one evening. Through my work and volunteering, I stay closely involved in advancing the mission of the American Heart Association across Arizona.

I work alongside leaders at the state and city level to help identify funding opportunities and support policies that improve community health. I’m committed to initiatives that raise awareness, strengthen access, and create lasting impact.

It’s never too late to take control of your heart health.

Proud to support the neighborhood

Being a good neighbor means being there for my community. As your local State Farm® agent, I’m ready to help whenever you need me. Give me a call.

DEAR

DEAR MATCHMAKER,

Women and Dating

Q: I’m dating again after divorce. Why does it feel harder this time?

A: Because you’re more aware. You’re no longer dating for potential, you’re dating for alignment. That requires discernment, not just chemistry, and it naturally narrows the field.

Q: What holds women back the most when re-entering dating?

A: Old narratives. Thinking time has passed, or that the right partner should look a certain way. When you let go of the timeline and the script, you make space for something that actually fits your life now.

Q: How should women be using dating apps today?

A: As introductions, not investments. Don’t build connection through texting for weeks. Meet sooner, observe more, and let real-life interaction guide you instead of curated profiles.

Q: Why do successful women often struggle more with dating?

A: Because success rewards control and predictability, and relationships don’t operate that way. The shift is learning to stay open without trying to manage the outcome.

Q: What’s a mistake you see women make early on?

A: Overlooking consistency. People pay attention to chemistry and conversation, but consistency is what builds trust. Someone showing up the same way over time matters more than a strong first impression.

Q: What’s the clearest sign someone is right for you?

A: You feel calm, not uncertain. It’s not about intensity, it’s about steadiness. The right connection brings clarity and ease, not confusion.

HAVE A DATING QUESTION?

Submit it anonymously to “Dear Matchmaker” at team@scottsdalematchmaker.com -your question could be featured in an upcoming issue! www.scottsdalematchmaker.com

HOW MOVEMENT AND DISCIPLINE RESTORED STRENGTH, CLARITY, AND SELF

BACK TO BALLET

“Self.”

That was the word I spoke out loud as midnight carried me into 2024.

Every New Year, I choose a single word to guide the year ahead. Some words remain constant; purpose, passion, faith, family; the pillars that shape my life. But each year I choose another word that reflects something I need to reclaim, strengthen, or rediscover.

That year, the word was self

I didn’t know it then, but that simple declaration would lead me back to ballet, back to my soul, and eventually to the creation of my medical practice, Luxury Lifestyle Medicine™.

The journey began with something small. On New Years Day, I locked my bathroom door and took a shower alone.

If you’re a mother, you understand the significance of that moment. Children seem to develop a sixth sense that alerts them the instant you attempt to shower, sit down, of lift a fork to eat your own meal. But that morning I chose myself. Ten uninterrupted minutes of quiet.

It was the first step in remembering who I was outside of the roles I served; physician, wife, mother, caretaker for everyone else.

Years before medical school, I had been a professional dancer and group fitness instructor. Movement was once a central language of my life. But medicine is a demanding calling, and motherhood even more so. Over time, dance quietly slipped away from my schedule. When I chose the word self, I stopped making excuses. I enrolled in adult ballet classes at Master Ballet Academy in Scottsdale.

The first class was humbling. My body no longer moved the way it once had. My turnout was limited. My flexibility had faded. I couldn’t lean backwards or drop into splits the way I could in my twenties. Standing at the barre, I remember thinking, “How could I have ever called myself a dancer ”.

But ballet teaches you something profound: progress comes through discipline, humility, and repetition.

What began as one class per week quickly evolved into 300-400 minutes of training each week. My teachers pushed me, and I let them. Slowly, my body began to respond. My muscles strengthened. My flexibility returned. My posture improved. I began to move with intention again.

Yet the most powerful transformation was not physical. My mind sharpened as I memorized intricate choreography. My focus deepened as I learned to control every line and extension. My confidence returned as I stood taller in my own skin.

And something else happened. My soul ignited.

Modern science increasingly confirms what dancers have always known intuitively. Research shows that dance improved cardiovascular health, bone density, balance, and emotional well-being. In a landmark 21-year study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that dance was the only physical activity associated with a significantly lower risk of dementia. Unlike many forms of exercise, dance simultaneously engages the body, memory, rhythm, coordination, and social connection, creating one of the most powerful workouts for both the brain and the spirit.

But the most profound medicine dance offers cannot easily be measured in a laboratory. It reminds you what it feels like to be alive.

One year after returning to ballet, I stepped onto the stage at the Herberger Theater Center for my school’s spring performance. I had not performed publicly in over fifteen years. In December 2025, I was cast in the opening scene of The Phoenix Ballet’s Nutcracker at the Arizona Financial Theater.

Standing under the stage lights, I realized something: I had not simply returned to dance. I had returned to myself.

The discipline I cultivated in the ballet studio spilled into every area of my life. I began waking an hour earlier each morning to study and ultimately earned a second board certification in Lifestyle Medicine.

Movement had reshaped my body, but it had also reshaped my mindset.

In 2025, my word became abundance

I approached life with a “yes, and” philosophy, welcoming opportunities, people, and experiences with curiosity and gratitude. That mindset eventually carried me across the world to the Maldives.

One morning, standing in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, I felt a profound sense of stillness. I found myself speaking quietly to God from my heart, filled with gratitude for the simple luxuries we often overlook.

The luxury of my health.

The luxury of my family’s health.

The luxury of being able to dance without pain.

The luxury of vision to see new places.

The luxury of being fully present in my life.

In that moment of silence, something shifted. I felt a sense of calling to create a different model of medicine, one that honored the whole person and treated health as something sacred rather than transactional.

Two weeks later, I registered the company that would become Luxury Lifestyle Medicine™, a hospitality-driven primary care practice designed to restore the human connection that modern healthcare had lost.

Today, many women in their 40’s and 50’s come to my clinic with the same quiet concern: “I just don’t feel like myself anymore.”

Their lab tests are often normal. Their vital signs look perfect. On paper, they are healthy.

But health is not simply the absence of disease. Health is the presence of vitality, purpose, and joy.

As a physician, it is my responsibility to evaluate fatigue and other symptoms thoroughly. But when the answers are not found in the laboratory values alone, we must look deeper. The health of the human spirit matters just as much as the health of the body.

Are the people in your life uplifting your energy?

Are you pursuing something that fills your heart with purpose?

Do you experience moments of flow, creativity, and joy?

There is so much more to health than what can be measured on a lab report. The truth is, no expensive supplement, magic pill, hyperbaric chamber, or red-light sauna can restore something that has been quietly lost within.

Sometimes the path back to yourself begins with something much simpler:

Movement.

Taking a dance class.

“I HAD NOT SIMPLY RETURNED TO DANCE. I HAD RETURNED TO MYSELF.”

Walking outside.

Returning to a passion you once loved.

Because when we move, we reconnect with something deeper inside us. And in a world that constantly demands our time, energy, and attention, the greatest luxury may simply be this:

The luxury of returning to yourself.

And sometimes, the first step back begins not with a diagnosis, but with a dance.

Dr. Mila Lopez, MD is a double board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine with over 12 years of experience, now welcoming patients into her new elevated Scottsdale space designed for personalized, lifestyle-driven care.

luxurylifestylemedicine.com

Pelvic Health, Reconsidered

What

women experience is common, but not something to overlook.

One in three women will experience pelvic floor dysfunction in their lifetime, yet most will never talk about it.

As May is Pelvic Health Awareness Month, that silence is worth paying attention to.

As a double board certified interventional physical medicine physician, I have spent more than 20 years

focused on restoring function without surgery. Whether treating professional athletes or active individuals, the goal is always the same. Help the body move efficiently, without compensation, and without limitation.

Pelvic health is central to that conversation, especially for women.

ARTICLE BY DR. MICHAEL WOLFF, MD, SOUTHWEST SPINE & SPORTS

The pelvic floor is part of the body’s core system, working in coordination with the diaphragm, abdominal muscles, and spine. It manages pressure, supports stability, and plays a critical role in how women move and function day to day. When it is not working properly, the changes are often subtle at first. A moment of hesitation. A shift in movement. Small adaptations that quietly become routine.

Over time, those small shifts add up.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, nearly one in three women will experience pelvic floor dysfunction, and many wait years before seeking care, often assuming their symptoms are simply part of aging or motherhood. They are not.

For many women, symptoms begin during key life stages. Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that up to half of women report pelvic floor symptoms after childbirth, while the National Association for Continence notes that nearly one in two women over 50 experience urinary incontinence. Despite how common this is, it remains one of the least discussed aspects of women’s health.

From a rehabilitation perspective, pelvic floor dysfunction is rarely just about weakness. It is about coordination. Muscles may not generate enough force when needed, or they may not relax appropriately, disrupting how the body manages pressure and movement as a whole.

As care continues to evolve, we are shifting toward earlier, more proactive solutions that focus on restoring function. One of those advancements is EMSELLA®.

Dr. Saran, one of the Valley’s Top Doctors, provides personalized endocrine and preventative care through direct memberships. She delivers long-term health solutions with her tailored approach and advanced diagnostic testing.

HERE ARE SIX THINGS WOMEN SHOULD UNDERSTAND:

1. IT IS NEUROMUSCULAR RE-EDUCATION

EMSELLA® uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy to stimulate the whole pelvic floor, retraining the muscles and nervous system to respond more effectively.

2. THE LEVEL OF ACTIVATION IS SIGNIFICANT

Each 30-minute session delivers the equivalent of approximately 11,200 supramaximal contractions, creating a level of engagement that is difficult to achieve with Kegels voluntarily.

4. IT IS EFFICIENT AND REQUIRES NO DOWNTIME

Treatments are approximately 30 minutes, fully dressed, not painful, and patients can return to their regular day immediately. Our patients report improvements within a few weeks.

5. IT ADDRESSES WHAT WOMEN HAVE BEEN ADAPTING TO

Many women quietly modify their lifestyle over time. When function improves, they are able to return to activities without hesitation.

6. IT IS PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH

The best outcomes come when treatment is paired with movement, strength, and education, reinforcing how the body is meant to function.

Pelvic health should not be something women address only when symptoms become disruptive. It should be part of how we think about long-term wellness at every stage of life.

Because when the foundation of the body is supported, everything else becomes stronger.

swspineandsports.com

Lasting Wellness Center INTRODUCING

Born in Arizona and trusted by spas, our natural jojoba works in harmony with your skin. It hydrates, balances, and restores without clogging pores.

Simple. Pure. Effective.

Elevating Professional Success Through Persuasive Communication

Dr. Karen Lisko is a dynamic speaker and debut author of Kind Dynamite, equipping professional women with persuasion strategies that move decision makers to action. Sharp, practical, and engaging, she delivers tools audiences use immediately. It’s why organizations continue to invite her back.

Now booking speaking engagements and corporate trainings.

MEET KARA ROBERTS...

Practicing What She’s Lived

HOW SKIN CANCER REFRAMED HER APPROACH TO PREVENTION AND CARE

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY KARA ROBERTS

With May marking Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Kara Roberts isn’t speaking from theory. She’s speaking from experience... and it’s the reason behind the way she practices medicine today.

At 38, Kara was consistent. Annual dermatology visits. Daily sunscreen. A level of awareness shaped by loss, with both of her grandfathers dying from metastatic melanoma before 41.

Still, the diagnosis came.

“I was always extremely conscientious about the sun and wearing sunscreen daily, but I knew I needed to think beyond that and focus on long-term risk mitigation. I knew early intervention was key, and I quickly started evaluating treatment options.”

What followed wasn’t panic. It was precision. Monthly treatments. A deeper commitment to prevention. A shift from reactive to intentional.

But Kara’s ability to move forward like that didn’t start there.

At 21, she survived a multi-system trauma that changed the course of her life. A traumatic brain injury. Cervical spinal fractures. A shattered pelvis. Months with a tracheostomy and feeding tube. A wheelchair.

“While a skin cancer diagnosis was difficult, I had been through far worse. I didn’t have to learn how to walk again or write my name, so I knew I could handle anything.”

That perspective stays with her. In the ICU, where she’s spent over two decades in critical care, cardiac surgery, and transplant medicine. And at home.

“Skin cancer clarified my priorities, in work, in business, and at home as a wife and mom, and shaped how I use my experience to educate and impact others.”

That realization is what led her to build Aine Healthcare, a Scottsdalebased practice centered on prevention, longevity, and a more comprehensive view of health.

CONTINUED >

“I wanted to find and provide preventative options to keep patients out of the ICU.”

Her approach is layered and individualized. Hormones. Gut health. Thyroid. Metabolic function. Peptides. Not quick fixes, but a deeper look at what’s actually driving the body.

“I’m all about patient-centric. We evaluate the root cause and create a plan that’s specific to each individual.”

That depth is backed by constant evolution. Over the years, Kara has continued to expand her expertise through advanced training and ongoing education across functional medicine, bioidentical hormone therapy as a certified EvexiPEL® provider, and regenerative aesthetics in both the United States and the UK. She holds a medical director certification in Arizona and serves on the AmSpa Arizona Chapter Leadership Team.

“Medical-grade skincare is a daily necessity. It supports cellular renewal and helps the skin shed mutations before they can become malignant.”

Even aesthetics follow that same philosophy.

“Skin cancer clarified my priorities. Second chances are always worth fighting for. Prevention is the difference between crisis and control.”

— Kara Roberts

“It’s not about credentials for the sake of it. It’s about staying current in a space that’s rapidly changing.”

And she treats it that way.

“Regenerative aesthetics supports the natural aging process by increasing collagen production and restoring volume while respecting functional anatomy.”

It’s also personal. After going into premature ovarian failure before 30, she found herself dismissed.

“I will always make my patients feel heard. I never want anyone to experience the frustration I did.”

Now 45, Kara is balancing it all. Her son. Her practice. Ongoing work in Boston. Training. Travel.

“I know my body has an incredible ability to heal itself. Longevity is paramount to me.”

During a month dedicated to awareness, her message is simple.

“The skin is our body’s largest organ, and we must protect it. Second chances are always worth fighting for.”

ainehealthcare.com

Live music, specialty cocktails, a signature mezcal moonrise ceremony, wood-fired pizza, and a 365-day patio made for lingering.

Elevated Classics

Hi, I’m Shannon, and I’ve been specializing in chocolate chip cookies for over 25 years, baking custom cookies for every occasion.

I’m a proud mom to Maddie and Brandon. After losing my daughter Maddie, baking became a source of purpose and fulfillment... something that continues to inspire everything I create.

Classic batches and custom cookie cakes available, each made from scratch, delicious, beautiful, and crafted with care. Individually wrapped options available, perfect for gifting or events.

Thank you for letting me cater your next dessert! Plenty of options to choose from, all made fresh and from the heart.

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Discover

DC Ranch Village

The Elevated Wellness Destination

From HER Point of View

Five Women, Five Stories, and the Perspectives that Shape How They Lead and Live

For our Women’s Issue, we’re leaning into real reflections, earned wisdom, and the moments that shape a woman’s path.

Here, we sit down with five Valley women and dig into the experiences, pivots, and perspectives that define them.

What gave you the confidence to pursue your next chapter?

Confidence didn’t come first, action did. I started doing things that scared me, even when I felt completely unprepared. From investing in myself when I couldn’t afford it to stepping into situations that forced me to grow, I kept choosing discomfort over staying the same. Every time I survived something I thought I couldn’t handle, it built proof. Over time, that proof turned into confidence. I stopped waiting to feel ready and started trusting that I would figure it out along the way. That shift changed everything. I realized confidence isn’t something you have, it’s something you build through doing.

Looking back, what risk are you most grateful you took?

Two risks changed my life: investing in myself and doing scary things. At 20, during COVID, with pressure to choose stability, I bet on myself anyway. I hired a real estate coach I couldn’t afford and put $10k on a credit card. It was sink or swim. Around the same time, I got my skydiving license while terrified to cold call. I told myself if I could jump out of a plane, I could pick up the phone. That mindset rewired everything. Those decisions built resilience, confidence, and momentum and completely changed the trajectory of my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

IG @tanyatoliver

Tanya Toliver Serhant

Mary Chen Compass Real Estate

How has your definition of success evolved over time, and what led you to pivot?

Early on, success meant titles, climbing the corporate ladder, and proving I could have it all without anyone seeing me sweat. But as a single mom, that definition changed. It hit me during one too many late nights working while my daughters slept. One night, my oldest asked why I was always tired. That broke something open. I realized I wasn’t protecting them, I was showing them what it looks like to settle and sacrifice your health trying to win at all costs.

Now, success looks like being fully present for my girls while building work that lights me up and provides stability. It’s less about external validation and more about inner peace, financial security for us, and modeling resilience, strength, and vulnerability. My girls come first, always. Every decision filters through one question, does this build a better future for us and reflect the life I want to show them.

What gave you the confidence to take that leap?

My daughters. Looking at them and seeing their trust in me reminded me I’ve already survived hard things, leaving tough situations, rebuilding our home, doing everything solo. If I could do that, I could figure out a career shift. I leaned on a small circle that reminded me I have a warrior spirit, and I kept telling myself that regret hurts more than risk.

The biggest shift was learning to trust myself. I used to say yes to everything out of fear of missing out or missing the deal. Letting go of that forced me to reevaluate my priorities and build something more meaningful and flexible for motherhood. I also learned the hard way that perfection is the enemy of progress. Life doesn’t wait for perfect timing, especially as a single mom. Giving myself grace, accepting I can’t be everywhere at once, and being intentional with my time changed everything.

Success isn’t perfect, it’s persistent.

What would you share with other women navigating change or building their next chapter?

Start small, but start now. Update your resume, take a course, reach out to one person. Momentum builds confidence. Don’t wait for the perfect time, it rarely comes. My motto is do it anyway. Nobody feels ready, you learn through trial and error, and you give yourself grace along the way.

Protect your energy. Say no to what drains you and build a support system, even if it’s just one person. You don’t have to be fearless, you just have to be willing. Your kids are watching how you handle fear and change, that’s the real legacy.

Stop comparing yourself. Social media is a highlight reel, not real life. Trust your instincts sooner, ask for what you’re worth, and stop waiting for permission. You are enough exactly as you are. Build a life that makes you proud, one that your daughters or the next generation can look at and say, this is possible.

IG @marychenrealtorarizona

How do you navigate fear or uncertainty when stepping into something new?

I read something once that stuck with me: you’re going to be scared, so do it scared. That really shifted my perspective. Fear doesn’t always go away, so you have a choice. Either let it dictate your steps or you move forward anyway. I’ve learned to acknowledge the fear, the doubts, the insecurities, and still do the thing. Have the conversation. Pursue the vision. Eventually, what once felt overwhelming becomes something you’ve already walked through.

What daily habits or mindset shifts have made the biggest impact on your success?

It wasn’t necessarily a habit, but I committed to reading the Bible in a year. Going through it as an adult completely changed my perspective. The people I once viewed as untouchable were flawed, just like us. They struggled, they stumbled, they fell short, but they also showed humility, faith, and resilience in how they came back. It made me realize that no one is perfect, no matter how successful they appear. We may put people on pedestals, but the truth is, we all fall short. What matters most is how we rebound.

What’s one misconception people often have about successful women?

Is that we can do it all. You can not. I often joke that successful women are powered by dry shampoo. Some days, you just can’t budget the time to wash your hair; that time is required elsewhere. If you’ve ever read “Relentless” by Tim Grover you know what I mean. There is a serious element of sacrifice that goes into being great at whatever you chose. Sometimes that sacrifice is trivial, like not doing your hair. Other times, it’s significant, and all eloquence aside, that’s the sacrifice that sucks.

What message would you share with the next generation of women building their own paths?

Don’t chase success, it’s fleeting and fickle. Instead, train yourself to count your blessings. Things that seem normal and are so easily taken for granted at this stage in your life are likely to become invaluable down the road. For example: you can pick up the phone and hear your mom’s or dad’s voice and share a conversation. You woke up refreshed from a good night’s sleep. You got the opportunity to workout or go on a run and your knees didn’t hurt. Things like that are gifts... take a moment to enjoy them and be thankful, every day.

IG @jennfromretsy

Jennifer Burgess

Owner, Myranda Fine Jewelry

What gave you the confidence to pursue your next chapter?

Confidence came from taking the leap before I felt completely ready. I’ve learned to do the big things, then get the confidence. Most people think it works the other way around, but it doesn’t. It won’t happen if you wait until you feel ready. Trusting the process and taking that first step is what allows confidence to grow. It forces you to jump into it rather than over-plan it.

What does leadership mean to you today?

Leadership is about creating a space where people feel inspired. There isn’t just one leader; we are all leaders. I always say: don’t walk in front or behind me, walk beside me. I want the women on my team to feel better after being around me and excited to bring their ideas forward. Every move I make

is intentional, staying open to learning, encouraging others to grow and shine, and building a collaborative environment where everyone feels heard.

What’s one misconception people often have about successful women?

That success is only about achievement. For me, it’s about purpose. It’s about proving to yourself who you are, not to anyone else. It’s about giving back to your family, your community, and your team. It’s about showing up no matter what, even when it’s hard. Never assume someone’s path. I come from humble beginnings, and I hope that shows women you can choose your own journey.

IG @myrandafinejewelry

What is one accomplishment you’re most proud of?

Building a life that has meaning. Supporting new and expecting parents and watching the woman my daughter has become.

How did you turn your passion into a career?

By the grace of God, I have been able to turn a passion for working with parents and their babies into a thriving career. Being able to do work that supports others in such a meaningful way, while also building something my daughter can be part of, is everything to me.

How do you define impact in your work?

I define impact in my work by the level of support and reassurance I’m able to provide to parents. Becoming a parent is an exciting yet vulnerable time, and being trusted to support them through this phase of life is an honor... one I do not take lightly.

What does meaningful success look like to you?

If I can help parents feel more confident, rested, and connected to their baby, that’s meaningful to me. It’s about meeting them where they’re at as they figure out their baby’s needs and find their rhythm. I often measure that impact by the progress we’ve made together by the end of our agreed-upon time.

IG @luxebabycare

Marisa Rodriguez

Luxe Baby Custom Newborn Care

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• Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine with functional rehab, cupping, and STEM therapy

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An experience designed with intention, layered with detail, and remembered long after the evening ends

MOM’S MENTAL LOAD

ARTICLE BY BROOK CHOULET, MD, THE PERFORMANCE PSYCHIATRIST®

THE INVISIBLE PRESSURE YOU DON’T SEE, BUT FEEL EVERY DAY

There’s a version of burnout that doesn’t look like collapse. It actually looks like the opposite. High-functioning, productive, and “on.”

Showing up to work. Managing the house. Keeping track of appointments, deadlines, and other people’s needs, often simultaneously. From the outside, it appears seamless. But internally, there’s a constant cognitive hum: the invisible mental load.

For many high-performing women and mothers, the challenge isn’t a lack of resilience. It’s that their resilience is overextended.

Mental health conversations often center on extremes: crisis, breakdown, or complete exhaustion. But what I see most in my work with executives, athletes, and high-achieving women is something more subtle, which in my opinion makes it more dangerous. It’s chronic cognitive overload paired with expected sustained performance.

And that combination quietly erodes clarity, patience, and energy over time.

The solution is not doing less. For most women reading this, that’s neither realistic nor desirable.

The solution is operating differently.

High-performing women are exceptionally good at adapting. They anticipate needs, solve problems quickly, and carry complexity with precision. But this strength becomes a liability when there’s no intentional system to offload all of the input you’ve been taking in all day.

We’re not designed to live in a constant state of fight or flight.

Your brain is not designed to be a storage unit for every detail of your life. Yet many women function as if it is: mentally tracking schedules, emotional dynamics, logistics, and contingencies all day long. This creates decision fatigue, irritability, and a persistent sense of being “on,” even during downtime.

You may think you’re “so on top of it,” but over time, you become mentally fatigued. Your mental sharpness in fact decreases.

Mental wellness and mental performance are not about eliminating stress. They’re about increasing your capacity to navigate it without your brain being depleted.

That requires three shifts:

1. From endurance to efficiency.

Stop measuring your strength by how much you can carry. Start measuring it by how effectively you can delegate, automate, and eliminate unnecessary mental load.

2. From reactive to intentional thinking.

If your day is driven by incoming demands, your brain never resets. High performers protect time to think, not just respond.

3. From self-sacrifice to strategic self-investment.

Taking care of your mental state is not indulgent. It’s operational and essential to high-performance.

THE INVISIBLE COST OF “HOLDING IT ALL”

Many women don’t realize how much energy is spent simply remembering

Remembering what needs to be done, who needs what, and what hasn’t been handled yet.

This creates a constant background stress signal in the brain. Even when you’re resting, your mind is scanning for unfinished tasks.

This is why creating systems is crucial. Live life with low stress, confident in your ability to navigate each day efficiently.

The goal is not to escape your responsibilities, but to reduce the friction with which you carry them.

When you externalize tasks, create structure around decision-making, and build intentional mental recovery into your day, you reclaim cognitive bandwidth. And that bandwidth is what allows you to feel present, focused, and in control again.

High performance is not just about output. It’s about sustainability.

And for women managing multiple roles at a high level, sustainability is built through precision, not more effort.

FIVE STRATEGIC SHIFTS TO REDUCE MENTAL LOAD

01/ Externalize Everything

Stop relying on your brain to hold information. Use a centralized system: notes app, digital planner, or task manager to capture tasks immediately. If it’s in your head, it’s taking up space.

02/Create Decision Defaults

Reduce daily decision fatigue by standardizing repeat choices. Every eliminated decision preserves mental energy for higher-value thinking.

03/Schedule “White Space” Like a Meeting

Unstructured time is where your brain processes and resets. Block 15–30 minutes daily with no inputs: no phone, no conversations, no tasks.

04/Stop OverOptimizing Everything

Not every decision requires maximum efficiency. Choose where precision matters (work, finances, health) and allow “good enough” elsewhere.

05/Conduct a Weekly Mental Audit

Once a week, review what’s occupying your mental space. Ask: What am I holding onto that can be delegated, delayed, or deleted? This prevents accumulation of invisible stress.

Dr. Sheridan James combines the best of western and functional medicine to uncover and address the root causes of health concerns.

Her concierge practice focuses on preventative and precision medicine, helping patients achieve optimal wellness through personalized, proactive care.

Members enjoy direct access to Dr. James via phone, text, email, or video visits—ensuring ongoing support and continuity of care beyond the traditional office setting

With a background spanning boutique retail, global eCommerce partnerships, and years as a top reseller, I bring a rare, insider understanding of fashion, inventory, and what today’s shopper actually wants.

Forget the chaos, the outdated pieces, and the sizezero racks. Our events are curated, elevated, and designed to feel like a true fashion experience. Think designer collections still full-price online, luxe venues like private Paradise Valley estates, cocktails, music, and racks filled with sizes XS to XL.

21 Questions: Chef Thomas Griese

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY JING A Scene-Stealing Hotspot Where Dramatic Design Meets a Fully Elevated Dining Experience

In every issue of PVCL, we play a game of 21 Questions with one of the Valley’s standout chefs. This month, we’re hanging with JING Scottsdale’s Corporate Executive Chef Thomas Griese.

JING Scottsdale recently opened following an $11 million transformation at Scottsdale and Shea, bringing its signature blend of globally inspired cuisine, subtle Asian influence, and high-energy dining to the Valley.

At the helm is Executive Chef Thomas Griese, whose training under Thomas Keller, André Rochat, and Michael Mina brings a refined edge to the experience.

1. WHAT EARLY MEMORY STILL SHAPES YOUR COOKING?

Growing up around strawberries. We had a small garden, and I’d spend hours picking berries sometimes getting completely lost.

2. WHEN DID COOKING BECOME YOUR CAREER PATH?

In a home economics class. I realized I was excelling compared to others, and that felt different.

3. WHAT DREW YOU TO THE FRENCH LAUNDRY COOKBOOK?

There were dishes in there that weren’t just food, they were experiences... things that evoked memory and emotion.

4. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST DAY AT BOUCHON LIKE?

Intimidating in the best way. I was 21, walking in at 5am, and everything was immaculate. You’re surrounded by people operating at a completely different standard. I remember thinking, these guys are better than me; how do I close that gap?

5. WHAT STANDS OUT FROM YOUR TIME AT THE FRENCH LAUNDRY?

Surreal. I made it, but I had to prove I belonged.

6. WHAT STAYED WITH YOU FROM THOSE KITCHENS?

You learn that passion alone isn’t enough.

7. WHAT SETS ELITE KITCHENS APART?

The intensity, the expectation, and the attention to detail.

8. DID YOU FEEL PRESSURE TO PROVE YOURSELF EARLY ON?

You’re constantly trying to validate yourself to your peers, your mentors, and even your family. Sacrifice goes into this career.

9. WHAT STANDARD DO YOU NEVER COMPROMISE ON?

Taste your food.

10. WHICH STOP SHAPED YOU THE MOST?

Michael Mina 74 at the Fontainebleau. I was young, but I was put in a position where I had to lead. I learned how to manage people, and also how to read a P and L statement.

11. WHAT DID LAS VEGAS TEACH YOU?

Vegas taught me to cook for the guest, not for yourself.

12. WHAT DID MIAMI TEACH YOU?

How much talent exists everywhere. You can never assume you’re the best in the room.

13. HOW DID TEST KITCHENS SHAPE YOUR APPROACH?

Research and development. You’re constantly adjusting, tasting, rewriting.

14. CHEF VS CORPORATE EXECUTIVE CHEF... WHAT’S DIFFERENT?

Not as different as people think. I’m still in the kitchen, still cooking, still tasting. The difference? I now support multiple teams through their chefs.

15. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A NEW MARKET?

The people. You have to understand the community; what they already love, what they’re missing, and how they dine.

16. WHAT DID YOU WANT JING SCOTTSDALE TO DO DIFFERENTLY?

We wanted it to feel more intentional at every level.

17. WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE IN PRACTICE?

The kitchen equipment, the sourcing of ingredients, the menu... everything had a purpose. We’re raising the standard and building something very complete from the beginning.

18. FIRST THING YOU NOTICE IN A RESTAURANT?

If the glasses are polished.

19. MUST ORDER AT JING SCOTTSDALE?

Alaskan king crab with ponzu butter, tuna pizza, Brussels sprouts, and Colorado lamb chops.

20. YOUR GO TO MEAL?

The hamachi crunch and snow crab... or a bone-in ribeye.

21. FAVORITE ITEM ON THE MENU? That’s like asking me to pick a favorite child... I love them all. jingrestaurant.com

No

No mess. Just luxury built better.

There’s a shift happening in how homes are designed—and it goes far beyond finishes and floorplans.

Today’s most forward-thinking homes are built around something deeper: how you live, how you feel, and how your environment supports your longterm health and well-being.

Join us on Friday, May 8, and step inside the future of wellness-driven living at our next Blueprints & Beyond gathering.

Hosted inside the Thriver Wellness Supply showroom, this experience offers a rare opportunity to explore how performance-driven wellness is being thoughtfully integrated into modern custom homes and renovations.

Leading the conversation is Steven Koeppel—entrepreneur, biohacker, and founder of Thriver Wellness Supply—whose personal journey and professional work are helping redefine what it means to live well at home. From saunas and cold plunges to advanced recovery and environmental optimization, Steven works alongside builders, architects, and designers to seamlessly incorporate wellness into the built environment.

Moderating the conversation is Nadine Bubeck, owner and publisher of City Lifestyle Magazine, bringing her perspective on elevated living and modern lifestyle trends.

This conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to design a home that performs as well as it looks.

Together, we’ll explore:

• The top three must-have wellness modalities—and the next-level additions for those looking to elevate their space

• Why investing in quality equipment matters, and the benefits of sourcing through a trusted partner like Thriver

• How wellness equipment is often used incorrectly—and what it takes to achieve the greatest results

• What it looks like when wellness is intentionally integrated from the start—creating a home that is cohesive, elevated, and built around you

Whether you’re building a custom home, planning a renovation, or exploring what’s next in modern living, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Hosted by Kevin Hunter of American Premier Builder and co-hosted by Jason Monczka, Blueprints & Beyond is an intentionally intimate monthly series bringing together leading voices in design, construction, and lifestyle.

Come with questions. Leave with clarity. This is Blueprints & Beyond.

| Founder |

BY NADINE BUBECK Owner, PVCL & SCL

SWYSH SUMMER CAMP

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Starts June 1 | Mon–Thurs | 9 AM–3:30 PM Half Day • Full Day • Weekly Options

Register: swyshden.com/summercamp

www.swyshden.com | (480) 685-8773 8212 E Evans Rd Scottsdale | v @swyshdenbasketball

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s , she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”

— Becky Hillyard

Summer Melon Prosciutto Salad

MELON, PROSCIUTTO & WHIPPED RICOTTA SALAD WITH APRICOT GLAZE

Ingredients

• 1 lemon, zested

• 3 cups bite-size pieces of cantaloupe, honeydew, or mixed melon (about ½ small melon)

• 15 mint leaves

• 15 small basil leaves

• 1 cup fresh ricotta

• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

• 8 slices prosciutto (about 3 oz), cut in half

Apricot Glaze Ingredients

• ½ cup apricot preserves

• 1½ tablespoons Grand Marnier (or Triple Sec / orange liqueur)

Apricot Glaze Instructions

1. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine preserves and liqueur.

2. Whisk continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and liquid, about 4 minutes. Set aside.

Instructions

1. Finely grate the lemon zest over the melon.

2. In a large bowl or platter, combine mint and basil. Season with salt and pepper, then drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the melon and half of the apricot glaze (add more to taste). Toss gently to combine.

3. In a blender, combine ricotta with salt, pepper, and remaining lemon zest. Blend until smooth and whipped.

4. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the melon mixture. Toss lightly. Taste and adjust; add a drizzle of olive oil if too sharp, or a pinch of salt if needed.

5. Top with prosciutto and dollops of whipped ricotta. Drizzle with additional olive oil and glaze if desired. Serve immediately.

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