Tempe, AZ May 2026

Tempe Personal Injury & Business Litigation Attorneys

You Can Trust

A family-owned law firm, here for you when it matters most.

Arbitrations, Mediations, & ADR Business & Commercial Litigation Personal Injur y & Wrongful Death

For more than two decades, The Sorenson Law Firm has proudly called Tempe home. We’re more than just attorneys we’re parents, neighbors, and active members of this community. Whether you’re navigating an injur y claim or a business matter, our family-owned firm is here to guide you with care, clarity, and experience.

Celebrating the Spirit of Tempe

There is something undeniably restorative about this time of year in the Valley. Before the peak summer heat settles in, May offers us a moment to pause, breathe, and appreciate the vibrant life blooming all around us. In this, our annual Ladies Issue, we are turning our lens toward the heartbeat of our community: the women who make Tempe not just a place to live, but a place to belong.

Our cover story this month is a true passion proj ect. We sat down with several local trailblazers—from nonprofit founders and educators to small business owners—who are quietly (and sometimes loudly!) changing the landscape of our city. Their stories reminded me that "making a difference" isn't always about grand gestures; often, it’s found in the consistency of showing up for one’s neighbors.

Some businesses are born from opportunity. Others from necessity. And then there are the rare ones that seem to grow naturally out of who two people already are, the kind that couldn't have belonged to anyone else. Drink Me! Tea Room is one of those places. The idea took shape on a flight home from London, where Melissa Harlan, along with her daughter Haley and their family, had fallen in love with the quiet ceremony of afternoon tea.

Whether you’re a lifelong tea aficionado or just looking for a sustainable, plant-based escape from the daily grind, their modern take on afternoon tea is a revelation. It’s the perfect spot to toast to the influential women in your own life— perhaps for a Mother’s Day treat or a "just because" brunch with your best friends.

Spring fashion is in full swing, and Clothes Mentor is here to show us how to style scarves this season. Owner Stephanie Coleman and her team are modeling the latest ways to wear scarves this spring.

As you flip through these pages, I hope you feel inspired by the resilience and creativity of the women featured. They are the architects of our community’s character.

So, grab a glass of iced tea (or perhaps a pot of Earl Grey), find a shady spot on the patio, and join us in celebrating the incredible women of Tempe.

With gratitude,

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Wendy Bates | wendy.bates@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Jett Arredondo | jett.arredondo@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Stephanie Slezak

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jett Arredondo, Kali Kasorzyk

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Jett Arredondo

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zack Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

QUALITY

WENDY BATES, PUBLISHER

Trailblazers of Tempe: Nine Women

The

Together, They Create Magic

A

Style Your Spring with Scarves

Effortless

Innovative New Affordable Housing, Healthcare Hub Opens in Tempe

A new affordable apartment community with a planned health clinic and café is now open in the Apache Corridor, bringing a model to Tempe that could be replicated across the state and country. La Victoria Commons pairs stable, affordable housing with healthcare, social support, employment assistance, and convenient access to light rail to help individuals and families thrive. The development currently offers rental units and will soon introduce homeownership opportunities, adding 125 new affordable housing units.

Night Owl Pizza Opens in Tempe

Night Owl Pizza & Drinks has officially landed in Tempe, bringing its signature late-night energy, scratch-made pizza, smash burgers, wings, and craft cocktails to the neighborhood. Known for its fast, friendly service and vibrant atmosphere, Night Owl offers a go-to spot for everything from casual dinners to post-event hangouts. With bold flavors and a community-driven vibe, Night Owl Tempe is quickly becoming a local favorite.

Adolfson & Peterson Construction is

Celebrating its Landmark 80th Anniversary

From humble beginnings in a home basement in 1946, AP has grown into a nationally recognized, family-owned construction management and contracting firm and a consistently ranked Top 100 contractor. Now marking its 80th anniversary, the company continues to deliver high-quality projects while maintaining one of the strongest safety records in the industry.

Over the years, AP has navigated economic shifts and the challenges of a global pandemic, surpassing $2 billion in annual revenue and completing more than 120 projects.

Now Open In Tempe

Adult and Pediatric ENT Care

Hearing Testing/Treatment

Earaches/Ear Infections | Dizziness

Tinnitus/Ear Ringing | Nasal Surgery

Sinusitis | Allergies | Nose Bleeds

Congestion | Sore Throat | Cough

|

Trailblazers of Tempe: Nine Women Making a Difference

THE LOCAL LEADERS, INNOVATORS, AND ADVOCATES WHOSE STORIES INSPIRE OUR CITY

Carol Royse

The Carol Royse Team

I’ve always been a volunteer, from a young age through church and in Girl Scouts to later serving on multiple boards as an adult. As a stay-at-home mom, I quickly realized I wanted to be more involved in my community, which led me to organizations like United Way, Tempe St. Luke’s, and the Boys & Girls Club, where I served as a chair for many years.

That work shaped me. Being on a board means stepping into leadership and honoring a commitment. People depend on you. It taught me dedication, follow-through, and how to lead with both purpose and personality. At my core, it has always been about serving others.

Today, that commitment continues through our support of Save the Family. While I don’t serve on their board, our team contributes through every home we sell—an effort that led to a $35,000 donation last year. Their mission to help homeless families rebuild their lives is one I deeply believe in.

What brings me the most joy is seeing others succeed. I love mentoring new agents, pouring into them, and watching them grow into their careers. Seeing them find their confidence and build a life they are proud of is what fulfills me. As a woman of faith, I believe that is part of my calling.

One personal milestone I’m especially proud of is purchasing a home in Maui. It took 20 years of consistent work and intention, and in 2023, I made it happen. It’s my happy place. I live by a simple philosophy, treat others with love and integrity. In real estate, people trust us with their biggest asset. If we say we are going to do something, we do it. That is the standard we hold and what makes our team special.

Dr. Annette Hobi

Medical Director, Naturopathic Physician, Founder of Regen 33

I first came to Tempe in 2011 to attend the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, now known as Sonoran University of Health Sciences. What began as a place for school quickly became home, and I’ve now been living and working in Tempe for 15 years.

Giving back has always been part of who I am. My grandfather was a newspaper man who believed deeply in taking care of your neighbors, and that perspective has stayed with me. As a physician, I feel a responsibility to support my community in any way I can. Looking ahead, I hope to create a nonprofit rotation to provide care for those who may be underserved within the naturopathic community.

What brings me the most joy is simple. Time in the garden, being around animals, and spending time with children. Those moments of connection and presence matter most.

Tenacity is one of my strongest traits. When I’m searching for answers or solutions, I don’t stop until I find them. That mindset carries into both my work and my life.

One of the things on my bucket list is to travel back to Switzerland and visit the place my grandfather left more than 100 years ago. He came to the United States as an indentured servant and built a life here through hard work and determination. Now, nearly a century later, my son lives in Europe. In a way, that story has come full circle.

One thing people might not know about me is that I’ve taught thousands of people how to dance and even more how to do a cartwheel.

I live by a simple belief. We have two jobs in life: to love God and to love one another. Everything else is just noise.

Nikki Amberg

Councilmember, City of Tempe

I moved to Tempe from Louisiana 28 years ago and have proudly called it home ever since. I’ve raised my children here and truly value being part of this community. My parents instilled in me a deep commitment to service, something that has remained a constant throughout my life. I’m proud to have passed that on to my children, continuing it as a generational tradition.

I stay involved through organizations like Lost Our Home Pet Rescue and the National Charity League, where my daughter and I served together. At my core, I lead with empathy, always striving to understand others and offer support where I can.

Jodi Polanski

Lost Our Home Founder and Executive Director

In 2008, while volunteering with a rescue and working in mortgages, I kept hearing about pets left behind in foreclosed homes. No one had answers, and that stayed with me. I couldn’t ignore it.

I’ve always believed that when something doesn’t feel right, you step in and find a better way. That belief led me to build something that could respond in moments of crisis.

Seventeen years later, that work has helped over 38,000 pets and 25,000 people.

At my core, I’m resilient—what my husband calls “selectively stubborn.” I keep going, keep adapting, and stay committed to doing things the right way.

Cathariena McCann

Commander, Tempe Police Department

In 2000, when I decided to pursue a career in law enforcement, Tempe was the only agency I applied to. I was drawn to its energy, diversity, and strong sense of community, along with the department’s commitment to service and professionalism.

For more than 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving this city and watching it grow. My connection to Tempe is both professional and personal.

My parents shaped who I am. My father spent 37 years in law enforcement and taught me integrity, dedication, and service. My mother instilled empathy and compassion, showing me that character is defined by how we treat others.

Stacia Wilson, Ed.D

Superintendent, Tempe Union High School District

I grew up in Tempe, and it has shaped both who I am and the path I’ve chosen. My entire career in education has been rooted here, serving the same community that once poured into me. Tempe is not just where I work, it is home.

My parents were my earliest role models. Their commitment to serving others and supporting underserved communities instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to give back with purpose.

As an educator, I focus on creating systems that support students from all backgrounds, helping them reach their academic potential while guiding them toward their personal goals. Empathy is at the core of how I lead and serve.

Beyond my work, music brings me joy, especially ’80s and ’90s R&B. It’s nostalgic, uplifting, and grounding, offering a simple way to reset and reconnect.

McKell Keeney

President, For Our City Tempe

My husband, Dave, and I have called Tempe home for 36 years, where we raised our daughter and three sons. Later in life, I returned to school and graduated from ASU in 2013, a milestone that reflects my perseverance and commitment to seeing things through.

Serving others has always been part of my life. Today, I stay involved by cooking and serving I-Help meals with Tempe Community Action Agency, organizing Tempe Interfaith Fellowship events like the National Day of Prayer, promoting JustServe.org to connect volunteers with nonprofits, and leading For Our City Tempe.

Spending time with my six grandchildren brings me the most joy. I also love helping adoptees uncover their biological history and guiding individuals navigating unexpected DNA discoveries.

On my bucket list is writing an inspirational book, creating a timeless song, and traveling to England, Scotland, and U.S. national parks.

I live by a simple belief: treat others with kindness.

Dawn Hocking

Chelsie Bruggeman Director of Development, The Centers for Habilitation CEO of MOMentum for Working Moms

I grew up in Tempe, still live here, and have worked at TCH for over 35 years. I’m a proud McClintock Charger, and my dad still lives in the home I grew up in.

My parents were incredible role models. Community involvement was simply part of everyday life. They volunteered, supported local organizations, and never missed a moment for our family. I learned early that showing up and giving back strengthens the entire community.

Today, that mindset carries into both my work and my life. For more than 35 years, the individuals we support at TCH have impacted me deeply. Watching them navigate challenges with determination and joy inspires me daily. They’ve taught me about resilience, gratitude, and what it means to truly live in the present.

And now, as a grandmother, I understand a whole new kind of joy. Hearing my granddaughter run toward me yelling “Nanooooo!” is everything.

I moved to Tempe in 2006 for school, and somewhere along the way, it became home. I fell in love with the city and my husband, and now we’re raising our two boys here. We can’t imagine living anywhere else.

I’ve always been a high achiever and once poured everything into my career. That shifted when I became a mom. It completely rocked me. Balancing career and motherhood in a way I felt proud of was harder than I expected, and after my second son, that realization only deepened. I knew working moms deserved more support and a real sense of community.

That belief led me to create MOMentum for Working Moms, which has become my life’s work. Today, I support women in advancing their careers while raising families.

I’m driven by passion and determination, and I find joy in Sun Devil Athletics, dancing, and building communities of women who uplift one another.

A MOTHER-DAUGHTER DUO CREATING A WHIMSICAL ESCAPE FOR GATHERING, CONVERSATION, AND A LITTLE EVERYDAY MAGIC.

TOGETHER,THEY CREATE MAGIC

There’s a certain kind of closeness that only exists between a mother and daughter. It’s layered. Evolving. At times unspoken, but always understood. For Melissa Harlan and her daughter, Haley, that connection has always been there. They share the same sense of humor, the same attention to detail, the same instinct for what feels right. They describe themselves as “cut from the same cloth,” but it’s in building something together that their relationship has taken on new depth.

The idea for Drink Me! Tea Room took shape on a flight home from London. What stayed with them was not just the experience itself, but the feeling it created.

“Our family fell in love with the ceremony of it, the slowness, the joy of sitting together over something beautiful,” Melissa shares. “The idea came quickly, but when Haley stepped in, it became something more. It became ours.”

And perhaps, without fully realizing it, they were building something that reflected their own relationship all along.

Drink Me! Tea Room carries a quiet kind of magic. Not the kind that demands attention, but the kind you settle into. There’s whimsy woven throughout, inspired in part by Melissa’s longtime love of Alice in Wonderland But it’s not just in the details or the design. It’s in the experience itself.

Afternoon tea has always been about more than what’s served. It’s about companionship. Allowing time to stretch and letting everything else fall away, even if just for a while.

That’s something Melissa and Haley understand deeply.

Melissa brings a background in hospitality and a deep understanding of what it means to care for people well. Haley, as head chef, brings creativity and intuition, translating that care into something tangible.

That intention extends to every detail of the menu— thoughtfully crafted with care and consideration, offering gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-friendly options so each guest can fully settle into the experience.

But beyond their roles, something quieter exists beneath it all.

A mother watching her daughter step fully into her own.

A daughter meeting her mother not just as a parent, but as a partner.

That dynamic of growth, trust, and mutual respect doesn’t always announce itself. It shows up in quiet moments. In how you begin to see each other differently over time. In the space between conversation and understanding.

And in many ways, that’s what Melissa and Haley have created space for.

“Watching women give themselves permission to just be. No phones, no rushing, no one watching the clock. Just presence, connection, and space to breathe together,” Melissa shares. “That’s the part I love most.”

A place where time together feels intentional.

Where relationships deepen.

Where memories take shape.

Where something as simple as sharing tea becomes something you carry with you long after you’ve left the table.

That’s the magic of it.

Something built together, and the beauty of what unfolds within it.

“WATCHING WOMEN GIVE THEMSELVES PERMISSION TO JUST BE. THAT’S THE PART I LOVE MOST.”

Style Your Spring with Scarves

Effortless ways to refresh your wardrobe with one simple accessory

Scarves are having a major moment this season, and there’s never been a better time to experiment with this versatile accessory. At Clothes Mentor, Stephanie and her team are embracing the trend with fresh ideas for wearing them in ways you might not have tried before.

Gone are the days of saving your scarf strictly for cold weather. Tie one onto your handbag for an instant burst of color, or weave it through a ponytail for an easy, playful look. A printed scarf can double as a belt, cinching a flowy dress or elevating a simple pair of jeans in seconds. And the classic around-theneck style? Still just as chic as ever— whether loosely draped for an effortless vibe or knotted with intention.

With so many prints, fabrics, and styling possibilities, scarves are one of the easiest ways to breathe new life into your wardrobe this spring.

ARTICLE BY WENDY BATES

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

A Beautiful Smile is Always

NEOS MED SPA

We

Your lawn, our passion — 7 days a week

At Kids Dental Center, your child’s comfort comes first. Our pediatric team tailors every visit for little smiles—from toddlers to teens—including kids with anxiety, special needs, trauma, or complex treatment needs. We offer emergency care, and inoffice sedation, all in a fun, kid-centered space. Convenient Chandler location, family-friendly hours, and easy online forms. Call today and we’ll help you get scheduled fast!

Call 480.782.5437 or book online in 60 seconds at kidsdentalcenter.com

2900 w Ray Rd. Ste 2 Chandler AZ 85224 Corner of Ray Rd. and the 101!

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

MDVIP Wellness Program

Expert comprehensive screenings, tests and a custom wellness plan designed for you.

Better Health Outcomes

Members have better control of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension.Dr. Heavens has extensive training in hormone replacement therapy for women and men, he is also a certified menopause provider by the Menopause Society of North America.

Available After Hours

The doctor is available by phone, after-hours and on weekends. Better

of MDVIP members are satisfied with their relationship (vs 58% in traditional PCP)

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS

Decorate Your Space With a DIY Floral Design

Spring: the days grow longer, weather turns warmer, and the earth’s greenery starts to make its reappearance. During this time, flowers shoot up from the ground in a ballet of colors and movement. Walking outside becomes a cherished moment to breathe the fresh air and immerse yourself in lush surroundings. Being inside your home turns dreary and dull, everything that thrives is now outside, but this can easily be remedied. Why not bring some life inside? Make a spring floral bouquet to lighten up your space. Flowers add color and character to any room that needs a little lift, and our step-by-step guide will inspire you to create something grand.

Supplies:

• Flowers of your choice

• Scissors

• Twine or floral tape

• Ribbon (optional)

• Decorative paper (optional)

• Bouquet sleeve (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: When creating a beautiful floral arrangement, the first thing to do is decide on a color scheme and prepare the flowers.  Have fun deciding what colors you want to play with. Perhaps go pastel for spring or match the hues to other decor items in your house. Once you have picked your flowers, you need to do a little prep work. First, remove extra leaves and damaged petals from the stems. Then make a fresh diagonal cut to the bottom of all the flowers. This allows each bloom to soak up as much water as they need.

Step 2: Now it’s arranging time — think focal and filler. The best way to start the arranging process is by choosing your most interesting or favorite flowers — this will be your focal point. Hold the focal flower(s) upright and add your supporting blooms around it. Make sure to turn the bouquet as you build so that the design is as desired. Once this is complete, add your filler flowers to finalize the look. Filler options include baby’s breath, ivy, fern, eucalyptus and more.

Step 3: Let’s get ready to tie. Once you’ve arranged your bouquet, tie all the stems together using twine or floral tape. If using twine, we recommend securing it in a small bow in case you would like to rearrange at any given time. Floral tape is easy to move on and off for this purpose as well.

Step 4: Add the finishing touches. At this point, you are almost done with your bouquet and all that’s left is embellishments. There are so many ways to further adorn your creation: one way we love is to wrap it in fun decorative paper or put it in a special sleeve made just for flowers. If this idea isn’t for you, we recommend going to Pinterest for inspiration. Just remember, whatever way you choose to decorate your bouquet, you will end with a personalized piece made with love and care.

MAY 1ST THROUGH 16TH

Grass Clippings Special Events

Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills | 1415 N. Mill Ave., Tempe

Experience golf reimagined at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills, Arizona’s first fully lit 18-hole course. Set against the Papago Buttes and just minutes from Arizona State University, downtown Phoenix, and Old Town Scottsdale, it pairs a unique night golf experience with a full calendar of events and dining at Glenrosa.

MAY 1ST - 22ND

Movies in

the Park

Kiwanis Park | 5233 S. Ash Ave., Tempe

Movies in the Park returns this spring. Bring your blankets, picnic dinner, and crew to Kiwanis Park for a free, family-friendly film on Friday evenings. Arrive early to claim your spot and enjoy pre-movie activities with Tempe Play Mobile.

MAY 10TH

Mother’s Day at Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Botanical Garden | 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix

Treat the moms in your life to a special Mother’s Day at Desert Botanical Garden on May 10. Enjoy a day of exploring the trails, experiencing the immersive exhibit FRAMERATE: Desert Pulse, and making memories at a complimentary photo booth.

We believe in a world where people understand their bodies better, know how to take care of themselves, feel empowered by their self-care choices, pursue activities they enjoy without limitations imposed by fear or pain, and strive for lives that demonstrate who they truly are inside and out.

www.regen33.com 602.607.6200

6426 S. McClintock Dr. Suite 110 @regen33optimalhealth