Social Northshore | February 2026

Your expert spine care team

Ochsner Health’s skilled team of spine specialists develops personalized treatment plans to ease your pain and help you achieve your health goals. Our spine care team includes specialists from multiple areas who work together to enhance your treatment, improve your quality of life and speed up your recovery.

Our team includes fellowship-trained neurosurgeons, pain specialists and physical therapists, each bringing specialized expertise to your care. With convenient locations at Ochsner Health and Slidell Memorial Hospital, we make it easy to get the care you need – right here on the Northshore.

Visit ochsner.org/spinecare to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Coming 2026

Power Couples & Dynamic Duos

Get to know the NorthShore’s Power Couples & Dynamic Duos.

Social Kids

Outdoor Living

Getting ready for Summer!

Celebrating NorthShore’s class of 2026, Top Attorneys & Gentlemen's Health

to SOCIAL

From the Editor

A new year brings a natural moment to reset and look ahead, and February feels like the right place to begin. As we step into 2026, this issue marks our first of the year and another opportunity to highlight the people and stories shaping the Northshore.

With Mardi Gras season underway, this time of year reflects what makes our community special. Tradition, creativity, and coming together are at the heart of this season. February also brings a focus on love, not just in celebration, but in the commitment local businesses, leaders, and organizations show every day.

Thank you for allowing Social Northshore to be a trusted resource for community business leaders, local events, and the charities that continue to give back. We’re grateful to share these stories and to begin another year with you.

Jen Meadows Editor, Social Northshore

Publisher

David Renfro

Editor-in-Chief

Jen Meadows

Graphic Design

Lead Designer Chris Shenk

Kim Mesman

Brad Growden

Photographers

Melissa Calico

Tiffany Chabert

Sherri Howard

Morgan Candies

Kha Tran

Wedding Photography

Josh Williams Photography

Meet the local professionals who are the leaders in their field, and face of their industry. They are visionaries, pioneers, and experts who play an essential role in making our communities the amazing places they are. coming soon

FATHER STEVE

For more than four decades, The Reverend L. Stephen Holzhalb III, D. Min. known to many as Father Steve has quietly shaped the heart of Covington through faith, service, and an unwavering belief in community. His upcoming retirement as Executive Officer of Christwood marks the close of an extraordinary chapter and the celebration of a legacy built on compassion, vision, and purpose.

Long before Christwood became a trusted home for seniors across the Northshore, it began as an idea rooted in dignity. In the early 1980s, while serving as rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Covington, Father Steve shared a bold dream with his vestry: to create a senior living community where older adults could thrive with respect, connection, and care. It was not just a plan for housing, but a vision for meaningful living.

That vision took years of planning, partnership, and perseverance. In May 1996, Christwood opened its doors, bringing Father Steve’s dream to life. By January 2004, he stepped into the role of Executive Officer, guiding the organization through thoughtful growth, financial stability, and continued faith-centered leadership. Under his steady hand, Christwood matured into a model of excellence in senior living, always grounded in its founding values. But Father Steve’s influence extends far beyond one campus.

He played a pivotal role in founding Christ Episcopal School, serving as president of its first board when the school opened in 1984 with just 34 students. Today, it serves more than 650 students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, standing as another testament to his commitment to nurturing future generations.

His passion for service also touched nearly every corner of the community. From supporting the creation of Hospice of St. Tammany and Habitat for Humanity, St. Tammany West, to working alongside the Covington Food Bank, the Covington Ministerial Alliance, and the Northshore Community Foundation, Father Steve consistently showed up where help was needed most.

Now honored as Chief Executive Officer Emeritus, he steps into retirement with the gratitude of a community shaped by his leadership. His role is not ending, but evolving, as his influence continues through the institutions he helped build and the lives he touched.

Carrying Christwood forward into its next chapter is Jeff Sianko, who will assume leadership beginning March 2. As Christwood welcomes new leadership, it does so on the strong foundation Father Steve established, one rooted in faith, integrity, and service.

Father Steve’s story is not simply one of professional success. It is the story of a servant leader who believed deeply in people, community, and purpose. His legacy lives on in classrooms, homes, hallways, and hearts across the Northshore, reminding us that true leadership is measured not by titles, but by lives changed.

Not All Leg & Back Pain Requires a Fusion

Do you suffer from low back pain, shooting leg pain, numbness, tingling, or difficulty sleeping, standing or walking? You may be a candidate for an ultra-minimally invasive solution in the form of an endoscopic discectomy or decompression. Preserve your motion with smaller incisions, faster recovery, and less pain. Scan the code to learn more, or request an appointment to discuss your treatment options.

INSTALLATION & AWARDS LUNCHEON

The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce hosted its Installation and Awards Luncheon, bringing together Chamber members, business leaders, and community partners for a meaningful celebration of leadership and service. The event marked a transition of leadership, honored outgoing and incoming Board members, and recognized outstanding business and community impact.

STEVE GILL

Steve Gill, affectionately called “Cool Pop” by his five grandchildren, is a semi-retired optometrist and lifelong artist in Mandeville. After years serving veterans as a low vision specialist, he now devotes his time to creating art inspired by South Louisiana’s culture, wildlife, and architecture. Working in oils, acrylics, and ink on canvas, wood, and textiles, his pieces often feature native birds, pets, and iconic local scenes. He is a member of the Mandeville and Lacombe Art Guilds, offers pet and home portrait commissions, and continues caring for visually impaired patients part time at Louisiana Family Eyecare.

AFTER HOURS

Business After Hours was hosted at Arena Collective in Covington, welcoming local professionals for an afternoon of connection and conversation. Guests gathered at the Terra Bella location to network, build relationships, and engage with fellow Chamber members in a relaxed and welcoming setting that encouraged community, collaboration, and meaningful connections.

ARENA COLLECTIVE: The Work That Endures

Some businesses are built to grow. Others are built to last. On the Northshore, the distinction matters.

Businesses that endure do more than create jobs or facilitate transactions. They become part of the community’s rhythm, supporting families, anchoring neighborhoods, and providing stability as leadership changes and generations move

forward. Their value is measured not only by output, but by continuity.

That belief sits at the center of Arena Collective.

The firm was shaped by people who understand this place not as a market, but as home. One of its partners, Lauren Navarre, grew up here. Today, the partners

are raising their children here. Their work is informed by a simple conviction: for their purpose to matter, the Northshore itself must continue to grow thoughtfully and responsibly.

Arena’s name traces back to a formative moment in the career of Rebecca Saucier. Early on, after a difficult day in court, her boss left a copy of Theodore Roosevelt’s

S o m e bus inesses are builttogrow. Others are built to last . Onth e North sh o r ,e t eh

Man in the Arena speech on her desk. The message was not about failure or success, but about commitment. Leadership belongs to those willing to keep showing up and improving through difficulty rather than stepping away from it.

That idea would later shape the firm’s identity.

Arena Collective was formed by four friends, Rebecca Saucier, Lauren Navarre, Jared Miguez, and John Stephens, whose relationships span college, law school, and prior firms. Over time, they reached a shared conclusion: enduring organizations are built on shared vision, common standards, and intentional leadership. Trust is earned through consistency, clarity, and relationships that hold under pressure.

.srettamnoitcnitsid

The business owners Arena serves are often motivated by stewardship. They want what they build to last and feel responsible for passing forward the head start they were given by family, faith, mentors, or opportunity. Yet the most common challenge Arena encounters is not lack of ambition, but lack of preparation.

When businesses are passed to the next generation without structure, the impact extends beyond the family. Decision-making slows. Employees lose direction. In some cases, the business fades entirely, leaving a void where leadership, employment, and local influence once existed.

Arena’s work focuses on continuity. By supporting business owners and real estate professionals through planning, education, and the practical mechanics that allow businesses and property to change hands, the firm helps the institutions of St. Tammany Parish and surrounding communities function and grow.

Legacy, as Arena understands it, is not simply what is remembered. It is what continues.

G LF TOURNAMENT

The Northshore Home Builders Association hosted its annual golf tournament at Money Hill, bringing together members and supporters for a day of friendly competition and connection. The event highlighted community engagement, camaraderie, and the strong partnerships that support the local building industry.

MINA’S MISSION PRESENTS

Cookies with Santa and the Grinch

Hosted by Mina’s Mission, this inclusive holiday event welcomed children of all abilities for a joyful morning at the Inclusive Playground at Fontainebleau State Park. Families enjoyed festive moments, sweet treats, and special visits that created meaningful holiday memories for all.

Session Dates:

JUNE 2026

Session 1 June 1-12 (2 Weeks)

Session 2 June 15-26 (2 Weeks)

JULY 2026

Session 3 July 6-17 (2 Weeks)

Session 4 July 20-24 (1 Week)

For All Kids - North Shore

We Rock the Spectrum brought families together for a joyful and inclusive gathering designed for children of all abilities. The space was filled with laughter, movement, and connection as kids explored, played, and celebrated in a supportive environment that highlighted the importance of community, accessibility, and fun for everyone.

Heart Month Is About More Than the Heart

Farhad X. Aduli, MD FACC, DABVLM

 Covered by Insurance

 No Down time  Outpatient Setting

At Louisiana Heart and Vascular Institute, we believe true cardiovascular care includes your veins.

Your veins work with your heart every day, returning blood from your legs back to your heart. When vein disease develops, it can cause leg pain, swelling, heaviness, fatigue, and visible varicose veins — all signs your circulation may need attention.

During Heart Month, Dr. Farhad X. Aduli encourages patients to think beyond the heart alone and focus on the entire circulatory system. The same healthy habits that protect your heart — staying active, managing blood pressure, and maintaining a healthy weight — also support strong vein health.

If leg discomfort or vein changes are affecting your daily life, it may be time for a professional evaluation. Modern vein treatments are safe, effective, and often minimally invasive.

This Heart Month, take care of your heart and your veins — because better circulation means a better quality of life.

Herbert Dubuisson 2026 President

Wayne “James” Setliff Ex-Officio

2026 NABOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Linda LaRocca Board Director

Board Director

Stephanie Turnage Board Director

Mason Board Director

Regen Klein 2026 President Elect

Keith Rye Treasurer

Nathan McCartney Board Director

Tolar Board Director

Jennifer Hayes Board Director

Board Director

INSTALLATION OF BOARD MEMBERS

The NABOR Board of Directors Installation Banquet ushered in a new leadership chapter in 2026. Guests experienced an evening of fine dining, drinks, and dancing. With a lively DJ and engaging conversation, attendees celebrated, networked, and toasted to future success, making the night an unforgettable testament to community and progress.

Holiday Market

The Southern Hotel in Covington set the scene for a festive Holiday Market that brought the community together to celebrate the season. Guests strolled through a variety of vendors, enjoyed relaxed conversation, and embraced the holiday spirit while supporting local businesses in a welcoming atmosphere.

In a community where generosity often shows up quietly, Helping Hearts Foundation continues to make a meaningful difference through consistent acts of compassion and care. Serving the Northshore and Greater New Orleans area, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit is grounded in empathy, social responsibility, and the belief that real change happens one person at a time.

Helping Hearts Foundation was founded by two friends, Brett and Justin, who shared a simple but powerful idea. Small acts of kindness, when repeated and multiplied, can strengthen an entire community. What began as using whatever cash they had available to provide hot meals to unhoused neighbors quickly grew into a larger mission. As they became more involved, they noticed gaps in local support systems and felt called to step in, offering not only resources but also dignity, belonging, and hope.

Today, the foundation supports the community through a wide range of initiatives. Their efforts include restocking local food pantries, hosting blood drives, and providing holiday meals and gifts

for families in need. One of their most impactful programs is the annual April Initiative, a fundraising effort dedicated to supporting a local family whose child is undergoing cancer treatment. This initiative goes beyond financial assistance, focusing on understanding each family’s needs and offering meaningful support during an incredibly challenging time.

The power of community was especially evident during the 2025 holiday season, when Helping Hearts Foundation partnered with Boring Run Club for a toy drive. The response exceeded all expectations, with members coming together to collect an overwhelming number of gifts. Because of this generosity, children who may have otherwise gone without were able to experience the joy of the holidays. Equally moving were recent updates from families supported through the April Initiative. Videos and photos captured milestones like a No More Chemo celebration and the moment a child rang the bell at the end of their cancer journey. These moments reflect the heart of the foundation’s work and the lasting relationships built along the way.

Like many nonprofits, Helping Hearts Foundation faces ongoing challenges in securing consistent funding to meet growing community needs. Expanding outreach efforts requires steady donations, reliable volunteers, and strong logistical support. Still, the organization’s transparency and hands on approach have created a unique level of trust. Donors know exactly who is behind the mission and can see the direct impact of their contributions.

Community involvement remains the foundation’s greatest strength. Support from local partners such as Ochsner Blood Bank and One Heart Nola, along with businesses including Elle Lounge in Covington, Timeless RX, and Pickleberry Boutique, has helped amplify their reach. Looking ahead, Helping Hearts Foundation aims to build an even stronger network of care, ensuring that no one in the community feels overlooked and that compassion continues to lead the way.

Northlake Gastroenterology Associates Welcomes LARA BOUDREAUX, M.D.

Northlake Gastroenterology Associates is proud to welcome Dr. Lara Boudreaux, a Louisiana native with a passion for patient-centered care, to its Covington clinic.

Dr. Boudreaux earned her undergraduate degree from LSU, where she was an active member of Chi Omega, before pursuing her medical training entirely within the LSU system. Her journey included medical school in Shreveport, an internal medicine residency in New Orleans, and a gastroenterology fellowship at LSU New Orleans, where she also served as chief fellow.

With her clinical expertise, approachable style, and love for her Louisiana roots, Dr. Boudreaux is ready to serve patients across the Northshore. She looks forward to building lasting relationships with the families who entrust their care to Northlake Gastroenterology Associates.

To learn more about Dr. Boudreaux or to schedule an appointment, call Northlake Gastroenterology Associates or visit our website. New patients are welcome, and referrals are not required for most services.

Colonoscopy

Mahjong at

Mahjong has hit the Northshore as a group of women gathered at Dakota Restaurant in Covington for an inviting Mahjong event centered on connection and camaraderie. Guests enjoyed friendly competition around the tables, shared conversation and laughter, and spent a relaxed afternoon together in a warm, welcoming setting.

MONICA A. BUTZ, NP

Monica Butz is a Northshore native with nearly three decades of experience in patient care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Louisiana State University in 1996, followed by her Family Nurse Practitioner degree from LSU in 2003.

Monica began her nursing career in neonatal and pediatric intensive care at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, where she developed a strong foundation in caring for medically complex

children. After becoming a nurse practitioner, she spent two years in pediatric primary care before transitioning into otolaryngology.

Since 2005, Monica has practiced exclusively in ENT, building extensive experience in comprehensive ear, nose, and throat care for patients of all ages. She has been board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners since 2003 and is known for her clinical expertise, compassionate approach, and commitment to high-quality patient care.

COOK’N WITH THE BLUE

Cook’n with the Blue brought the community together at the Mandeville Trailhead for an afternoon of family fun, great food, and hometown pride. Hosted by the City of Mandeville, the event featured local flavors, spirited conversation, and a relaxed atmosphere that highlighted everything residents love about gathering outdoors.

The Three Rivers Art Festival filled Columbia Street with vibrant creativity as artists and visitors gathered to celebrate local expression. Attendees explored unique works, connected with makers, and enjoyed Covington’s thriving arts culture. The event highlighted the community’s enduring appreciation for art, craftsmanship, and shared inspiration.

ALUMNI FOUNDATION

Holiday Party

Community members gathered at River Mill Coquille in Covington for a St. Tammany Leadership event focused on connection, collaboration, and professional growth. Guests enjoyed meaningful conversation in a welcoming setting while building relationships and engaging with fellow leaders committed to strengthening the local community.

Ms. Aimee Blankenship

MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE • CEDARWOOD SCHOOL

Who in your life influenced your decision to become a teacher?

My high school teacher, Mrs. Kathy Rickner, had a profound impact on me. She was endlessly patient and taught lessons that extended far beyond the textbook. She made learning meaningful by connecting it to real life, helping me understand not just what we were learning, but why it mattered. Her kindness, consistency, and genuine belief in her students left a lasting impression on me. Mrs. Rickner showed me that teaching is rooted in relationships, understanding students, guiding them with care, and helping them see their own potential. She inspired the kind of teacher I strive to be every day.

What is your biggest challenge as a teacher?

My biggest challenge as a teacher is meeting the wide range of needs my students bring into the classroom while still creating meaningful and engaging learning experiences for everyone. Each student comes with unique strengths, backgrounds, learning styles, and life experiences. I care deeply about ensuring that every student feels supported, valued, and capable of success. Balancing those needs thoughtfully is both challenging and incredibly important to me.

What do you find most rewarding about teaching?

What I find most rewarding about teaching is the connection, the genuine

moments where learning and life intersect. I love helping students see how what we learn in the classroom applies to the world around them. When a concept finally clicks because it connects to something real in their lives, that moment is incredibly powerful. Teaching also allows me to build meaningful relationships with my students, to listen, encourage, and grow alongside them.

How do you make learning engaging and fun for your students?

I make learning engaging and fun by allowing students to be actively involved in doing science, rather than just memorizing facts. My classroom is a place where students experiment, build, test ideas, ask questions, and sometimes even fail, and then try again. I design hands-on, inquiry-based activities that spark curiosity and encourage exploration.

If you could leave your students with one lasting message, what would it be?

Stay curious, and never stop asking “why.” The world needs thinkers who are curious, kind, and willing to understand how things work, not just in science, but in life. If you hold on to that curiosity, you will continue to grow.

Podcasters

The Open Books Podcast is a New Orleans based podcast where pageturners, pop culture, and hot takes collide. Hosted by best friends Amber and Colby, the show dives into thrillers, buzzy reads, and cultural moments as if the characters were real people and the drama just dropped in the group chat. Think literary analysis with a girls’ night energy: fun, unfiltered, and wildly relatable.

@The Open Books THE OPEN BOOKS COLBY LANSOU AND AMBER BORCHERS

Listeners can find us on Apple, Spotify, and wherever else they find their podcasts!

@openbookspodcast

@The Open Books

Available on Amazon

First Mardi Gras Lulu’s

By Mila Kathryn Aduli

Lulu’s First Mardi Gras by Mila Kathryn Aduli is a bright, heartwarming children’s book that captures the magic of a first Mardi Gras through the eyes of an adventurous puppy named Lulu. Set in colorful New Orleans, the story sparkles with music, dancing, and flying beads—until Lulu briefly loses her way and discovers that kindness and helping hands are always close by.

Beyond the fun and excitement, the book gently weaves in meaningful values. Mila believes in keeping Louisiana beautiful, encouraging young readers to care for their community by picking up litter and respecting the places that make our state so special. The story also celebrates inclusion, showing that everyone belongs and that help, love, and acceptance come in many forms.

Lulu’s First Mardi Gras is more than a parade story—it’s a sweet

The Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs applauds Mila Kathryn Aduli for her creativity, compassion, and outstanding impact on Louisiana’s disability community. Her work is a powerful reminder that advocacy, inclusion, and leadership can begin at any age.

by: Lilly Anne Portraits and Nancy Valerie Photography

Brandi McAndrew is the kind of woman who quietly raises the bar wherever she goes. As the owner of The Aesthetic Haus, a leading medical aesthetics practice on the Northshore, Brandi has built a name rooted in expertise, trust, and intention. But beyond her professional success, she is first and foremost a wife to her husband John, a devoted mom to her daughter Mia, and soon-to-be mom of two as she prepares to welcome baby girl Margo this March.

A nurse practitioner by training, Brandi’s path into aesthetics was fueled by both clinical excellence and curiosity. She didn’t simply follow a trend or fit into an existing mold. Instead, she carved her own lane. From the beginning of her medical career, Brandi approached patient care with a deep respect for education, safety, and outcomes. That foundation became the backbone of The Aesthetic Haus, where she continues to set a higher standard in an industry that often prioritizes speed over substance.

Brandi McAndrew

SUPER MOM

Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship is no small task, yet Brandi does so with a grounded confidence that feels both inspiring and approachable. She is intentional about showing her daughter Mia what dedication looks like, not through perfection, but through persistence. Long days, early mornings, and constant learning are simply part of the story. Brandi believes that allowing her daughters to witness her work ethic firsthand is one of the most powerful lessons she can offer.

What truly sets Brandi apart is her humility. Despite being widely respected as an industry disruptor, she remains rooted, grateful, and focused on growth rather than accolades. She leads with quiet confidence, never needing to be the loudest voice in the room. Instead, she lets her work speak for itself. That same philosophy carries into her role as a mother, where presence, consistency, and integrity matter most.

As she prepares to welcome her second daughter, Brandi embraces this season with the same grace she brings to every part of her life. As a nurse practitioner, business owner, and mother, she is proof that success and softness can coexist. That ambition does not cancel out motherhood, and that women can build meaningful careers while raising strong, compassionate children.

Brandi McAndrew is more than a nurse practitioner or a business owner. She is a living example to her daughters and to her community that hard work, humility, and heart can exist together beautifully. A true SuperMom in every sense of the word.

DR. SAUX’S

by Morgan Candies

The 13th Annual Pirate Party and Pub Crawl brought spirited energy to downtown Covington, with festivities centered at the Columbia Street Tap Room. Hosted by Dr. Saux, known as the Pirate Oncologist, the event combined community fun with a meaningful mission, drawing locals together for an evening of camaraderie, costumes, and charitable support.

LOLLIPOP PARADE

PHOTOS BY SHERRI HOWARD

Covington welcomed the Lollipop Parade with lively energy and cheerful charm. The event featured festive sights, community participation, and moments that highlighted the joy of gathering together for a fun and lighthearted celebration.

PETER CUTT PAVILION GRAND OPENING

The grand opening of the Peter Cutt Pavilion at Christwood marked a meaningful addition to the Covington community. Hosted by the Community Center at Christwood, the event celebrated connection, wellness, and shared experiences, highlighting the pavilion as a new gathering space designed to enrich life at Christwood.

Families and community members gathered at St. Scholastica Academy in Covington for the SSA Dove Market, a festive event filled with holiday shopping and school spirit. Guests browsed a variety of vendors, enjoyed time together, and supported the St. Scholastica Academy community in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

We blend ancient Chinese medicine with modern treatments — Acupuncture, herbs, food therapy, rehab + surgery, x-rays, dentistry. Skin cases? We crush them.

Luxury dog spa? You bet.

And unlike corporate clinics, we’re 100% private — Because your pet deserves care that’s personal, not packaged. There’s nothing like us in the U.S.

Come see the difference VetNaturally really makes. Your pet deserves it.

EDWARD + JACEY

Jacey and Edward Simon’s love story feels like one of those moments that was always meant to happen, even if the timing took a little patience. Their paths crossed in New Orleans while Jacey was visiting the city on vacation, a chance meeting that quickly turned into something much deeper. What followed was five years of love shaped by distance, determination, and the quiet certainty that they had found their person.

For several years, their relationship was long distance while Jacey finished her degrees. Instead of letting the miles create space between them, they found a rhythm that worked. Vicksburg, Mississippi became their halfway point, the place where weekends were spent catching up, dreaming, and building a future together. Over time, it became more than a meeting spot. It became part of their story. In the summer of 2024, Edward returned to that very place and proposed in the exact spot where he first knew Jacey was the woman he wanted to marry. It was thoughtful, sentimental, and completely them.

On June 28, 2025, Jacey and Edward were married at the New Orleans Museum of Art, surrounded by art, architecture, and the people who had supported their journey from the very beginning. Every detail of the day reflected their personalities and their shared love of bold, expressive design. Jacey stunned in a one shoulder, asymmetrical gold lamé gown with sculptural elements, setting the tone for a celebration layered in black, gold, and red.

Music played a starring role throughout the ceremony, turning tradition into something uniquely personal. A string quartet performed rock classics, with the wedding party entering to Guns N’ Roses’ “November Rain” and Jacey walking down the aisle to Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters.” Guests smiled as they recognized each song, and the unexpected arrangements created a sense of intimacy and joy that filled the room. Later, Jacey’s reception look paid tribute to the iconic gown from the “November Rain” music video, a subtle nod that music lovers instantly adored.

With loved ones traveling from across the country and around the world, connection was at the heart of the weekend. Instead of a rehearsal dinner, Jacey and Edward hosted a Welcome Party at Muriel’s Jackson Square, giving families and friends the chance to gather, meet, and celebrate together before the wedding day.

The reception brought laughter and unforgettable moments, including Jacey accidentally tossing her bouquet straight to her younger brother, proving that love stories do not need perfection to be memorable. The four tier red velvet cake, adorned with fresh roses

and designed to resemble draped fabric, was the perfect finishing touch against the museum backdrop.

Now married, Jacey and Edward have made their home in New Orleans, where Edward’s family roots run deep. Their honeymoon destination is still undecided, but their next chapter is already clear. Built on patience, intention, and a whole lot of love, their story is one that reminds other brides that the best love stories are often written slowly, one meaningful moment at a time.

WEDDING

Unique

WEDDING

Groovin’ for Gavyn PASTALAYA COOK OFF

The community gathered for the Groovin’ for Gavyn Pastalaya Cook Off, a fundraiser filled with food, music, and heart. Teams competed to cook the best pastalaya while attendees enjoyed live entertainment, raffles, and auctions, all to support Gavyn’s ongoing recovery and therapy needs. A true celebration of hope and community spirit.

MEET THE Expert

DR. MARIA ROBERTS

Dr. Maria Roberts of the St. Tammany Physicians Network primary care clinic recently became the first primary care board-certified lifestyle medicine physician in the state of Louisiana.

After more than a decade in primary care, Dr. Maria Roberts began to notice a troubling pattern. Patients were growing sicker, chronic conditions were piling up and medication lists were getting longer. Something essential, she felt, was missing.

That realization led Dr. Roberts, a physician with the St. Tammany Physicians Network primary care clinic in Mandeville, to become the first primary care physician in Louisiana to earn board certification in lifestyle medicine — a milestone she hopes will help reshape how patients think about health and prevention.

Lifestyle medicine is a growing, evidencebased medical specialty focusing on preventing, treating and, in some cases, reversing chronic disease through therapeutic lifestyle changes, emphasizing long-term health rather than short-term fixes.

“Lifestyle medicine gave me the tools to empower patients and help them take control of their own health,” Dr. Roberts said. “It allows for the patients to thrive while fulfilling a physicians dream purpose: seeing patients succeed.”

The approach centers on six pillars: optimal nutrition, regular physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoiding risky substances and fostering positive social connections.

Dr. Roberts said she was drawn to the specialty after attending national medical conferences where lifestyle medicine emerged as a growing area of focus.

“I felt like I had found what brought me to become a doctor in the first place,” she said. “It was a way to re-engage the art of medicine and truly take care of people.”

Originally from Guatemala City, Dr. Roberts has deep ties to Louisiana through her family and completed medical school at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. After training and practicing in Houston and Nashville, she and her husband returned to Louisiana and made the Northshore their home. She has been part of St. Tammany Health System since 2019.

“Lifestyle medicine gave me the tools to empower patients and help them take control of their own health.”

Dr. Roberts practices what she teaches, incorporating the principles of lifestyle medicine into her own life through exercise, time outdoors and meaningful connections with family and community.

“The beauty of lifestyle medicine is that it is whole-person care,” Dr. Roberts said. “It is evidence-based, team-driven and offers a sustainable solution for the future of healthcare – and I am excited to bring it to our community.”

Your one-stop shop for Mardi Gras magic. Whether you’re gearing up for parade season or picking up a last-minute gift, Braswell’s has everything you need to celebrate like a local, right here in your community.