April/May 2025
Home & Family Edition
…and as always – Strong Women!

Carissa Maxwell is finally free … and freedom is a state of mind.

“To me,” she said during a recent interview, “being free means that you are true to yourself and true to your own your story and how it has shaped you, and you believe the person you present to the world is authentically who you see yourself to be.”

From childhood, Carissa was determined to justify her worthiness in life. “I grew up in a home where what you produce is what makes you valuable and loved. The message to me was that you are not loved because you are loved; you are loved if you do what is expected without question, regurgitate acceptable ideas, and cater to others’ needs before your own. I was like a chameleon, changing colors to stay safe and be ‘good.’”

People-pleasing tendencies mixed with a big determination to do great things drove Carissa to make a big impact on the world. She married right out of college and settled with the idea that being a young wife and mother would unlock the key to happiness and fulfillment. She was going to build a family unit that was better than what she had, and she was going to be good at it—the best.

For Tracy and Jeremiah Scheffer, 2024 was a tough year. Still, it highlighted how much they have to be grateful for, and they’re moving into 2025 with greater inspiration and deeper love.

Not only did the couple—owners of Blushing Cactus Photography—endure significant losses of people close to them, but they also grappled with a major health issue when Tracy’s heart went into failure in September.

During an interview in their cozy Prescott house in December, the two of them talked about how they love what they do—and how they plan to move forward with intention, leaving a legacy and nurturing the connections that sustain them.

“The fact that I get to continue to do what I love—oh, thank God—and do it with the one I love,” Tracy said. “How special is that, that we get to live this dream together? We don’t take it for granted.”

The Coalition for Compassion and Justice’s (CCJ) latest project, Paloma Village, is “one of a kind,” according to Executive Director Allison Lenocker. And, it’s in perfect alignment with what the organization does: build hope and provide opportunities for forward movement.

The roads and sidewalks are in at Paloma Village, a 25-unit manufactured home community on four acres in Chino Valley, and now, Allison said during a recent interview, “We’re focused on buying our first house.”

This project will feature one-, two-, and three-bedroom options with rent less than market rate and resources to help residents create forward movement in terms of saving and earning potential, qualifying for traditional mortgages, and more. An onsite advocate will help residents problem solve in real time.

“My vision is to have resources right on hand, while all the while promoting self-sufficiency.”

new report from Mental Health America found that in 2021-2022, 23 percent of adults experienced a mental illness in the past year—equivalent to 60 million Americans.

About one in five youth had at least one major depressive episode in the past year and more than half of those didn’t receive treatment.

2022 had the highest number of deaths by suicide ever recorded in the U.S.

These statistics correlate with the growth of Polara Health, whose leadership team is committed to elevating the entire community through innovative services and programs, each with the goal of providing integrated, whole-person care.

“I feel like I have the ability every single day to change the trajectory for some people,” said Tamara Player, Polara’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

Arizona Public Service (APS), an Arizona-born and -raised company, which promises to “do what is right for the people and prosperity of our state.”

Mackenzie Rodgers has lived that promise every day for the past seventeen years, and to her that means making dreams come true while providing reliable electricity.

Now the Senior Director of Transmission and Distribution Operations and Maintenance previously based in Prescott but recently had her office moved to Phoenix supporting the entire state, her role is “proactively maintaining the grid so it’s there when you need it, and operating it in an efficient manner.”

With Breeanya’s extensive list of titles and work to be done each week, she finds healthy ways to keep a positive work-life balance, which she said isn’t just about juggling responsibilities; it’s about thriving in both your professional and personal life. By striking the right balance, you’ll unlock greater fulfillment, boost productivity, and create a life that’s truly worth living.

“Work-life balance can undoubtedly be challenging, but it’s important,” she said. “My favorite ways to recharge are to hike, spend quality time with friends and loved ones, walk the dog, and travel. Traveling offers a nice escape from the daily grind, and I love learning about other cultures.”

In the face of adversity, Breeanya’s resilience shines through. She launched the “Empowering Women – Got a Minute? Podcast” amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with the idea of telling local women’s stories differently. She uplifts listeners through candid conversations and inspiring stories, reminding them of their strength and resilience in the face of life’s obstacles.“We all hold the tools to empower each other just by listening and lifting each other,” she said. “Talking with someone and telling your story is empowering and impactful.”

Prescott Woman Magazine writer and editor, Hilary Dartt, who’s also an author, recounts how her writing career began twenty years ago. “I had just graduated as a Creative Writing Major from Cal State Long Beach and was looking for a job there. My brother had moved to Prescott on an Embry-Riddle wrestling scholarship and my parents followed. On a whim I applied for a position at the Daily Courier, and they ended up hiring me.”

Later, when a former Prescott Woman Magazine writer moved, she gifted Hilary her freelance accounts, one of which included writing for the now 20-year-old magazine. “The timing was perfect serendipity for launching my full-time freelance writing career.”

Formerly a marathon and half-marathon runner, Hilary misses the sport that, she said “was such a huge part of my identity at that time. I now know that the universe was pointing me in the direction to spend more time on my author career. Running demands so much time, and now I could use that energy to focus on writing books at a more accelerated pac

Tara Fort has written for Prescott Woman Magazine for about 17 years—and has become a fixture at the publication. Yet her work there is just one of many facets that comprise this accomplished and versatile Prescott resident.

These days, she primarily works alongside her husband, Simon, a member of Prescott High School’s class of 1982 and a real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway (she has her real estate license, too).

“I feel really grateful that I can work from home and have the flexibility to work with Simon. He’s a top producer, a go-getter, and a marketing person. I learn so much from him.”

Trisha Shaffer loves capturing the “little moments”: the spontaneity, laughter, and tender moments exchanged among the people she photographs.

Prescott Woman magazine’s staff photographer said her love for photography originated from her great grandparents’ black and white photographs from the late 1800s and early 1900s. As a child, she’d look at them and use her imagination to take her back in time.

Haley Construction has come a long way in the nearly 70 years since Jim and Frances Haley launched it in Globe with nothing more than a borrowed $1,000 and an old Ford truck. Today, their granddaughter Gillian Haley strives to secure the company’s reputation as a local firm that can handle all types of projects, from custom homes to even the biggest commercial buildings.

The tour will feature five gardens, each with a slightly different take on gardening in our mild four-season climate. Whether you are looking for the perfect show of color or need inspiration for your own garden, this tour is for you. Perhaps you will enjoy the serenity of a water feature trickling through a meditation area or the gentle breeze of a kinetic sculpture or a riot of color designed to attract the birds, bees and butterflies. There is something for everyone. In addition to these wonderfully designed gardens, club members and Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions and local artists and musicians will add to the ambience of each garden setting.

“Into the Woods,” a musical by Stephen Sondheim, intertwines the plots of several fairy tales, exploring themes of desire, consequence, and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative follows characters such as Cinderella, Jack (of Jack and the Beanstalk), Little Red Riding Hood, and a Baker and his Wife as they venture into the woods to fulfill their wishes. However, as their stories unfold, they encounter challenges that reveal deeper truths about life and morality.

Footlight Productions is set to present this captivating musical May 9, 10, 16, and 17, 2025 at the Hazeltine Theater in downtown Prescott. This production promises to bring Sondheim’s intricate score and poignant storytelling to life through talented local performers.

The ‘Tis Art Center & Gallery in Prescott is set to host the highly anticipated annual “Journeys in Spirit 2025: Traditional and Contemporary Native Art” exhibition from May 22 to June 24. The event aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage and artistic expressions of Native American communities. In collaboration with the Museum of Indigenous People, this year’s exhibition promises to be a vibrant celebration of both traditional and contemporary art forms.

Join the Phippen Museum May 24 to 26 for its 51st Annual Western Art Show & Sale, a cherished tradition that brings the best of Western art and family-friendly entertainment to the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza in beautiful downtown Prescott.

Memorial Day weekend, immerse yourself in an unforgettable celebration of Western culture, featuring fine art, live events, and activities for all ages. Recognized as one of the top Western art gatherings in the nation, this open-air show invites attendees to connect with artists, experience their work firsthand, and even take home an original masterpiece.

Prescott Frontier Days®, Inc- World’s Oldest Rodeo®, is gearing up to celebrate its 138th year in 2025 with an empowering and historic theme: “Women in Rodeo.” This theme pays tribute to the remarkable contributions of rodeo cowgirls, highlighting their indomitable spirit, skill, and perseverance in a traditionally male-dominated sport.

The history of rodeo cowgirls is rich and inspiring. In the early 20th century, women began to carve out their place in rodeo events, despite significant societal and cultural barriers. Pioneers like Fannie Sperry Steele, Mabel Strickland, and Prairie Rose Henderson broke into the scene, competing alongside men in bronc riding, trick riding, and steer roping. These trailblazing women set the stage for future generations, proving that talent and tenacity know no gender.

Celebrating its 20th year on Sunday, March 2, 2025, the Prescott Wedding Expo will continue to showcase the latest ceremonial trends to its attendees at the Sam Hill Warehouse in Downtown Prescott.  Nothing short of a complete array of wedding vendors, culinary samples and delights from local food trucks and bakeries—and so much more—the annual event produced by StarStruck Event Planning and co-hosted by Sam Hill Warehouse and Moore Events and Rents, promises to deliver bigger and better than ever this year.

The STEPS (Supporting Teaching and Engaging People in the Arts) program offers free art education classes at the ‘Tis Annex in Prescott. This initiative is designed to provide accessible art education to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, fostering creativity and artistic expression within the community. The program emphasizes inclusivity and removes barriers that often prevent people from engaging in the arts.

STEPS provides diverse classes catering to various skill levels, from beginners to more advanced artists. These classes include drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Each course is structured to encourage participants to explore their creativity while learning fundamental techniques and concepts related to different art forms.

The place is the deep South, the time 1948, just prior to the Civil Rights Movement. Having recently demolished another car, Daisy Werthan, a wealthy, sharp-tongued Jewish widow of 72, is informed by her son, Boolie, that henceforth she must rely on the services of a chauffeur. The person he hires for the job is a thoughtful, unemployed Black man, Hoke, whom Miss Daisy immediately regards with disdain and who, in turn, is not impressed with his employer’s patronizing tone and, he believes, her latent prejudice.

But, in a series of absorbing scenes spanning twenty-five years, the two, despite their mutual differences, grow ever closer to and more dependent on each other until they eventually become almost a couple. Slowly and steadily, the dignified, good-natured Hoke breaks down the stern defenses of the ornery old lady as she teaches him to read and write and, in a gesture of goodwill and shared concern, invites him to join her at a banquet in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. As the play ends, Hoke has a final visit with Miss Daisy, now ninety-seven and confined to a nursing home, and while it is evident that a vestige of her fierce independence and sense of position remains, it is also movingly clear that they have both come to realize they have more in common than they ever believed possible—and that times and circumstances would ever allow them to admit publicly.

Driving Miss Daisy reinforces the moral lesson that every stage of our life is precious and should never be taken for granted.

Prescott Woman magazine recently interviewed Polish performer, vocal practitioner, and theater researcher Agnieszka Kazimierska, about her solo show, “Katie’s Tales,” which she will perform at the Hazeltine Theatre in Prescott March 8.

t’s been an exciting time for Prescott Area Shelter Services (PASS). As Prescott continues to expand and thrive, we, too, have seen a growing number of women and children needing our services. Fundraising is vital to supporting our mission of serving women, families, and veterans by providing temporary housing, resources, individualized case management, a pathway to permanent housing, and assistance to those transitioning from crisis to stability.

2025 marks PASS’s 15th Annual Afternoon Tea Celebration, which will take place on Sunday, March 2 at the Prescott Resort, 1500 Highway 69 in Prescott. Our theme, “Color Our Community with Hope,” will be a fun afternoon with a live and silent auction, raffle, guest speakers, and more! This is the only fundraiser PASS holds each year, and it is vital to its ability to continue our essential, non-duplicated services.

“The last thing I ever thought I’d be doing is teaching.”

From her office on Yavapai College’s (YC) CTEC Campus, Cassi Gibson still sounds a little surprised. A Bagdad native, Cassi graduated from YC’s Electronics program in 2011, seeking a career that could take her far and wide.

After finding success playing multiple roles in a variety of industries, now she is back, helping her students do the same.

When the Kindergarten teacher position opened up at Lincoln Elementary School within the Prescott Unified School District (PUSD) in the 2024 school year, Lincoln alum Bethany Dillon knew she had to apply. After all, not only did she attend Lincoln, but her mom, Kim, teaches there, too.

Seeing each other most days is just one of the special perks that both women enjoy. Bethany said, “I am very lucky to spend the time learning from and watching my mom be the amazing teacher that she is!” Kim, a second-grade teacher who volunteered at Lincoln when Bethany attended there in 2002, fell in love with the Lincoln community and said working with Bethany, “…is always one of those full circle gratifying moments for me and why I often feel I have the best job in the world.”

For the Character Coaches at Prescott Unified School District (PUSD), offering a positive impact on students’ lives is the highest priority. These women have the essential role of teaching strength-building skills for character development in many forms including assisting with conflict resolution; developing social skills; providing supporting and preventive interaction with students in the playground, lunchroom and other unstructured areas; helping develop positive relationships with students and families; viewing and assisting with low-level behavior remediation and intervention/conflict; and teaching self-regulation and coping skills to ensure classroom success methods.

Yav Connect, operated by the Central Yavapai Metropolitan Organization (CYMPO), supports your daily commute. This microtransit service, now expanding from Prescott Valley into the heart of Prescott, will make getting around easier and more convenient for residents. By choosing Yav Connect, you’re not just getting a ride—you’re contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable environment and a more connected community.

any daily miracles occur through Horses with Heart in Chino Valley. A new Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) program promises to create even more.

Accredited through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, Horses with Heart has provided therapeutic riding to people with disabilities, veterans, first responders, and seniors since 1993.

EAL is an experiential learning method (based on experiences and observation) that promotes personal growth and improved life skills through partnership with horses. Skills developed include trust, confidence, communication, social skills, boundary setting, respect, critical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership. Credentialed facilitators guide safe interactions with our horses.

Tiffany Boehle said the best part of her job is “the chance to be creative and facilitate projects that benefit PUSD students and families while solving problems along the way.”

As the Prescott Unified School District’s (PUSD) Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE), Tiffany manages a department of twelve CTE programs on the Prescott High School (PHS) campus.

“I enjoy helping students find career paths that benefit them and the community, and there are so many CTE opportunities that are available to students for free,” she said. “CTE offers students a low-risk opportunity to learn skills, develop professionalism and earn industry certificates that lead to steady employment and fill critical and high-demand professional needs of our community.”

As the world’s leading higher education institution for aviation and aerospace, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University ensures its students acquire expert knowledge through faculty guidance, hands-on experience, and research.

 Embry-Riddle Summer Programs will offer these opportunities and more to pre-college teenagers considering a future in science, technology, flight, and beyond this summer.

“We are excited to welcome students to our Prescott Campus again,” said Summer Programs Manager Jenn Downing. “Whatever your interest, you will find the perfect mix of academics and camp fun waiting for you.”

Prescott Unified School District’s (PUSD) Testing Coordinator Rene Steingraber’s goal is to meet the district’s ever-changing proficiency testing and assessment needs. With that in mind, she assists educators, board members, and the public in understanding the data state testing provides through its assessment of students in grades three through 11.

“In the past, states did not have all of the proficiency testing expectations required by law today,” Rene said. “Over time, districts began seeing a need to better monitor the learning of all students.” 

Carissa Maxwell is on a mission. Through her new young women’s program, Find Your Spark, the owner of Glow Realty aspires to empower girls and young women to explore who they are becoming and what they’re interested in by providing a platform to ignite curiosity.

The goal: for these young people, ages thirteen to twenty-five, to advocate for themselves and create intentional lives.

With an alum list boasting celebrities like Viola Davis, Val Kilmer and Jessica Chastain, it is with true Prescott Pride that one of our own shares her journey from dream to acceptance at one of the most prestigious performing arts schools in the world: The Juilliard School. Georgia Harrington, a 2023 Prescott High School graduate, was accepted into Juilliard and will be majoring in acting there starting this fall.

Prior to starting her career as a chiropractor and owner of Thrive Family Chiropractic, Dr. Anita Scheer had a career as an accountant. But it was her passion about understanding the intricate connection between the brain and body—and how that connection influences our overall well-being—that drew her to a second career. She said, “Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of neurologically based chiropractic care and supporting individuals at every stage of life—and that is what drives me every day.”

After working with so many patients, Dr. Scheer noticed a growing need among families dealing with neurodevelopmental challenges in their children—challenges like socialization, behavior and learning difficulties. She knew right then to foster her decision to dedicate the scope of her practice to helping these affected children. Now, as a certified Pediatric Experience©, FOCUS Academy© certified doctor, and Brain Blossom© provider, Dr. Scheer offers specialized care that supports and nurtures whole child development focusing on both the brain and the body.

Shifting hormones make your body feel like a mystery. That’s why puberty feels so awkward, why pregnancy takes over your brain, body and stomach, and why perimenopause is a return to the unexpected. Thankfully, women are getting more savvy about our health. A desire to understand what’s happening in our bodies in perimenopause is revolutionizing women’s health and wellness.

A vacation can throw us off our routine in one way or another. For many, the travel, big meals, and readily available treats mean putting our sensible eating habits on hold. But there’s nothing wrong with indulging a little while you’re on vacation. In fact, the social aspect of seeing new sights and meeting new people helps keep us healthy.

Once we return home, however, resolutions to get back in shape abound. Here are a few sensible tips for a fresh start. You may even lose a few pounds too!

Resume your Routine

Whether you’re off on a girls’ trip or family vacation, traveling for work, or celebrating a wedding, a trip can be both exciting and stressful. But what if you could sail through long flights, late-night celebrations, and busy schedules on your way to making the memories of a lifetime? 

Stress halts your immune system. While some travel stress is inevitable, nourishing your immune system while traveling ensures you get to make the memories you left home for. 

These five quick immune-boosting tips will help you stay energized, healthy, and glowing—so you don’t miss a single moment.

Your retirement is here! It’s time for travel, hiking, fishing, gardening, golf, and whatever else your ideal golden years bring. The last thing you want is an unexpected setback, like an accidental fall.

According to the National Institute on Aging, the risk of falling—and fall-related problems—rises with age. In fact, more than one in four people aged 65 or older fall each year.

Statistics show that the rate of fall-related injury and death is even higher in northern Arizona, where we deal with a greater number of specific risk factors such as hills, unpaved streets and trails, historic homes with wood floors and staircases, and icy streets and sidewalks in the colder months.

While it’s tempting to give in to the fear of falling by avoiding activities such as shopping, walking, or socializing, it’s important to stay active to keep strong and healthy. There are many simple things you can do to decrease your risk of an unexpected fall.

We already know stress is a daily occurrence, whether it is trying to get your kids out of the house on time, being productive at work, or trying to uphold the house. We all go through it. But what if that daily stress was actually causing your health issues? Stress releases complex hormones like cortisol that stay acute in your body for hours. This is called the fight-fright-freeze response and in many situations is needed for our body to deal with what’s at hand. However, when we live in a chronic state of stress, our body lacks the ability to return to a normal state. This causes dysregulation of our parasympathetic nervous system and leads to the development of chronic health conditions.

Once enacted, this acute phase will turn itself off if you are able to regulate your stress level. The following methods are alternative and cost-effective ways to reduce stress.

For years, my 14-day detox program, starting the second week of January, was one of the most popular experiences I offered. I loved it, too; meeting weekly to see how everyone was doing, celebrating wins, working through struggles, and (because I can’t resist) sharing the science behind food-based detoxification.

But I always had a hidden agenda:

To show people the healing power of good food.

And maybe to help make “food-based detox” more a way of life.

Family Nurse Practitioner Louella Bauman started Yavapai Family Medical two years ago so she could practice medicine the way she sees it: as a modality to truly heal her patients.

“I wanted to be able to find the cause of the symptoms so we could actually cure patients instead of just treating them,” she said.

The Prescott native and Prescott High School class of 2000 graduate said during a recent interview that while many patients come in seeking relief from their symptoms, she said, “symptoms are not the illness, they direct you to the cause”.

Louella and her staff take a more natural approach, looking deeper and seeking to treat the deficiency behind the symptom’s cause and cure the root problem. In fact, in addition to her certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice, Louella recently earned her certification as an Acute Practice Holistic Nurse Practitioner (also known as a naturopath).

Mended & Whole Counseling, established in February 2023 by Kimberly Langford, provides a compassionate space for individuals seeking healing and restoration. The practice offers a wide range of services designed to address various aspects of mental health and emotional well-being.

Kimberly, a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor (LASAC) in Arizona, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her clients. With degrees in Psychology, Christian Counseling, and Addiction Counseling from Liberty University, and trauma certifications from the Trauma Institute International, she has dedicated her career to helping others navigate the complexities of trauma and recovery.

It’s a rare and exciting opportunity when we are presented with a chance to improve the community for generations to come. Thirty-five years ago, a small, grassroots group of like-minded Prescott citizens was given that opportunity. Little did they know that future generations would continue to benefit from their concern for children and their vision for the community’s future.

Prescott Woman Magazine chatted with Angela Johnson, Sales/Marketing Director at The Hampton Inn, to find out what makes her enjoy being a part of the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce and how it benefits her business. 

Prescott Woman Magazine chatted with Diane Babb, with Pralines of Prescott, to find out what makes her enjoy being a part of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce and how it benefits her business.

Prescott Woman Magazine chatted with Michelle Lewis of Mama Bear Studios to find out what makes her enjoy being a part of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce and how it benefits her business.

Jen Martin is a prominent name in the aerial performance industry, renowned for making weddings truly unforgettable. Her company, Suspended Fluidity, specializes in delivering breathtaking aerial performances that entertain and enhance various events. Jen is committed to ensuring these presentations are safe, artistic, and professional, helping couples create memorable moments for their event.

Previously, Jen owned an entertainment company in New York that booked dancers and aerialists. After relocating to Arizona, she founded Suspended Fluidity in 2021 to combine her passions for performing, creating, and teaching.

When it comes to her craft, Jen says, “I will always love to combine aerial and dance in unique ways whenever possible.” She continuously brings fresh ideas to captivate event guests, including an aerial-based lollipop diamond apparatus and a movable, wearable champagne skirt.

When Rakini Chinery moved to Prescott in 1989, she was seeking a fresh start. Having worked at flower shops in her native Boston, she applied to several local ones and landed a job at Allan’s Flowers.

A decade later when the owner wanted to sell, Rakini saw a way to create a future: she had a vision for what the store could be.

“I felt like it was something I could grow,” she said during a recent interview. Now, 25 years later, it has met her expectations. “We’ve taken it by leaps and bounds.”

The Allan’s staff is as busy as ever with flower arrangements and deliveries for every occasion, but even more importantly, the shop offers an experience.

“Why would you not make it beautiful?” she said during a recent interview. “You want to enjoy the experience.”

Since she launched her business, Mac Daddy Macarons, two and a half years ago, its offerings have expanded to include other baked goods and charcuterie boards, grazing tables, and full catered meals (for 20 to 30 people).

“It always starts with the macarons,” she said, adding that her business growth started when people began ordering add-ons. “Once people find out you do something with food, they want all the food.”

Planning an event comes with countless details, but when it comes to drinks, A Cold Pony ensures you can sit back, relax, and sip in style. This innovative mobile bar and cocktail service combines professional expertise with creative customization, offering an unforgettable experience for events across Arizona—and beyond.

From inspiration to reality, the vision for A Cold Pony began with a simple observation. While bartending in the mid-2000s, founder Kelly Tolbert frequently received requests to handle private events, from holiday gatherings to backyard parties. Realizing the need for professional mobile bartending services, she launched her journey in 2005, serving events directly in clients’ homes. By 2019, she transformed her concept into something truly unique: a beautifully revamped horse trailer, “A Cold Pony,” bringing charm and convenience to events of all kinds.

Unlike traditional bars, A Cold Pony offers a personalized and intimate experience. As the face of the company, Kelly takes pride in facilitating every event herself, ensuring memorable interactions for guests. Custom signage and themed decorations further elevate the experience, whether it’s a rustic wedding, a chic corporate event, or a lively birthday party. A Cold Pony caters to a wide range of events and can be set up indoors or outdoors, requiring a small footprint.

Suzy Gurton grew up Cananea, Sonora, Mexico, a small mining town with “gorgeous night skies.”

She grew up with an interest in science but chose to attend the University of Arizona (U of A) to become an accountant because it seemed like a good, stable job.

Then she took an astronomy class. The wonder she experienced set her life on a new trajectory. Most recently, that trajectory has brought her to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), where she is the Assistant Director of the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium.

At this point in her career, Suzy said during a recent interview, she is looking to “find the joy.”

Her work in astronomy and physics has spanned five decades and taken her to Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, the University of Colorado at Boulder, Santa Fe Community College, the American Museum of Natural History, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory.

According to Eric Edelman, the Planetarium’s Director, “Suzy is an incredibly knowledgeable and passionate scientific storyteller who is single-minded in her devotion of spreading the wonders of astronomy, STEM, and more generally, learning to all who are willing to listen.”

The Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Hispanic Business Association (HBA) is a vital committee dedicated to supporting Hispanic-owned businesses in Prescott Valley and its surrounding areas. With a mission to foster growth and success, the HBA focuses on education, training, networking, and community outreach to empower local entrepreneurs.

The idea for the HBA originated with Chamber CEO Marnie Uhl, who identified an opportunity to engage with the local Hispanic business community. In 2021, the Chamber partnered with Yavapai College’s Lisa Raygoza and Alianza’s Rosanna Feyerbend to visit Hispanic-owned businesses in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. During these visits, Marnie shared her vision of establishing a committee within the Chamber to provide tailored resources and educational programs specifically designed for Hispanic entrepreneurs.

This vision quickly gained momentum, thanks to the collaborative efforts of then-Chamber staff member Kim Menosky, along with local business owners Lucy Leyva and April Chavez. Together, they began shaping the structure and goals of the HBA. The association officially launched its first event in 2021, supported by a grant from APS, introducing the group to the community and setting the stage for future initiatives.

Prescott Woman Magazine chatted with Justine Burch, Managing Partner at Texas Roadhouse of Prescott, to find out what makes her enjoy being a part of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce and how it benefits her business.