December 2024 / January 2025
Holiday & Non-Profit Edition
…and as always – Strong Women!

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.

Kimberly Marsh never planned to start a photography business. Now, a decade in, she said during a recent interview, “I love it.”

Kim specializes in portraits and personal branding—and doing things differently.

Shortly after she started photographing people, others would see the photos and say, “I can see their soul in that picture,” or, “I feel like I know them,” or, “I can see straight through them.”

The Yavapai Family Advocacy Center’s (YFAC) mission statement reads: “to reduce trauma to victims of abuse by providing a safe and supportive environment and facilitating a team approach to advocacy, investigation, and prosecution.”

But the people behind the organization describe their work a bit differently; they say they guide their clients to find their voice, take back their power, and rediscover their worth and value (or discover them for the first time).

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.

The Margot Fonteyn Academy of Ballet and Fine Arts (MFAB) reopens its world headquarters this August in Prescott, having relocated from New York and survived COVID. Sometimes it’s not just a dancer, but an entire Academy, that picks itself up off the mat.

At Cedar Tree Montessori, learning is individualized, and the focus is on success.

Owned and operated by Debbie and Aly McMillan, the school, which just completed its 16th year, offers toddler programs for children 18 months to three years old, and a Montessori preschool program for children who are two-and-a-half to five years old.

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.

Hello, fall! I love autumn in Prescott. Maybe you do, too? Crisp air, bright blue skies; the return of pumpkin, squash, and other comfort foods; Halloween and spooky ghost stories…

Many women’s lives speed up in autumn, with kids back in school, work projects on the upswing, and minds turning to holiday preparation.

As a doctor I see a pattern this time of year: every autumn, women feel invigorated about their health and come to me ready to finally lose weight, get blood pressure down, get hormones balanced, etc.

But autumn life is vibrant and stimulating and it’s happening all around them, so they easily lose focus on their own health goals. They live, they slip, and they feel guilty that they’re not being “perfect” (even though they promised themselves that this time, they would be).

When asked about your pelvic floor health, what usually comes to mind is the kegel. But what exactly is a kegel, and what are its health benefits? Ask a group of people and there would be many answers because there isn’t a clear consensus on what a kegel does, how to do it correctly, and whether it helps.

Most agree that kegels help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and manage incontinence. We know they’re named after a 1940s American male gynecologist, Dr. Arnold H. Kegel, and were considered a non-surgical method to prevent women from leaking urine. Beyond that, there’s a lack of specificity in what muscles in the pelvic floor kegels actually engage, who should be doing them, and for how long.

Trails 4 Tatas (T4T) is so much more than just a fundraiser. It is a dedicated group of off-roading volunteers being supported by an amazingly giving community, who are making a significant difference in the lives of those battling breast cancer in Yavapai County.

The Summit 4×4 Club and Girls Tribe started raising money for the Baskin Breast Care Center at YRMC in 2019. The first event was a small auction of donated items, and it raised about $1,500. How things have changed! In 2023 alone, T4T raised almost $60,000.

By now, you have probably heard of the “mindfulness movement.” You may have read a magazine article or two, and it’s hard to ignore the ever-growing collection of mindfulness books at the bookstore or library. Many people who have tried it say mindfulness has made a remarkable difference in their quality of life.

Now take mindfulness and apply it to medicine; specifically, the treatment of chronic pain. This is what internationally acclaimed neurosurgeon Dr. Sam Safavi-Abbasi and neurosurgical nurse practitioner and certified somatic experiencing practitioner Elisa Venezia are bringing to their patients, right here in the Quad Cities area.

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.

Prescott Woman Magazine chatted with Melinda Hambrick, with NoCo Community Kitchen, to find out what makes her enjoy being a part of the Prescott Downtown Partnership and how it benefits her business. 

Prescott Woman magazine interviewed Kat, owner of Miss Kitty Tattoo. We learned about how much she values clients feeling safe and supported while healing or celebrating through tattoos.

Prescott Woman Magazine interviewed Alicia Malouf, Director of Operations for James-Marco Health and member of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce. We learned about how much she values wellness and community connections.

Prescott Woman Magazine interviewed Irene Smith, Owner and Coach of CrossFit Prescott Valley and member of the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce. We learned about how much she values personal connections.

Prescott Woman Magazine interviewed Sadie Sarti, owner of Sadie Sarti Design Co. and member of the Prescott Downtown Partnership. We learned about how much she values downtown Prescott’s strong sense of community and collaboration.

Prescott Woman magazine interviewed Summer Henry, owner of Avatar Tat2. We learned about how much she values clients feeling safe and supported while healing or celebrating through tattoos.

Palomino Lifestyle Co. has breathed new life into downtown Prescott, offering an elevated blend of fashion, home decor, and professional styling. Since its grand opening in April 2024, this boutique has quickly established itself as a one-stop shop for accessible elegance and sophistication, thanks to the vision and dedication of owner Andrea Wojciak.

Liberty Casarez and her Little Sister Dulce, 16, have been matched through Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters for more than five years. They are cheeseburger connoisseurs and enjoy finding amazing ones to try. They venture to museums like Sharlot Hall as well.

“I was familiar with the program, but thought I might not have enough time to be able to take part,” Liberty said. “I recognized the impact mentorship can have on a young person’s life; there is power in connection and guidance, especially at a young age.”

Since 2001, the Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation has worked to meet the unmet needs and enrich the lives of children in foster care and those who have aged out of the system in Yavapai County. With more than 300 foster youth, whether they are wards of the state or the Yavapai Tribe, the foundation works to fill critical gaps and offer the kind of support state assistance and other programs often cannot provide.

The foundation operates entirely through donor contributions and is the only Qualifying Foster Care Charitable Organization under the Arizona Tax Credit in Yavapai County. With these funds, the foundation ensures no child in foster care is left without the essentials they need or the opportunities they deserve.

he NOAH Foundation—a thrift store benefitting Neglected, Orphaned, Abused, Homeless animals—is celebrating 25 years.

Although Billie Herrick and her daughter Lauren originally opened NOAH on Montezuma Street in 1993, it closed and reopened in 1999 in its current location on the corner of Walker Road and Granite Street.

During the move, female volunteers including Julie Awen could be seen moving items from the original store to the current facility, where today it remains after 25 years. In early spring of 2009 when the building next to NOAH became available for rent, NOAH TOO was born.

Both stores offer slightly used second-hand items from donations … and feature a mature, mostly retired, all-female volunteer group of smiling faces as cashiers. Their primary goal: to raise money to donate to local animal organizations. How they love to tell tales of where some of the items came from or what they would do with them if they bought them.

As a staple in our community, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central AZ continue to provide adventures every day after school. They have removed day care from their vocabulary and focus on how kids in Prescott and Prescott Valley can make the most of their after-school time.

With the launch of the Clubs’ adventure programming, staff members have seen a rise in confidence and self-determination among the youth they serve. Adventure-based programs help kids gain the self-esteem needed to succeed in academics and extra-curricular activities. The Clubs are always here to serve as a safe space for all kids to attend, and they feel it’s their duty to not sit idly as they take care of the youth of today.

The term “philanthropist” often conjures images of wealthy individuals donating money to important causes. Billionaires are frequently highlighted in the media for their headline-making contributions to universities, nonprofits, disaster relief efforts, and more. Although these donations are generous and critically important, philanthropy extends well beyond the elite and encompasses so much more.

Philanthropy is the desire to promote the welfare of others; it is the expression of generosity in ways great and small. Our friends, family and neighbors undertake acts of generosity every day. Their altruism sustains our communities, whether it’s a monthly ten-dollar contribution to a beloved cause or a significant bequest made by a family. What if you wanted to continue supporting your favorite charities after your lifetime? Or you wanted guidance on where your philanthropic contributions could make the most impact? This is where the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) can be the most beneficial.

The Wrapped in Love Diaper Bank (WiL) is a simple idea with a big impact. Created to address a growing need in Yavapai County, WiL supports community members’ health and wellbeing by collecting diapers, feminine hygiene products, and incontinence supplies and distributing them to those in need through partners such as school-based family resource centers, community agencies, and family programs.

United Way of Yavapai County (UWYC) is not an ordinary charity … it has been the go-to charity for residents and businesses across Yavapai County since 1987. With your help, UWYC can be the most impactful non-profit organization in our community.

By identifying community challenges, developing a plan to address those needs, and then empowering other non-profit organizations to solve those problems, UWYC helps strengthen the community and lift people out of poverty while also helping local businesses create a culture of giving.

UWYC raises money locally through payroll deduction, provides volunteer opportunities and hosts drives for schools, food banks, shelters, and more. Currently the organization grants funds to more than 30 different charitable programs countywide.

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.

Are you and your pets prepared for a possible fire, flood, or other emergency requiring you to evacuate? Animal Disaster Services, Inc. (ADS) provides a free, 24-hour temporary shelter for household pets and small domesticated animals during a disaster. ADS is entirely mobile, has predetermined shelter locations, and is under the direction of the Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management. Established in 1999, it is the only household pet emergency shelter organization in Arizona, covering all of Yavapai County.

Since opening April 1, 2023, C and C Cyclery, Carmen and Casey Hines have donated bikes to those in need, particularly those in recovery/Reentry and children. In doing so, they strive to give hope and strength, as well. Carmen’s goal is to raise enough funds to not only support these groups, but to also start a nonprofit organization (501C3) to include the adaptive/disabled community in need of transportation and much needed outdoor time.

Now, Carmen and Casey are partnering with Josh Lederer, owner of Recovery Electric, and Robin DePalma, an owner of the NAZ Wranglers, for the Pay it Forward Bike Drive and Raffle.