October/November 2024
Health & Beauty Edition
…and as always – Strong Women!

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).

One in eight women will develop breast cancer during their lifetimes. An estimated five to ten percent of those breast cancers will be linked to gene mutations passed through many generations of the family. Hormonal changes, lifestyle, and environmental factors also play a role in the development of breast cancer. This means breast cancer is likely caused by a complicated interaction of genetic makeup, the environment, and lifestyle.

Prescott Woman magazine sat down with some of Polara Health’s women in leadership to talk about why they do what they do and what makes the organization special.

Four female employees of Freeport-McMoRan’s Bagdad operation recently shared their employment experiences with Prescott Woman Magazine.

Valisa Grimes, Hope Johnston, Amber Pehringer and Jennifer Wriston all agree Bagdad values and promotes diversity, inclusion and family life, and provides significant opportunities for education and career advancement.

Setting the benchmark for this expectation at the top is company President and Chief Executive Officer Kathleen Quirk, who recently received the prestigious Ankh Award from The Copper Club. This award recognized Kathleen’s exceptional leadership and commitment to the copper industry.

Generally, when people think of Arizona Public Service (APS)—the largest electricity provider in the state—they may picture men at the forefront. And while men make up the majority of the employee roster (as of May, 27.4 percent of APS’s 6,000 employees are women), there is a growing number of women employees within the organization … in a variety of roles.

Mackenzie Rodgers, APS Transmission Operations and Maintenance, explained that as an organization, APS supports women in all roles, including leadership … and many opportunities exist that the public—and women in particular—may not expect.

“I’ve worked in many jobs where I’m the only woman on the team or one of many women on the team,” Mackenzie said, “but I have never felt not supported or empowered or mentored to be my best and support other women to be their best as well.”

he Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona (WFSA) is proud to share the resounding success of its inaugural Daring Generations events, held in Phoenix and Tucson. These celebrations were more than just gatherings; they were powerful tributes to incredible women making a tangible difference in their communities. The overwhelming response and sold-out attendance are testaments to the importance and impact of honoring women’s contributions across various stages of life.

Hey there, fellow women entrepreneurs! If you’re running your business solo, having a strong support system is a game-changer. That’s where a mastermind team comes in. It’s a crew of like-minded business owners who come together to support, guide, and hold each other accountable on our entrepreneurial journeys. Here are some tips for finding the right people to team up with, so we can all take our businesses to the next level.

Women in business are passionate and driven, yet still face unequal access to resources. From 2019 to 2023, women-owned businesses outpaced men’s in growth: 94.3 percent in number of firms, 252.8 percent in employment, and 82.0 percent in revenue, according to the 2024 Wells Fargo Impact of Women-Owned Business Report. Providing a platform for these women to share their insights is crucial for uplifting others.

Continuing the call for support, Better Business Bureau (BBB) is hosting its 7th annual Industrious Women’s Summit (IWS) on Friday, August 23. This one-day event honoring Women’s Equality Day fosters connections for women in male-dominated industries.

Every day, our hair is exposed to metal, including lead, copper, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic. Pollutants in the air, hair products and cookware we use, certain foods, our local water, and even drinking from aluminum cans can cause metal to accumulate over time and cause damage, hindering natural hair growth and vitality.

Metals such as lead and copper can disrupt the natural growth cycle, leading to hair loss and thinning. These metals can weaken the hair shaft, causing it to become brittle and prone to breakage. And, the presence of metals can also affect hair color and texture, causing unwanted changes.

That’s where a metal detox comes in. Understanding the significance of metal detoxing in maintaining luscious locks is crucial.

Women view the world through a uniquely feminine lens. The roles we play are often customary and inevitable. Centuries-old barriers continue to squelch our strength, ability, and potential. When we veer from the expected path, criticism can be harsh.

If you want greater success, you can’t keep thinking, saying, and doing the same things.

By thinking differently, you will act differently. You will act with Badassery … and you will create different results.

The Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona announces the appointment of new CEO, Katia Jones The Women's Foundation for the State of Arizona (WFSA) proudly announces the appointment of Katia Jones as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective March 2024. With...

On March 8, Park Collective buzzed with energy and enthusiasm as local women immersed themselves in a day of empowerment and celebration.

The 2nd annual Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce’s International Women’s Day luncheon—with a sold-out crowd of 250 attendees—served as a powerful reminder of the collective strength and resilience of women from all walks of life.

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.

The Mediterranean diet.

With its heavy focus on a plant-based diet along with healthy protein and anti-inflammatory fats, the Mediterranean diet can change women’s bodies and also, maybe, help them heal their relationship with food (did I mention the ravioli?).

Plus, the Mediterranean diet provides essential nutrients to help breastfeeding mamas maintain a healthy milk supply.

Are you thinking about becoming a volunteer at Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center? Good for you. And we mean, literally, “Good for you.” Yavapai Regional volunteers are reaping benefits on many different levels. Here are just a few:

Good for your social life. Countless Yavapai Regional volunteers tell us that what started as a volunteer shift has resulted in lasting friendships. It’s a great way to make friends and get involved with like-minded people. You’ll often see our volunteers having lunch together in the cafeteria before their shifts begin or getting together after hours to attend various community events. Some of our volunteers even travel together.

Good for your physical and mental health. Research by the Corporation for National and Community Service shows that people who volunteer have lower mortality rates, lower rates of depression, and fewer physical limitations than those who don’t volunteer. Additionally, a 2013 study of more that 1,600 older adults found that the participants who volunteered at least 200 hours per year were forty percent less likely to get high blood pressure than non-volunteers.

Light has a way of shifting perspective. For years, walks have provided me time and space for reframing challenges, enjoying victories, and planning ahead. And I’m not unique: as I write this, a dear friend is asking herself some big questions while she walks the Camino de Santiago in sunny Spain.

Getting outside is essential for physical and mental wellness, especially in pregnancy. Historically, pregnant women were told to take it easy; we know now how essential movement is to a healthy pregnancy and a better postpartum. Most pregnant people can walk safely, and it also gets you outside for fresh air and sunshine.

Sunlight also boosts vitamin D levels: vitamin D is both a vitamin and a hormone, and its synthesis begins when sunlight hits your skin. Vitamin D is necessary for your health throughout your lifetime, but it becomes really important in pregnancy and postpartum.

When is a diet not a diet at all? It sounds like a riddle, but the answer is easy: when it’s the Mediterranean diet. A more accurate name might be the Mediterranean lifestyle since a significant component of making this diet work is how you approach life. There are no strict dietary restrictions. A balanced social life and enjoying meals with others are key components. Laughter, reducing stress, and living are recommended.

The Mediterranean diet focuses on the quality of your food rather than a single nutrient or food group. It’s been proven to reduce the risk of chronic health conditions such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. A recent National Institute on Aging study reports that it may even help protect the brain from damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

Four weeks after giving birth, I was already working full-time again when my daughter and I moved back into town.

My story isn’t typical. But Google “most stressful life events,” and having a baby rarely comes up. Consider that becoming a new parent happens within the context of an already-full life, and it’s astounding that new parents have so little support.

Here’s what we know: stress causes chronic disease, partly by raising blood sugar. High blood sugar is a health risk at any time in life, but pregnant and postpartum women are especially vulnerable.

Kara Schumann and Amanda Eliseo, Licensed Professional Counselors, have known each other for over 20 years. In that time, their paths continued to cross or run parallel … so much so that starting a business together seemed like a natural fit.

Pickles Lea Yoga is once again bringing a yoga festival and health fair to Prescott. Yoga will take over the Elks Theater and Performing Arts Center July 20th from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. The theme of the third annual Yoga Festival fundraiser is Don’t Give Up!

This year, Pickles Lea is happy to announce that all proceeds will go to Pickles Lea Yoga, the only 501(c)3 yoga company in Northern Arizona. Its mission: to make yoga assessable to all humans no matter their gender, physique, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status by offering donation-based community yoga. It’s free if people need it to be. Pickles Lea loves the Quad City area and is always giving back to the local community.

Whether you’re planning a camping trip to Yosemite or a honeymoon in the Bahamas, travel can be an unforgettable adventure. The last thing you want is an unexpected illness to ruin your plans.

Our immunity can suffer during travel for several reasons. Sleep can be compromised, we’re trying not-so-healthy foods, and we may get a little slack on the exercise routine. Combine this with exposure to more germs, forgetting to hydrate regularly, and the stress of being on the go, and our immune system may end up a little out of balance.

The good news is, that there are a few simple steps you can take to boost your immunity and improve your chances of staying healthy. 

or many women, the details of a wedding are etched into memory:

The smell of the air, and how it feels against your skin.
The way the light shines across the landscape to illuminate hills and valleys, vibrant flowers crowning reception tables, the smiles and bright eyes of the people you love.
How you look and feel in your dress (take lots of photos!).
With each step you take toward your partner, feeling both nervous and sure.
Your first kiss as a married couple.
The food and drinks, are lovingly offered to guests gathering to celebrate you.
And how the lights sparkle as the sun sets, twinkling against a purple sky while you dance, deeply in love.

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.

Yavapai College’s new four-year Bachelor of Science Business degree features three concentrations from which students can choose: Accounting, Entrepreneurship, and Organizational Management and Leadership.