Telling the stories that shape our community.
Elevating the Whole Community
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.
Unlimited Possibilities with Nicole Brandon
The Prescott Chamber of Commerce is bringing inspiration, connection, and powerful leadership lessons to Northern Arizona as it welcomes internationally acclaimed speaker Nicole Brandon as the keynote presenter for its upcoming Quarterly Women in Business event.
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Leading from the Heart of the Community
For Casey Van Haren, libraries are not quiet buildings lined with books — they are living, breathing community hubs.
As Library Director for the Town of Prescott Valley, Casey serves at the intersection of information, equity, and connection. A fifth-generation Arizonan and Prescott native, her return home was intentional. She wanted to invest her experience, leadership, and vision into a community that shaped her.
Under her direction, the Prescott Valley Public Library has secured more than $400,000 in Library Services and Technology Act grants, expanding digital access, educational programming, and critical support services. The creation of a Community Resource Specialist position ensures seniors, veterans, and individuals navigating difficult life transitions have compassionate guidance. The library also operates a free food pantry — reinforcing the belief that access to knowledge must be paired with meeting basic needs.
Wired to Achieve
Right from the start, students in Elizabeth Peters’ Electronics & Instrumentation program know they’re in for a challenge. “E&I is one of our more rigorous programs,” Liz, YC’s Electronics Technology and Pre-Engineering professor, said. “We hear students say, ‘I feel like I got a four-year degree in two years.’ They don’t always mean it as a compliment. But I think, ‘Cool! That’s what we’re going for.’”
Now in her tenth year at Yavapai College’s CTEC Campus, Liz teaches Pre-Engineering and Electronics, from the smallest sub-atomic particle to the gnarliest circuit board. “It’s in the family. My dad started the E&I program at YC.”
Her brother graduated in the program’s first cohort. Then Liz followed in 2012. She was working for an international aerospace company when her dad suggested, “Hey, I think you could be a good teacher. We need somebody.”
‘My Heart Lies in Giving Back’
Prescott Woman Magazine chatted with Jessica Parker, owner & esthetician at NAKED Beauty Bar, to find out what makes her enjoy Prescott and everything it has to offer.
‘Tis the Season
As the holiday season approaches, we at Rafter Eleven are reminded of what this season is truly about: giving and living in the moment. It’s a time to slow down, savor life’s simple pleasures, and connect with the people who matter most. At Rafter Eleven, we care deeply about you, our customers, and we’re here to make your holiday season extra special.
From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll feel the warmth of our commitment to quality. Whether it’s our organic coffees and teas or the best homemade scones in the universe (yes, we said it!), everything we serve is crafted with love and care. We believe that what you consume should not only taste great but also make you feel great. That’s why we bring you the finest first cold-pressed olive oils and barrel-aged balsamic vinegars. These aren’t just products we sell—they’re ingredients we use to nourish your body and soul, because your well-being matters to us.
Supporting Confidence
I recently asked one of my co-workers if I could take her 10-year-old daughter shopping. When another co-worker asked why, I explained that I remember what it was like to be young and to look up to older kids and want to hang out with them.
Another co-worker recommended that I look into Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters (YBBBS). Her suggestion reminded me that I was once a Little Sister, too. When I was 11, I joined YBBBS and was matched with a family I’m still close to.
I want to be someone who my Little Sister Jenileigh looks up to and feels comfortable opening up with. I try to give her advice in situations to make the best decisions, but she is a very smart, mature kid and usually knows what the right decision is; I try to support her choices so she can feel more confident in future decisions.
Unwrap the Gift of Giving
t Rafter Eleven, we believe in the power of giving and the importance of fostering our local community. Located in the heart of Prescott Valley, Rafter Eleven is not just a C.O.W. (Coffee, Olive Oil, and Wine) bar, but a place where you can give the gift of quality time and quality products. Whether your gift comes in the form of a bottle of wine shared between friends, a custom-made gourmet gift basket, or a gift certificate, there is something for everyone at Rafter Eleven.
More Than 100,000 Square Feet of Fun
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at Espire Sports. Whether you’re a dedicated athlete or just looking for a great place to play pickleball, stay active, and socialize, this state-of-the-art facility has something for everyone. Espire Sports offers more than 100,000 square feet of fun at the best premier sports and recreation destination in town.
Jenn Flaa – 2021
From the cornfields of Minnesota to the hiking trails of Prescott by way of Silicon Valley, this mild-mannered, high-tech-CEO-by-day morphs into a classic rock singer by night with raspy tones reminiscent of Janis Joplin. Author…well, that was an accident.
Advocates Who Serve the Community
The Prescott Area Association of Realtors (PAAR) provides a wealth of information and resources to its agent members and consumers alike. With an extensive background in real estate and non-profits combined with a master’s degree in Public Relations, PAAR CEO Suzanne Westrum brings the perfect fit of skills to a busy organization in a fast-growing community.





















