Voices Changing Communities

Dr. Leslee Battle,

An Intentional Leader

The creation of an intentional leader can start with a simple decision made as a teenager. Dr. Leslee Battle, Interim Dean for the School of Health Sciences at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), made the choice as a senior in high school to attend WSSU, partly because of the nursing program and partly because her mother wanted her closer to Lenoir, North Carolina, her hometown. This simple, commonsense decision started Dr. Battle on a leadership journey that currently affords her the opportunity to lead over 1,500 graduate and undergraduate health sciences students, along with faculty and staff, on their individual paths to improve the health of the citizens in our North Carolina communities.

These WSSU healthcare graduates “Enter to learn and depart to serve” and will make immeasurable contributions to the health and well-being of thousands of lives. Harnessing and growing this type of positive potential requires a strong, intentional leader. Dr. Battle has prepared for this challenging role since high school!

Not many high schoolers in Lenoir, NC, thought about college. Furniture factories were the main employer when Dr. Battle was in school. But she had intentional family members who took her to college football games and tailgating and on visits to college campuses, providing exposure to what college could feel like besides sitting in a classroom from 9:00-5:00. Sometimes all it takes is a little glimpse of what could be! While at WSSU as an undergraduate student, Dr. Battle majored in nursing and joined the Army Reserves, another intentional decision that prepared her for the current role as Interim Dean. After graduation, she stayed in Winston-Salem and worked at Forsyth Medical Center (FMC), initially as a staff nurse and charge nurse. Within only five years, she moved into leadership positions, including care coordinator, head nurse, and nurse educator. She cultivated her leadership skills in the Army Reserves and at the FMC. It did not take long for her talents to get noticed by administrators at WSSU, and she was recruited to join the faculty as a part-time clinical instructor. She joined the faculty to teach full-time in the nursing program while staying part-time at Forsyth and while continuing her education and raising a family. After 22 years at FMC, Dr. Battle transitioned solely to WSSU after earning tenure status.

The leadership skills gained in the Reserves and as a nurse supervisor come in handy as Dr. Battle continues to lead several different academic healthcare disciplines through a global pandemic, hiring freezes, budget cuts, and an about-face from in-person to virtual teaching. The programs she oversees are educating the frontline healthcare workers who have been battling the Covid pandemic since March 2019. Who better to lead healthcare education during a pandemic than a militarytrained leader?! During her tenure as interim dean, Dr. Battle has worked toward revitalizing communityengaged healthcare services that were limited by the pandemic and is focusing on the transition from a “School of Health Sciences” to a “College of Health Sciences.” Envisioning a restructured school requires creativity, innovation, and trust in strategic planning. She has arrived on her leadership journey exactly where she is needed, whether she intended to or not.

As a Winston-Salem resident and WSSU administrator, Dr. Battle is aware of community partners who can assist WSSU in improving the health of our region and is cultivating collaborations that improve student resources and support local community needs near the WSSU campus. She strives to bring attention to the disparity in resources available to HBCUs when compared to other regional institutions and is working hard to close the gap. But it takes a community and a society to recognize the inequity and work together to ensure all students at any school receive the education they deserve. With leaders like Dr. Battle at WSSU, this means that our local healthcare systems can hire the healthcare professionals that they deserve and provide the quality care that you deserve. Good intentions make good decisions!

Restoration Med Spa

JUNE DELUGAS LEADS AN AWARD WINNING DESIGN TEAM

PHOTO COURTESY OF © HICKORYCHAIR

Professional Help is Important

Fall came in with the wind. School is back in and this is when we start receiving a multitude of calls inquiring about different remodels and professional help. Bathrooms and kitchens are neck and neck. Which comes first is the client’s number one dilemma. It is an overwhelming experience for most and they don’t know where to begin. We start with a strategic plan. Take a deep breath, relax, and let a professional help you sort it all out.

Some recent client appointments have been about new lighting for the home. Most people struggle with these decisions. Lighting is a great way for updating and will provide an immediate uplift. The new LED recessed lighting is an amazing addition. We use the warm spectrum for LED lighting when we are involved with the change, or we suggest it to clients. The story of lighting will immediately uplift your space. Paint colors are another essential part of any remodel or change in your home. We try to help clients sort out the importance of these changes and we are budget conscious. Winter can also be a time that you are ready to update your home with new furniture, artwork, window treatments, and rugs. With years of experience, our team is proud to help you. Just like a doctor diagnoses your health issues, we can provide you with a positive prognosis and treatment plan for your home. Artwork is an essential addition and conversation piece to a room, while pillows are my favorite item to bring personality to a neutral room. Throws are good for beds, as well as adding another textural or colorful addition to the room. Light fixtures go out of style nearly as quickly as clothing. Exchanging a few key chandeliers to newer styles can be very rewarding when updating your home. We special order lighting and that could be an easy lift. We are also a stocking dealer for all aspects of home furnishings and can provide resources that are needed to complete your project.

Most folks don’t know that we are also a full-service and turn-key design firm. Our research will lend the best look for your home, whether bedding, lighting, lamps, artwork, or accessories. We have a design center for new construction and remodeling with samples of countertops, tile, carpet, and hardwood flooring. We also provide CAD drawings and renderings with the best utilization for your space. Project management for your remodel project takes time and experience. Don’t start your project without professional help.

Practicality and function. Think about it!

God Bless! June

“Take a deep breath, relax, and let the designer help you sort it out.”

June DeLugas Interiors

It All Begins with Extraordinary Design

TURNKEY REMODELING AND INTERIOR DESIGN! FROM START TO FINISH AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN! LIGHTING • FLOORING • FURNITURE • WINDOW TREATMENTS • AND MORE!

junedelugasinteriors.com

BUILD YOUR BRAND & CREATE LASTING MEMORIES WITH MEGAN BLACK PHOTOGRAPHY

BY AMY HILL

Need new photos for your professional website or looking to make a new Christmas card photo with the family? Ditch the tripod and self-timer, and hire a professional photographer who can get the job done hassle-free. Megan Black Photography is a one-stop-shop for professional photos for all occasions. Megan Black and her expertise will capture your best moments on camera, from corporate and entrepreneurial branding photos to engagement, wedding, or family photo sessions.

Before starting a photography business, Megan worked a 9 to 5 job at a specialty service firm.

While she always enjoyed photography as a hobby, she never considered taking it up as a career until witnessing a disastrous cake smash photoshoot for her daughter’s birthday in 2018. Because the session was far from successful, Megan decided to try her hand at taking her daughter’s photos after the fact. Surprisingly, she found that her own photo session was a piece of cake.

Megan eased into the professional world of photography by initially holding photoshoots with close friends and family. She researched cameras, lenses, photo editing software, computers and memory cards, and even took online classes to further her photography knowledge and skills. By May 2021, she had successfully built a quality clientele and became a full-time photographer and business owner. The fruits of her labor were finally paying off, after working many late nights and handling the stress of juggling motherhood in the midst of a new business venture.

In Megan’s eyes, investing in some of the best camera lenses and equipment on the market are essential to top-notch photography, in addition to extensive schooling and research. Currently, she is well-versed in various editing styles and is knowledgeable in a plethora of posing styles and methods for capturing candid photos throughout weddings and events. Because Megan is well aware that posing can be uncomfortable for many individuals, especially if it’s one of their first professional photoshoots, she has a few tools up her sleeve to bring out the best in her clients during each session. To ease her clients’ nerves, Megan takes a few minutes to engage in a casual conversation with them, helping them feel relaxed and comfortable. After clients’ initial jitters have dissipated, Megan is able to capture the perfect shot of them in an effortless, natural pose.

For Megan, different photoshoot styles bring different rewards. “I love branding because I get to watch business owners get excited and passionate about their products and services,” Megan explains. “It is extremely rewarding to be a part of their journey and be their biggest cheerleader.”

Megan believes that high-quality photos give a business or entrepreneur a more professional and sophisticated appearance when advertising their services to the community. Professional photos give potential customers the perception that the company or entrepreneur cares about their products and services enough to invest their hard-earned money back into their business. Additionally, professional photos capture smaller details in products that other imaging may not.

What’s the key to a successful branding photoshoot? Megan emphasizes that it’s important to be yourself and stay as authentic as possible. According to Megan, “During branding sessions, I focus on my clients’ products, services, and business environment. I always perform branding photoshoots in the client’s workspace, which provides a better illustration of who the business or entrepreneur truly is. It’s imperative that the space is clean and organized, and that all participants are on time and ready to have fun.”

When it comes to family photoshoots, Megan enjoys capturing moments that family members will be able to look back on for years and years. From maternity photos to first birthday parties, Megan Black Photography strives to create beautiful memories for clients of all ages and life stages.

Ready to book Megan Black Photography for your big day? Email megan@ meganblackphotography.com or call (336) 817-7467 to book your session today. For pricing information, testimonials, and to view Megan’s portfolio, visit her website at www.meganblackphotography.com. Follow @meganblackphotographync on Instagram and check out her Facebook page to stay up to date on the latest news from Megan Black Photography.

PHOTO BY VINES STUDIOS

South & Main Boutique southandmainnc.com 246 NC HWY 801 N Advance, NC@southandmainnc

Kayla Berry Broker @girlgangwsnc

Camel City Cacamelcitycanines.com nines WSNC + surrounding areas Animal Care & Holistic Dog Treats @camelcitycanines

Dash Beauty

Dew You Boutique www.dewyouboutique.com @dewyouboutique

Lash & Blade

336.934.0873 1985 N. Peacehaven Road Suite 11 | Winston-Salem, NC @rachel.dashbeauty lashandbladewsnc.com

Wood & Thread

woodandthreadboutique.com

301 Brookstown Avenue Suite #500 Winston-Salem, NC @woodandthreadboutique

Megan Black Photography MEGANBLACKPHOTOGRAPHY.COM Megan@meganblackphotography.com (336) 817-7467 | @meganblackphotographync

HIGHLY TRAINED STAFF

Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care cares for seriously ill patients by optimizing quality of life in a compassionate, controlled environment at their care centers. Medical social workers, spiritual care providers, registered nurses, hospice aide caregivers, and medical providers work together to maximize comfort for the seriously ill patients. Mountain Valley believes that caring for the patients means helping family members, too. Respite care provides shortterm relief for primary caregivers to rest and recharge, allowing them to continue giving the best care to their loved one.

“What a blessing the night shift nurse at Woltz Hospice Home was! She made a positive impact on my life while I was going through an intense emotional struggle dealing with my loved one’s decline.”

HOLISTIC APPROACH TO CARE

The qualified care team at the care centers meet daily to discuss patients’ needs and formulate plans to deliver treatment for their physical, spiritual, psychosocial, and emotional needs. A provider conducts daily rounds and is always on call. Nurses reportedly wear two hats at all times - one for the patient (physical comfort) and another (emotional support) for the family. Hospice aide caregivers, by virtue of their role, spend more time with the patients than anyone else - attending to personal care, turning the patient every few hours, getting their meals, etc.

“I couldn’t have asked for my sister to have been cared for any better than what the CNAs and RNs afforded.”

MOUNTAIN VALLEY HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE

IS THE PERFECT CHOICE FOR YOUR LOVED ONE, AND WITH GOOD REASON

BY DEBBIE LINVILLE, PHOTOS BY JODIE BRIM

COMPASSIONATE VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers play a vital role in helping the staff provide a high level of patient care by conducting an array of essential support services. For example, they assemble care packets for patients and toiletries/ snack bags for loved ones, tend the rose garden, answer phones, and read to patients. While these roles are critical to the daily operations, volunteers are perhaps best known for their compassion toward patients, caregivers, and families during the end of life. The value of a smile, listening ear, gentle touch, and quiet companionship is priceless.

“We had an excellent experience of love and care for both our parents at Mountain Valley.”

ABUNDANCE OF SUPPORT SERVICES

Patients, caregivers and loved ones have access to myriad services at the care centers. From the moment families enter the front door, a dedicated staff member greets them with a smile and assists them in getting signed in quickly and seamlessly. Mountain Valley’s transport vehicles and trained EMTs make patient transport easy and stress free. The dietary department extends the same kindness and compassion as those on the front lines. While they make every effort to ensure patients’ individualized meal plans are carried out, they will happily make a new one if a meal does not satisfy. For those struggling prior to their loved one passing, as well as those dealing with immediate loss, time spent with the compassionate, highly-trained bereavement coordinators can be beneficial.

“The transport team exercised great care when transporting my sister in her fragile state.” CONTINUAL CARE AND SUPPORT

The staff understands how critical it is for loved ones to be together at the bedside, providing comfort and closure. Even during a pandemic, Mountain Valley’s care centers allow families to be together. Appropriate protocols are followed, of course, but the commitment to have no interruptions of time where a family is with their loved one in the final days is unwavering.

“I am so appreciative of the great care my mother and our family recently received at the SECU Hospice Care Center.”

Mountain Valley is a leader in the hospice and palliative care industry and offers two care centers that support 18 counties across North Carolina and Virginia. These care centers provide acute symptom management and short-term respite care. The Joan & Howard Woltz Hospice Home is located in Dobson, NC and offers 20 patient suites. The SECU Hospice Care Center is located in Yadkinville, NC and provides six patient suites.

“Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care provides quality, compassionate care for those facing serious illness… every patient, every family, every time.”

For more information or to schedule a guided tour of the care centers at Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care contact them at 336-356-5600 or toll-free at 1-888-789-2922 or visit them online at www.mtnvalleyhospice. org/services/care-centers/

MOUNTAIN VALLEY’S HOSPICE CARE CENTERS:

WHERE CARE OF THE PATIENT AND FAMILY SUPPORT IS PRIORITY.

Being a caregiver for a loved one at home with a serious illness is so special, yet oftentimes overwhelming.

At Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care, we understand the many challenges of caregiving and serious illness. When your loved one has symptoms that cannot be managed at home or when you need a few days of respite, we are here for you.

Let Mountain Valley help you and your loved one during those difficult and challenging times.

Mountain Valley Hospice

For more information or to schedule a guided tour, please contact us.

SECU Hospice Care Center 243 North Lee Avenue, Yadkinville 336-677-1692 or 1-888-789-2922 The Joan & Howard Woltz Hospice Home 945 Zephyr Road, Dobson 336-356-5000 or 1-888-789-2922