KIDS AND PETS
LIFE + CULTURE
COMPANIONS & EXPLORERS:
GROWING UP TOGETHER IN THE DUKE CITY
Growth is a reflection of community connection.
At Albuquerque City Lifestyle, our journey from a modest 36-page debut to a vibrant, 84-page publication is a testament to the rich tapestry of stories waiting to be told across the Land of Enchantment. It remains a profound honor to document the soul of Albuquerque and New Mexico—a region filled with unmatched culture, resilience, and breathtaking landscapes.
As we have expanded, our commitment to unwavering editorial integrity has remained absolute. In an era where the lines between genuine content and paid advertising frequently blur, we take immense pride in our strict policy: we do not allow advertorials. Every profile, feature, and recommendation within our pages is earned strictly through merit, passion, and local impact. Our readers deserve authentic storytelling, brought to life through beautiful, high-end photography that truly captures the elegance of high-desert living.
This remarkable evolution would be entirely impossible without the deep trust of our dedicated readers and local partners. I am immensely grateful for the incredible opportunity to champion this premium publication and serve the unique Albuquerque community. Looking back at our humble origins and seeing what this magazine has become today is a deeply rewarding experience. Thank you for welcoming us into your lives, sharing your inspirational journeys, and allowing us to celebrate the absolute best of the Duke City.
Please enjoy our annual Kids and Pets issue!
With gratitude,
RICH RINGROSE, PUBLISHER @ABQCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Rich Ringrose | rich.ringrose@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Richard Lakin | richard.lakin@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITERS
Rudy Carrillo, Jill Robbins, Keri Bridgwater, Regan Bervar
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Autumn Oglesby
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Rudolfo Carrillo, Keri Bridgwater, Regan Bervar, Richard Lakin
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Palisociety, El Monte Sagrado, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe, Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces, Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, Petco JSX, Roberto Reyes, Locker #505, Courtesy K9 Resorts, Covenant Schools, Kathleen Colbeck, Ernest Hemingway Photographs Collection. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Boston, Richard Lakin
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TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
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NEW MEXICO’S MOST PET-FRIENDLY HOTELS
PAMPERED PUPS
ARTICLE BY KERI BRIDGWATER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PALISOCIETY, EL MONTE SAGRADO, FOUR SEASONS RESORT RANCHO ENCANTADO SANTA FE, HOTEL ENCANTO DE LAS CRUCES, ROSEWOOD INN OF THE ANASAZI, PETCO JSX
ARRIVE Hotel, Albuquerque
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El Monte Sagrado, Taos
Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi
“AUGUST IS NATIONAL DOG MONTH AND A REMINDER THAT, FOR MANY OF US, OUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS ARE MORE THAN PETS—THEY’RE FAMILY.”
August is National Dog Month and a reminder that, for many of us, our four-legged friends are more than pets—they're family. With roughly 58 million U.S. households sharing their homes with at least one pup, more travelers are hitting the road with their furry companions, and these New Mexico hotels are raising the bar for pet-friendly travel.
ARRIVE Albuquerque
Set along Route 66 near Old Town, this mid-century-inspired boutique newcomer has clearly given some thought to its fourlegged guests. For a one-time $50 pet cleaning fee, well-behaved dogs up to 30 pounds are welcome and receive a plush bed, ceramic bowls, organic treats, and a custom chew toy on arrival. Dog-friendly Robinson Park sits right across the street, offering a convenient green space for quick outings.
Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe
Dogs are treated to plenty of luxuries at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado, but a standout here might just be its hiking trails. Set on 150 acres outside Santa Fe, the resort gives canine guests plenty of space to stretch their legs, with on-property paths winding through piñon- and juniper-covered hillsides. Ground-floor casitas offer particularly easy outdoor access, while plush bedding, freshly filled water bowls, homemade treats, and access to a dedicated “Furry Friends” menu—featuring grilled salmon, chicken breast, and steak served with rice and vegetables—await. "The resort goes above and beyond for their furry friends," says repeat guest and Dallas resident Kim Cole. During an unexpected three-day extension after her car broke down en route from Arizona to Texas, staff stepped in when she ran out of food for her Vizsla, Rusty. “They pampered him with gourmet
ARRIVE Hotel, Albuquerque
food from the in-room dining menu,” she says. “I also went hiking with him each morning on the Camino Encantado trail. He was living his best life.”
Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi Steps from Santa Fe Plaza, Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi welcomes up to two pets of any size. Dog owners may want to book a Junior Suite, one of the few room categories with a private outdoor balcony. For a $75 nightly fee, pets receive a bed, food, and water bowls. For added convenience in the middle of downtown, there's also a grassy relief area on the property. A short drive away, the Santa Fe Railyard is another draw with its parks, walking paths, and several dog-friendly patios.
Hotel Willa Hotel Willa keeps things refreshingly simple. The stylish Taos stay welcomes up to two dogs with no size or breed restrictions, offers treats on arrival, and invites guests to share a few details about their pet before check-in. Unlike most hotels, dogs are welcome throughout the property—including the restaurant, bar, and outdoor spaces—except for the pool area. Nearby Kit Carson Park makes an easy destination for morning walks, while the trails around the Rio Grande Gorge offer more room to roam. Another perk? Seasonal JSX flights connect Taos with California during the winter months. The semi-private carrier has become a favorite among pet owners because dogs and cats fly in the cabin alongside their people, avoiding the stress of cargo holds and busy airport terminals. Through a partnership with Petco, four-legged passengers also receive complimentary bandanas, cookies, and customized in-flight snacks.
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El Monte Sagrado
The welcome amenity at another Taos standout, El Monte Sagrado, isn't a treat—it's an entire "barcuterie platter." Included with the resort's HosPETality Package, the arrival spread features roasted squash, a cooked-to-order Wagyu patty, organic blueberries, and organic peanut butter. Up to two dogs are welcome, with the pet fee included and a $35 charge for a second pet. Beyond the food, six acres of landscaped grounds offer plenty of room for leisurely walks.
Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces
One of the nicest touches at Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces isn't for humans. The hotel's HosPETality Package includes the pet fee along with chef-made dog treats, pet waste bags, and beds and bowls waiting in the room upon arrival. Set on the north side of town beneath the Organ Mountains, it's a short drive to two local favorites: Las Cruces Dog Park at Burn Lake for off-leash playtime and Old Mesilla Plaza for a slow stroll among the adobe buildings and café patios.
“MORE TRAVELERS ARE HITTING THE ROAD WITH THEIR FURRY COMPANIONS, AND THESE NEW MEXICO HOTELS ARE RAISING THE BAR FOR PETFRIENDLY TRAVEL.”
Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi
Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces
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Or the porch where muddy paws were always welcome.
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WAREHOUSE 505
BRINGING CREATIVITY TO KIDS
ARTICLE BY RICHARD LAKIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERTO “BERTO” REYES
Maryann F. Kohl, an author of over 20 books about art activities for children, wrote: “Art is a place for children to learn to trust their ideas, themselves, and to explore what is possible."
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“They’re using this as a therapeutic tool to just feel good about themselves and be around a community.”
Art shapes a child's development by boosting cognitive skills, enhancing motor abilities, and providing a safe outlet for emotional expression. It encourages critical thinking, self-esteem, and communication, laying a strong foundation for both academic and personal success. Planning and creating art exercises, decision-making, spatial awareness, and problem-solving. These skills translate directly to improved performance in subjects like math and science. Also, it can develop focus that keeps kids out of trouble at an age when they are vulnerable to bad influences.
We talked to Roberto “Berto” Reyes, Program Director at Warehouse 505. He
tells us, “We’re a nonprofit in downtown Albuquerque. We started about 17 years ago, and we basically do free after-school programming for youth in the arts from 13 to 20 years of age.”
Berto says that the program can help with socialization skills in kids. “They’re using this as a therapeutic tool to just feel good about themselves and be around a community. We have youth here who were homeschooled and need to be socialized, so they come to us, and there’s less social anxiety. They're just coming in to be a part of a bigger community and having peers who are within the same art disciplines. They also have mentors who are specific to their artistic
interests, teaching them the next step to progress. It just depends on what the youth want to take from it and how much involvement they're willing to invest.”
“We use the personal rolodexes amongst staff to find mentors. We look for people who have the same ethos as us. We're here to create a third space for them to learn the skills and the arts within our community.”
We caught up with Minh Quan (who shot our July cover of the Tramway). He told us about his experience as a photography teacher at Warehouse 505. “I was approached to become a teacher in 2014. I was nervous the first time teaching class, seeing kids with their eyes all staring at you,
“We started about 17 years ago, and we basically do free afterschool programming for youth in the arts from 13 to 20 years of age.”
but after a couple of days, I had my agenda and everything ready to go. I really enjoyed it, and I ended up doing it all the way up until 2022. It was great because I would have kids from all different walks of life. I think the youngest student I took on was 12 years old, and then I'd have 18 to19-yearolds. I had mentors myself, and the biggest thing I learned from my mentors was to pay it forward. For me, it helped me to grow as a person because you learn some soft skills and communication skills from speaking to these kids. They're very analytical, so you just tell them, ‘Hey, this is what you need to do to capture the type of photo you want.’ Some of them are visual learners where you take multiple pictures at different settings, and then they can visually see what's going on, and some of them you just give them
the camera, they don't need any instruction after what you've taught them in the in the beginning of the class, and they just create.”
Berto says the dedicated staff is a big part of Warehouse 505’s success at inspiring kids to be creative. Many are alumni of the program. He tells us, “I was a student myself in the program, and now I'm the program director. Three out of four of our staff are returning students who are now part of our admin staff, so that just shows the dedication from our staff and from our previous youth into our program.”
Warehouse 505 has regular events of their artists’ work: music, artwork, dance, screen print, sewing, and DJs. They are located at 202 Central Avenue SE. Their phone number is 505.350.5860. Events are on their website: warehouse505.org .
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“I was a student myself in the program, and now I’m the program director. Three out of four of our staff are returning students who are now part of our admin staff, so that just shows the dedication from our staff and from our previous youth into our program.”
— Roberto “Berto” Reyes
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LIFE WITH Cats
OBSERVATIONS ABOUT OUR FELINE FRIENDS
ARTICLE BY RICHARD LAKIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHLEEN COLBECK, ERNEST HEMINGWAY PHOTOGRAPHS COLLECTION. JOHN F. KENNEDY PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM. BOSTON, RICHARD LAKIN
Dan Greenberg, the writer, once said,” There is no way of talking about cats that enables one to come off as a sane person.” At the risk of proving Mr. Greenberg right, for our Kids and Pets issue, I would like to share my insights from a life lived with cats.
I didn’t start off as a cat person. My family always had dogs when I was a kid. Once I started dating, however, every woman that I’ve ever had a relationship with had cats, so I got used to a feline presence in my life. Moreover, I’ve lived in the mountains in Western Maryland and in rural areas of Mexico, so I always had plenty of room when someone was looking to pawn off a litter of kittens. At first, I just took them in out of compassion and to keep them from an unpredictable future at a shelter. After a time, though, I began to appreciate their complicated and enigmatic nature. Jorge Luis Borges, the Argentine writer and poet, wrote of their mysterious demeanor, “You belong to another time. You are lord of a place bounded like a dream.”
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Many writers have been enthralled by cats, and many of the editorials that I’ve written have been produced with a cat sleeping on my lap. Writers are fond of solitude, independence, and aloofness, and cats share those characteristics. Aldous Huxley, Alexandre Dumas, Alice Walker, Allen Ginsberg, Charles Dickens, Cleveland Amory, Edgar Allan Poe, Stephen King, Mark Twain, and many, many other writers were cat people. Mark Twain wrote, “If man could be crossed with the cat, it would improve the man, but it would deteriorate the cat.” Ernest Hemingway was particularly known for his love of cats, writing, “A cat has absolute emotional honesty: human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but a cat does not.” Hemingway brought polydactyl (sixtoed) cats from Cuba to Key West, and there are still about 60 sixtoed descendants at the Hemingway Home and Museum there.
There was a chapter in my life where I spent a lot of time working in Middle Eastern countries: Morocco, Turkey, the UAE, and Oman. In Islamic societies, cats are highly respected and beloved. They are admired for their cleanliness, loyalty, and companionship. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) favored cats and said that mistreating or even just not taking care of a cat was a sin that led to eternal consequences. Cats stroll through mosques and homes with impunity. If you sit at an outdoor restaurant, you are likely to
have a cat jump on your lap. Hundreds of cats live at the fish market in Istanbul, where scraps are provided by seafood vendors. A cat would definitely not hesitate to live a life of privilege when it is offered. Cats there strut around with an awareness of their status. They are also admired for their utility in eliminating vermin and other interlopers coming into the home from the desert. I had a scorpion problem at my house in Mexico, but it ended quickly when I adopted two cats. Big hairy tropical spiders vanished, too.
I’ve had more than a hundred cats over the decades, so I’ll try to provide some anecdotal insights in case you’re thinking of bringing one into your home and life.
In Albuquerque, and particularly in my neighborhood of Nob Hill, there are a lot of feral and abandoned cats. Apparently, people move and leave their cats to fend for themselves, and they show up cold, hungry, and scared at my door. Cats have remarkable intuition and can spot a food source and a crazy cat guy willing to take them in.
When I first moved into the neighborhood, there was a colony of feral cats, mostly with long, thick fur. They were, I believe, primarily of Northern European origin and were able to withstand nights outside with 20-degree winter temperatures. With the assistance of Street Cat Hub, an Albuquerque Trap-Neuter-Return
service, I was able to reduce the number of kittens that kept being born in my garage. The cats are returned to their original communities after neutering, and many are “neighborhood cats” that people feed regularly. This is a good solution if you have stray cats frequently having litters of kittens in your neighborhood. It is a tough life for a kitten outdoors.
Our domestic canine pets are descended from the wolves and wild dogs that decided life looked a lot better with a warm fire and people. Recent studies have shown that modern domestic canines now have this human-bond embedded into their DNA, whereas their feral canine cousins do not. Cats, however, want it both ways. They want the warm fire but still want a free-roaming life. I have cats that are gone for days or even weeks.
I have raised four abandoned kittens with bottle-feeding. If you take this on,
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Man "walking" his cat in Istanbul, Turkey
they will think of you as their mother and cling to you for the rest of their life. Unfortunately, they like to claw their mothers for comfort. Once, a doctor in ABQ asked me if I installed barbed wire fence for a living after she looked at my hands.
Think about adopting an older cat. One of the longhaired feral cats in the neighborhood decided to retire from the alley cat life and suddenly approached me to be petted, after being elusive and wary for years. I took him in, and he became one of the best cats that I ever had. The veterinarian said she thought he was about ten years old at the time, and he lived another seven years in comfort with a warm home and regular food and water. He was an affectionate “lap cat” and made his appreciation for a much softer life apparent every day.
You must decide whether you’re going to let your cats outside or keep them in 100% of the time. There are many perils for a cat outdoors, including predators here in New Mexico. Coyotes, mountain lions, and bobcats come into the city and surrounding areas at night. Even encounters with raccoons can be dangerous.
If you adopt a cat that has been going outside before you came along, it will be difficult to get them to change their lifestyle. They will always try to run out
“A cat has absolute emotional honesty: human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but a cat does not.”-Ernest Hemingway
the door. Keeping them inside all of the time is easier if you adopt them as a kitten. If they do go outside, be aware that the bird population around your house will diminish, and they’ll occasionally bring you avian “gifts.” They may be sweet when they snuggle up with you, but never forget that they are determined and aggressive hunters.
Cats are not for everyone, but when you’re having a coffee in the morning, and your cat jumps on your lap and starts purring, it’s one of the most relaxing things you’ll experience all day. Scientific research indicates that a cat's purr is highly beneficial to human health, reducing stress and anxiety and lowering blood pressure.
The local shelters are full of all manner of pets. Adopt and give them their “forever home.”
FUN FACT
When a person interacts with a purring cat, their body releases serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation. This physiological response can help lower cortisol levels, the primary hormone associated with stress. Studies have shown that cat owners are less likely to suffer from heart disease compared to those without cats. The soothing effects of purring help reduce blood pressure, which can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The calming presence of a cat, combined with the rhythmic vibrations of its purr, contributes to a healthier cardiovascular system.
ARTICLE BY REGAN BERVAR
K9 Resorts
A vacation for your pooch
Imagine heading out on vacation knowing your dog is off on an adventure of their own. Whether you're leaving town for a week or simply heading to work for the day, saying goodbye to your pet is often the hardest part. That's the idea behind K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel in Albuquerque, where the goal is to turn time away from home into an enriching, vacation-like experience for your fourlegged family member.
Lindsey Gilbert is the owner of K9 Resorts in Albuquerque, and they just finished their second year of their summer camp for dogs. They specialize in air conditioning indoors, enrichment activities all around, and extremely clean facilities with highly trained staff to take care of your fur babies while you are away. With luxury dog camps run throughout the year, they especially love their summer camp program because of the fun enrichment activities that they get to do in the Albuquerque sunshine.
“We're a 365-day luxury dog resort in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and we are a fantastic place for pups to come hang out,” Gilbert said. “The summer program is kind of a special camp program. We run camps
throughout the year, but it's an extra special program the way it's designed and the kind of experience dogs have.”
The facility prides itself on its high-end cleaning and HVAC unit, so the dogs get to play in an air-conditioned space when the heat outside gets too much. They also have access to the outdoors, where they get to run around freely and play all day. And Gilbert can’t stress that enough; they are literally playing all day.
“Our experience is a little different than most resorts to begin with, because the dogs play all day,” Gilbert said. “It's all inclusive, every dog is a VIP, so they're playing all day and they're exhausted at night and usually get a nice sleep.”
At K9 Resorts, every dog gets the chance to embrace their playful side through offleash play, social interaction, and enrichment activities that offer a welcome break from the routines of everyday life. For many city dogs, opportunities to freely run, explore, and engage their natural instincts can be hard to come by.
"We're slightly more urban in the cities than we've ever been, and so all dogs have to be on leashes pretty much when they're in the city, and they're increasingly inside,"
“For many city dogs, opportunities to freely run, explore, and engage their natural instincts can be hard to come by.”
Gilbert said. "They love this kind of enrichment activity. It's good for their brain, and it's good for their bodies to stay active."
Whether they're navigating an agility course, sniffing out hidden treats, or simply running with new friends, the camp gives
dogs the freedom to move, explore, and play in ways that support both their physical health and mental well-being. The result is a more confident, fulfilled pup who gets to enjoy a little summer adventure of their own.
“The summer program is kind of a special camp program. We run camps throughout the year, but it’s an extra special program the way it’s designed and the kind of experience dogs have.”
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Covenant Schools
Faith-based childcare and education
ARTICLE BY RICHARD LAKIN | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY COVENANT SCHOOLS
Covenant Schools are faith-based childcare and early education centers in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. They provide strong academic programs with a Christian-based education that imparts strong foundational values in modern, safe facilities that are at convenient locations in the community.
Covenant CEO Paul Losey told us that phonics is an important part of the curriculum, “We use the classical education model. The program begins with two-year-olds building on phonics. It starts with things as simple as color and shape identification, and then it builds on letter sounds, vowel sounds, consonant sounds, and then it goes into a point where they actually learn how to read. We do assessments every year, and the majority of our children, when they go to kindergarten, are already at a second-semester kindergarten level or even a first-semester first-grade level in reading, which we feel is really important.”
“...to respect those around us and be polite and follow the rules because what we see is that Covenant is a foundation of education for the students.”
Classical education focuses on forming wisdom, virtue, and deep critical thinking that explicitly focuses on character formation and moral virtue, operating on the belief that education should cultivate a love for what is good and beautiful. It relies on open-ended questioning, respectful debate, and analytical discussion to help students uncover truths rather than simply receiving lectures. It utilizes the historical Western canon and the Trivium of grammar, logic, and rhetoric.
Paul says, “The thing we hear over and over again is the children from Covenant Schools are ready, and they're prepared for kindergarten, and in a lot of ways they're advanced in their abilities both socially and academically. We focus on manners and teaching children the right things to do. We're accredited, which makes us a five-star...the highest ranking in the early childhood education department licensing.”
Paul’s daughter, Joy Losey, is the Director of Operations for the Covenant Schools. She says, “We have students who are infants, so two months old to six years old, and pre-kindergarten. We individualize group learning. How it works CONTINUED >
is we have a lesson as a group and as a whole in a school setting, and then whatever it is that we're doing to reinforce what they were taught, whether it be writing skills, phonics, math, or science. Then we have a hands-on activity to follow it, and we individualize learning, meaning if we have a student who needs help holding their pencil or sounding out a letter, the teachers are going around and individually helping them, but we are unique in the sense that we start with group lesson time for every subject.”
Joy gave us insight into the daily schedule. “In the 2-year-olds, we potty train, and then the infants are given bottles and naps throughout the day. As they get older, we have a set schedule in each classroom that incorporates circle time, and then we go to the bathroom and wash our hands, and then we come back, and
we have a play time, and that might be building blocks, or we play outside. Then we move into a math lesson, and then we stand up, and we have dance time, and we get our wiggles out, and then Covenant also serves breakfast, lunch, and two snacks, so the day includes meals and then also a nap time.”
Joy told us about the emphasis on developing character. “One of the things that we want to teach the children is character development, and that's being kind and polite and obeying the first time. Like if your mom says to stop and not run in the street...you stop. So we are spending a lot of time teaching the children about the character development aspect of it. We push our chairs in because it helps keep the classroom orderly, and it helps keep the classroom clean. We line up to go to different places, and we help our friends if we see that they fall down. If our teacher asks us to do something, then we respect them and do it because it's a busy classroom and a busy world, and so that's part of
the learning...to respect those around us and be polite and follow the rules because what we see is that Covenant is a foundation of education for the students.”
Covenant schools get most of their enrollments from word-of-mouth referrals from parents who find the curriculum excellent and the moral values aspect important. The center sees very little staff turnover because of the positive and collaborative work environment.
Their phone numbers are 505.797.9285 in Albuquerque and 505.994.4344 in Rio Rancho. Their website is www. covenantschools.com
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A L OCKER FULL OF HOPE
ARTICLE BY RUDOLFO CARRILLO | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY LOCKER #505
LOCKER
Locker #505 is a community clothing bank whose main purpose is properly outfitting the school children of a growing city so that they can actively participate in their education and life as future citizens of Albuquerque.
Clothing banks for our kids have always been a concern here in Bernalillo County. As early as 1950, concerned parents, teachers, and administrators founded the Bernalillo County Council of PTA Clothing Bank. When that operation closed its doors permanently in 2013, the founder of Locker #505 stepped up to take over an important and necessary community resource.
Kim Kerschen is that person. With a wealth of experience and a storied background of giving back to the city and its learning communities, Kershen inherited a role that suits her style as it continues to provide necessary assistance to families throughout our amazing city.
Albuquerque City Lifestyle Magazine sat down with Kershen to talk about the mission of Locker #505, her vision for students in New Mexico, and the future of a local non-profit that continues to demonstrate excellence and compassion.
COULD YOU PLEASE TELL OUR READERS ABOUT LOCKER #505, ITS HISTORY, YOUR VISION, AND HOW IT HELPS FAMILIES IN ALBUQUERQUE?
Kim Kerschen: Locker Room #505 started 13 years ago. It began when another clothing bank in town that had been around for 63 years, the BCCPTA clothing bank, closed. It was pretty obvious that a resource like that was important to the city and the surrounding area. I was involved with the old clothing bank a little bit, and so I kind of knew what to do. A few people came to me and said, "You really need to do this, because we really need this resource." So I began by investigating; I was familiar with nonprofits. I had been the state PTA president, and PTAs are nonprofits. I had been a Little League president, and so I was familiar with that paperwork, because Little Leagues are nonprofits as well. So I looked into starting a nonprofit. Basically, we started without a penny, without a hanger, without a stitch of clothing, or any employees. It was basically me, myself, and I. It happened all pretty quickly.
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WHAT HAPPENED AFTER YOU DECIDED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THAT VISION?
Things just really fell into place. It was interesting. We were very fortunate. One of the big things was having a space to do it in. Mayor Richard Berry actually helped us and gave us a space, his own private space, for one year, rent-free. That was a huge step in getting us off the ground. Once we put the word out to the schools that Locker #505 was open, it was pretty quick; we started seeing kids and hearing from the community, getting donations. We depend greatly on gently used clothing donations, after all. Anyway, we very quickly started getting clothing donations and other support.
HOW HAS YOUR ORGANIZATION GROWN SINCE YOU GOT IT STARTED IN 2013?
Our first year, we saw 421 kids, which was pretty good for our very first year. Last year, this past school year, we saw 4,716 kids. So we’ve grown just a little bit over the last 13 years.
WHAT SORTS OF ISSUES ARE CURRENTLY HAVING AN EFFECT ON YOUR MISSION?
We’ve seen rising costs in the last several years. The shoes that we bought four years, five years ago, we’re paying double the price for them now. So I think that inflation, obviously, hits families pretty hard. Our state is way up there with child poverty, lack of child wellness, and related issues.
“OUTFITTING
THE SCHOOL CHILDREN
OF A GROWING CITY SO THAT THEY CAN ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE
IN THEIR EDUCATION AND LIFE AS FUTURE CITIZENS OF ALBUQUERQUE.”
HOW DO YOU GAUGE YOUR SUCCESS IN THE MIDST OF SUCH CULTURAL UPHEAVAL?
Students can’t learn if they’re not there. I think with this, with clothing, if we take care of this piece of things, if you have a really tight budget and you’re living day to day, I think if we can take care of the clothing, it does two things. One, it frees up a little bit of money for milk, gas, and other necessities. Those are things people are really struggling with right now: grocery prices, gasoline prices are through the roof. So any help we provide with clothing really offsets a family’s economics on a day-to-day basis. The other thing I think it does for the parent who’s feeling stressed, maybe frustrated, is that our process is uplifting for the students at the heart of our program. They have shoes on their feet, and their clothes fit. They can go to school and be proud of themselves and nurture their own self-pride.
CONTINUED >
“BASICALLY, WE STARTED WITHOUT A PENNY, WITHOUT A HANGER, WITHOUT A STITCH OF CLOTHING, OR ANY EMPLOYEES. IT WAS BASICALLY ME, MYSELF, AND I. IT HAPPENED ALL PRETTY QUICKLY.”
HOW WOULD A FAMILY ENGAGE WITH YOUR SERVICES?
So they do have to get a referral, but the referral can be done by simply talking to your counselor at a school and saying, I need a referral to Locker #505. They send a referral to us. The referral includes about 10 questions. It’s very simple; contact information, name, etcetera. Then we take it from there, and we call the parents. We schedule an appointment. Then, we discuss with the parents what the program involves. We work with CYFD, so certainly social workers can refer to us. We work with some of the health agencies that are case managers or working with families in other ways. We work with APD for families that are dealing with domestic violence and have been left with minimal clothing.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOUR PROGRAMS AND THE HELP YOU PROVIDE THE ALBUQUERQUE COMMUNITY?
The easiest is by visiting our website at locker505.org . There is lots of information there! Obviously, the referrals are not on there, but we can tell them how they can get a referral if they give us a phone call or send us an email. if they wanna give donations, our donation hours are on the site, too. So all that information is on there; it’s a pretty welldeveloped website.
Elevate YOUR PB & J
ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
TRANSFORM YOUR HUMBLE PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SANDWICH FROM LUNCH BOX BASIC TO GOURMET GREATNESS
Ready to give this childhood classic the upgrade it deserves? Whether you’re packing your kid’s lunch or treating yourself to something special, these elevated PB&J creations will make anyone excited for lunchtime.
THE ART OF THE UPSCALE
The secret to an elevated PB&J isn’t complicated—it’s all about premium ingredients and creative combinations. Swap that white bread for artisanal sourdough, brioche, or even croissants. Trade processed jelly for fresh fruit compotes, gourmet preserves, or actual fresh berries that burst with flavor.
Quality nut butters make all the difference. Think creamy almond butter, rich cashew spread, or that perfectly salted natural peanut butter from the farmer’s market. These simple swaps instantly elevate your sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary.
Bread Options
• Artisanal sourdough
• Brioche
• Croissants
• Multigrain bread
• Cinnamon raisin bread
• Hawaiian sweet bread
• Whole wheat bread
• Thick-cut bread (for open-face)
Nut & Seed Butters
• Natural peanut butter
• Almond butter
• Dark chocolate almond butter
• Cashew butter
• Coconut butter
• Nutella
Fresh Fruits
• Strawberries
• Fresh blueberries
• Fresh raspberries
• Fresh peaches
• Kiwi
• Mixed berries
• Bananas
• Pears
Preserves & Sweet Spreads
• Honey
• Fig jam
• Mango preserves
• Raspberry preserves
• Grape jelly
• Marshmallow cream
Toppings & Add-ins
• Fresh mint leaves
• Granola
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Cream cheese
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Dark Chocolate Syrup
COMBOS TO Try:
CREATIVE COMBINATIONS THAT HIT DIFFERENT
The Sophisticated Sweet: Nutella, sliced strawberries, and a drizzle of honey on brioche bread
The Panini Perfection: Peanut butter, fresh blueberries, and marshmallow cream pressed between sourdough slices
The Beautiful Mess: Your favorite nut butter topped with sliced fresh peaches, kiwi, or berries, then drizzled with golden honey or sprinkled with toasted coconut on thickcut bread
The Grown-Up Classic: Almond butter, fig jam, and thinly sliced pears on multigrain bread
The Breakfast Crossover: Cashew butter, sliced bananas, and a sprinkle of granola on cinnamon raisin bread
The Tropical Twist: Coconut butter, mango preserves, and toasted coconut flakes on Hawaiian sweet bread
The Chocolate Dream: Dark chocolate almond butter, raspberry preserves, and fresh mint leaves on whole wheat
The Savory Surprise: Natural peanut butter, grape jelly, and a thin layer of cream cheese with everything bagel seasoning
PRO TIPS FOR LUNCHBOX SUCCESS
Toast your bread lightly for extra texture, even if you’re making it ahead. Create a barrier with your spread to prevent soggy sandwiches—apply nut butter to both sides, then add your sweet elements in the middle. Pack fresh elements separately and assemble just before eating when possible. Cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters, wrap in parchment paper tied with twine, or pack in a bento box with complementary sides like apple slices, fancy crackers, or dark chocolate squares.
THE BOTTOM LINE
An elevated PB&J proves that sometimes the best meals come from taking something familiar and making it special. These upgraded versions will have everyone asking for the recipe—and maybe even offering to trade lunches.
BY AMY TINNIN PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Homemade Dog Food
Recipe from Amy Tinnin - A Cup Full of Sass
ARTICLE
My two pugs are more than pets—they’re part of the family. That’s why I started making their food at home, and it’s been one of the most popular posts on my blog. You may be surprised just how easy this recipe is. I add all the ingredients to my slow-cooker to cook, and my dogs love it. If you decide to try this recipe for your pet, please consult your veterinarian. Every dog has different needs based on age, weight, and any health issues. You can even share this recipe with your vet to see if any changes are needed. The ingredients are flexible and can be easily swapped to substitute the turkey for chicken or beef, and even try different dog-safe vegetables. Making dog food at home isn’t hard—it just takes a little planning, and my dogs love it.
Slow Cooker Homemade Dog Food
Ingredients:
• 3 lbs ground turkey (85% lean)
• 1¼ cups frozen sweet potatoes
• 1½ cups frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup frozen spinach
• 1½ cups uncooked brown or white rice
• 4 cups water
Directions:
1. Add all ingredients to a slow cooker.
2. Break up the ground turkey and mix all the ingredients.
3. Cover and cook on High for 3–4 hours or Low for 6 hours, stirring occasionally.
Note: My dog food was ready in 3½ hours on High. Let cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze for later use.
ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
CINNAMON MONKEY BREAD IS A FUN DESSERT FOR CHILDREN TO MAKE AND SHARE!
AROUND
CINNAMON MONKEY BREAD
There is little more satisfying to your sweet tooth than ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls. Here is an easy and fun way to make this tearable, shareable treat!
INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 3 (12 oz.) cans of buttermilk biscuits
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Generously coat the inside of a bundt pan with cooking spray or butter.
Melt the butter in a pot or bowl. Mix the sugars and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
Open one can of biscuits, separate, and cut each into four sections. Next, roll each quarter into a ball and then put each one into the sugar mixture to coat. Place the balls in the bundt pan in a single layer and drizzle a little melted butter evenly over the top. Repeat with the other two cans of biscuits.
Sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture over the top and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Be sure to let cool for a minute or two before turning the bread onto a plate and carefully removing the pan. If you leave the monkey bread in the pan much longer, it will stick and be hard to remove.
I sometimes make icing, a few tablespoons of milk, to about 1/2 cup of powdered sugar with a splash of vanilla.
Drizzle over the top while warm and enjoy!
Have Room To Spare?
ARTICLE BY KRISTEN HAFNER
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Beating the Dog Days of Summer with a Canine Treat
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup of plain, unsweetened yogurt (or dogsafe yogurt alternative)
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened, plain applesauce
• 1/4 cup of water or low-sodium chicken broth
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Mix the yogurt, applesauce, and water or chicken broth in a bowl until well combined.
2. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
3. Freeze for several hours or until solid.
4. Serve the frozen treats to your dog to help them cool off!
PUP -SICLE
As we all try to stay cool during the scorching dog days of summer, our furry friends need a break from the heat too. Pamper your pup with a refreshing “pup-sicle.” These dog-friendly frozen treats are sure to make your canine companion’s tail wag!
SAVOR LIFE & FIND YOUR True Wealth
ARTICLE BY SHEENA STEEDMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT MOORE
The soft morning light filters through the curtains as you awake to birdsong and a gentle breeze. Stepping onto the balcony, you behold endless vineyards rippling in the Tuscan hills and can’t believe this paradise is real.
Walking downstairs, you’re greeted by many new faces of people smiling and excited to see you, new friends, gathered around a long wooden table immaculately set with steaming quiche, luscious fruit, warm bread, and Italian cappuccino.
This is just the beginning of days spent practicing yoga in nature’s rhythms, discovering ancient towns, and pausing to savor beauty at every turn.
Indulge in Tuscan serenity, savor life’s richness, and rediscover yourself
If you can envision waking up like this, you’re ready for a yoga retreat with Scott Moore.
Retreats are an investment—in your truest self—the part of you that gets lost in the rush of daily life.
We frequently invest our money into stocks, bonds, and real estate, yet fail to invest in the one irreplaceable resource that makes it all possible, ourselves—our true wealth.
On this journey, all details have been meticulously planned so you can stay within your budget and fully relax into the experience.
After immersing in the richness of the present moment, slowing down and savoring life, you’ll return replenished and ready to bring this mindset of appreciation into your everyday world.
Reap the returns of a broadened perspective and renewed vitality—the dividends are endless.
Find out more about upcoming retreats with Scott Moore in destinations like Tuscany, Sardinia, Bordeaux, and the French Riviera at scottmooreyoga.com/retreats .
