Catalina Foothills, AZ May 2024

Women Who Inspire

EDUCATION

BIG CHANGES AT CFSD!

CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER!

PONDEROSA CACTUS

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WHERE ARTWORKS MEET ART LOVERS.

Silver City offers a captivating experience for anyone seeking a place where art breathes, history whispers, and creativity thrives. I t is a thread woven into the very fabric of the town. Weave your own artful adventure today.

Learn why more and more seniors are joining our Life Plan Community’s pioneer group of residents now.

Choose the date and location most convenient for you:

ORO VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB

300 W Greenock Dr., Oro Valley

Friday, May 3,

Tuesday, May 14

Wednesday, June 5

Tuesday, June 18

SADDLEBROOKE 2 BALLROOM 38735 S Mountain View Blvd., SaddleBrooke

Wednesday, May 8

Thursday, June 13

Do April Showers Bring May Flowers? In the Desert?

Take a quick drive in any direction this year and you are sure to see waves of pink, yellow, and white flowers, a show rivaling any year before. Abundant rains early this year have provided a kaleidoscope of colors amid our craggy rocks and cacti.

In fact, what makes our wildflower season spectacular is the contrast between a very harsh landscape and the brilliant flora that rises up in spite of the extreme desert.

We see that happening all year here in southern Arizona. Beautiful people bringing joy and abundance to our community, women who change the world around them for the better.

(Pardon the personal outtake, but in my life, all things great, beautiful, and inspiring arise from Kate, Sarah, Grace, and Virginia—humble and strong women who change the world and people around them for the better, including, and especially, me.)

But leaf through the pages of this magazine of love and meet Drs. Denise Bartlett and Mary Kamerzell who have turned our local schools into life-changing and affirming centers of hope, knowledge, and grace for our young learners.

Rose Lopez, the child of a single mother, grew up in the cotton fields of Arizona and Sonoran ranch lands and now leads a small army of people who care for those in need of safe community and care. Inspiring!

And then there's Jami Salyers, who proves there are so many ways to improve life for those in our orbit, one roast beef sandwich at a time.

May you find glory this May in the women who make all of us better, give us hope, and breathe love into our days and our lives. Yes, with all the craziness around us, it can seem overwhelming. But our mothers, wives, sisters, and friends offer a safe harbor that helps us keep our lives blooming with wonder, beauty, and hope.

Thank goodness for all of them. And for you, dear reader. Thank you!

JEFF HERR, PUBLISHER @CATALINAFOOTHILLSLIFESTYLE

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Jeff Herr | jeff.herr@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Megan Ewing | megan.ewing@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jessica Bush | jessica.bush@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angela Brookerd, Elena Chabolla, Sybil Velarde

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Ijams, David Sanders, Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

BB BEAUTY LOUNGE

MEDICAL SPA

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Y E A R S

C e l e b r a t i n g t h e J o u r n e y ,

C o n t i n u i n g t h e L e g a c y .

In 2024, Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge proudly celebrates 40 years of excellence The support of the Tucson community has been pivotal to our success fostering a legacy of healthy living and shared experiences that connect our members and guests to the local culture, its welcoming people, and the breathtaking landscape We are grateful and excited to continue this journey together with you Here's to another 40 years!

PROTECTING

WOMEN Our Beloved

FOCUSING ON HEART-HEALTHY CARE IS OF EXTREME IMPORTANCE TO EVERYONE

An estimated one in four female deaths is caused by heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. It’s important for women to be aware of the risk factors, signs, and symptoms of heart disease.

“Women present with any combination of shortness of breath, tiredness, pain in neck, jaw, throat, upper back pain with or without activities,” explained Dr. Kahroba Jahan, a cardiologist at Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital.

She explained that “heart disease" is an umbrella term which includes many different conditions:

• Coronary artery disease: This is the most common type of heart disease in the United States and leads to what is known as a “heart attack.”

The heart is a pump and has its own blood supply, which are called coronary arteries. Coronary artery disease is when these vessels are clogged with cholesterol plaque interfering with blood flow.

• Arrhythmia: This is when electrical activities of the heart are interfered with. Some examples are atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, which is characterized by irregular heartbeat.

• Heart valve disease: Some of the most common forms of valve disease are mitral valve or aortic valve stenosis, or what is called a leaky valve.

• Congestive heart failure: This refers to when the heart muscles become weak and can lead to cataclysmic “pump failure.”

The traditional risk factors for heart disease are family history, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity. These affect women and men equally.

“Age is a risk factor for women – the older you are, the higher your risk of heart disease. Women, in general, developed coronary artery disease 10 years later in life than men unless they have diabetes,” said Dr. Jahan.

Mental stress and depression affect women’s hearts more than men’s. Depression makes it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle and follow recommended treatment. Low levels of estrogen after menopause pose a significant risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease in the smaller blood vessels.  Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

“You cannot change aging or family history, so focus on what you can change. These steps include getting more exercise. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of exercise per week (such as 30 minutes of moderate-intensity walking daily),” she said. “You know yourself better than anyone else. If you feel something is wrong, do not ignore it and hope it will just go away. Talk to your doctor.”

Women’s health took center stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year with the presentation of the first-ever report on the gender health gap and its health and economic toll. Authored by the McKinsey Health Institute and World Economic Forum, the report found addressing the health gap—which currently equates to 75 million years of life lost due to poor health or early death—could boost the global economy by at least $1 trillion annually by 2040.

Dr. Kahroba Jahan, Championing Heart Health for Southern Arizona Women

AND SHE RISES...

Like many teenagers, Jami Salyers’ first job was in quick-service restaurants at a local Taco Bell. Unfortunately, after a cheerleading injury, she was told she wouldn’t be allowed to work on the crew any longer because her foot was in a cast.

While helping at a Palo Verde High School cheerleading fundraiser at Arby’s, she jokingly asked the owner if he’d give her a job. Salyers recalled, “I was chatting with the owner and I pointed at my cast and asked, would you hire me? He said absolutely!”

Little did she know that Arby’s would become the foundation of her present 30-year career. Promoted to shift leader while still in high school, she constantly asked when she could move up. By the age of 18, she was promoted to assistant manager. Still yearning for more, she started asking when she’d manage her own restaurant. Not long after, she was named general manager, a position she held for 10 years.

The franchise owner, who owned all but two of the Arby’s located in southern Arizona, came to rely on Salyers for her strategic vision and tactical know-how. But when the owner sold the restaurants to another company, Cardinal RB Arizona LLC, Salyers feared she might not have a role under the new ownership.

Jami Salyers Climbed the Arby's Corporate Ladder, From Crew Member to the Executive Suite

“The new owners brought us into the new decade,” she said. “And I had more of a voice in decision-making and overall operations of the restaurants.”

In 2017, Cardinal RB Arizona sold the business to Atlantabased Irish Beef, LLC, after just 18 months. This left Salyers once again wondering whether she would have a role in the new organization. She needn’t have worried.

Dick Holbrook, managing partner of Irish Beef, quickly named Salyers director of operations. In that role, she managed operations for all eight restaurants in southern Arizona and was responsible for the development of four new restaurants. This work, which took place over five years, also included the top-down renovation of six restaurants.

Holbrook became a mentor of sorts to Salyers, as well as her biggest supporter. In a press release announcing Salyers’ promotion, Holbrook said, “There is so much to be learned from Jami’s story – her hard work, dedication, loyalty to the brand, and overall leadership is key to the success of the company.” Irish Beef invested time and money not only in the restaurants, but also in its personnel. “They sent me to district manager training and one year later they made me a partner,” Salyers said. In a few years, she was promoted once again, this time to the role of vice president of operations. “Irish Beef believes in training and giving teams what they need,” Salyers said. “We often say we’re in the people business. We’re not just serving our guests, but also serving our team by fostering growth for all individuals.”

Building on this investment in team members, Salyers implemented a management training program for all 13 restaurants, created new incentive plans for restaurant managers, and managed the capital-investment plan to

Jami Salyers, on the far left, joins her team with a significant donatiopn to United Cerebral Palsy of Southern Arizona

"We often say we’re in the people business. We’re not just serving our guests, but also serving our team by fostering growth for all individuals."

re-envision older restaurants and bring them up to modern design standards. Her efforts resulted in significant sales and profit growth for the company.

Irish Beef recognizes the potential in its team members that others might overlook; it also believes in letting team members pursue the things that matter most to them. For Salyers, this means supporting the local community. “I grew up in Tucson,” Salyers said. “This community and the families who live here mean so much to me. We seek to identify those initiatives most important to these families and make a difference one person at a time.”

This passion led Salyers to develop a robust corporate philanthropic program that, over the past six years, has raised more than $800,000 for a variety of non-profits. These include United Cerebral Palsy of Tucson, the Community Food Bank, Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona, Vail Schools, ALS of Southern Arizona, Toys for Tots, and, most recently, the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer

Foundation of Southern Arizona, which assists children with cancer and their families. “Every penny stays in Tucson,” she added.

Salyers is justifiably proud of her accomplishments, including her team-building philosophy within Arby’s, as well as the impact she’s made in the community. But she’s not stopping. “My goal is to continue to give back to Tucson and to inspire young people to find their respective voices and ambition,” she said. “I hope my career path provides them a roadmap.”

About Irish Beef, dba Arby’s Irish Beef is a franchise of Arby’s, focused on developing and operating restaurants in Southern Arizona. Arby’s iconic brand is known for its unique quality of food, the restaurant environment, and its commitment to serving people. As part of their “Arby’s Cares” program, the franchise is devoted to supporting local communities through donations to various cause-related organizations, aspiring to be a force for good in Tucson and Sierra Vista.

Jami Salyers today, leading change and developing her crews

Fond Farewell, Dr. Mary Kamerzell

AFTER 28 YEARS, OUR AMAZING SUPERINTENDENT LEAVES AN EPIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION TO OUR FAMILIES

ARTICLE BY ELENA CHABOLLA

Catalina Foothills School District Superintendent Mary Kamerzell will step down from the position she has held for nearly 30 years and will pass the proverbial baton to Denise Bartlett, the current Associate Superintendent. We had the opportunity to chat with the superintendent about the upcoming transition. Here is what she had to say.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 28 YEARS AS SUPERINTENDENT OF THE CATALINA FOOTHILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT AND YOUR DECISION TO MOVE ON COME JULY 1, 2024. WHAT STANDS OUT AS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT IN THIS ROLE?

No achievements are mine alone. The most satisfying part of my work over the years has always been expanding programs and courses for our students.

WHAT WERE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU ENCOUNTERED WHEN YOU BECAME SUPERINTENDENT, AND HOW DID YOU BEGIN TO ADDRESS THOSE ISSUES?

When I was hired, the governing board asked me to find the dollars to add five school days to the calendar. Other challenges were low teacher pay and no strategic plan that defined our aspirations and action plans to progress toward them.

There was, and continues to be, low per-pupil public school funding in Arizona. We accomplished the items that were within our control (school days, teacher pay, strategic plan).

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST NOTABLE POSITIVE CHANGES YOU HAVE WITNESSED IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM IN ARIZONA OVER THE YEARS?

In my view, any positive changes in public schools are attributable and specific to the local school districts that found a way to improve the educational experience for their students despite the challenges.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGER CHALLENGES CURRENTLY FACING THE DISTRICT?

Our state’s disinvestment in its public school system has created a negative context in which we try to do our work

It's budget time and our Super Duo work with sharp pencils.

on behalf of students. We’ll see what this 2024 Arizona legislative session brings in the way of cuts to balance the state budget.

Typically, public school funding results in a negative outcome. In the lead-up to the November 2024 election, there has also been an attempt here and across the state to politicize schools and their school boards. Fortunately, voters in our district pay close attention to who is running for the governing board and have a long history of electing nonpartisan individuals who are committed to a quality education for all kids.

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE MOST CONSISTENT STRENGTHS OF THE DISTRICT OVER THE YEARS?

1. Our resident voters who agree to tax themselves to supplement state funding for their local schools. All of our bond and override elections during the past 30 years have been successful.

2. Our programs attract students from 35 Tucson-area zip codes under Arizona’s Open Enrollment Program. Maintaining enrollment means we can operate schools efficiently and expand educational offerings for all students.

3. A culture of professionalism that supports teaching and learning. Our staff, teachers, and others, are valued and supported.

4. Incredible parent support. Our CFSD Foundation, school Family-Faculty Organizations, and activity booster groups add significant value to our students’ experiences. These super volunteers not only provide financial support but also give thousands of hours of volunteer work to our schools each year.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO SPEND JULY 1, 2024, YOUR FIRST OFFICIAL DAY NOT BEING THE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT?

That’s a mystery.

WHAT ARE YOUR PARTING WORDS AS SUPERINTENDENT TO THE DISTRICT AND THE GREATER CATALINA FOOTHILLS COMMUNITY?

Stay the course. Don’t let political noise disrupt a commitment to inclusivity and creating a learning environment in which all students thrive. In my view, there is no greater public good.

“No achievements are mine alone. The most satisfying part of my work over the years has always been expanding programs and courses for our students.”

Dr. Mary Kamerzell at the start of her Superintendent role

Super New Superintendent

ARTICLE BY ELENA CHABOLLA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIE FARBARIK AND CFSD

Dr. Denise Bartlett believes remaining as close to the classrooms as possible is essential

TO TAKE THE

Denise Bartlett, the current Associate Superintendent of Catalina Foothills School District will step into the role of Superintendent on July 1, 2024. The CFSD Governing Board voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Bartlett at their meeting on November 28, 2023. We had the opportunity to ask Dr. Bartlett how she feels about the upcoming transition.

AS YOU PREPARE TO FINISH OFF THIS FISCAL YEAR AS ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT AND BEGIN THE NEW FISCAL YEAR AS DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT, WHERE WILL YOUR FOCUS BE GOING INTO THE NEW ROLE?

I am honored to be chosen to lead the Catalina Foothills School District. I am committed to building upon our culture of high-quality teaching and learning.

The strategic plan will continue to guide the work of the district. It has been the blueprint for our success, and I remain strongly committed to it. With my 14 years of experience in the district, I have a deep knowledge of the district and have strong relationships within the

DR. DENISE BARTLETT PREPARES

HELM AT CATALINA FOOTHILLS SCHOOLS

district. I have a 100-day plan to ensure that my move from Associate Superintendent to Superintendent is planned so that I can maximize my efforts.

There are four phases to my 100-Day Plan. These phases include Engage, Explore, Evaluate, and Lead. My familiarity with the district policies and procedures will allow me to focus on the evaluate phase.

To this end, I plan to hold a series of “Listen, Learn, and Lead” focus groups with key stakeholder groups to gain insight into key events, issues, and concerns that influence the school district. I will focus on learning about the goals and expectations of the students, staff, and community as well as identifying the district’s improvement opportunities based on external perceptions and internal experiences.

From these focus groups, I will identify two to three priorities that I will focus on to create momentum, confidence, and persistence for the challenging work we will undertake. Continual improvement will be the focus of everything we do.

WITH YOUR 14 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE DISTRICT AND A 36-YEAR CAREER IN EDUCATION, WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FOR STAFF, TEACHERS, AND STUDENTS GOING INTO THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR?

I think one of our greatest challenges is the recruitment and retention of highly qualified and competent staff. Teaching is a demanding profession, and the demands are increasing. Although the state has created new pathways for individuals to become certified to teach, not all candidates come with the same level of instructional skills.

Providing ongoing instructional coaching support for teachers as they are continually improving their practice is essential. It takes years to become an accomplished teacher. Coaching and support increase the potential for retaining teachers.

Another way to retain teachers is to ensure that their work environment is collaborative so that they feel valued as professionals is essential.

Another challenge that we will face is the state’s expected budget shortfall and its impact on our district. Our state is number 47 in public school funding in the United States. We provide a world-class education for our students with the limited funding that we receive from the state currently.

Without adequate funding to support salaries, wages, and programs, we are challenged to become more and more creative to offer the same level of programs and services with fewer financial resources.

Increasing the funding for public education in Arizona needs to remain a top priority.

GIVEN THOSE CHALLENGES, AS PART OF THE DISTRICT LEADERSHIP AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS, WHAT ARE THE STRENGTHS WITHIN THE DISTRICT AT ALL LEVELS THAT YOU BELIEVE WILL ENSURE SUCCESSFULLY MEETING THOSE CHALLENGES?

The Catalina Foothills School District is a district of student and family choice. We are a district with a shared mission among staff and community to make decisions that benefit the growth and achievement of our students. We are a district of highly capable and dedicated professionals who put the needs of students at the forefront of their daily work. Our teachers work with new staff to ensure they are successful and meeting student needs. This collegiality and collaboration provide a strong work environment for new staff to grow and develop.

Our community is highly active and engaged in our schools. Their support through the approval of bonds and overrides has allowed our district to continue programs and upgrade our facilities and equipment.

Their support has been instrumental to our success in providing our students with the most current and up-to-date

Dr. Denise Bartlett believes remaining as close to the classrooms as possible is essential

curriculum, technology, and facilities. Working with the community we will continue to support all students in the pursuit of their passions and dreams.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THE APPROVAL OF SCHOOL VOUCHER AVAILABILITY FOR ALL ARIZONA STUDENTS, AND THEIR IMPACT ON PUBLIC EDUCATION IN OUR STATE AND IN YOUR DISTRICT?

The universal Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) are one of the greatest challenges facing public education today.

Every dollar spent on an ESA voucher is money subtracted from public school funding.

Additionally, the lack of oversight and accountability in the program has allowed the program to expand well beyond the proposed budget and state resources. This program essentially defunds public education, dollar for dollar. With the budget deficit caused by the significant increase in the ESA program, the state will have to find some way to balance a budget. This will impact the funding to public schools as education is a major portion of the state’s budget. I do not foresee a balanced budget without public education being negatively impacted.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS TO BE VISIBLE AND ACCESSIBLE TO THE CATALINA FOOTHILLS COMMUNITY?

Visibility and accessibility are strong core values I have as a leader. In every leadership role, I have ensured I stay as close to the students and classrooms as possible. Making decisions in the best interest of students requires understanding the accomplishments and challenges that students and staff face on a day-to-day basis.

Frequent classroom and school visits will become part of my daily and weekly routine. I have begun these visits already. Nothing is more significant than interacting with students and discussing what they are learning to understand them truly.

I am fortunate to have the opportunity to transition into the Superintendency under the mentorship of Dr. Mary Kamerzell. During this transition, I will become more visible in the community by attending district meetings and other school and community-sponsored events.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT GOING INTO THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR?

I am most excited to continue building upon the strong foundation established over the past three decades. Our rich legacy is centered around the programs and services we provide our students.

This programming has remained cutting-edge because we have worked to revise it as the world changes and evolves continually.

We are known for assessing and improving our programming for our students based on their needs, passions, and aspirations for the future. In the Catalina Foothills School District, everything we do is focused on preparing our students for tomorrow. I am excited to continue to create and refine existing programs to ignite a love of lifelong learning in our students, providing them with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Achieving our vision of preparing students to transfer their learning to their life beyond CFSD is exciting work and a true measure of our success as a school system.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST APPREHENSIVE ABOUT, AND HOW DO YOU PLAN ON MOVING THROUGH IT?

The job of the Superintendent is vast. I will have to learn many aspects of it regardless of my time spent or experiences as an Assistant or Associate Superintendent. There will be a learning curve, but I know I am well prepared to take it on.

Additionally, there is a sense of loss as I will not be working alongside Dr. Kamerzell next year. She has been a steadfast mentor and colleague with a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw from. We enjoy a strong professional and collegial relationship. Luckily, she assured me she is only a phone call away!

Dr. Denise Bartlett believes remaining as close to the classrooms as possible is essential

Dmitry Familtsev, MD, PhD

General Cardiology

Special Interests

• Arrhythmias

• Cardiometabolic disease

• Cardio-oncology

• Cardiovascular disease

• Heart failure and cardiomyopathies

• Ischemic heart disease

• Peripheral vascular disease

• Primary cardiovascular prevention

• Structural heart disease

• Vascular medicine

Supporting Those In Need

ROSE M. LOPEZ CHANGES LIVES WITH INTERMOUNTAIN CENTERS FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

ARTICLE BY ELENA CHABOLLA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY IJAMS

Rose M. Lopez, President and Chief Executive Officer, at Intermountain Services for Human Development

When what became one of the largest high-quality human services organizations in Arizona first opened its doors to at-risk youth from state tribes, Rose M. Lopez was a child in a small farming community west of Casa Grande.

The Southwest Indian Youth Center, as it was called, was founded in 1973 by Dr. David Giles and a group of graduate students from the University of Kansas. The residential program was installed at an abandoned federal prison camp halfway up Mount Lemon. It welcomed 70-plus adolescents from tribes including Tohono O’odham, Navajo, Apache, White River, Pascua Yaqui, and others.

Who could have known that decades later at what became the Intermountain Centers for Human Development, Lopez — the youngest of eight children of a single mother — would be at the helm as President and CEO of an organization that now serves 20,000 members per year. Services are offered to people with autism or other educational needs, mental illness and developmental disabilities, transitioning from foster care to independent living, housing support and rehab needs, and substance abuse disorders. The organization also works directly with schools in the Tucson Unified School District, Vail, and the Sunnyside school districts, and it currently provides the broad continuum of SchoolBased Mental Health Services to more than 75 schools in the Tucson metro area.

“When I got into this field I didn’t know that these services existed. I think about how this could have made a difference for so many people I knew,” Lopez said. “That’s still the case today. When I drive through the city and see the homeless people we have, the disparity we have, the inability for people to connect with communities — that’s where I see that my job is not finished.” Lopez stressed the need to develop healthy communities and to do so, one must engage in conversation with the people in those communities. “That work grows every minute, every hour, and every day.”

For her part, Lopez mentors her nieces and nephews in many areas. “They need to know how to change a tire, how to apply for a loan.” While going to work was the number one value passed down from her mother, Ignacia “Nacha” Zepeda, Lopez believes that culture, values, and remembering where you came from are important, but “it’s also not wrong to explore outside of your culture.” The idea of seizing opportunities has been actively passed down from Nacha to the younger generations. “When [nieces and nephews] tell me they’re thinking about doing something, if it’s outside of Tucson or Casa Grande or Arizona, I tell them to take it,” she said, adding that to be happy, each person needs to find out what they want to do every day. “I have 40 nieces and nephews, and close to 30 great-nieces and nephews, and some on that third generation.

“When I got into this field I didn’t know that these services existed. I think about how this could have made a difference for so many people I knew.”

“We have a lot of success in our family. It’s driven me and my siblings and it came from my mother. She taught us well.”

Intermountain and just some of its many service centers

The old Prison Camp site in the Catalinas today

There are four generations at our barbecues, me being in the older one,” she said, "and there are easily 150 people at family gatherings."

Lopez has modeled the advice she gives the younger generations. Her trajectory took her from that small farming community in Arizona to faraway Germany after enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1985 at the age of 19. After five years in the service, she settled in Charlotte, North Carolina, and lived in Columbia, South Carolina, before returning to Arizona in 2013. Leaving home at 19 and landing on foreign soil practically overnight presented its challenges, but Lopez’s world became bigger, and she learned that there were other ways of life.

“For someone who grew up in an environment where everyone looked like me, behaved like me, ate like me, and shared the same cultural norms, Europe was a life-changing experience that helped shape who I am today.” During her time abroad, she lived with a family in West Germany for about a year. “I learned the importance of developing good eating habits,” she noted, adding that in Europe at that time, it was customary to shop for fresh food every couple of days and that was a great lesson for her.

She credits a sister, 10 years her senior, with being her mentor. This sibling modeled that education and experiencing the larger world were important for a well-rounded life. “She was the first to go to college,” Lopez said, “and

that’s one important thing I learned from my sister,” she added. “We have a lot of success in our family. It’s driven me and my siblings and it came from my mother. She taught us well.” And though Lopez never enjoyed being in school, she earned a bachelor’s degree and worked for many years as a Certified Public Accountant, among other jobs, and also earned a Master of Business Administration.

Lopez said she found her calling after taking a job at a small foster care program in Columbia, ultimatley changing her life. “They were looking for an executive director. I said sure, I’ll try it." This job opened her eyes to the support that was out there for at-risk communities and people in need. As a young girl, she, her mother, and siblings were no strangers to living in poverty and needing access to human services. “Financially, it was hard, and we were poor but that did not stop my mother from providing a structured home environment and teaching us values; this, in my opinion, was priceless and enriched our lives.” Lopez recalls going with her mom to the “social security office” to stop the food stamps and child welfare payments in the summer months when Nacha worked.

Lopez recounts how a living, breathing, courageous idea that “opportunity exists and one must not be afraid to pursue it,” was inspired by her mother, a woman who spoke English, Spanish, and her native tongue.

“Financially, it was hard, and we were poor but that did not stop my mother from providing a structured home environment and teaching us values; this, in my opinion, was priceless and enriched our lives.”

Working in the fields with older children all those years ago allowed Nacha to be a stayat-home parent during the school year, caring for her children and keeping them focused on their education. While Nacha and the older kids were working the fields, Lopez and the younger children spent time at their grandfather’s ranch across the border in Sonora on the Tohono O’odham Nation, where Nacha was born. “It was very primitive living,” Lopez said about the ranch. “We got to know the stars very well. We would wake up with chickens pecking at our heads; drink water from the well. To have fun, we’d go swimming in the trough,” she said with a dimpled smile. It wasn’t long before Lopez followed in the footsteps of her mother and siblings and at age 13, she also began working in the cotton fields during the summer. “We had to chop weeds, spray weeds, whatever needed to be done,” she said.

Nacha came to Arizona when she was 17, along with her younger brother she was in charge of raising after her mother left the family. “She got her green card,” Lopez said of the permit her mother received that allowed her to work and live permanently in the United States. She remained a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation.

Once in Arizona, Nacha chose to never live on the reservation. “She believed in her opportunity in America and the ability to raise a family in a somewhat healthy environment. She didn’t want us to have that life that others experienced on the reservation,” Lopez explained. “She understood there

were no resources there.” Even though life in her farm town of Stanfield offered a home, school, and working the fields, human services and resources were scant. “I suspect my mother never sought a full-time job because she could not write English, she only spoke it,” Lopez explained.

Today, Lopez marvels at the resources and services the Intermountain organization and its affiliates provide throughout the state. She admits that she was initially skeptical that residential programs and services could be delivered successfully and well. When the opportunity of becoming Chief Financial Officer presented itself about a decade ago, she explained to Dr. Giles, who was heavily recruiting her, that she was not looking for a job. Lopez had a “grand plan,” she told him, and taking this on was not part of it. But all roads were leading to Tucson, and after giving it more thought and remembering her mother’s call to action, Lopez wholeheartedly embraced the challenge and returned in 2013.

She answered the call of opportunity once again in 2016 and stepped into her current role as President and CEO. She acknowledges that it took enormous commitment and energy to move “from a mountain to where we are today,” she said in a short video about the organization on its 50th anniversary in 2023. She is keenly aware that the caring, compassionate, and empathetic people who contribute to the organization as staff and stakeholders at all levels have the passion and drive to see the work continue and adapt to changes over the next 50 years.

An early sketch

AT INTERMOUNTAIN CENTERS FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT: Since 1973, we have been serving Arizona communities, each year innovating and advancing our primary care and behavioral health programs and services.

Today, our family of organizations serves a broad spectrum of individuals, including:

• Children diagnosed with Autism and/ or specialized educational needs

• Children and adolescents who are emotionally and/or behaviorally challenged

• Children and adolescents transitioning from one care facility to another

• Adolescents aging out of foster care and/or group residential care to independent living

• Adults who have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness and/ or developmental disabilities

• Adults with general mental health needs

• Adults with housing support and rehab needs

• Adults transitioning to independent living

• Treatment and coordination of services for those with substance use disorders

SERVICES

should you choose us? Dr. Chin and his team will treat you like family.

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ENTERTAINING MOM WITH STYLE

ARTICLE BY SYBIL VELARDE, ATSYBILSKITCHEN.COM

Fun and Festive Brunch Ideas For Mother's Day

Brunch takes the best parts of breakfast and lunch to create a whimsical dining experience — the perfect opportunity to relax with family and celebrate Mom! Check out some of our favorite recipes to spoil the women in our lives this Mother's Day.

PEACH BELLINI

Serves 6

There is something special about a glass of fizz in the morning. If you are treating others to brunch, why not spoil yourself with a cocktail?

ingredients:

• 3 ripe peaches

• 1 bottle of Prosecco or sparkling wine

directions:

Peel the peaches by plunging them into boiling water for 30 seconds. Refresh them under cold water and peel off the skin. Cut in half, remove the pit, and chop the flesh. Put the peaches into a blender, add a small amount of Prosecco, and process to a purée. Pour into glasses and top with the remaining Prosecco.

EGGS BENEDICT

Serves 4

Sauté the prosciutto so it becomes crisp, adding a superb texture to the creamy sauce and egg yolks. For a vegetarian option, you may substitute the prosciutto with wilted spinach

ingredients:

• 4 slices of prosciutto

• 4 eggs

• 4 English muffins

• 1 cup unsalted butter

• 3 egg yolks

• 2 tablespoons water

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• Salt and pepper

directions:

For Hollandaise Sauce:

Place the butter in a small cicerone and melt it gently over low heat, without letting it brown. Put the egg yolks, water, and lemon juice into a blender and process until frothy. With the blade running, gradually pour in the melted butter in a steady stream until the sauce is thickened and glossy. Transfer it to a bowl, cover, and keep warm.

For Eggs Benedict:

Broil or sauté the prosciutto until crispy, keeping it warm in a low oven.

To poach the eggs, bring a saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar, preferably distilled, and reduce to a gentle simmer. Swirl the water well with a fork and crack 2 eggs into the water. Cook for 3 minutes, remove with a slotted spoon, and repeat with the remaining eggs. Meanwhile, toast the muffins whole and top each with a slice of prosciutto. Put the eggs on top of the ham. Spoon over the Hollandaise, sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve.

CHARRED ASPARAGUS AND HERB FRITTATA

Serves 4

By charring the asparagus spears on a stovetop grill pan you will intensify their flavor and add smokiness to the frittata.

ingredients:

• 8 ounces asparagus spears

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

• 6 eggs

• 4 scallions

• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, tarragon, dill, and mint, or your preferred herbs

• 1/4 cup Ricotta

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 8 ounces smoked salmon

• Salt and pepper

• Sour cream, for serving

• Lemon wedges, for serving

directions:

Trim the asparagus and toss in a bowl with extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Heat your stovetop grill until hot and cook 3-4 minutes, turning until evenly charred. Set aside to cool. Put the eggs in a bowl and beat until evenly mixed. Stir in the scallions, herbs, and ricotta. Add salt and pepper to taste. Melt the butter in a non-stick skillet, add the egg mixture, and swirl to the edge of the pan. Arrange the asparagus over the top and cook 3-4 minutes until set underneath. Place under the broiler to cook the surface, then let cool to room temperature. Cut into wedges and serve with the smoked salmon, sour cream, and lemon wedges.

FRUIT TART

Serves 4

This fruit tart is the perfect dessert for your mid-morning meal.

ingredients:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

• 1/4 cup cream cheese

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/4 teaspoons salt

• 1 1/2 cups flour

• 3 medium plums, sliced

• 1 cup blueberries

• 1 egg

directions:

Preheat oven to 325F. Lightly spray a 10-inch tart pan and lightly dust with flour.

In a food processor combine butter, cream cheese, sugar, and salt. Pulse until combined. Add flour and mix until it resembles breadcrumbs. Press into the prepared pan to form a crust. Arrange the plum slices around the pan and the blueberries in the middle of the pan. In a small bowl, combine the egg and an additional tablespoon of sugar. Beat until mixed and pour over the fruit. Bake the tart for 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the fruit is cooked. Cool and slice.

HANDMADE

BREAKING BREAD

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Making homemade bread is coming back, and while the convenience of buying a pre-made loaf is readily available, there is nothing like the taste of a warm, homemade loaf right out of the oven. This easy-to-follow recipe is exploding with flavor and is simple to make.

FOCACCIA

This recipe is quick and easy to make with just a few simple steps. It tastes great on its own, but dipping it in olive oil infused with fresh herbs adds an extra level of flavor.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ¾ cups warm water

• 2 ½ teaspoons sugar

• 1 package active dry yeast

• 4 cups flour

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 4 tablespoons olive oil

Optional:

• Fresh rosemary

• Coarse sea salt

• Fresh pressed garlic

INSTRUCTIONS:

Use a stand mixer with a fitted dough hook, and stir together the water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and stir again. Set mixture aside for 5 minutes. Mixture should be foamy. Next, add the flour and salt and mix on low until a shaggy dough forms. Increase speed and mix for an additional 4-5 minutes. Brush a large bowl with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl and cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Set aside for about 1 to 1 ½ hours until the dough has doubled in size.

Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of oil. Uncover the dough and rub hands with olive oil. Slide your hands under the dough and fold it onto itself. Continue to work your way around the edge of the bowl, folding the dough onto itself until there is a ball that you can lift from the bowl. Place the dough in the prepared pan and press the dough to the edges. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a damp towel and set aside to rise for about 45 minutes until the dough has doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough. Rub your hands with olive oil and use your fingers to make indentions on the surface of the dough. Sprinkle it with salt and rosemary and any desired toppings. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 6TH - AUGUST 31ST

The Place Where Clouds Are Formed

Center for Creative Photography1030 North Olive Road | 10:00 AM

The Place Where Clouds Are Formed is an interdisciplinary arts collective that examines the intersection of spirituality, migration, and current and historical policies that have impacted the borderlands of the Sonoran Desert. The project features photography made in partnership with the Traditional O’odham Leaders (TOL) and communities from villages in Quitovac, Cu:wĭ I-ge:sk (San Francisquito), and Sonoyta in Sonora. Through August 31.

APRIL 27TH - MAY 18TH

Arizona Theatre Company: True West

Temple of Music and Art -- 330 S. Scott Ave | 7:00 PM

Sam Shepard’s Pulitzer finalist and Tony-nominated play “True West” is a Cain and Abel story of brotherly love and sibling rivalry set against the dreams of the American West. Successful screenwriter Austin settles into his mother’s desert home to write his next screenplay while his brother Lee, an alcoholic drifter, arrives to rob the neighborhood. Twisted! Through May 18th. Times and dates vary. See website.

MAY 1ST

Tucson International Mariachi Conference

Tucson Convention Center | 10:00 AM

Don't miss the Tucson International Mariachi Conference! Hear the Most Iconic Sounds in Mariachi Music, live!

Hundreds of students and performers return downtown for the La Frontera

events

CONTINUED

Tucson International Mariachi Conference at the Tucson Convention Center. Since 1983, it has been one of the nation's premier events to train young mariachi musicians and folkloric dancers. Times and dates vary, through May 5th.

MAY 11TH

Billy Idol -- LIVE!

AVA Amphitheater -- 5655 W. Valencia Rd. | 8:00 PM

See the rock and roll icon and punk pioneer live. Billy Idol, born William Michael Albert Broad, is an English musician, singer-songwriter, and actor. He rose to fame in the late 1970s while performing with his bands Chelsea and then Generation X.  Experience that sneering punk attitude mixed with pop and rock.

MAY 26TH

Pandora y Flans | Inesperado Tour

Linda Ronstadt Music Hall -- 260 S. Church Ave. | 8:00 PM

Get ready for a night of pure nostalgia and timeless hits as two iconic groups join forces for an unforgettable concert experience! Pandora with chart-topping hits like “¿Cómo Te Va Mi Amor?” and “Hasta El Día De Hoy,”  & Flans with catchy tunes like “No Controles” which is sure to bring infectious energy on stage. A multi-lingual explosion.

MAY 28TH

Broadway in Tucson: Mrs. Doubtfire

U of A Centennial Hall -- 1020 E University Blvd | 7:30 PM

Based on the beloved film directed by four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks,  Mrs. Doubtfire tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. It’s “the lovable, big-hearted musical comedy we need right now,” raves the Chicago Tribune. Through June 2nd.