Cross Timbers, TX August 2023

Empathy for Every Soul

ARTS + CULTURE ORGANIC THERAPY

HOME + DESIGN CREATING BEYOND THE PHYSICAL EYE

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ADVENTURING THROUGH THE HEALING PROCESS

Turn your goals into action

Price & Associates is a highly respected wealth management team, one of the largest in Texas. With an understanding of your unique priorities and financial situation, we can help you plan for the life you’ve always envisioned. Supported by the global resources of Merrill, our team comprises talented and experienced individuals committed to building strong client relationships based on trust and personalized service. From the start, we talk about your aspirations and encourage you to ask questions about issues that matter most to you. We want to be your first call for financial advice and guidance and offer you customized, proactive, professional service.

Price & Associates

286 Grand Avenue • Suite 200 • Southlake, TX 76092 • www.fa.ml.com/price

Jeffery Price, CPFA®

Managing Director • Wealth Management Advisor

817.410.4940 • Jeffery_price@ml.com

Jeffery Price has been recognized by:

Trenton Owens , CPFA®

First Vice President • Senior Financial Advisor 817.410.4934 • Trenton.owens@ml.com

Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” 2018-2022. Published annually Jan–April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.

Forbes “America’s Top Wealth Advisors” 2020-2022. Published annually Aug-Oct. Rankings based on data as of Mar 31–June 30 of current year.

Forbes “America’s Top Wealth Management Teams High Net Worth” 2022. Published on November 8, 2022. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2022.

Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State” 2014-2022. Published annually in February-March. Rankings based on data as of September 30 of the prior year.

Trenton Owens was recognized by:

Forbes “Best-in-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisors 2019. Published on Sep. 4, 2019. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2019.

Forbes “Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” 2017-2018. Published annually July-Sept. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of current year.

The Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State” list, published annually in March; rankings based on data as of Sept. 30 of prior year. Rankings considered advisors with a minimum of seven years financial services experience, who have been employed at their current firm for at least one year. The Top 1,200 award included top advisors in each state, with the number of ranking spots determined by each state’s population and wealth. For both awards, other quantitative and qualitative measures include assets under management, revenues generated by advisors for their firms, and the quality of the advisors’ practices, regulatory records, internal company documents, and data provided by the advisors themselves.

Forbes “America’s Top Wealth Management Teams High Net Worth” 2022; published on Nov. 8, 2022; rankings based on data as of March 31, 2022; Forbes “America’s Top Wealth Advisors” list, published annually Aug–Oct.; rankings based on data as of Mar 31-June 30 of current year; the Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list, published annually Jan–April; rankings based on data as of June 30 of year; Forbes “Best-in-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” list, published on Sept. 4, 2019; rankings based on data as of March 31, 2019; Forbes “Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors” 2017-2018, published annually July-Sept. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of current year. Data provided by SHOOK™ Research, LLC. The awards are based on an algorithm of qualitative and quantitative data, rating thousands of wealth advisors with a minimum of seven years of experience and weighing factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and best practices learned through telephone and in-person interviews. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Rankings for all awards are based on the opinion of the publications, and these awards do not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients and are not indicative of this advisor’s future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Neither Merrill nor the advisors pay a fee to the publications in exchange for inclusion in their recognition lists.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and ad wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

Investment

Thinking about making some changes in your home? Dreaming about a new kitchen or bathroom you saw on Pinterest or Houzz? Whether it is changing your current look for more modern, clean lines, updating the traditional to more transitional, or simply making your space more functional, Creative Elements is ready to make your next step a reality. 4101

August - Adventure, Intention, Compassion

Hello Friends!

Hope everyone is staying COOL and enjoying these last days of summer!! August’s arrival symbolizes our HOT summer days coming to an end and school about to begin! This month’s issue is all about KIDS and PETS! So, to help you take full advantage of the last days of summer, we have prepared a special “must-try” end of summer list to help you squeeze in a few fun family moments! Check out Local Experiences for an adventurous list of things the whole family will enjoy! For those who love their precious fur babies, you’ll be inspired to read about Humane Tomorrow’s mission and the beautiful job they are doing in our area to help animals in need. Humane Tomorrow has programs to teach kids how to be intentional and interact with animals. These programs help kids with emotional regulation while interacting with pets to teach empathy, tolerance and respect. Speaking of Pets, wait until you see the creative and fashionable designs Lucie Hacek with Creative Elements has created to make pet furniture blend beautifully in your home! These designs bring pet beds and feeding stations to a whole new level! You will love Lucie’s latest Bunk Room designs which recreate important spaces to share with adult children or Grandbabies coming for a visit! Lastly, we have two wonderful articles which shine light on the tremendous benefits of play therapy as well as the therapeutic benefits of Art for kids. Play therapy can be a huge blessing for many kids struggling with all kinds of hurdles, meeting them where they are and equipping them with the tools needed to be successful in every stage of their development. Art allows kids a beautiful way to express themselves creatively and artistically while offering many benefits along the way. We hope this issue inspires you to explore your local community, get involved, make a connection and capture a new memory before summer ends!

Many Blessings!

RACHAEL FENTON, PUBLISHER @CROSSTIMBERSLIFESTYLE

August 2023

PUBLISHER

Rachael Fenton | rachael.fenton@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Bailee Havener | bailee.havener@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Ashlynn Roberts | ashlynn.roberts@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ashlynn Roberts | ashlynn.roberts@citylifestyle.com

Bailee Havener | bailee.havener@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Avery Owens

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

Where

neighbors can see and be seen.

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Tag your Instagram photos with @CrossTimbersLifestyle

1: Gronberg Orthodontics Patient Appreciation Pool Party at Sun Valley Aquatic Center 2: Lake-style assist back to shore by Flower Mound MSEO’s 3: Cross Timbers Rotary members and more gathered to support the Journey to Dream Foundation 4: Congratulations to Flower Mound High School’s Jaguar’s winning the State Championship! 5: Anita Robins’s personal art gallery displayed at Flower Mound Town Hall 6: Abigail Counts broke state record for seated shot put, wheelchair 100 & 400 meter dash 7: Cross Timbers Rotary supports Cloud 9 Charities and many others at their annual banquet

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

The Funky Door Moves to Flower Mound With a Twist

Owners of The Funky Door in Lubbock, TX are opening a brand new restaurant, Vieux Carre Bistro & Bar, in our beloved Flower Mound! It will be located in Parker Square at 890 Parker Square Rd. They've asked us to prepare to embark on a culinary journey beginning in August, possibly August 1st! Head over to their Instagram to stay updated, access special promotions, and get an exclusive sneak peek at what's coming soon!

Franklin at 214 Dental Arts

214 Dental Arts recently opened in Flower Mound, and they have a very important member on their team, Franklin the Goldendoodle! He is a certified therapy pet with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and brings so much joy to those around him! He is at the practice mainly to be a source of peace and comfort for those who visit the 214 office. Stop by for a refreshing dental experience and to meet Franklin!

Gibson-Grant Historic Log House

This preservation of rich local history has just opened in Flower Mound. Named after its original owner and developer, William Gibson and Curtis Grant, the Historic Log House was determined to have likely been built by settlers who came to Texas as part of the Peters Colony, the earliest settlement in Denton County. Rather than demolishing for residential development after the discovery of history in its living room walls, the cabin is being historically preserved

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/CrossTimbers

Photography Vieux Carre

Photography Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce

Photography The Town of Flower Mound

local experiences

The best places and things to do in our area.

Grab the kids, pack your bags and hit the town for some end of summer fun. Use our list for some family-friendly adventures that will do everything from raising your heart rate, excite the little ones, and create lasting memories together.

Our Picks for Family-Friendly Fun

COLOR ME MINE: Discover your creative side as a family at Color Me Mine where you can each paint a masterpiece on the pottery piece you pick out 2570 Justin Rd Suite 150, Highland Village, Texas 75077

JUNGLE CASTLE PLAY CENTER: From ball pits, to jumbo slides, trampolines and an interactive jungle, birthday parties and more, there is endless exploring to be done at Jungle Castle 1901 Long Prairie Rd Suite 200, Flower Mound, Texas 75022

KID STRONG: Help your kids become future-ready for life at Kid Strong where they will join professional led training sessions to grow physically, emotionally and mentally 5801 Long Prairie Rd Suite 300 , Flower Mound , Texas 75028

NANA'S PACAS ALPACA RANCH: For 5$ a person the family can visit this hidden alpaca ranch, tour its 4 acres and meet the 17 furry alpacas who live there 6504 Orchard Drive, Flower Mound, Texas 75022

BLUET SUP - PADDLE BOARD AND KAYAK EXPERIENCES: Couples events, girls nights, moonlight paddles, family experiences and so much more are waiting for you at Bluet SUP paddle boarding Pilot Knoll Park, 218A Orchid Hill Ln, Argyle, Arkansas 76226

for more photos and the full list.

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Bluet SUP - Paddle board and Kayak Experiences Scan

Adventure Chatham

ARTICLE BY BAILEE HAVENER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AVERY OWENS

Organic Therapy

ARTISTRY’S BEAUTIFUL IMPACT AND INSPIRATION ON YOUNG ARTIST ABBIE SWEATT

At the foundation of human nature, you can find an intrinsic desire to be freely individual, to be seen, understood, accepted and loved as we are. You can find the desire for freedom to explore, fail into grace, to learn and to evolve. For sixteenyear-old Abbie Sweatt, she experiences the fulfillment of these desires in her artistry. Abbie recently began working at ART House Studio where she’s been taking art classes at age 11. Jason Abbie’s dad, “Art gives her an outlet. Abbie coming to work here wasn’t because her mom and I asked her to get a job or anything. I think she did it because she loves art and kids, so it challenges her to grow artistically and as a person. Abbie is dyslexic so she’s never read or wrote as a pastime. With art being visual she can enjoy the opportunity to be creative and expressive."

WHAT INITIALLY SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN ART?

"My mom and the artistic experiences she filled our home with. My mom enjoys arts and crafts herself so there was always something artsy for me to try. I think the earliest piece of art I created was when my parents would put paint on my hands and

feet and then I would walk around putting my feet and hands on paper. My daily routine as a kid always included some kind of artistic activity."

AS A YOUNG ARTIST, WHAT SUBJECTS OR THEMES DO YOU FIND MOST INSPIRING?

"Impressionist and post-impressionist art movements. Because in the digital age you can photograph anything and it is immortalized forever. So these movements are all about the organic experience of a painting. What thoughts it brings to mind, what emotions it makes you feel, and how it changes you in that moment. Things a camera simply can't do."

HOW DOES ART IMPACT YOU SOCIALLY?

"Initially when I first started it was a great opportunity for me to connect with others and make friends. As I have gotten older and I teach here at ART House now I get to help kids bloom socially. Especially when I lead a camp because they all come in timid and quiet, but by the end of class the kids are talking, laughing, enjoying each others artwork and basically doing a show and tell. "

CONTINUED >

I WAS TOLD ART IS THERAPEUTIC FOR YOU, CAN YOU EXPLAIN MORE WHAT YOU MEAN BY THAT?

"I’ve always struggled with anxiety and art is a really great release of that for me and calms me down. Sometimes kids have very stressful anxious lives and we don’t realize it and even they don’t realize. That’s why I wanted to become an art teacher and help kids learn we can all come here to express, and just be, and not be judged."

HAS THE FREEDOM TO BE CREATIVE ARTISTICALLY HELPED YOU IN ANY OTHER AREA OF LIFE?

"Of course, it has taught me to not be so rigid and to think outside the box. Like problem solving, there’s probably a solution you just haven’t discovered yet in life or in your art. It has helped me to think of new ways to do things because you never know what may work."

WHAT OTHER WAYS DOES ART INFLUENCE YOU THAT YOU’D LIKE OTHERS TO KNOW?

"Just getting to explore different mediums and try new things. Trying new things in life can be hard. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be hard. Thankfully art is pretty inconsequential so if you mess up or don’t like what you’ve created, that’s fine you can adjust or start over or try again and that’s perfectly okay, and I’ve learned to carry that methodology into the experience of life as well."

CAN YOU SHARE ANY ADVICE OR WORDS OF INSPIRATION FOR OTHER ARTISTS WHO MAY BE STARTING OR THINKING OF STARTING THEIR ARTISTIC JOURNEY?

"This is going to sound cheesy but go for it! If a project is bad, it’s not the end of the world. Nobody was born able to read or write, and nobody came into this world able to do art. You know the countless sketches and practice pieces you have hidden away? Well the best artists have those too. Just get started, try it out and something just might stick!"

“These movements are all about the organic experience of a painting. What thoughts it brings to mind, emotions it makes you feel, and how it changes you in that moment. Things a camera can’t do.”

EMPATHY FOR EVERY SOUL

ARTICLE BY BAILEE HAVENER

A DISPLAY OF THE RADICAL IMPACT OF A UNIQUE APPROACH TO ANIMAL CARE

Every now and then you see, hear, or maybe get to experience something that is both powerful and wholeheartedly pure at the same time. Something where you can’t help but take your eyes off yourself and see that there are parts to life far beyond just you. Something that grabs hold of you, even if it’s just for a moment, and changes you. This is what happened to me when I came across Humane Tomorrow. Humane Tomorrow is not an animal shelter, or a spay/neuter service, or an adoption center. Though those are all aspects, it is doing things for our community, both local and national, through such a profound and unique mission. I got the opportunity to interview Executive Director Stacy Smith on some of the ways Humane Tomorrow is caring for our animals, their owners and our neighbors as a whole.

One of the unique and impactful programs of Humane Tomorrow is the Character Education Program. It's designed to educate children on empathy, tolerance, compassion, the effects of bullying, respect and responsibility through interacting with animals in an intentional way. Animals are a huge part of children’s development through, toys, books, games and more. This program utilizes them in a way that they receive love while kids learn emotional expression and regulation.

WITH BULLYING AND EMOTIONAL REGULATION BEING PREVALENT IN OUR KIDS LIVES, WHAT POSITIVE IMPACTS HAVE YOU SEEN FROM THE CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAM?

“This program has gone into schools, worked with women’s shelters, and hosted groups of children at The Glenn and Shirley Hulcher Family Animal Care Center. We also worked with a social worker to facilitate visits with kids in foster care, who could so easily relate to animals who were also in foster care. I remember one little boy who met a dog that had been adopted after being in a foster home, and how it gave him hope seeing how happy the dog was.”

Another program bringing hope to our pets is Humane Tomorrow’s Flower’s Fund. This program serves as means for pet owners and veterinarians who find themselves in hopeless situations trying to provide unforeseen expensive care that cannot be afforded. This program also provides spaying/ CONTINUED

neutering programs, adoption opportunities, and animal welfare education to the public. The Flower Fund averages in 30-40 cases per year, providing around $1500 per case.

WHAT KIND OF POSITIVE IMPACTS HAVE YOU SEEN THE FLOWER’S FUND MAKE?

“There are few things worse than facing the possibility of losing your beloved pet because you can’t afford emergency medical care or a pet deposit. This program keeps animals in the loving homes they have, which is beneficial to the animals, the families, and the shelters who don’t end up with them.”

Love on Wheels is another inspiring program of Humane Tomorrow, having saved thousands of dogs from euthanasia. They are able to do this by transporting dogs to areas where the demand for adoptable dogs can’t be met. This area is DeWitt New York. When I learned this I was just speechless.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA FOR LOVE ON WHEELS AND WHAT POSITIVE IMPACTS HAVE YOU SEEN IT MAKE?

“We had been thinking about it for years, but we attended a conference where transport programs were a topic and it got us motivated to actually do it. Love on Wheels was the first successful ground transport program in DFW. This program has changed so many lives! We have rescued around 3500 dogs, built deep and lasting friendships both among the fosters and with our partners in New York, and opened space for thousands more dogs in shelters in Texas to give them more time to find homes.”

“When children learn empathy from animals it grows to include people.”

Out of a heartbreaking situation grew one of Humane Tomorrow’s most beautiful programs, the Mercy Fund.

CAN YOU TELL ME A BIT MORE ABOUT THE MERCY FUND’S BEGINNING STORY?

“In 1998, we took on dogs that had been seized from a hoarder. They were in terrible condition and needed significantly more medical care (and therefore expense) than an adoption fee could ever cover. We started the Mercy Fund to help defray those costs. Since then it has helped us treat everything from parvo to distemper to broken bones to mange, and everything in between. Our adoption fee is $250; it sometimes takes as much as $5000 or more to save an animal; the only way for us to do that is through the Mercy Fund.”

WHAT POSITIVE IMPACTS HAVE YOU SEEN THE MERCY FUND MAKE?

“The Mercy Fund helps the animals directly, of course, but perhaps just as important is what it does for the morale of people. Shelters who have little or no funding for medical care are overjoyed when they call us and we can take an animal that’s been hit by a car or is suffering in some other way, so they do not have to euthanize it. Our volunteers benefit as well when we are able to provide medical or behavioral help to their foster animals. And often, the Mercy Fund animals provide us with an opportunity to educate the public about an issue like puppy mills, spay/neuter, etc.”

The Animal Adventurer’s Club is not currently operating because it is in need of a coordinator, and the organization is looking for a person and or team who would like to take on this awesome mission! The club hosts different events for various age groups that include presentations, outings, and craft projects, all created to teach kids more about animals. Though they are currently seeking a program coordinator, Stacy says, “The club is intended to provide activities and field trips for kids to have fun while learning more about animals. For example:

We’ve had kids decorate the bags that go with Love on Wheels dogs. Kids can spend time

writing letters to legislators or the author of their favorite book about animals. We love to have kids read to dogs when we have a group being housed at our facility. We plan to host a dog safety class to teach kids how to greet a dog, some basic dog body language, and how to react if a dog is acting aggressively. We would like to have a master naturalist take them on a walk through our property to identify plants and animals that live there and talk about how we can better live in harmony with native species like coyotes and snakes.”

Here is a story of Executive Director Stay Smith's personal experience of walking the path that loves and guides our animals, and in turn loves and guides us too:

“I fostered a collie who was rescued from a puppy mill several years ago. She had not been socialized at

all and had only been used for breeding, so she was very fearful and obviously never going to be a “normal” dog. She was sweet in her own way, but she was definitely going to take a lot of work and I feared she would never find a home. A family with a special needs son took an interest in her and after talking with them, we decided to let them give her a try. A few weeks later, they called to tell me that she was doing great and they wanted to keep her. They said that their experience raising their son had shown them the importance of accepting people – and dogs – as the individuals they are. I think that is a sentiment that we can use every day in our own lives and when we are out there interacting with animals as well.”

ARTICLE BY ASHLYNN ROBERTS

Creating BEYOND The Physical Eye

Since its creation as a paint company 22 years ago, Creative Elements by Lucie has grown into a well-known home remodeling company. They create beautiful kitchens, functional bathrooms, unique bunk rooms, and even feeding stations and dog crates for your furry friends.

“I saw the need for a professional, yet friendly remodeling company that developed relationships with its clients, versus just getting through the scope of work,” Lucie said. “I have the privilege to work alongside wonderful designers, project managers and of course our amazing bookkeeper that keeps us on track!”

Creative Elements continues to maintain a family atmosphere within the company even as they have grown and expanded their services to pets.

“I think that’s only a natural step these days,” Lucie said. “It’s hard to find a family without pets. They are such an integral part of the family that we almost always end up building some sort of an accommodation for them.”

Pet feeding stations are customizable depending on the space available and size of the pet. They are usually built into the cabinetry to keep a cleaner space.

Functional and Beautiful Spaces for Kids, Pets and Family

CONTINUED >

Sarah Linden Photography

“We can also plumb them with a pot filler faucet right above for easy water access, so clients don’t have to fill a bowl at the kitchen sink and then spill it all the way over to the feeding station,” Lucie said. “They are also typically done in matching countertop material, which makes for easy maintenance.”

The other dog amenity the company builds, dog crates, serve as dog homes while the owners are gone or have company.

“These can be built into a cabinet with a countertop on top that serves as a drop zone,” Lucie said. “We can install outlets above that countertop with USB chargers, and clients can leave their phones charging there, or use it simply a place to leave a dog leash, etc. We also do built in pullouts for the heavy pet food and accessories.”

In addition to providing spaces for pets, Creative Elements also builds bunk rooms for people of all ages.

“A lot of clients that have grown children and are now having grandchildren are requesting them,” Lucie said. “They are stylish, roomy, and grown up! They serve as wonderful sleeping quarters when the family comes to town.”

While it depends on the size of the space, these unique sleepover rooms can accommodate a queen size bed on the bottom and a twin at the top so the entire family can stay together.

“We do try to have enough room to put some fun seating in the room and a TV, so that on large family get togethers some of the kids or adults can sit, relax, chat, or play games and watch TV, separately from what may be going on downstairs,” Lucie said. “They are literally like a bougie ‘hotel room or apartment,’ along with mom’s great cooking!”

Creative Elements prides itself on delivering customers a custom, seamless, and pain-free renovation experience. This includes providing their clients with a detailed schedule that they follow as close as possible.

“Our group has a lot of expertise, and a lot of remodels behind us,” Lucie said. “We have design meetings, turn over meetings, we guide our clients through the selection process to make it more organized and less overwhelming than it may seem. Nothing better than a client who loves their new space. We are transforming their home, and making their dreams come true. We take pride in our work. Knowing that the client loves their newly renovated space warms my heart!”

Adventuring Through the Healing Process

At the Children’s Advocacy Center (Advocacy Center) for North Texas in Lewisville, therapists provide a unique treatment approach to victims of abuse through play therapy. This is a type of therapy provided to children of all ages. It is something that allows kids to work through their past trauma and current emotions while also healing in a safe space.

“When kids don’t necessarily have the words or language to express what’s going on, they can really show you with the actions they take through play,” licensed

professional counselor and clinical therapist Ashley Summerfield said during a recent interview.

While teenagers and adults are able to use verbal communication, kids oftentimes cannot and this therapy allows them to convey their feelings. At the Advocacy Center, kids are provided with a more direct form of play therapy that includes table time. The kids are told when they walk into the room that they are going to visit first with a therapist before engaging in their playtime.

HOW TWO CLINICIANS ARE HELPING YOUTH PROCESS TRAUMA AND BIG LIFE CHANGES THROUGH INTENTIONAL PLAY

KIDS CORNER | PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

ARTICLE BY ASHLYNN ROBERTS

“I think letting them know that structure helps build rapport and also, they’re getting one-on-one attention from an adult and they’re getting to lead the play,” licensed professional counselor and clinical therapist Tori Turner said. “Most kids don’t get attention like that outside of therapy time, so it kind of builds rapport really fast and builds that special connection.”

While at play therapy, the children have a wide variety of toys to choose from that have been strategically placed around the room. They are given the option to play with whichever toys they decide and create any story they would like.

“As adults, we can sit here and use our words and say, ‘I feel this because this,’” Turner said. “Kids don’t really have the cognitive ability to be able to do that, so they use toys as their words. Therapists are trained to see the way they’re playing with the toys and interpret it and be able to reflect.”

Although play therapy involves working with a kid, therapists know they are also working with a parent, as only the parents can change the dynamics of a home environment.

“Things can happen outside of the family, but a lot of times it’s happening within the family and that whole family dynamic system has shifted, it’s changed, and maybe that problematic parent is no longer in the home,” Summerfield said. “Something that we really focus on here is, if we can, offering the parents services as well as the kids so that way they’re getting their own support and learning the skills to be able to better support their kiddo and just build that self-awareness. We really focus on a family systems approach too.”

One way the Advocacy Center focuses on this family systems approach is through their education department, which puts on monthly parent cafés that their therapists on staff can refer parents to. These serve to help adults focus on obtaining the skills and support needed to better help their kids.

“We have some different types of parent groups and also, depending on ages, we have a CPRT group for a Child-Parent Relationship Therapy,” Summerfield said. “This is a general parenting skills group for those who have children between the ages of three and ten. We also provide individual therapy if that parent has their own trauma that they haven’t been able to process and in result are being triggered by their own kids’ abuse or trauma.”

“I always like to think, unfortunately, trauma happens to kids whether we like it or not, so at least I’m able to help and do something after the fact,” Turner said. “It’s already happened to them, so I might as well be one of those people on the tail end and help them through that journey.”

In addition to working at the Advocacy Center, Turner and Summerfield have also published and illustrated two childrens’ books, each highlighting a different area of abuse. The books follow a cloud family and showcase good ways to handle these types of events, such as telling a safe and trusted adult or recognizing when something is not right.

“We wrote the first one which focuses on physical abuse, Klaus the Fearful Cloud, just out of a need,” Summerfield said. “Especially through COVID, we saw a huge rise in physical abuse and how there are not so many resources for younger kids. A lot of

“When kids don’t necessarily have the words or language to express what’s going on, they can really show you with the actions they take through play,”

things are geared more toward teenagers or adults, so we realized there weren’t many resources for kids.”

Turner and Summerfield wrote the books to highlight topics that aren’t commonly talked about or ones that are hard to discuss with others. Their goal is to give professionals and parents tools to have those tough conversations with kids and support them through whatever they are experiencing.

“It’s things that we see everyday. Like the physical abuse book, that one came out of a need,” Turner said. “We were getting so many physical abuse cases and we

were like ‘there’s no kid books out there about this, why don't we make one.’ There are other sexual abuse books out there that provide education, but because we do this every single day, in our books we were able to highlight the parts we saw missing.”

While the books have proven helpful for kids experiencing abuse, they are beneficial for anyone to read. Turner and Summerfield know that oftentimes, kids only tell their friends when they are the victims of abuse. These friends usually do not know what to do with that kind of information.

“Can benefit any child going through a new experience, big change, or struggling to manage behaviors and emotions.”

“Even kids who haven’t been physically or sexually abused, it’s really good information to just go over because unfortunately these things do happen,” Turner said. “We obviously would like to prevent it if we can. Those books have a lot of safety pieces for prevention too.”

The pair currently has two more books in the works that will focus on different types of abuse. Through their play therapy sessions and childrens’ books, Turner and Summerfield have gotten to first-hand witness the transformation and healing within a family that comes from therapy.

“I think it’s so cool to be able to see the growth because like I said these bad things have already happened to these kids, so when we are working with them in the beginning, things are so raw and so fresh that there’s lots of behavior issues,” Turner said.

“Not just the victim, but usually their parents, their siblings, the entire family unit is out of whack because something bad happened. It really does affect everyone so being able to see all that chaos and craziness in the beginning and then see them heal and grow through their therapy. We have check-ins and assessments that help really see the reduction in symptoms but you also get to see it with your eyes too.”

The scope of play therapy cares for kids experiencing large transitions such as a divorce in the family, a school change or moving. While many people think play therapy is only for kids that have experienced traumatic events, it is something that can benefit any child going through a new experience, big change, or struggling to manage behaviors and emotions. Play therapy serves to help any youth experiencing the day to day aspects of life.

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

Flower Mound Farmers Market

PARKER SQUARE | 10:00 AM

Take a stroll any Sunday morning through Flower Mound’s Farmers Market at Parker Square where you can experience local artisans meats, honeys, jams, breads, pastries, candies and more!

Sparrow Teen Back to School Party

SPARROW ON MAIN | 6:30 PM

7th - 12th grade girls are invited to the Sparrow Teen Back to School Party. This event will be a time for teen girls to let loose with friends and be encouraged in their identity, gifting and purpose as they head into a new school year. Includes a live-DJ, dancing, entertainment, photo booths and more. $60 cost, register at sparrowcollective.org

LISD Back-to-School Fair

LEWISVILLE HIGH SCHOOL | 9:00 AM

Lewisville ISD’s Back-to-School Fair is an annual event that provides more than 6,000 students with free backpacks, supplies and resources to start the school year. Want to register for supplies, volunteer or make a donation? Visit lisd.net/backtoschoolfair to learn how!

Music Bingo

GUITARS AND GROWLERS | 2:00 PM

Music Bingo combines your favorite tunes with some fun titled themes throughout the decades, with a classic game, in a great atmosphere! There are 4 rounds, 4 ways to win and you always play two cards per round! Hosted at Guitars & Growlers you can enjoy hand-built guitars, craft beers, fine music and eats!

16TH

35th Annual Crimes Against Children Conference

SHERATON DALLAS HOTEL | 9:00 AM

The Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center is putting on their acclaimed event which educates and reaches over 5,500 professionals globally. This conference equips those who work in government or nonprofit agencies, such as law enforcement, social work, child advocacy, therapy, and medicine, with the skills they need to effectively support children who are victims of crime.

Hidden Pines Chapel Event & Venue Showcase

HIDDEN PINES CHAPEL | 6:00 PM

If you want a classy fun night or are scouting for your wedding venue, attend this luxurious evening at Hidden Pines Chapel. Enjoy their in-house catering, free drinks, and beautiful views at their Event & Venue Showcase. Register on Event Brite at eventbrite.com/e/2023-hidden-pines-highland-village-showcase-registration-442424251847

What is Your Risk Number?

Slow Flow Yoga Class

FLOWER MOUND RIVER WALK AND RHYTHMS AT THE RIVER

Enjoy a day full of events with live music, savory food trucks, fascinating, vendor booths, and overflow of fun activities. Get a front row seat at the days highlight, the Duck Drop courtesy of Cross Timbers Rotary. 30,000 rubber ducks are poured into the river where they race for the finish line! Adopt your own for $5.

Bart Crow at Glass Cactus

GLASS CACTUS AT THE GAYLORD TEXAN | 7:00 PM

Listen to Red Dirt Texas Country artist Bart Crow at the Glass Cactus. A scenic space with craft cocktails, delicious food, and breathtaking views of the lake and warm sunsets. Buy tickets here:  glasscactus.gaylordtexan.com/events/grapevine/ bart-crow

AUGUST 18TH

Living Life With Zest

Women's Conference

SPARROW ON MAIN

| 10:00 AM

The Lewisville Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting their women's conference Living Life With Zest on August 18th at Sparrow on Main. It is open to both chamber members and non-members. Tickets and Vendor booths are still on sale at rb.gy/1pj9s

AUGUST 19TH

Hot Hatch Chile Run, Walk and Roll

CENTRAL MARKET AT THE SHOPS OF SOUTHLAKE

| 6:00 AM

Run, walk or roll to help raise money for people in our community living with spinal cord injuries and disabilities. The minimum age to participate in the 10K is 9, 5K is 6 and there is no minimum age for the 1 mile. The Neuro Assistance Foundation is a non-profit that is making waves of differences. Let's join the race!

AUGUST 25TH

Suzy and Woodrow at Lakeside Music Series

THE SHOPS AT LAKESIDE

| 7:30 PM

Suzy & Woodrow perform at the Lakeside Music Series on Friday, August 25 at 7:30 pm. Come hangout and enjoy a variety of Americana and classic rock.

AUGUST 31ST

Full Moon Paddle VIP Experience

KNOLL PARK | 7:00 PM

Paddleboard, kayak, or tube float on calm waters while enjoying a serene and euphoric experience of the sunset and night sky's full blue moon coming August 31st. This experience will be completed by an unforgettable dinner prepared by World Master Chef Michael Scott. Starting at $99/person head over to  bluetsup. com/full-moon-paddle-vip-experience/#fullmoon-calendar

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/CrossTimbers