FLAMENCO LIVES ON: INSIDE TORCUART’S CULTURAL MOVEMENT IN D.C.
MAY 2026
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What We Carry Forward
Some stories begin with a plan. Others begin with a decision.
This month’s issue opens with Kelsey Nicole Nelson, whose lifelong passion for sports and storytelling became a platform for impact. Her journey is a reminder that success is not just about what you build, but who you bring along with you. Through mentorship, advocacy, and a commitment to creating opportunity, she shows us that leadership is defined by the ability to lift others as you rise.
That same spirit carries throughout these pages.
We meet Becky Hillyard, who built a brand from instinct and authenticity, proving that trust, once earned, has the power to grow into something lasting. Closer to home, Amy Goldstein offers a different perspective on success, one rooted in relationships, where trust, consistency, and care are at the center of everything she does.
Beyond individual stories, we also explore the power of culture and community. Through TorcuArt, flamenco becomes more than an art form. It becomes a living story, passed down through generations and shared across borders, reminding us of the importance of preserving what connects us.
This issue also opens the door to conversations that have not always been spoken aloud. From redefining menopause care to rethinking orthodontics through a whole-body lens, we see a shift toward education, advocacy, and a deeper understanding of what it means to truly care for ourselves.
While each story is different, they share something in common.
They are all, in their own way, about what we choose to carry forward. Our ideas, our values, our traditions, and our willingness to evolve.
And this month, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, that idea feels especially meaningful. Because so much of what we carry forward is first given to us by the women in our lives. Their strength, their guidance, and their example.
As you move through these pages, I hope you find a story that stays with you. One that inspires you to begin, to grow, or simply to recognize the impact of the women around you.
Because the most meaningful lives are not built all at once. They are built in the moments we choose to start, to lead, and to carry something forward.
Happy Mother’s Day.
May 2026
PUBLISHER
Adam Taylor | Adam.Taylor@CityLifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Anicia Juarez | Anicia.Juarez@CityLifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
KC Cole | KC.Cole@CityLifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Mindy Toran, Debra Wallace, Bianca Bain Villegas
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Dr. Ceylon Mitchell | M3 Media, Media Expertzy, Joy Washington
ANICIA JUAREZ, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR @GAITHERSBURGCITYLIFESTYLE
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Learn how to start your own publication at
Proverbs 3:5-6
Around Town
A
Game On, Kelsey
Leading With Grace and Grit: Kelsey Nicole Nelson’s Winning Formula
Recipe for Success
Family-Focused Philosophy: How Amy Goldstein Always Puts Clients in the Right Homes Echoes
Spain
TorcuArt
BUILD YOUR BACKYARD PARADISE
Silhouette Bridal & Formal, Kentlands
Silhouette Bridal & Formal has been dressing brides, prom-goers, pageant contestants, and mothers of the bride for over 20 years. With a curated collection of designer gowns from labels like Jovani, Terani Couture, and Portia & Scarlett, the boutique offers styles for every milestone, from weddings to formal events. Their in-house alteration services ensure a flawless fit, making each look feel truly custom. Appointments are available at silhouettebridals.com
Camp Sonshine, Silver Spring
Camp Sonshine has been creating fun, faith-filled summers for kids since 1981, when founder David Black started the camp in his mom's backyard. Now an award-winning, ACA-accredited Christian day camp serving Montgomery, Howard, and Prince George's County, Camp Sonshine offers summer day camp, after-school care, and year-round programming. With a mission rooted in unconditional love and acceptance, they serve thousands of campers annually. Learn more at campsonshine.org
Why Choose Us?
Experienced & Caring Educators – Our passionate team supports each child’s unique growth.
Engaging Curriculum – Hands-on activities in literacy, STEM, arts, and social-emotional learning.
Safe & Inclusive Space – A welcoming environment where every child feels valued.
Flexible Programs – Full-time, part-time, and preschool options for busy families.
Camp Global
Camp Global at Global Children's Center offers an action-packed summer day camp experience for kids at just $355 a week. From weekly field trips and pool days to STEAM workshops and adventurous activities, campers stay engaged, active, and inspired all summer long. Register for five or more weeks for a chance to win a free week of camp. To learn more or enroll, call (301) 972-5982 or email WeCare@Globalchildrenscenter.com.
and conditions apply. O ers not combinable with other o ers. See rebath.com/washingtonDC for more details.
AROUND TOWN
GAITHERSBURG BOOK FESTIVAL
Bohrer Park | May 16 | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
A vibrant literary festival set in a scenic park, featuring award-winning authors, poets, and songwriters from across the country. Free and open to all, it offers engaging programming for all ages, supported by the City of Gaithersburg and a dedicated community of volunteers. gaithersburgbookfestival.org
GERMAN
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL - WUNDERBARTOGETHER GALA
The Schuyler Room | Hamilton Hotel | Washington, D.C. | May 1 | 6 p.m.
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening at the flagship fundraising event of the German International School Washington D.C. Join us as we proudly honor GateGroup with the Global Unity Award and celebrate the enduring partnership between
A COLLECTION OF THE MONTH’S MOST VIBRANT SOCIAL MOMENTS AND MEANINGFUL GATHERINGS
ARTICLE BY ELIZABETH MCKINLEY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
global industry and international education. We look forward to celebrating this special evening with you!
POTOMAC LIFESTYLE
PALM ROYALE FASHION SHOW AND SOIRÉE
Venue TBD, Potomac, MD
May 2 | 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Potomac Lifestyle hosts an elegant spring fashion presentation in collaboration with TBD, showcasing seasonal style, community, and creativity. Guests will enjoy an evening celebrating fashion, connection, and local flair. eventbrite.com
MUSKAAN SMILES FOREVER GALA
Avenel Country Club, 10000 Oaklyn
Dr, Potomac, MD | May 2 | 5pm Evening Celebrate over four decades of Muskaan’s work empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities
through education, employment, and inclusion. The evening supports the Smiles Forever Fund and honors a legacy of dignity, opportunity, and independence. muskaan-paepid.org
FLOWER MART
Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC May 2–3 | Various times
A beloved spring tradition featuring vibrant floral displays, plant sales, artisan vendors, family activities, and a historic carousel set against the stunning backdrop of the National Cathedral. allhallowsguild. org/flower-mart
AROUND THE WORLD
EMBASSY TOUR
Various embassies across Washington, DC | May 2 | Various times
Step inside dozens of embassies
during this signature Passport DC event, offering rare cultural access, performances, cuisine, and exhibitions from countries around the globe. eventsdc.com/passportdc
INTERNATIONAL CITY FOOD FESTIVAL
The Square, 1875 I St NW, Washington, DC | May 2–4 | Various times
Discover global cuisine during this three-day celebration of culinary diplomacy featuring international food, cultural experiences, and vibrant programming welcoming guests of all ages. internationalcityfest.com
CAPITAL HARVEST ON THE PLAZA
Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Wednesdays in May | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Browse fresh produce, artisanal goods, and seasonal specialties at this popular farmers market celebrating local farms, healthy living, and the pleasures of springtime shopping. rrbitc.com/capital-harvest
Pennsylvania Ave NW between 3rd & 6th Streets NW | May 10 | Various times
Celebrate Asian Heritage Month with vibrant performances, cultural displays, artisan markets, and flavorful street food along Pennsylvania Avenue. fiestaasia.org
FIESTA ASIA!
M3 ROCK FESTIVAL
Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD
May 2–3 | Various times
Experience the full spectacle of classic arena rock with legendary performers and electrifying sets during this two-day festival celebrating iconic ‘80s rock. m3rockfest.com
FRIDAY EVENING PARADES AT THE MARINE BARRACKS
Marine Barracks, 8th & I Streets SE, Washington, DC
Fridays in May | Evening
This iconic 75-minute ceremony features the precision of the Silent
JAZZ IN THE GARDEN
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, 6th St & Constitution Ave NW Fridays in May | 6–8:30 p.m.
One of Washington’s most beloved summer traditions returns with live jazz performances in the Sculpture Garden, where guests gather around the fountain to enjoy music and evening ambiance. nga.gov/jazz
SUNDAY SERENADE CONCERT SERIES
Cabin John Regional Park Amphitheater, Bethesda, MD
Sundays in May | Morning
Enjoy relaxed Sunday mornings filled with live music in the park as local performers provide a welcoming soundtrack for families and neighmontgomeryparks.org
NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT
West Lawn, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC
May 24 | Evening
This nationally broadcast tribute honors the sacrifice of America’s service members through moving musical performances and heartfelt storytelling. pbs.org/memorialdayconcert
NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY PARADE Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
May 25 | Various times
A powerful patriotic procession featuring veterans, active-duty service members, historical reenactors, and musical performances honoring American sacrifice from the Revolutionary War to today. nationalmemorialdayparade.com
ARTICLE BY DEBRA WALLACE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOY WASHINGTON
GAME ON, Kelsey
Leading With Grace and Grit: Kelsey Nicole Nelson’s Winning Formula
Ever since childhood, Kelsey Nicole Nelson has had a voracious appetite for sports, broadcasting, storytelling, and building meaningful connections — passions that have shaped her dynamic career.
Raised in Clarksburg, Maryland, Nelson grew up immersed in sports culture, attending Georgetown and University of Maryland (UMD) basketball games and Ravens training camps at McDaniel College, while playing soccer, volleyball, basketball, and tennis. She danced, cheered, and stayed deeply involved in her community.
“Sports and journalism were always focal points in my life,” she said.
At home, her parents’ love of TV news sparked something deeper. Nelson became fascinated by how broadcast journalists connected with millions.
“I have always had the gift of gab and a deep love for storytelling,” said the multi-award-winning broadcaster, whose accolades include DMV Sports Media Person of the Year, host of Listen In With KNN, and National Titleholder — Ms. African-American United 2016.
In high school, she dove into journalism, becoming yearbook editor-in-chief and winning multiple essay contests. One unforgettable moment was being honored during halftime at a Wizards game.
“There’s nothing like having everyone cheering for you,” she said. “That’s what sports do best — they bring people together.”
Nelson studied journalism and African Studies at UMD and furthered her sports education at Georgetown. The through line: hard work, humility, and a drive to make her mark.
Today, she reports from the biggest stages in sports, including eight Super Bowls, starting with Super Bowl LI in Atlanta. She has also covered the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders, among many teams nationwide.
Super Bowl week remains her favorite. “It’s one of the few times athletes and journalists get extended access,” she said. “And yes, it helps when it’s 80 degrees.”
Beyond reporting, she’s a communications specialist, podcaster, public speaker, journalism professor, and mentor — a career built on passion, persistence, and purpose.
“I believe we can never underestimate the power of the underdog.”
A proud “daddy’s girl,” Nelson credits her father for introducing her to sports and historically Black colleges and universities. Today, she teaches sports writing at George Washington University.
“I want my students to understand both the craft and the entrepreneurial side of journalism,” she said. “You don’t have to wait for the perfect job. Build your own platform. Create opportunity.”
Her philosophy is simple: lift as you climb.
“What good is getting to the top if no one is there with you? I am driven by legacy and impact,” she said. “We have two hands — one to lift others up, and one to pull others along.”
Through mentorship, she focuses on access and opportunity. “I want the next generation to have an easier path. I’ve been blessed with mentors who continue to pour into me.”
Her parents, Joe and Libby Bryd-Nelson, have been constant supporters. In 2025, Nelson received the ServPro Hometown Hero Award, with her family front and center.
“My parents have been to every academic ceremony,” she said. “They believed in the dream before it became reality.”
She was also honored by the Washington, D.C. Chamber of Commerce — a moment she shared proudly with them.
“What good is getting to the top if no one is there with you? I am driven by legacy and impact.”
— Kelsey Nicole Nelson
Nelson at the podium during the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter ceremony.
“They are my why. They know my journey of cheering, inspiring others, and spreading the word.”
Leadership was modeled early. Her father served as an NAACP representative and PTA member, making advocacy a daily part of life.
“If you’re not part of the solution, then you’re part of the problem,” Nelson said, recalling how her parents advocated for change in their community.
“What we do in life echoes in eternity.”
This belief fuels her community involvement. She mentors students at Columbia Heights Education Campus, serves as an ambassador for the National Association of Black Journalists Sports Task Force, and works with women leaders across the DMV.
“I believe representation matters and diversity wins,” she said.
She encourages women to develop strong communication skills and seek mentors. “Throughout my career, women have always had my back.”
Nelson has been involved with Special Olympics in honor of her late uncle, Roderick Byrd, who had Down Syndrome. She also supports Period Reality and Maryland Made Mentor, which connects UMD student-athletes with professionals.
She serves on the advisory board for Tickets for Kids, providing access to concerts and sporting events for local families.
“I remember walking into my first sports arena and never wanting to leave,” she said. “I love helping others have that moment.”
Whether hosting her podcast, teaching, or speaking, Nelson leans into her “gift of gab.”
She recalls bombing a speech at 16 — a moment that reshaped her approach.
“I was overconfident, and my mind went blank,” she said.
“You must always give yourself grace and space to know when to go, grow, and glow.”
— Kelsey Nicole Nelson
Photo credit: Dr. Ceylon Mitchell | M3 Mitchell Media
Nelson, co-chair of the Communications Committee for the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter, pictured sharing a playful moment with an Emmy while helping backstage to keep the production running smoothly.
Now, she reads every room. “I promised myself it would never happen again. My competitive nature won’t let me fail.”
Her message remains clear:
“Life is a journey. There’s no one-stop destination. Give yourself grace and space to go, grow, and glow.”
For Nelson, the underdog isn’t overlooked — she is unstoppable.
For More Information:
Website: KelseyNicoleNelson.com
Email: Kelsey@kelseynicolenelson.com
Podcast Network: Listen In With KNN
Social Media:
Twitter | @therealknelson
LinkedIn | Kelsey Nelson
Facebook | Kelsey Nicole Nelson
Instagram | @TheRealKnelson
Nelson with students at the Atlantic 10 offices, reflecting her commitment to mentoring the next generation of sports journalists
Nelson on set at FOX 5 DC, where she has covered teams and major events, including eight Super Bowls and the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders.
Make
Evidence-based
Metabolic
Longevity
A
Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, IFMCP
Recipe for Success
Family-Focused Philosophy: How Amy Goldstein Always Puts Clients in the Right Homes
For Amy Goldstein, success in the mortgage industry has always been personal.
Guided by her father, Gary Schiller, she has spent 26 years at BMIC Mortgage, Inc. in Gaithersburg, building a career rooted in trust, relationships, and a family-first philosophy. Licensed in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Florida, she specializes in home purchase and refinance loans — but says the work goes far beyond transactions.
After graduating from Long Island University, Goldstein planned to spend six months working with her father. She never left.
ARTICLE BY DEBRA WALLACE
Amy Goldstein with her husband Eric and daughter Taylor, the family that inspires her philosophy of treating every client like one of her own.
Goldstein brings the same personal attention to every client, believing preparation and honest guidance are the foundation of a successful home purchase.
“If it wasn’t for my dad, I wouldn’t have this rich and full career,” she said.
That foundation shaped her approach. “We’re a close-knit family, so we treat our clients like family. We know their kids and milestones — this isn’t just about transactions.”
That philosophy has led to a 98 percent client retention rate since 1989. “Our clients know they can call or text me anytime,” Goldstein said.
Schiller describes their partnership as one built on respect and trust. “Amy is my business partner, my confidant, and my trusted second set of eyes,” he said.
Goldstein brings that same mindset to her clients, emphasizing preparation early. “Knowing what you can afford is critical,” she said.
As an instructor with the Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors, she prioritizes clarity. “My job is to make sure clients don’t fall in love with a home they can’t afford.”
For more information:
Amy Goldstein | BMIC Mortgage, Inc. 814 W. Diamond Ave. Suite 250, Gaithersburg, MD 301-231-5770 | bmicmortgage.com
“The key to our success is that we are a close-knit family, so we know what it means when everyone feels like family.”
— Amy Goldstein
ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
BECKY HILLYARD
From Side Hustle to Style Empire
The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”
She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s, she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.
Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?
A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.
Becky in Splendid x @CellaJaneBlog Spring 2026 Collection
Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?
A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.
Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?
A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.
Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?
A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.
Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?
A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.
This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle Podcast.
“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”
— Becky Hillyard
Two local medical professionals are changing the narrative in the healthcare arena with their unique practices and a holistic view of their patients’ care
WOMEN AT THE FOREFRONT OF HEALTH & WELLNESS
"MANAGING MENOPAUSE"
Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, IFMCP, a functional and aesthetic medicine provider at the Osteopathic Center for Healing in Rockville is passionate about educating her patients about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy as they hit midlife.
“Menopause is no longer a taboo topic,” says Gularson. “Women should be able to talk openly about menopause and should not feel forced into accepting menopause symptoms as a natural part of aging,” she stresses.
Gularson specializes in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), which utilizes medication derived from natural plant sources that act like the hormones your body produces naturally in order to alleviate perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms.
“Unlike the hormones used back in the early 2000’s that were thought to have negative effects such as causing cancer or heart disease, BHRT is chemically identical to the hormones your ovaries make, which makes it a safer option for hormone replacement therapy (HRT),” she says.
The FDA’s recent removal of the “black box” warning on hormone treatments for women in menopause has also opened the door for medical practitioners like Gularson to educate her patients
Jennifer Gularson, PA-C,IFMCP
about the benefits of HRT for addressing the dreaded hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, hair loss, and loss of libido as we get older.
“The lifting of that restriction was a big win for providers,” says Gularson, who notes that research shows that the benefits of HRT far outweigh the risks for most women, particularly those who are younger than 60 or within 10 years of menopause.
“Women no longer need to suffer in silence,” she stresses. “Yes, aging is normal, but suffering is not. We need to educate women to become curious and ask questions about menopause and the symptoms they’re feeling. We talk to our girlfriends about our periods, our marriages, our birth plans, and other sensitive issues, and menopause should be no different.”
Gularson says she’s excited about finally being able to remove the stigma and shame that comes with talking about menopause and seeing women begin to advocate for their own health care needs. In addition to addressing her patients’ concerns about menopausal symptoms, she also focuses on addressing their diet, exercise, stress levels, and any inflammation issues, in addition to the typical blood tests assessing cholesterol, blood pressure, and the like.
“It’s important to focus on the person as a whole,” says Gularson. “We take a comprehensive approach to treating menopause, including lifestyle changes, personalized treatment plans and, when needed, hormone therapy. Today, options include patches, creams and gels, and oral medications, which can help prevent bone loss, prevent urinary tract infections, and alleviate many of the symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause.”
Menopause doesn’t have to make your life miserable, she stresses.
“If you’re suffering, it’s worth starting a conversation with your provider,” says Gularson. “Some of the things women are doing in their 40s and 50s can actually set them up for success later in life, so they can enjoy their lives and potentially prevent disease when they’re in their 70s and 80s.” She encourages women to address their menopausal symptoms so they can make informed choices about their future health and well-being.
Osteopathic Center for Healing | 3200 Tower Oaks Blvd., #430 | Rockville, MD 20852 301-231-5050 | yourbestlifewithjennifer.com
CONTINUED >
"BREATHING EASIER"
When it comes to creating a beautiful smile for her patients, Elizabeth Robles, DDS, focuses not only on how they look, but how they feel after their treatment.
Dr. Robles, owner of Modern Zen Orthodontics in Germantown, makes her patients’ overall health and well-being her priority.
“WE TALK TO OUR GIRLFRIENDS ABOUT OUR PERIODS, OUR MARRIAGES, OUR BIRTH PLANS, AND OTHER SENSITIVE ISSUES, AND MENOPAUSE SHOULD BE NO DIFFERENT.”
— JENNIFER GULARSON, PA-C, IFMCP, OSTEOPATHIC CENTER FOR HEALING
As part of her practice, Dr. Robles uses a specialized, holistic approach to orthodontic care that goes beyond aligning teeth and focuses on improving the structure of the jaw, mouth and nasal passages for better breathing called airway orthodontics.
“While airway health is often overlooked by orthodontists, having a healthy airway is the first step toward good overall health,” she explains. Conditions such as snoring, mouth breathing and obstructive sleep apnea can be addressed through the use of airway orthodontics, by gently guiding jaw growth and improving alignment.
Dr. Robles uses a CBCT x-ray scanner to assess each patient’s head and neck anatomy and measure their airways. She can then identify and correct any skeletal or dental issues that restrict the patient’s airflow.
“Because of this advanced technology, we are finding a very strong correlation in terms of airway improvement and expansion,” says Dr. Robles. “We’re also finding that a majority of kids experiencing sleep issues, snoring, mouth breathing or bed wetting have undiagnosed airway issues, which we’re able to significantly improve with airway orthodontics,” she explains.
Elizabeth Robles, DDS
“My goal is to not only provide straight teeth, but to improve my patients’ nasal breathing and overall wellness,” she says. “These principles of incorporating airway development into orthodontic treatment are central to my practice, and I also work to spread this knowledge through continuing education lectures for other dental professionals.”
Dr. Robles has also moved away from using traditional braces in favor of Damon self-ligating braces, which use less pressure and provide more unrestrained movement of the teeth.
Dr. Robles’ main goal is to provide her patients with beautiful, straight teeth, a healthy airway and improve their overall quality of life.
Modern Zen Orthodontics | 19735 Germantown Rd., Ste. 230 | Germantown, MD, 20874 301-900-8010 | modernzenorthodontics.com
“The self-ligating braces use a self-sliding mechanism to facilitate tooth movement, similar to box cars sliding back and forth on a train track,” she explains. “The brackets don’t place pressure on the arch-wire through colored ties, like traditional braces, which tend to cause more tension and discomfort. With the Damon braces, the brackets slide continuously and allow for more unrestrained movement of the teeth.”
I pride myself on education, transparency, and making the
Often
While
ECHOES OF SPAIN
TorcuArt brings the living traditions of Spanish flamenco, music, scholarship, and community to the cultural landscape of Washington, D.C.
ARTICLE BY BIANCA BAIN VILLEGAS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Flamenco begins with a single word: Olé.
Within those three letters lives a universe of feeling: joy and grief, love and heartbreak, celebration and longing. On May 16, 2026, that spirit will come alive at the Flores Flamencas Festival at Cabin John Regional Park, Bethesda. Get your tickets online, torcuart.com/event-details/floresflamencas-2026, where the rhythms, colors, and traditions of southern Spain will fill the air from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, flamenco remains both tradition and living conversation. In the United States, TorcuArt is dedicated to keeping that conversation alive. Founded in 2020, the nonprofit promotes classical flamenco and Spanish guitar through performances, workshops, and educational programs that bring together artists and audiences passionate about Spanish culture.
At the heart of its mission is preserving the legacy of Maestro Torcuato Zamora, a pioneering guitarist who helped shape American appreciation of flamenco. Born in Granada and raised in Barcelona, Zamora performed internationally before becoming a cultural ambassador in the U.S., appearing at venues including the Kennedy Center.
TorcuArt extends this legacy through Aula de Flamenco, a program blending live performance with cultural and historical insight, led by scholar Dr. José Miguel Hernández Jaramillo.
Through community programs, performances, and events like Flores Flamencas 2026, TorcuArt ensures the spirit of flamenco continues to resonate far beyond Spain. torcuart.com
Discover What’s Next at German International School Washington D.C.
With over 550 students from preschool to 12th grade, we offer high-level academics in a warm, multicultural setting since 1961. Our German curriculum, combined with a global perspective, leads to a dual diploma graduation: the German International Abitur (DIA) and a high school diploma. Focused on world languages and science, we nurture critical thinking and prepare students for top universities worldwide. Please contact admissions@giswashington.org for your personal campus tour. German language skills are NOT a requirement for students enrolling in Preschool through Grade 5, provided the family is highly motivated for their child to learn German, and the child demonstrates strong academic performance.
