Lee's Summit, MO August 2025 by City Lifestyle

Lee’s Summit’s Premier Aesthetic Center

Where aging is OPTIONAL

Letter from the Publisher

This issue holds a special place in my heart. Children are more than just the future—they are the heartbeat of our communities today. Their laughter, their curiosity, and their potential shape the world in ways we can’t fully measure.

As parents and caregivers, we put so much effort into nurturing their growth, teaching them, and investing in their futures. But let’s not forget that children also shape us—they bring joy, laughter, and meaning to our everyday lives.

But we also cannot overlook the powerful role pets play in our families. They offer unconditional love and teach us valuable lessons in empathy, responsibility, and companionship. The bond between kids and their pets can be transformative, fostering deep emotional connections that last a lifetime.

On a personal note, I’m currently in such a fun and exciting season of life with two little grandsons, both under the age of two, and a new puppy who’s now eight months old . It’s been so entertaining to see the milestones between them all parallel—whether it’s the teething stages or watching their curiosity bloom over things we often take for granted, like the magic of fireflies lighting up the night or the fascination with what’s on the dinner table. I’ve realized that one of the greatest joys of having babies and pets around is how they force you to slow down and truly notice life’s simple pleasures . They’re a daily reminder to feel grateful and happy for the little things we might otherwise overlook.

At the core of both children and pets is a simple truth—they need us. Our care and attention shape who they become, and in turn, they shape us. This issue is dedicated to celebrating the kids and pets who fill our homes with joy and love.

I hope this month’s issue inspires you to pour a little extra love into the children and pets in your life. They are the ones who remind us of the simple joys and the importance of unconditional love.

Here’s to our future, our little ones, and the pets who make everything better. Cheers!

LAURA PASZKIEWICZ, PUBLISHER @LEESSUMMITCITYLIFESTYLE

Correction: All images featured in the Orchid Med Spa article in the June 2025 issue were taken by Bobbie Sue Nichols of Bobbie Sue Photography.

August 2025

PUBLISHER

Laura Paszkiewicz | laura@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Stephanie Williams | stephanie.williams@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Allison Swan, Angela Broockerd, Judy Goppert

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Janie Jones, Adri Guyer

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

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

CHANGING LIVES One Home At A Time

I bring a heart-centered approach to mortgage lending, ensuring every client feels heard, supported, and confident in their home financing journey. With a deep understanding of the mortgage industry, I simplify the process, provide clear guidance, and create customized solutions that align with my clients’ goals.

My focus is on building lasting relationships— with homebuyers and realtors alike—by offering thoughtful communication, strategic marketing, and seamless systems to make every transaction smooth and stress-free.

Jill Underwood Founder & Chief Loan Officer

1—3: St. Michael the Archangel Catholic High School hosted their first summer culinary camp in June. Over 50 kids in grades 4-8 learned how to follow recipes and make tasty and healthy snacks from the kitchen staff, Amy Byrne, and Monique Maxwell.

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— Chuck F.

exams, cleanings and x-rays, not to mention additional discounts on other dental procedures. With just one low annual payment, patients are covered for the whole year! Enjoy peace of mind and a beautiful smile at a price you can afford!

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Inspired Closets Kansas City, a local woman and minority owned small business, is expanding into a new showroom in Overland Park. A Grand Opening was held in July. The showroom is located at 13745 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS. Inspired Closets Kansas City designs and installs custom, high-quality organization solutions—from closets, pantries, garages & home offices—providing personalized consultations, 3D design previews, and expert installation to create functional and beautiful living spaces.

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BEYOND THE SMILE:

HOW ONE ORTHODONTIST HELPS CHILDREN BORN WITH CLEFT PALATES

ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADRI GUYER

For many families, visiting the orthodontist is a milestone toward straight teeth and confident smiles. But for some, especially those whose children are born with cleft lip or palate, it’s much more than that. At Jewell Orthodontics in Lee’s Summit, Dr. Abby Jewell provides expert orthodontic care that starts just days after birth and continues through adolescence, all with the goal of improving smiles and lives.

Dr. Jewell isn’t your average orthodontist. A Lee’s Summit native with advanced training from the Mayo Clinic, she brings a level of expertise and compassion that’s hard to match. Her background includes a rigorous three-year residency with a specialized focus on craniofacial and cleft conditions, experience she now uses every day as part of the cleft and craniofacial team at Overland Park Regional Medical Center.

“Cleft lip and palate are congenital conditions that occur when a baby’s lip or the roof of the mouth does not fully form during early pregnancy,” says Dr. Jewell. “This results in a visible opening or gap, which can affect both the appearance of the face and essential functions such as feeding, speaking, hearing, and breathing. A child may be born with a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or both. The severity can range from a small notch in the lip to a large gap involving the lip, gum, and palate.

“Cleft conditions are typically diagnosed at birth or even before, through prenatal imaging. Treatment requires a collaborative, long-term approach led by a team of specialists including surgeons, orthodontists, speech therapists, and audiologists who support the child’s development from infancy through adulthood.”

Dr. Jewell is one of the first specialists these families meet on their journey. Within the first week of life, Dr. Jewell begins presurgical orthopedics, using a custom appliance called a nasoalveolar molding device, or a NAM. This small but powerful tool helps align the baby’s gums and nose before the first surgery, usually around four to six months of age. Weekly adjustments, close collaboration with parents, and careful monitoring make a big difference not only in surgical outcomes, but in overall facial development.

This early stage is intense. Parents must commit to daily cleaning and taping of the appliance while attending frequent visits for adjustments. It’s a demanding start, but one that lays the foundation for successful surgeries and long-term facial symmetry. Families don’t go through it alone--Dr. Jewell is with them every step of the way.

of her nose has been amazing to see in just a short amount of time! It definitely requires a lot of maintenance such as weekly orthodontist appointments, daily changing of tape and cleaning and also keeping her from pulling it out. The results from using the NAM have been totally worth it for our daughter’s future!”

The work is detailed, emotional, and spans years—but it’s also deeply meaningful.

“We are so grateful for Dr. Jewell’s expertise and guidance throughout our NAM journey,” says a parent of a child with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. “She worked tirelessly to get the right fit for the NAM initially and then patiently answered every question we had throughout the process. The results speak for themselves!”

“Our experience with our daughter using the NAM for her cleft lip and palate has been life changing,” says another parent. “The progress with the movement of her gum and alignment

As the child grows, so does the role of the orthodontist. Around ages six to nine, Dr. Jewell begins early childhood orthodontics to address tooth alignment and jaw development. This often involves braces or expanders to prepare for a bone graft, another key milestone in cleft care. Then comes the adolescent phase, where comprehensive treatment aligns the bite, straightens the teeth, and sometimes prepares the jaw for additional surgery. Throughout this journey, Dr. Jewell focuses on more than just clinical results. She’s known for her warmth and attentiveness, making sure her patients feel understood and supported. Many kids grow up seeing her as not just a doctor, but a trusted guide who helps them through a complex and sometimes overwhelming process.

The work is detailed, emotional, and spans years—but it’s also deeply meaningful. Cleft care isn’t a one-and-done procedure. It’s a lifelong journey of surgeries, therapies, orthodontic interventions, and emotional milestones.

“There are a lot of uncertainties when you have a child with cleft,” says another parent with an adolescent in comprehensive treatment. “On top of having a newborn, you have added uncertainties about their appearance, their ability to eat, how many surgeries they may need, what other health issues they might face, how long it might take before they will look "normal" and how much these things might cost. It's so important to have a team of professionals who you trust and you can provide your child the individualized care they need.

“Now that our daughter is older, Dr. Jewell and her team are helping fill that important piece for our family. We still have uncertainties about her appearance, how long she might need braces and what future surgeries she might need. And, as a 13-year old, she has her own uncertainties and questions. Dr. Jewell has been wonderful in working through these things with us. Her expertise is unmatched, but she also makes our daughter feel heard, understood and comfortable. We know we are in great hands!”

Jewell Orthodontics is located at 2070 NW Lowenstein Drive in Lee's Summit. For more information, visit jewellorthodontics.com

BEHIND EVERY FOSTER FAMILY:

A Community That Cares

ARTICLE BY ALICIA HOLECHEK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Most days, Katie Welch juggles swim meets, tutoring sessions and dinner at a crowded kitchen table. But amid the noise of family life, she’s quietly building something powerful. Three years ago, Katie launched Foster Light, a nonprofit that offers behind-the-scenes support to foster families across Kansas City.

“Every child deserves clean clothes, a safe space, and someone who looks at them like they’re the most important person in the world,” Katie says.

Welch, a former inner-city art teacher and now mother to six, knows firsthand the emotional chaos and beauty of foster parenting. “Foster Light was born out of my own experience,” she explains. “Foster care is taxing work. Fifty percent of foster parents quit within the first year. For the majority it is because they don’t have the support and resources they need to survive mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.”

Foster Light is a direct answer to that need. It is not just about helping foster kids, though it certainly does that—it is about keeping good foster parents in

the game longer, so children experience fewer moves and more stability.

Foster Light’s mission is simple but transformative: keep foster parents steady so children don’t have to keep moving. Because the stakes are high. Katie recalls a young woman she interviewed who had lived in 40 different homes during ten years in care. “That’s a new home every three months,” she says. “Within four years of aging out, nearly half of foster youth are incarcerated or homeless. And the more homes a child moves through, the more likely they are to become part of those statistics.”

“Kids can’t thrive if they’re constantly being moved around,” Katie continues. “The key to changing the trajectory is helping foster parents stay and to do that they need real, practical support.”

Foster Light provides something known as “wraparound care,” a holistic model of support that begins with mandatory therapy—for the foster parents. “Foster kids often get therapy, but we realized our own mental health was falling apart. We were absorbing so much trauma and didn’t know how to parent through it. Therapy made all the difference,” Welch says.

From there, the care plan becomes personalized. Foster Light sends in professional organizers, creates chore and routine charts, provides Instacart memberships, monthly gift cards, cleaning services, laundry help, lawn care—every overlooked need that quietly wears down a foster parent. “The most popular service? Cleaning,” she laughs. “Almost every family signs up for it.”

The goal isn’t to pamper foster parents. The goal is to preserve them. “As a mom, if I don’t have to worry about laundry or grocery shopping, I can be more invested in helping a child acclimate to new norms, help them learn how to regulate their behavior and emotions, and sustain a healthy family unit,” Katie says.

When Katie and her husband Nick’s biological sons were just five and two, their home expanded overnight with three young girls—ages four, two and four months. “We had five under five. It was insane,” Katie remembers. Three years later, the girls’ birth mom had another baby girl, who joined their home.

She is honest about the overwhelming stress and the need for strong partnership. “Nick is

“We’re not trying to change the whole system. We’re just trying to keep families healthy enough to stay cohesive—and that might change everything.”

amazing and shares the responsibilities. He took over cooking this year, which is my dream come true. We really try to run a tight ship. All the kids have chores.”

Their backyard, however, tells another story. “It’s full of weeds right now,” she admits. “But I have six kids who are thriving. I know from the outside it may not be pleasing, but we are growing something beautiful and vibrant. For now, my kids have needs and we are choosing them.”

focus on the deeper work of healing. It’s about creating homes where kids can settle in and where everyone can thrive.

At its core, Foster Light is about dignity. Dignity for the parents trying their best. Dignity for the children learning, often for the first time, what it means to have their needs met.

To learn more, please visit www.fosterlight.co

The irony isn’t lost on her. Foster Light is designed to aid in exactly these situations, picking up the pieces so foster parents can

“Every child deserves clean clothes, a safe space, and someone who looks at them like they’re the most important person in the world,” Katie says. “We’re not trying to change the whole system. We’re just trying to keep families healthy enough to stay cohesive—and that might change everything.”

DOWNTOWN’S Quantum LEAP!

The mountains of dirt are subsiding. The roof and playground are coming into view. And you can almost taste those late-summer tomatoes and fresh sweet corn from the farmers market.

In what will surely launch Downtown Lee’s Summit into another stratosphere of excellence, city officials have announced the opening of the much-anticipated Green Street market and outdoor performance space. That announcement signals the longawaited light at the end of the Green Street tunnel, 12 years in the making that included countless man-hours in designs, planning and execution.

Green Street’s grand opening is set for Aug. 15-17.

And whether you’re part of the Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street crew, a public servant watching over the project or a downtown business owner, Green Street’s opening cues a seismic visual blast to not just Jackson County, but the entire state.

“We’re a top five city in Missouri now,” Fossil Forge owner and former DLSMS Board President Dave Eames said. “The days of driving to Overland Park or Kansas City are behind us. We have the populace, the people, the jobs, we’re making these fundamental changes to the city. This just doesn’t happen without the cooperation of the public and private.”

Green Street launches with new market, outdoor space in Downtown Lee’s Summit

ARTICLE BY JOHN BEAUDOIN

The farmers market at Greet Street will nearly double in capacity with the opening, with 50 spaces available inside and nearly double that available on the lawn. The event space, available for public and private event rental, will hold nearly 800 and includes a catering kitchen and restrooms at each end. A few other numbers to know:

• 17,140-Gross square footage of the market building.

• 10-Overhead doors at the farmers market.

• 9,650-Square footage of the lawn under the canopy.

• 15,000-Square footage of the grove area under and around the wickets.

• 50-Number of different preset light show programs the wickets and the MOZ panels at the façade of the building can display.

And, one of the most important numbers - 8. As in 8 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 16. The first day of the new market. A day DLSMS Executive Director Donnie Rodgers has been longing to see.

“In my mind, we could see triple the attendance in the farmers market,” Rodgers noted. “We know how these things go - everyone is excited and everyone wants to see it. I could see record turnout that Saturday and then sustaining that throughout the summer. The atmosphere down there is going to be very exciting and welcoming.”

Green Street’s capabilities far exceed a farmers market, too, Rodgers said.

“There could be small music acts, families taking in a nice walk through the area, using the playground equipment,” Rodgers began, “and I could see people going over and playing cornhole, lawn games. And this will now help connect the parking garage to the rest of downtown. The market isn’t just shopping, it’s a community event and an opportunity for people to get out and socialize.”

With the World Cup arriving in Kansas City in less than a year, District 1 Council member Mia Prier said the timing couldn’t be more ideal.

“The timing is perfect right before the World Cup,” Prier said. “Finally, we will be on the level of a destination city through this market. We’ve been working well with a developer (Lane 4) that likes to focus on small developments, more local developments. It will reflect in how the market operates, and that will add value to the lives of everyone that lives here.”

While the original Downtown Performance Space project had an initial price tag of $600,000, elected officials and stakeholders began to think bigger and broader about the space, eventually settling on Green Street and a new indoor/outdoor farmers market.

Phase I of the project (public infrastructure) had a budget of $9.5M; Phase II (site development) has a lifetime budget of just over $34M. Of that amount, $29.7M comes from the Downtown Market Fund (an allocation of funding from city investments, land sales and ARPA funds), $4.2M from the Downtown Community Improvement District 1-cent tax and the original $600,000 from the 2013 GO Bonds.

Rodgers said there are ongoing conversations about private investment at the site, which could include a hotel component at 3rd & Green, mixed-use projects and a possible restaurant at 2nd & Green.

“I don’t know anyone that compares to this,” Rodgers said. “The level of investment the city has made with the site - it’s huge. It’s on the same level as the streetscape and keeping city hall downtown. It’s one of those monumental projects that will set the stage for downtown growth over the next 20, 50 years.”

Eames echoed the comparisons to the massive streetscape project in 2007.

“Those were fundamental changes for downtown and how people viewed downtown, the trajectory of the city instantly went into a brand new direction,” he said. “This project, as different as we started in 2013, has rightfully blossomed into this much larger project. Patience and allowing this to take shape has been really critical to get us to this place where we’re all proud of.”

As a parent and longtime resident, Prier shares that sense of pride.

“I was lucky enough to be on council during the ribbon cutting and opening,” she said. “This has taken a lot of work from a lot of people that came before myself and council member (Hillary) Shields in District 1. As a councilman and as a parent that will enjoy the amenities for years to come, I am elated.”

farmers market will be open Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8 a.m.noon, through the end of October. For more information on Green Street, visit cityofls.net/green-street .

LEMON LANE Farm

A treasure with darling animals and flowers galore.

ARTICLE BY JUDY GOPPERT

Derek and Rachel Pace, along with their three kiddos, live on and run Lemon Lane Farm in Raymore. It is a labor of love that began in Rachel’s heart years ago. They moved here in January of 2008 from middle Tennessee.

“In 2010, while pregnant with our first child, I remember being home when a news story came on TV. A local rescue was in a pretty dire situation with being over capacity, and so many animals at risk for euthanasia,” Rachel explained. “I drove up the next day and walked the aisles of so many animals in need. I settled on this tiny brown pit bull that we adopted and named her Hope.”

While she had grown up with parents who rescued animals, this experience really catapulted her desire to get more involved. She began volunteering with an inner-city outreach group. She noted, “That’s a part of rescue that can really change you. I would say this is how it all started. It was always the animals that inspired me. The flowers came after.”

Before moving to Raymore, the family lived in Lees Summit. While living there Rachel also worked for non-profit animal rescues for 10 years, then moved on to starting her own non-profit.

“We rescued hundreds of dogs and cats. When we moved to Raymore, I had the space to rescue farm animals. Our farm started with three rescued pot-bellied pigs!” she smiled. “We are now home to alpacas, sheep, goats, miniature donkeys, ducks, geese and countless chickens!”

She was fortunate to grow up with grandparents and her mother gardening, and in 2021 she dove head-first into flower farming. She traveled to Iowa for a flower farming boot camp at Pepperharrow Farm, read every book on cut flowers, went on agritourism tours, took online courses, and learned by trial and error. Now, they offer cut flowers May through October, homemade jams, local honey, produce, and herbs.

As a farmers market vendor, they sold flower bouquets, organic produce, farm fresh eggs, jam, pickles, candied jalapeños, hot sauce, and more.

“If I can have kids out to our farm and show them how we care for things, then I’ve accomplished my goal.”

“At our farm, we offer custom bouquets seven days a week. This past spring we added ‘upick’ to our farm. Something we worked hard on and are very proud of,” she continued. “While we loved our time at our local farmers market, it wasn’t where I envisioned the dream long term. Three years ago, I had a vision of a ‘store.’ I wanted a place for people to visit the gardens, make their own bouquets, and see all we offer. The animals had always just been our pets, and not something as part of the plan. It was always the flowers. But slowly everyone wanted to visit the animals, and our farm plan evolved. Now we’ve hosted baby showers, weddings, family reunions, birthdays, girls’ nights out, date nights, wedding showers, and so much more! Growing up in the South, I wanted our farm to give people more of a ‘feeling.’”

Rachel truly enjoys teaching kids the importance of animals, and how we should interact with even the smallest of creatures. She believes compassion is the most important trait when it comes to this, adding, “The smallest kitten, the flowers, the bees. They are all important. If I can have kids out to our farm and show them how we care for things, then I’ve accomplished my goal.”

Visit lemonlanefarms.com.

realty report

HEART OF AMERICA

Since 1992, the Heart of America Humane Society (HAHS) has been a dedicated force in animal welfare across the Kansas City metro area. Operating entirely through volunteers and foster homes, this 501(c) (3) nonprofit stands out for its compassion-first model. Without a physical shelter, HAHS focuses its resources on direct animal care and impactful community programs.

HAHS partners with the Lee’s Summit Municipal Animal Shelter and Kansas City Kansas Animal Services to ensure more pets find loving homes. What sets them apart is their foster-based approach— animals are cared for in home environments, not cages. This not only improves their well-being but also helps match each pet with the right adoptive family.

Every Saturday, HAHS hosts pet adoption events at PetSmart locations in Overland Park, Olathe, and Lee’s Summit. These accessible, low-pressure events bring adoptable dogs and cats directly to the public, making it easier for families to connect with their future companions. Beyond adoptions, HAHS is deeply committed to community outreach. Volunteers distribute basic pet supplies to struggling families and operate a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program to humanely control feral cat populations—efforts that reduce shelter intake and improve community animal welfare overall.

With no paid staff and zero overhead for a physical facility, HAHS maximizes every dollar and volunteer hour to save lives. Their mission thrives on community involvement—from fostering and volunteering to donations and event support.

If you’re in the Lee’s Summit area and looking to make a difference in the lives of animals, the Heart of America Humane Society offers a meaningful way to give back. Learn more, get involved, or meet your next furry friend at heartofamericahs.org

HUMANE SOCIETY

Preparing Kids Emotionally for the New School Year

Easing the Transition with Emotional Readiness Tips

The back-to-school season brings a mix of emotions for many children and parents. Excitement, nervousness, worry, and even fear are common as kids anticipate new teachers, classmates, routines, or schools. For some, especially younger children or those with anxiety or learning challenges, the transition can feel overwhelming.

At Community Choice Pediatrics, we recognize that emotional well-being is just as crucial as physical health in achieving school readiness. Our pediatric experts offer the following tips to help children feel confident, calm, and supported as they head into a new academic year.

Start with Structure and Routine

Reintroduce Daily Routines Early

Summer schedules often mean late bedtimes, irregular meals, and lots of free play. Gradually reintroduce school-day routines about 1–2 weeks before the first day of school. Start shifting bedtime earlier, schedule wake-up times, and create a predictable rhythm for meals and screen use.

Children thrive on structure. Having a routine in place can help ease anxiety by making the day feel more predictable and manageable.

Practice the School Day

For younger children or those starting at a new school, role-play can be helpful. Walk through a typical school morning—getting dressed, packing lunch, arriving at school. If possible, visit the school grounds, show them where they’ll be dropped off or picked up, and talk through what the day might look like.

This preparation helps build confidence and reduce the fear of the unknown.

Support Emotional Expression

Talk About Feelings Early and Often

Ask open-ended questions about how your child is feeling. You might ask, “What are you most excited about this year?” or “Is there anything that’s making you feel nervous?” Let them know all feelings—happy, sad, scared, excited—are okay and normal.

Validate their concerns and avoid rushing to fix or dismiss them. Simply listening and showing empathy can help children feel understood and supported.

Use Stories and Books

Reading stories about school can help children relate to characters and express their own feelings. Books about starting school, handling worries, or making new friends can initiate conversations in a gentle, age-appropriate manner.

Allison Henschel, M.D.

For teens, consider podcasts or short articles that address topics such as social pressure, time management, or emotional resilience.

Build Coping Skills and Confidence

Create a “Toolbox” for Tough Moments

Teach children calming techniques they can use when feeling anxious, such as deep breathing, counting to ten, or using positive self-talk like “I can do this” or “It’s okay to be nervous.”

For older children and teens, journaling or setting small daily goals can help them build self-awareness and emotional strength.

Focus on Strengths and Wins

Remind your child of times when they’ve successfully adjusted to new situations before. Encourage positive self-esteem by praising their effort and problem-solving skills, not just their outcomes. For example: “You were really brave trying that new activity last year—I know you can handle this, too.”

Stay Connected and Involved

Partner with Teachers and School Staff

If your child has emotional or behavioral health needs, consider reaching out to the school counselor or teacher before the start of the school year. Sharing helpful information about what works for your child can ease the transition and create a strong support system.

Monitor and Check In

Once school starts, keep the lines of communication open. Ask specific questions like “What was something fun that happened today?” or “Was there anything tricky about your day?” Look for behavioral changes like mood swings, sleep problems, or withdrawal, which could signal stress or anxiety.