Potomac, MD January 2023

Health & Wellness Issue!

RANCHO LA PUERTA WELLNESS RESORT & SPA

LAURA ROSE AND MALAMA HONUA HEALING

THE DIFFERENCE

TRANSPARENCY

We take our time to answer all your questions and concerns and allow you to make informed decisions for your child’s healthcare in a stress-free, judgment-free way.

KINDNESS

We love what we do, and we’re happy to be doing it. We treat everyone with the same level of compassion and positivity we would want from our healthcare professionals.

CONCIERGE

We’re attentive, welcoming, and patient. We know the little things matter when it comes to your overall experience, so we ensure that each visit is just as amazing as the last.

TECHNOLOGY

Better technology means faster, more efficient care. We’re dedicated to providing our community with the best pediatric dentistry, and constantly seek to raise our standards.

COMFORT

Our space has been carefully crafted to help put anxious children at ease, parents to feel comfortable, and for your experience from start to finish to be surprisingly amazing.

“I cannot say enough how awesome the staff is at the Potomac office. My son has anxiety going to the dentist. They were SUPER patient with him and used their positive vibes and expertise to alleviate any fears he had. The staff went above and beyond. Thank you!”

- Daniel B

Voted Best Pediatric Dentist in Potomac 2 Years in a Row!

1-888-266-6614 www.superkidsdentistry.com Scan QR code to learn more about SuperKids Pediatric Dentistry We accept all major insurances.

Long-Term Inspiration

For many of us, January is full of excitement. The beginning of the year presents us with the opportunity to reset, expand our horizons, and set new goals to pursue.

But for others, January can be a reminder of failed attempts from years past and the burden of expectation that this year will be different.

We approached this issue of City Lifestyle Potomac with a long-term mindset that doesn't rely on quick fixes and checking boxes in the short term. We hope to provide inspiration for making lasting, realistic, longterm improvements to your physical, emotional, and mental health.

In this issue you will read about ROSM (Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine) and how their procedures have changed the lives of many including Potomac Lifestyle's very own, publisher KC Cole and writer Marie Robey Wood. We also introduce you to Dr. Paul Cooper who after 30+ years of treating feet and ankles, remains passionate about care for common and unusual problems. Natural healing is another amazing way to approach health and wellness and Laura Rose and Malama Honua Healing can help you achieve those wellness goals with services such as acupuncture, yoga, herbal healing, and more.

When it comes to anything in life— business, finance, food, home and personal health — it’s not what you do SOME days to move the needle, but rather it’s what you do MOST days. For better or worse! Knowing yourself and your limitations is important.

For instance, taking a vacation every day would be financially and practically unfeasible, but taking a trip a few times a year is doable. Having a beautiful steak dinner, a few martinis and creme brulee every night for dinner isn’t ideal for your health, but splurging once in a while is just fine!

It’s not about the sometimes choices we make, it’s the most of the time choices.

So, plan that vacation AND work to establish more regular rest in your work week. Join a fitness community or gym AND enjoy that cocktail you’ve been wanting to try at Hunter's Bar and Grill. This is the approach we believe will lead to a more peaceful, filling and fabulous 2023.

Here’s to you! We’re rooting for your success.

Building the Best

When Steve Oram met Lesley Moss 17 years ago, Steve quickly knew that Lesley would be an integral part of his plan to build the best Estate Planning and Administration Law Boutique Firm in the region. Together, they have grown to serve as counsel to nearly 2,000 families throughout the United States.

For over 35 years, Oram & Moss has been designated by Martindale and Hubbell as a Preeminent National Law Firm. With a focus on representing multi-generation families, they design and implement complex wealth transfers from one generation to another.

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

The St. James Performance Club

The St. James Performance Club opens its third location in Downtown Bethesda this winter. There you will meet your health, wellness, and performance goals with personal training, group fitness classes, and an elite Recovery Suite. The sleek, 40,000 square ft. studio showcases top-caliber athletic training regimens with a customizable Build, Burn, Recover model fit to your workout needs. Visit thestjames.com for more information.

TITLE Boxing Club North Potomac

The world’s leading heavy bag boxing club, TITLE Boxing Club North Potomac welcomes boxers of all fitness levels. Owner, John Sahakian says they are in your corner to make your first-class experience easy and fun. The class incorporates skill progression techniques and interval training. TITLE Boxing Club is also an opportunity to join like-minded individuals in a supportive and engaging environment. Sign up by visiting:  titleboxing club.com/rockville-md

Photography: TITLE Boxing Club

Scan to read more.

Healthy Baller Speed & Performance Center

Located in the Randolph Hills Shopping Center our North Bethesda location offers world-class training, customized programs, injury recovery, and seasonal classes tailored to the needs of each individual or team. At the Rockville training facility performance, coaches and therapists are committed to providing training tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual.

Scan to read more.

Photography: MCS Staff

A RESOLUTION

You can make an impact every month by becoming a monthly donor with Adoptions Together. Swap out a monthly subscription and subscribe to caring for your local community in 2023!

Since 1990, Adoptions Together has helped settle and sustain more than 15,000 children in birth, kinship, guardianship, and adoptive families and has provided ongoing support to the entire community through our counseling and educational programs.

YOU CAN KEEP

a d o p t i o n s t o g e t h e r . o r g

Creating a Beaut iful, Healthy S mil e in the Safest Set ting

Thorough prescreening of each patient prior to and after entering our office

• Single use items and disposables for our patient (everything from eyewear to pens)

• Continuous and thorough disinfection of ALL surfaces in the office Temperature checks of all patients (including staff) checked daily upon arrival

As a Washingtonian Top Dentist and The Face of Smile Makeover, Dr. Markogiannakis and her practice, Smiles of Chevy Chase, is known to be the most innovative practice in the area providing Advanced General and Implant Dentistry to the world through technology, experience and artistic skill.

Being at the leading edge of digital dentistry allows her to complete smile makeovers and full mouth reconstructions seamlessly while guiding you through the process towards an optimal result. In as little as two weeks, the years of hiding your smile because of misalignment, discoloration, and decay could be taken away and the confidence you deserve regained.

From technology guided dental procedures for crowns and fillings, to sophisticated implant and cosmetic treatments, the Smiles of Chevy Chase experience is unmatched. Just as technology is always changing, so are they; always pushing beyond the extra mile by using their minds and bodies to think outside the box and lead the way.

East West Tae Kwon Do

East West Tae Kwon Do offers classes for children and adults, with a focus on building strength in body, mind, and spirit. Through their Kids Tae Kwon Do and After School Shuttle programs, they offer a safe and fun environment for children across Potomac. For students who want to continue their training once school is out, East West's summer camp has been recognized as Potomac's Best for 27 years and counting.

Flying Buddha Studio

Flying Buddha Studio offers the unique experience of aerial yoga. From poses that improve alignment to supportive stretches that decompress your spine, Flying Buddha takes a dynamic and safe approach to build strength, flexibility, balance, and stability. You’re invited to experience how Flying Buddha takes the concept of a movement and wellness studio to new heights. flyingbuddhastudio.com

Ultimate Performance, Bethesda

Ultimate Performance, Bethesda was founded on values of integrity, accountability, and unwavering excellence. Their singular focus is delivering life-changing experiences, world-class results, and real return on investment for every client. Ultimate Performance's personal trainers will work with you one-to-one in the gym, virtually, or online. Their ethos excellence in everything, honesty and integrity as your trusted partner, and an approach tailored to your unique goals.  ultimateperformance.com

Want to be featured?

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

Photography: Ultimate Performance

local experiences

The best places and things to do in our area.

With another busy year behind us, you owe it to yourself to take a breath, a break, and recharge your physical, mental and emotional batteries. Enjoy these relaxing and rejuvenating local experiences as you prepare for the year ahead.

RESTORE HYPER WELLNESS CENTER: Looking to decrease inflammation, optimize your sleep, boost energy, and defy the signs of aging? Restore Hyper Wellness North Bethesda is here to help. 11614 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda APMI ORTHOPEDICS, SPORTS HEALTH & REGENERATIVE MEDICINE: APMI Wellness Center is where 'athletics meets aesthetics.' The advanced aesthetics and wellness practice is unlike any other in the area, giving patients the opportunity to rejuvenate and recover. 5454 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1600, Chevy Chase POTOMAC MASSAGE SPA: Potomac Massage employs some of the best specialists in the art of Chinese massage therapy. 7825 Tuckerman Lane, Potomac HOPE FLOATS BETHESDA: Hope Floats Bethesda offers the practice of flotation therapy, a relaxing and luxurious way to soothe the mind and body. Experience total relaxation and deep healing in your private, peaceful space. It's truly the ultimate escape! 7625 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda

ADVANCED ACUPUNCTURE: Advanced Acupuncture helps patients with  pain management, immune system support, insomnia and more. Service offerings include acupuncture, cupping, medical massages, and herbal medicine. 7825 Tuckerman Lane, #201, Potomac

Restore Hyper Wellness Center

14

LOCAL EXPERIENCES

Persiano Gallery is your one stop resource for interior design and remodeling services. Owner John Hashempour is an accredited, experienced designer who has been designing and remodeling homes in greater Washington DC area since 2000.

John and his team work with both homeowners and businesses specializing in everything from interior design, remodeling and decorating with sensitivity to budget and selection responsibility. Allow John and his team to design a space that will reflect your personal style for your home or the style that best suits your clientele for your place of business.

LAURA ROSE AND MALAMA HONUA HEALING CAN HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR WELLNESS GOALS

MIND, BODY & SOUL RESET IN 2023

Laura says, “the Immersive Experience I’ve designed is aimed at shifting and dissolving old paradigms of thought, perception, physical symptoms, ailments, and emotional imbalances to bring you to a completely new level of health, joy, and peace; to experience daily life with heartfelt joy, fulfillment, health, and peace.”

Laura will work with you to create a customized plan designed to deliver the results you desire.  Laura explains “this is a partnership for your deepest healing and transformation to occur so you can embody your soul’s truth, power, wisdom, love and strength”.  Ultimately, the program is designed to get to the root of any issues that are holding you back and allow them to be released from your life.

ARTICLE BY SHANNON BARGHOLS

It’s the New Year. Are You Ready for a New You? Laura is ready to help.

Laura has been a yoga instructor, acupuncturist, and energy worker for almost two decades, and through this work has developed a deep understanding of the human body, the energy systems, internal unconscious behavioral patterns, and how to shift stuck spaces in the body, mind, and heart.

Propelled into a career in Chinese Medicine in her mid-20s after experiencing an undiagnosable digestive disorder which was healed through her personal experience as a patient of Chinese Medicine, Laura has never looked back nor underestimated the power of Ancient Eastern Healing Traditions.

After 11 years in private practice, Laura has created a Signature Immersion program to help you realign to your healthiest state of mind, body, and soul. The program is ideal for women who feel overly stressed out, anxious or depressed, dealing with uncomfortable physical symptoms, and looking for powerful natural solutions.

Throughout the sessions within this 1:1 support container, Laura uses proven healing techniques to help you achieve your goals. These techniques may include:

Acupuncture. As one of the oldest healing systems in the world, acupuncture is a beautiful tradition using natural, non-invasive, and effective methods to mitigate pain, boost the immune system, rebalance the nervous system and help your body function at its best capacity. Stimulating the energy of the body through the acupuncture channels creates a holistic healing effect where healthy functioning in the body, mind, emotions and spirit is re-established.

Yoga. Laura incorporates specific Yogic Exercises, Postures, Breathing Techniques and Meditations that she feels would best shift energetic patterns in your body for incredible holistic benefits including stress and anxiety relief, healthy digestion, lower blood pressure, improved cognitive function (improvements in memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and cognitive flexibility, and fewer symptoms of depression),  boosts self-perception (improving body positivity and self-acceptance), creates spiritual enlightenment (more empathy,

increased creativity, improved charisma, increased energy, internal peace).

Herbal Support. Through her extensive training, Laura has learned that every flower and plant has healing, strengthening, and balancing electrical patterns that are both specific and unique. Each provides a tool that can lead the user towards greater health and well being.  Laura works in partnership with Green Hope Farm offering specific essences to optimize your healing.

Journaling. Laura’s journal prompts are designed to improve mental health, encourage self-confidence, boost emotional intelligence, help achieve goals, inspire creativity, enhance critical thinking skills, and improve physical health.

Lifestyle Coaching. Laura’s lifestyle coaching is designed to identify any habits that may be preventing overall good health. She then offers positive alternatives to fully address the needs of the body, mind and spirit.

Energy Work. Laura has been trained and initiated into various forms of energy-clearing practices that focus on releasing the body of what is not serving it anymore. This work can shift perspectives, release heavy emotions, and leave you feeling lighter and happier.

To find out more about Laura, her Mind, Body & Soul Reset, and other offerings go to BethesdaAcupunctureAndWellness.com

The Agency: Streaming On Netflix

Netflix’s “Buying Beverly Hills” reality TV show made its debut in November. To celebrate, Nurit Coombe and Alex Martinez, managing partners of The Agency DC, invited friends and colleagues for a pre-screening.

Music was pumping and drinks were flowing as the hosts discussed the ways in which the show is not a typical reality program. The new real estate ‘occu-soap’ follows the agents and clients within Mauricio Umansky’s The Agency, highlighting the high-stakes world of luxury real estate.

“Not everyone is cut out for this business,” says Coombe, “you must have a unique set of skills and personality.” The show takes viewers behind the scenes of the successful real estate firm, revealing how the agents work to elevate their selling skills.

“It shows you what sets us apart from other real estate brokerages out there,” Alex Martinez adds.

The premiere was received well from guests, many of which spoke about clearing their weekend schedules to binge the series. “It’s my new reality show obsession!” claimed Josie Bulitt. “I love seeing how they learn to be successful– it can be applied to any industry really, not just real estate. Plus, I love the drama!”.

The Agency DC office, led by Coombe and Martinez, offers clients Mauricio Umansky’s brand of real estate, which focuses on innovation, collaboration, creative marketing, and cutting-edge technology to elevate the experience for buyers and sellers across the region.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

THE REALITY SHOW PREMIERED IN WASHINGTON WITH POSITIVE REVIEWS.

HEALING BY ROSM

Helping You to Help Your Bodies Heal Themselves

Imagine that for over 30 years you participated in a multitude of competitive sports, from track and field to amateur weight-lifting competitions. You kept to a daily, rigid exercise program at your gym with no intermissions, including lifting weights and running on the treadmill. Over time, however, you develop osteoarthritis, which takes a toll on your knees. Being an athlete, you are used to working through the pain until, at last, reality sets in. Not only are your knees refusing to lift weights or perform squats but even walking up and down stairs becomes almost impossible because of the excruciating pain.  You sigh and think it’s time to visit a surgeon to heal your knees.

This was the situation KC Cole, the publisher of Potomac Lifestyle, faced a little over a year ago. The decision to submit to an operation on her knees was difficult for her, though, because she has long believed in curing her ailments naturally instead of relying on surgery or medicine. KC found an answer to her dilemma by becoming acquainted with ROSM (Regenerative Orthopedics and Sports Medicine) and Dr. John Ferrell, one of ROSM’s founders. After researching the top medical providers in the county to represent in the magazine she learned about regenerative medicine that offers options to surgery, cortisone injections, and physical therapy for joint pain.

According to KC, she met with Dr. Ferrell who explained to her the PRP treatment he would recommend for repairs to her knees. PRP, Platelet-Rich Plasma, involves drawing a patient’s blood and transferring it to a centrifuge tube and spinning it to concentrate the platelets. The platelets are then injected in the patient’s injury site to stimulate growth. Dr. Ferrell took his time explaining to KC the procedure and showed her videos to give her an understanding of what to expect. He also disclosed how his office uses sonograms right at the patient’s bedside to give doctors realtime feedback as to what the joint and soft tissues look like so there is no guesswork.

KC signed up for the PRP procedure on both her knees after being diagnosed with two torn meniscuses and arthritis. Within 24 hours she was back on her feet and back to work. She reports that within three to six months she felt a definite difference in her knees and after nine months she feels 99 percent recovered, even returning to squats weight exercises in the gym and running. “Based on my recovery experience, I highly recommend seeking alternative advice and guidance from ROSM. I feel amazing and It definitely was a game changer” says KC.

I also received a PRP treatment from Dr. Ferrell. In my case I tore my meniscus playing golf. After receiving PRP I opted for physical therapy – from Jason Glickman of Phoenix

ARTICLE BY MARIE ROBEY WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG FIUME

Physical Therapy – which helped immensely with my recuperation. And although complete healing doesn’t happen overnight, I realized how much I had recovered after a recent trip to Egypt that saw me constantly climbing uneven steps and walking on bumpy and rough pavements without any pain remaining in my knee.

Dr. Ferrell and his team of nine fellow doctors and four physician assistants have seen a great variety of patients enduring different ailments. What his practice offers is an alternative to medication, surgery, and physical therapy: “We fill in a treatment gap so patients who have long endured pain can delay knee, shoulder, and hip replacements and other instances of invasive surgeries.” When needed ROSM offers not only PRP but other minimally invasive therapies such as bone marrow and adipose-derived therapies.

Most patients the doctors at ROSM see suffer from joint and tendon pain including mild to moderate osteoarthritis. Sixty percent of people age sixty and older have arthritis that can affect their everyday activities. The office follows up the progress of those they have treated with a data registry, and seventy to seventy-five percent report less pain, better range of motion and better function after the treatments they provide. Their patients have ranged from a tenyear-old who suffered from “Little Leaguers elbow”, an injury to young players when repetitive throwing affects the ligaments and tendons of the elbow, to a ninety-seven-year-old with bad hip osteoarthritis who wasn’t a candidate for surgery because of her age. Both patients made significant recoveries – the young ball player even sent a photo of himself as a quarterback on his football team.

According to Dr. Ferrell, the treatments ROSM offers are evidence-based. Their doctors use research studies at the highest level. In addition, doctors in the practice hold monthly academic meetings to stay abreast of what is current and participate in curriculums with leaders in their field. Their practice of regenerative medicine is filling in a treatment gap by offering options to patients not benefiting from physical therapy, medications, and injections but not ready for invasive surgery.

To make an appointment at ROSM visit rosm. com or call 1 (443) 222-0714.

Yodit Tefera, MD

Photo By Ankit Sharma

A carefully curated roundup of athleisure wear

ARTICLE BY ANICIA JUAREZ

01 LIGHTNING BOLT SLIPPERS These viral slippers come in white with a hot pink or turquoise smiley face and lightning bolt eyes. / 02 YEAR OF OURS RIBBED TOP AND LEGGINGS These lace-up football leggings make a statement and stay put during your hardest workouts. / 03 ALO SHERPAS Both of Alo’s Varsity and Foxy style sherpas will keep you warm and cozy when the temperatures drop.

04 VESPA CLUB SWEATSHIRT A classic pullover with a modern twist, this Vespa Club crewneck was designed to add warmth and chic style to your everyday wares.

05 SPIRITUAL GANGSTER SEAMLESS RUFFLE SET Wear this Spiritual Gangster set to yoga, pilates, strength training, and more for distraction-free movement that keeps you focused on your form. / 06 SPIRITUAL GANGSTER SHERPA HALF ZIP Trend forward and timeless at the same time. This sherpa half zip has one-ofa-kind LOVE quilted embroidery details. // Visit flexallday.com to shop.

FOOT & ANKLE DEDICATION

ARTICLE BY SHANNON BARGHOLS

After 30+ years of treating feet and ankles, Dr. Paul Cooper remains passionate about care for common and unusual problems.

There isn’t such thing as an average week in the world of Dr. Paul Cooper. As a board-certified orthopaedist specializing in the treatment of all conditions of the foot and ankle, his time is devoted to three very different areas: teaching Orthopaedic Surgery at Georgetown University, researching and developing new technology and procedures, and providing clinical care for his patients. He has developed a comprehensive all-inclusive center at Georgetown over the past 27 years. His patient care typically falls into one of these categories:

Diabetic Care - With diabetes affecting more than 10% of the U.S. population, foot care has reached a new level of attention. Patients are urged to see an orthopedic foot doctor for any of these symptoms: Progressive numbness (neuropathy), foot wound or increased swelling, and foot deformity (Charcot Arthropathy). Dr. Cooper addresses all of these concerns. He’s also experienced in diabetic limb salvage, which is a reconstruction procedure to keep the lower foot free of infection, retain leg function, and minimize future complications.

Trauma - An ankle injury occurs when the ankle joint is twisted too far out of its normal position. In addition to a sports injury, ankle trauma is most likely to happen as a result of a sudden impact such as a car crash, tripping or falling, landing awkwardly after a jump, walking or running on uneven surfaces,

twisting, rotating, or rolling the ankle. Sometimes the damage is immediately evident but in others, cartilage deterioration takes place over time. In either case, cartilage transplants and ankle replacement are now viable options to restore function and pain relief.

Women’s Health - Often, women feel like they must give up comfort for style when selecting fashionable footwear. A variety of foot and ankle problems are a direct result of poor footwear choices, including blisters, bunions, corns, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Dr. Cooper addresses all of these concerns. He recommends that women minimize their foot issues by considering these factors when selecting a shoe for work and special events: heel height, heel thickness, cushioning within the shoeespecially in the ball area, and shape of the toe box.

Weekend Warriors - Ankle strains, sprains and other injuries are common this time of year as New Year’s resolutions have people starting new exercise regimens. Swelling, stiffness, and bruising may be the first signs of a problem. Despite buying those expensive running shoes, you may find that your feet are not getting the support that they need. The mechanics of your foot are complex. Some of the aspects you need to account for include flexibility, double-jointedness, and high arch vs. flat feet.

To learn more about Dr. Cooper and his patient care, go to MedStarHealth.org

DR. COOPER’S

Advice for Exercising in the New Year

1 | Stretch

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part of any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up.

2 | Know Your Feet

The mechanics of your foot are complex. Finding shoes that provide the proper support is key to preventing injuries.

3

| Start with Low Impact

The biggest benefit of low-impact exercises is that they’re much easier on the joints than exercises like running that have you lifting your feet off the ground and then slamming them back down with force.

4 | Seek Help Early

Foot pain due to an injury or overuse will often respond well to rest and cold therapy. Even with the best of care, you may have some foot stiffness or pain, particularly first thing in the morning or after you’ve been active, for several weeks. If you are unsure  of the cause of your foot pain, or if it is widespread or involving both feet, see a doctor as soon as possible.

Malawista Writes

Kerry L. Malawista, PhD is a psychotherapist and psychoanalyst in private practice in the Potomac area. For the past 30 years, she has been successfully helping adults, adolescents and children move through difficult moments and transitions in their lives. One such transition is the loss or death of someone important, and addressing this grief has become a crucial area of Malawista’s work. She says, “Ultimately, my work is to understand my patient’s experience and, together, discover a pathway through painful and challenging times towards a more fulfilling and positive future.”

In addition to her one-on-one with patients, Malawista writes as a way to give voice and process the joys and pains we all share in being human. Her essays have appeared nationally in newspapers, magazines and literary journals including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Baltimore Sun, The Boston Globe, Zone 3, Washingtonian Magazine, The Huffington Post, Bethesda Magazine, Arlington Magazine, The Account Magazine, and Delmarva Review, which nominated her for a Pushcart Prize. She is the co-author of Wearing my Tutu to Analysis and Other Stories, The Therapist in Mourning:

HER NOVEL - MEET THE MOON - RELEASED LAST FALL

ARTICLE BY SHANNON BARGHOLS

Kerry L. Malawista, PhD

From the Faraway Nearby, Who’s Behind the Couch, Stories From the Couch, and When the Garden Isn’t Eden: More Psychoanalytic Concepts from Life.

Earlier this fall, Malawista released her first novel, Meet the Moon . Take a peek at the storyline:

In 1970, 13-year-old Jody Moran wants pierced ears, a kiss from a boy, and more attention from her mother. It’s not fair. Seems like her mother is more worked up about the Apollo 13 astronauts, who may not make it back to earth safely. As it happens, the astronauts are spared a crash landing, but Jody is not, for three days after splashdown, her mother dies in a car accident. Now, Jody will never know if her mother really loved her. Jody’s father has taught them to believe in the “Power of Intention.” Announce what you want to the world to make it happen. But could the power of Jody’s jealousy and anger have caused Mom’s accident? To relieve her guilt and sadness, she devotes herself to mothering her three younger siblings and helping Dad, which quickly proves too much for her, just as persuading quirky Grandma Cupcakes to live with them proves too much for Grandma. That’s when Jody decides to find someone to marry her father, a new mom who will love her best. Jody reads high and low to learn about love, marriage and death. For her adolescent firsts—kiss, bra, and boyfriend—she has the help of her popular older sister, her supportive father, and comical Grandma. But each first, which makes her miss her mother, teaches her that death doesn’t happen just once.

memories of moments of anger, and wishing her mother dead... I had to write this book because I was the child left behind, I was the teen wracked with guilt and sorrow, and I am the adult helping others through it.”

Malawista’s work with grief is ever-evolving.  She recently founded the Things They Carry Project, which is designed to promote resilience, healing, and self-care. Writing workshops offer participants the opportunity to write, to share their writing with others, to listen to others’ stories and to experience a sense of community. Recent research has shown that writing about distressing life events promotes emotional and physical health and fosters a sense of hope.

patients in my psychotherapy

The Project provides a confidential, supportive environment in which a psychotherapist or a psychotherapist partnered with a writer offer writing prompts that invite participants to put into words the troubling experiences they have had in the course of their work. The small groups provide the opportunity to explore the meaning of these experiences, to express their past and current feelings, and to record the insights they have gained through these challenging, distressing, and moving encounters.

In her own words, Kerry L. Malawista shares the inspiration for writing the novel: “I lost my mother at the age of nine, and many patients in my psychotherapy practice come to me struggling with loss. I recognized my own experience in a teenage patient who was devastated by the loss of her mother to cancer, but also guilt-ridden by

Initially, the free writing workshops were made available to healthcare workers and first responders. Partly due to the success and partly due to need, the program has expanded to include K-12 teachers, librarians, school counselors, and other school personnel. The past few years have been a time of unprecedented stress and anxiety, and this group also needs a vehicle for processing traumatic memories and making sense of their experiences, Malawista says.

To learn more about Malawista and her writing, please visit kmalawistaauthor.com .

“Many

practice come to me struggling with loss.”

An Elegant Balance of Nature’s Harmony

Rancho La Puerta Wellness Resort and Spa has embodied wellbeing since 1940

ARTICLE BY JACK HARTZMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA VIDAL & JACK HARTZMAN

From the moment you meet the awaiting staff in the San Diego airport terminal, it’s hard not to notice the sincere smile of inner happiness they have because you are there. The staff is friendly beyond words, completely bilingual and so excited for you to experience their Ranch.

A short journey by bus takes you to the USA/Tecate border, where the staff walks you into Mexico without issue. The RLP staff guides you through the process and once thru, helps you onto the shuttle that takes you to this magical place, a short 10 minutes away. Entering the RLP gates, reminded us of the special feeling you get in one of those famous Florida resorts, minus the mouse and everything commercial. The elegant balance of nature’s harmony and the beauty of the grounds and buildings have made Rancho La Puerta a perfect retreat for more than 40 years.

My wife and I have traveled the globe for a myriad of photography assignments over 30 years, and none have left us as speechless and starry-eyed as this worldclass wellness resort and spa. More than 4,000 acres

(six square miles) to see and enjoy alone or in groups, while every aspect of your day and evening has been thought through, but not over-programmed.

The first-day orientation pearl of wisdom came from David, one of the resident staff who said, “it’s OK not to do everything, sometimes it’s OK just to listen to the birds chirp.” Great words to live by, especially there. Once in the dining hall, your senses of smell, taste, and touch will be taken to a new level. 75% of the food served comes from the organic garden on the property. As stated right on their website, “La Cocina Que Canta (“The Kitchen That Sings!”) celebrates the magical results of cooking with justpicked organic ingredients. The colors, aromas, and tastes that emanate from La Cocina are nothing short of amazing.” I promise you won’t go hungry with three amazing meals a day, not to mention snacks and smoothies between meals.

Enjoy shopping, a coffee shop and wine bar all in the same place when you visit Bazar de Sol overlooking the NEW RLP private residence expansion. This new endeavor is for those looking to truly live a lifestyle unlike anything in the USA. Visit rancholapuerta.com to learn more.

Rancho La Puerta offers you every opportunity to truly disconnect from everyday life and find your inner self. Reconnect with yourself and your special someone on a hike in the hills, or while taking advantage of the multiple full-service health centers, spa

Monica & Jack Hartzman

Courtesy of Rancho La Puerta

treatments, or while playing tennis or even Pickleball.

We thought it a bit odd when we first got on the bus from the airport and were presented with a folder of RLP information including several sheets of paper that told us who would be joining us for the week and the part of the country or world they came from. Monica and I were so surprised to see how many people were there from the northeast. (Please note the photo of 11 women all currently or previously from Montgomery County.)

The ranch has a permanent staff as well as guest presenters and teachers. I was personally excited by seeing a “Story-Teller” (presenter) named Joel Ben Izzy.” This late afternoon and evening program transported me through my earliest childhood memories to professional challenges and how to explain them to others. Joel hails from Berkley, California which is also where I grew up – more magic of this place and how it brings people together.

A few short paragraphs can’t truly explain how you meet people and find out how everyone seems to have something in common. We will never forget this week at the Ranch, the people we met from Toronto, California, Idaho, Florida and the DMV. We can’t wait to get back.

TOP: Photo courtesy of Rancho La Puerta

BOTTOM: Ladies of Potomac: Andrea Glickson, Liz Rose, Elise Feingold, Andrea Shandell, Terry Whitehouse, Kathy Sklar (standing), Carol Koenigsberg, Susan Kitt, Jodee Lichtenstein, Barri Bernstein, Diane Zack (formerly from Chevy Chase, now living in the Bay Area)

Courtesy of Rancho La Puerta

ARTICLE BY ANICIA JUAREZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANICIA JUAREZ

THE PLM MARTINI

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