Potomac, MD May 2024

Ladies Issue

LIFE + CULTURE

THE NAPKIN NETWORK

WOMEN WITH PURPOSE ELEVATING THE COMMUNITY

TRAVEL

THE ULTIMATE GIRLS TRIP TO HYATT LAS OLAS

HEALTH + WELLNESS

WASHINGTON CENTER FOR WOMEN’S AND CHILDREN’S WELLNESS

Your LOCAL Commercial and Residential Power Washing Professionals

Our estimates are free and your quote is based on the project, not the hour, so you know your price up front.

Swift, efficient, and eco-friendly— let us bring the sparkle back to your property this season!

SAVE

Mention this City Lifestyle ad

We’re 2-3 times faster than competitors.

Rolling Suds professionals have soft washed for over 200k customers.

We carry twice the required amount of insurance.

Our satisfaction rating is over 96%.

HOMES UNDER CONTRACT IN POTOMAC

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.

Voted Best Pediatric Dentist in Potomac 2 Years in a Row! NO

“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

Ladies

We cherish any opportunity to celebrate the amazing women in our community who bring richness and beauty to our lives. Our wives, mothers, and daughters play such a significant role in shaping who we are.

As Mother's Day approaches this month, let's not forget to honor all the mother figures in our lives. Whether they are family members, teachers, friends, or neighbors, their impact is truly unforgettable.

Supporting local businesses is always important, and now is the perfect time to show love to the women-owned businesses in our community. We love connecting with and celebrating the incredible women entrepreneurs in Potomac.

These women are the backbone of our community! They are movers and shakers, builders and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their silent service blesses those who are under their care. Their attention to detail shows us something about beauty that can’t be seen or understood any other way.

I hope you’ll take a minute or two to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much they are loved!

Thank you,

KC COLE, PUBLISHER BREE KUNZEL, PUBLICATION MANAGER

@POTOMACLIFESTYLEDC

May 2024

PUBLISHER

KC Cole | KC.Cole@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION MANAGER

Bree Kunzel | Bree.Kunzel@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Catherine Trifiletti | Catherine.Trifiletti@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Trina Cox | Trina.Cox@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Anicia Juarez | Anicia.Juarez@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Christy Matino, Marie Robey Wood, Stephanie Green, Rachel Erskine, Manuella Hancock, Jessica DeArmond

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ryan Corvello, Erica Land, Scott Suchman, Greg Powers, Jennifer Chase, Moshe Zusman

Photography, Kattariya May Studio, Eunice Kim, Hilary Phelps

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Laura Paige

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-7: TEACH GIVE INSPIRE Fridays (TGIF), is a quarterly women’s speaker series that features thought leaders, industry movers and shakers and dynamic women from all walks of life. TGIF is designed to inform, empower, and ignite creativity and possibilities for women in our community. Each quarterly event showcases three accomplished and visionary women who share their professional stories, talents, and wisdom, through storytelling and uplifting messaging. Catch the next TGIF event on May 31st. 1: Eileen Filler Corn (running for a VA congressional seat), Meredith Jacobs, & Amy Embrey 3: Julie Sabag & Carole Starley 4: Rachel Scherl, Deborah Friedlander, Barbara Guterman, & Janice Goldwater 5: Christine Forward & Yasmin Abadian 7: Farrah Javid

Photography by Liz Lynch

MEET THE DISTRICT HARLEY, BMW & DUCATI FAMILY

city scene

1-7: TGIF is so proud to be celebrating five years of lifting up Women in our Community. Founded in 2018 as a way to get beyond, “Hi how are you?” in order to create meaningful, authentic and powerful connections. 1: Councilmember Sayles and Comptroller Brooke Lierman 2: Sylvia Henderson, Dee Richards, Kate Stewart, Marilyn Balcombe, Ms. Sayles, Brooke Lierman, Dawn Luedtke, Kristin Mink, Kisha Davis, Anne Khademian 3: Laurie-Anne Sayles, Fourth grader at Spark M. Matsunaga Elementary School & Kristin Mink 4: Chris Leacock, Jenny Escobar, Laurie-Anne Sayles, Roland Ikheloa, Ezra Pine 5: Laurie-Anne Sayles & Roland Ikheloa 6: Lisa Engestrom, Laurie-Anne Sayles, Amy Baum & Dee Richards 7: Busy Graham, Executive Director of Carpe Diem Arts, Inc. & Councilmember Sayles

Fernanda Dias of Nanda Aesthetics

Specializing in anti-aging, wrinkles, skin firmness, and body aesthetics, Fernanda Dias offers treatments for cellulite, localized fat, and more. Her passion lies in enhancing people's self-esteem naturally, accentuating their inherent beauty. Through personalized aesthetic transformations, including services such as Dermaplane Pro, PDO threads, Chemical Peels, microneedling, Anatomy/Technical Facial, and Body contour, Nanda Aesthetics aims to help individuals look and feel their best, fostering confidence in her clients.

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Scout & Molly's North Bethesda

As a locally owned and operated boutique, they offer hand-selected styles curated by the owner and store managers. With new arrivals almost daily, each visit to their two locations promises a fresh experience. Emphasizing respect, kindness, and honesty, they believe in catering to diverse tastes, and guiding clients to feel beautiful and comfortable. Committed to the community, they offer personal styling, trunk shows, and online access to their full selection. Unique styling needs matter to them—connecting in store or online at northbethesda.scoutandmollys.com

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Preeminent Estate Planning & Administration

Oram and Moss is a boutique estate planning and administration law firm dedicated to providing quality personal service with a focus on tax minimization and probate avoidance.

The Firms attorney’s listen and together with their clients develop estate plans which address a family’s needs and desires. For nearly 40 years, Oram and Moss has been designated by MartindaleHubbell as a preeminent national law firm.

The Firm is proud to announce that in December 2023, Michael J. Hirsch, Esq. joined the firm as an associate. Michael is an experienced attorney and is licensed in Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Estate Planning | Business Succession Estate & Trust Administration Wealth Planning & Preservation Marital Agreements

Nichols Gelmann

The Nichols Gelmann team has over 40 years of collective experience guiding clients to successful outcomes across the most personal areas of law. They put your goals first and foremost in a strategic, personalized, process-driven approach. And pride themselves on operating transparently and honestly so clients know what to expect. Recognized as a top family lawyer by Washingtonian , Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers and  The Daily Record

301.652.8600

orammoss.com

1101 Wootton Pkwy, Ste. 500 Rockville, MD 20852

Steven H. Oram, Esq.

Lesley A. Moss, Esq.

Alina

Michael Hirsch, Esq.

Potomac Concierge Services

S miles of

Creating a Beaut iful, Healthy S mil e

Chevy Chase

in the Safest Set ting

S P EC IA LI ZIN G IN Implants, Crowns, Veneers, TMJ, Invisalign and Teeth Whitening

A Washingtonian Top Dentist, Dr. Markogiannakis is providing new and existing patients the highest quality of comprehensive dental care with the safest environment possible during these uncertain times. She is continuously at the forefront of infection control and has incorporated the highest level of PPE, which includes:

Extra oral evacuation units in each treatment room removing aerosols to the 0.3 micron

• Surgical clean air system: certified to filter over 95% of all particles in the air Certified N95 masks will be worn by all team members at all times.

Masks are also required to be worn by all patients into the office

• Limited number of patients in the office at a time

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 we begin this new phase in patient care, rest assured that providing the highest quality of care in the safest setting remains our number one priority.

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.

WE LOOK FOR WARD TO SEEING YOU SOON!

301.652.0656 | 5454 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 835, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

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.

SMILESOFCHEVYCHASE.COM | Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @SMILESOFCHEVYCHASE

Potomac Concierge was founded in 2005 by two women — Aida Middel and Libby Kinkead — who realized that the demands of a career, family, and personal needs can be overwhelming. With their staff of specialists, they enjoy helping others find a balance in their lives. They serve the Washington DC Metro area, Northern Virginia, Maryland and Florida. A 10-minute phone call to (240) 956-6651 can change your life or visit potomacconcierge.com

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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.

Rooted3

They offer delicious food that just happens to be plant based, not the other way around. Their menu has been carefully crafted with an attentive focus on whole foods and seasonal produce that's been selectively sourced from 100% organic (and local whenever possible) farms. From delectable chef curated bowls to superfood smoothies, Rooted3 created a menu that's stacked with healthy, feel good, and most importantly, craveable options for everybody. Check out their menu at rooted3.com

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Photography: Tony Powell

Calluna Flower Truck

They are a field to vase mobile flower bar in Montgomery County, MD. They offer seasonal and locally sourced fresh cut flowers, priced by the stem. They go to great lengths to find what you are looking for. Sweet Pea? No problem. Blue Tulips? You got it. They are always looking to meet unique customer needs. Let them know what you love and they will find it. For fresh flowers visit  callunaflowertruck.com

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ARTICLE PROVIDED

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN CORVELLO

WASINGTON CENTER FOR WOMEN & CHILDREN’S WELLNESS

Holistic healthcare for body, mind, and spirit

Nestled in Bethesda, the Washington Center for Women’s and Children’s Wellness (WCWCW) pioneers a comprehensive approach to healthcare.

Founded by Dr. Wendy Hookman, WCWCW flourishes with a team of 10 dedicated mental health professionals. They unite medication management, psychotherapy, and pioneering parenting strategies to navigate families through every life stage.

WCWCW’s early commitment to specialized care for young individuals confronting ADHD, anxiety, depression, and beyond has set a foundation for enduring well-being. Customized support, including innovative coping and parenting strategies, empowers children, adolescents, and their families to jointly overcome mental health challenges.

Adding to the center's depth, Dr. Alexis Wesley, board-certified in both child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, joined in 2021, reinforcing WCWCW’s commitment to women's mental health and perinatal psychiatry. This dynamic team addresses a spectrum of women's mental health challenges, from mood and anxiety disorders, sexual health, and infertility, to navigating the transitions of perimenopause and menopause.

Washington Center for Women & Children Staff

Beyond individual treatment plans, WCWCW is devoted to building a community where every woman, child, and teen feels seen, heard, and supported. Whether you’re seeking assistance with specific mental health issues or support navigating life’s challenges, WCWCW is your beacon of hope and healing.

This spring, WCWCW is thrilled to unveil "Reignite," a transformative initiative designed to enrich relationships and rekindle personal passion for women in midlife and beyond. "Reignite" promises more than guidance through midlife transitions—it's a pathway for women to rediscover themselves and embrace the future with optimism.

Beyond individual treatment plans, WCWCW is devoted to building a community where every woman, child, and teen feels seen, heard, and supported. Whether you're seeking assistance with specific mental health issues or support navigating life's challenges, WCWCW is your beacon of hope and healing.

Let WCWCW illuminate your journey to holistic wellness. Reach out today to explore their services, including the eagerly awaited "Reignite" program, and embark on your path to a renewed well-being.

Radiant Beauty

Enhance your radiance and embrace timeless sophistication with Faulkner

Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics

ARTICLE BY JESSICA DEARMOND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN CORVELLO

Dr. Faulkner Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics offers a wide variety of services and is conveniently located in the heart of North Bethesda. Dr. Faulkner has honed his craft through years of dedicated training and unwavering commitment to building confidence in his clients. He gives each patient his full attention and attributes his success to providing unparalleled quality care combined with the best outcome. “The art of surgery also includes recognizing when not to operate. Just because you have a surgical option does not mean it’s the best option,” he says.

WHAT NEW TECHNOLOGY ARE WE EXCITED ABOUT?

FaceTite, AccuTite and BodyTite are minimally invasive body contouring procedures that combine fat reduction with skin tightening. These in-office radio frequency assisted liposuction (RFAL) procedures remove fatty tissue, stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin to help contour the face and body for a more toned, youthful look. These procedures are a great alternative to more complex OR surgeries.

See the “before” image on the left and the “after” image on the right.

INTERESTED IN TREATING?

Dr. Faulkner offers Chemical Peels, Botox, Juvederm, SkinVive, Coolsculpting, Morpheus 8, Morpheus Body, AccuTite, FaceTite, BodyTite, IPL, Hair Laser Removal, Cosmetic Surgery, Reconstructive Surgery, Minor Corrective Surgeries & Skin Care.

600 Executive Blvd. | Suite 204 North Bethesda | MD 20852

240.880.2349

fualknerplasticsurgery.com

@faulknerplasticsurgery

After FaceTite

Before FaceTite

THENAPKI N NETWORK

A COMMUNITY OF MOMS HELPING MOMS ACROSS THE DMV

ARTICLE BY CHRISTY MATINO | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

“Our mission is moms helping moms in need.”

As a mother of three, Bethesda resident Lindsay Gill understands just how hard that job can be. Throw a pandemic into the mix, and the challenges mounted for moms everywhere. During the height of COVID-19, Gill saw fellow moms in her community struggling to afford basic baby items and she wanted to help. “I wanted to lean on my community of moms to host a diaper drive,” says Gill. It turned out to be a huge success – with more moms showing up than Gill anticipated. “I had so many more diapers than I thought I would ever collect, and I thought, ‘Maybe I could do something like that more often.’”

That’s when The Napkin Network was born. The group consists of moms across the DMV who collect baby items—from wipes to formula and baby clothes—and distributes them to local non-profit

organizations including Feed the Fridge. “We’ve collected over 500,000 diapers, thousands of cans of formula, wipes, car seats,” says Gill.

The Napkin Network also makes its donations easily accessible. Gill opened a pop-up pantry in the Westfield Montgomery Mall that she calls The Napkin Nook. “I stock it every week with donated items,” she says. “Anyone who visits our area can go get items, no questions asked.”

Affording baby essentials isn’t the only challenge mothers face. Loneliness and lack of social support are a common sentiment felt by new moms. Gill made a point for The Napkin Network to bring other parents together to form new bonds. The meet-ups range from tea parties to coffee dates and shopping events. “We host events and bring moms together on a

“We get it. We’re here for you, and it’s ok to ask for help.”

Photography by Eunice Kim

bi-monthly basis,” she says. “There’s an activity for everybody, depending on your budget and your interest.”

As for the future of The Napkin Network, Gill is looking to expand outreach. “Our mission is moms helping moms in need,” she says, “The more moms I can reach, the more I can tell people about this.” But above all, she wants mothers across the DMV to know: “The reason this organization was created is because moms know how hard it is to be a mom. We get it. We’re here for you, and it’s ok to ask for help.”

The Napkin Network is always looking for donations. The organization accepts direct donations, check donations, or items at donation drop-off locations across Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia. Items accepted include diapering, such as pull-ups and baby wipes; feeding, including unopened formula and new breast pumps; and hygiene items, like toothbrushes, shampoo and baby clothes. To learn more about items The Napkin Network accepts or for drop-off locations, visit their website at thenapkinnetwork.com or email thenapkinnetwork20@gmail.com

Photography by Hilary Phelps

DC’S FIRST non-alcoholic BAR

Binge Bar & Gingerbeet brings zero-proof cocktails and vegan cuisine

The area’s first non-alcoholic bar has made its way to the DMV. Binge Bar has joined forces with Gingerbeet to bring escalated, zero-proof cocktails and allergy-friendly vegan cuisine to a sophisticated setting. Female-owned and minority-led, this new spot brings an alcohol-free haven to DC, with authentic Filipino flavors and an innovative menu. Check it out for an allfun and no-buzz night!

ARTICLE BY RACHEL ERSKINE OF @RAYCHILLYCHOWS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT SUCHMAN

1. Mixed berry waffles and mimosas, in collaboration with Blue’s Coffee & Tea Co.

2. Binge Bar & Gingerbeet’s delectable, allergen-free bites

3. Oven “fried” oyster mushrooms, one of the many culinary delights offered

4. Zero-proof mules and non-alcoholic beer flights make for a fun happy hour vibe

5. Sophisticated alcohol-free cocktails to wet your whistle

6. Jenny & Gigi, the duo behind it all!

Piano Tuning / Moving / Complete Restoration

preowned Steinway & Sons pianos

Kawai pianos.

| Special Event Space:

Caterer of Prior Vice and President of the United States | Pet Friendly Inside and Outside Dining Available with Heated and Covered Patio

PURPOSEFUL LIVING

■ 24/7 on-site licensed nurses and full-time management nurses

■ Delicious, nutritious meals prepared by our Taste of RUI Executive Chef, served in a restaurant-style setting with tableside beer and wine service

■ A full life enrichment calendar

■ LUXE Unlimited – Full service salon and spa

■ RUI FIT programming and gym

■ Physical, occupational and speech therapy on-site

■ Housekeeping and laundry services

■ Scheduled transportation

■ All utilities including cable and Wi-Fi

■ RUI University programming and classroom for continuing education

■ Leash on Life – pet concierge services

■ Spacious studios, one bedroom, and two bedrooms many with kitchenettes

■ Residential living, assisted living and Inspiritás – memory care site

For more information and to schedule a tour call 301.417.3000 or scan the QR code below.

WO M E

N WITH PURPOSE

It can be hard to “do it all,” but these eight Potomac region superwomen balance being moms and business owners, all while maintaining their mental health. It’s a difficult task these days– so, how do they do it?

L E VAT I NG THE COMMUNITY

A CONVERSATION WITH POTOMAC AREA MOMS AND ENTREPRENEURS WHO “DO IT ALL”

ARTICLE BY CHRISTY MATINO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERICA LAND

KC Cole- Publisher/Founder Potomac Lifestyle Magazine

WHAT INSPIRED YOUR PARTNERSHIP?

We are united by a shared vision and approach championing personal growth and success as the cornerstone of our endeavors. Our business models are aligned by a profound passion to uplift and empower our community, driving us to collaborate and cultivate Potomac Lifestyle Magazine into a beacon of positivity, advocacy, and impactful collaborations. This concerted effort has propelled us to reach over 100,000 monthly readers in the Potomac Metropolitan area, expanding our influence and inspiring others to get on board with our mission— “Work Hard, Have Fun, Leave a Legacy!”

HOW DO YOU RECHARGE AFTER A STRESSFUL WEEK OF CONSTANT DEADLINES?

We both left our stressful 9 to 5 corporate careers to pursue a new path. At times it’s equally as stressful, but so much more rewarding! We truly value and respect time spent with family and loved ones as well as time for physical and mental self care.

KC Cole: “I’m 100% headed to the golf course to crush a few swings or a full 18 holes on the rolling greens. I also love hitting the gym each morning to keep my mind sharp and endorphins high, and being an all-around “fun and present mom!”

Bree Kunzel: “I like to spoil myself with a weekend getaway to explore new coffee shops, indulge in morning pastries, and squeeze in a massage at the local day spa. Yes, please!”

Bree Kunzel, Managing Co-Publisher

Stephanie Weiss Personal Clothing Consultant, Sitting Pretty

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

Stephanie Weiss: Erica and I created The N.E.W. Group for entrepreneurial women to gather together monthly to connect, collaborate, and empower each other.

Erica Land: I have learned that people like to do business with people they know, like and trust, and the idea of forming a networking group with women owned businesses seemed ideal so that like-minded women could support each other. We initially selected people who we knew valued the services we provide.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS OR THOSE LOOKING TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS?

Stephanie Weiss: Go for it! Plan ahead and have all your ducks in a row, but don’t wait. Do it! It’s okay to be hyper-focused on making your dream a reality…you need to be. Imagine your day, the triumphs and the tough spots…imagine it all. You’ll be better prepared.

Erica Land: Do what you love, but make sure you know how to run a business first and foremost. The saying, “If you build it, it will come” only gets you so far. Networking is one step in pushing your business from a hobby to an actual business.

Land

Erica

Photographer, Erica Land Photography

Mary Beth Olson

Founder & President, MBO MEDIA

WHAT IS THE BEST LEADERSHIP ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?

Mary Beth Olson:  Trust your intuition! I have relied on my instincts to steer my decision-making process, a practice that has consistently served me well. In terms of leadership, I strive to lead with passion, positivity, and unwavering faith in my team. I firmly believe in fostering a collaborative environment where individuals work with me as opposed to for me.

Elizabeth Ucheya: I believe in the servant leadership approach, which is the understanding that the first and most important choice a leader makes is the choice to serve – without which one’s capacity to lead is severely limited.

HOW DO YOU “DO IT ALL”?

Mary Beth Olson: The simple truth is that I can’t be an all-star at work and at motherhood one hundred percent of the time. It’s impossible. I am incredibly fortunate to have a wonderful husband, so we truly partner when it comes to our kids. When I hit the pillow, I reflect on how I did that day as a mother, daughter, sister, friend and worker. I try to do better the next day.

Elizabeth Ucheya: It is very challenging. As a single mom and a mother to a child with autism, I “do it aIl” by relying greatly on my excellent circle of support – siblings, family members, team members, and friends.

Elizabeth Ucheya Founder & CEO, Renoxx Caregivers

HOW DO YOU STAY FOCUSED AND PRODUCTIVE IN THE FACE OF DISTRACTIONS AND COMPETING PRIORITIES?

Julie Bullit: I use a to-do list. I often set up specific goals with specific rewards at the end. For instance, if I don’t feel like going to the gym, I will go, and then get coffee afterwards as a reward. It may sound trivial, but learning to reward yourself with small things is very important.

Jennifer Gularson: I was a Division I swimmer in college, which trained me to be disciplined, almost to a fault. It’s very easy to get distracted and focus on all the things you are not doing. I also have learned what’s important and what can wait. What is a must have and what would be nice-to-have is an important difference.

HOW DO YOU PRIORITIZE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?

Julie Bullit: As a mental health provider, mental health is key. First, self-care and self-compassion. If you have this, you can then be the best version of yourself.

Jennifer Gularson: I’ve had a therapist since I was in college and honestly, my mom was my therapist in high school! I think having someone to bounce ideas off of, investigate feelings, call you out and hold you accountable to yourself is very important. I also fully endorse massage, acupuncture, and anything that makes you stop, take a break, and reflect.

Julie Bullit Founder, Live Sane

Jennifer Gularson PA, Osteopathic Center for Healing

ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE GREEN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Empowers Girls Local Golf Charity

GOLF CLINIC FOUNDER BUILDS CONFIDENCE AMONG YOUTH, AND RAISES SCHOLARSHIP MONEY FOR GIRLS COLLEGE EDUCATIONS

Avery McGrath, Basis Independent McLean

Sandy Milligan has taken his passion for golf and turned it into a way to teach young people—especially young Black girls—how to win at the game of life.

He developed the Black Heritage Tour Golf Challenge in 2020 when he was a coordinator for the First Tee Junior Golf Program. Through the effort, he realized he could raise money for college scholarships while “creating an environment enabling training and development for African American youth.”

Sportsmanship, integrity, judgment, work ethic, respect, leadership, loyalty, and responsibility are some of the values Milligan tries to cultivate in his golf clinic, tour, and scholarship programs.

These qualities are especially important in molding the next generation of Black women leaders. “We use fundamental drills to transform beginner golfers,” he says. “Mastering fundamentals lends to self-assurance and success.”

Milligan’s golf clinic serves more than 100 junior golfers for the season, and the junior tour attracts 40 junior golfers from the Greater Washington area each week on a seven-stop tour during the summer months. “We’re constantly attempting to reach out and assist more deserving and underserved juniors,” Milligan explains.

Each year Milligan funds three $1,500 scholarships to golfers attending a Historically Black College or University. Among these are young women golfers, including Alana Giles who is attending Maryland Eastern Shore University and Chanah Zaab attending Bowie State University.

The Black Heritage Tour Golf Challenge raised $8,000 last year and is aiming to double funds in 2024.

Anjali Nguyen, Elizabeth Seton HS

Faris Smith, Bethesda Chevy Chase HS

Dakota Price, Annunciation Catholic School

ARTICLE PROVIDED | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG POWERS AND JENNIFER CHASE

Treat Mom To Lunch at L’Avant-Garde

GIVE MOM THE GIFT SHE REALLY WANTS, QUALITY TIME

The Niçoise Salad

Treat mom to lunch at Georgetown’s most elegant French Restaurant, L’Avant-Garde. The Niçoise Salad is “L’Authentique” from Nice. The Lobster Salad, with Granny Smith apple and grapefruit segments, is a refreshing and memorable dish.

Beef Tartare

Lunch à la Française is an art form. Linger over French classic dishes with innovative wine pairings by L’AvantGarde’s Chief Sommelier Samantha McCrimmon. The Beef Tartare is available for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Saturday.

Savor Sweet Moments

Enjoy lunch on La Terrasse, a spacious outdoor patio on M Street, or bask in the art-filled skylight room with its cozy banquettes. Finish the meal on a sweet note with a pâtisserie.

Strawberry Three Ways

Indulge in La Fraise, an ode to summers in Provence. The strawberry served three ways is the perfect ending to your meal with mom, complete with strawberry sorbet, strawberry jelly, and strawberry marshmallow.

Partner Chef Sébastien Giannini brings flavors of his native French Riviera to life with a fresh and sunfilled lunch menu. Take a moment to sip and savor France’s most important meal of the day.

Chef Sébastien Giannini

HYATT CENTRIC las olas FORT LAUDERDALE

ARTICLE BY KC COLE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Ft. Lauderdale awaits! Experience the award-winning Hyatt Centric Las Olas and all it has to offer — just steps from nightclubs, dining, and renowned museums. Check your baggage with the friendly and accommodating staff to hit the Riverwalk or check into your luxurious suite with the ease of digital key entry. Once you are in vacation mode, definitely make sure to set aside some time to cool off at Elev8, the property’s sleek 8th-floor pool and bar where skyline views and larger than life murals await. When hunger strikes, enjoy a bite at the hotel’s restaurant Harborwood Urban Kitchen & Bar, with doors that open directly onto Las Olas Boulevard. To wind down, or turn up, visit Room 901 speakeasy for a swanky experience that transports guests to the roaring 1920s. For fun in the sun with your gal pals, plan your South Florida journey at Hyatt Centric Las Olas.

Hyatt.com | @hyattcentriclasolas 100 E. Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

“THE

ambiance OF ROOM 901, JAZZ AND FUNK MELODIES, AND personal service SET THE STAGE FOR A CULINARY

Room 901 Speakeasy Experience

Sunday Worship 11:00am

Summer Worship 10:00am Starting May 26

Faith Found in Mustard Seed

ARTICLE BY MANUELLA HANCOCK PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Do you have any idea how many hoops moms of special needs children have to jump through to access resources? Courtney Finklea Green does, and she founded a non-profit to help other moms of kids with exceptionalities (her preferred term) get what they need. “We have the same worries and expenses as other parents, but we have to give even more,” says Green. Her organization, The Mustard Seed Mom, gives these super moms some extra faith, hope, and help.

Respite, Resources, and Support: Green collaborates with schools for special needs children to identify urgent requests, such as winter coats, food, and gift cards, to relieve some of the burdens on the student’s moms. Through fundraising, donations, and other efforts, she helps bring relief where it is desperately needed.

Advocacy and Education: Green learned hard lessons negotiating a web of confusing systems and regulations, but she did what she had to do to help her son get the services he needed to thrive. She conducts workshops and spreads her knowledge to other moms enabling them to access the same resources.

If you’re interested in donating to Courtney’s good work, visit themustardseedmom.com

Montgomery County native Courtney Finklea Green helps special moms

Circle: Photography by Erica Land

Bottom: Photography by Betsey Darley