KIDS and PETS
Kids and Kritters
August is the month we celebrate the amazing kids and pets in Queen Creek. I would first like to introduce you to our pet, a 12-month-old Giant Schnauzer named Bocephus. He is an amazing companion but a hand full sometimes. None the less, his training has proved to be very effective. Some of you may see us on occasion walking the Queen Creek Wash trail and if you do, please stop and say hello.
In this issue we will introduce you to a delightful young lady, Dakota Horan, who was inspired by her experience with dogs to the extent that she is now the author of multiple children’s books. We also speak with Breanna, a local mom who shares her recipes for some fantastic after school snacks. Rick Dejesus shares the importance of encouraging and inspiring his daughters to pursue their passions. Lisa Horne, a local mom and educator, in addition to being member of the JO Combs Unified School Board, shares some tips on to helping your kids to “unplug” to better their academic experience. We visit with Michelle at On Angels Wings Pet Rescue who talks about the benefits of adopting a pet. And finally, Quinton Webb explains the power of unlocking the mind through hypnosis.
All-in-all, there are some amazing people, kids and pets residing here Queen Creek.
BRAD SCHNEPF, PUBLISHER @QUEENCREEKCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Brad Schnepf | brad.schnepf@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Florence Daniels | florence.daniels@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Nichole Eckman | nichole.eckman@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Kaeden Peterson
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lisa Horne, Jared Orr, Breanna Vega
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ashley Blake, Jenny Kaufman
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Brad Schnepf
After School Snacks
Get
Paws and Prose
Dakota Horan
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Residents being greeted at the What's Poppin' in QC event. 2: Mayor Julia
and others posing with popcorn for the What's
in QC event. 3-4: Residents reviewing informational materials about the town. 5: Residents visiting information booths at the town event. 6: Residents reviewing plans. 7: Three teen interns participating in a summer internship with the Town’s Public Works Street Division.
Wheatley
Poppin'
queencreek@bloominblinds.com | bloominblinds.com
business monthly
Skincare Specialists Ribbon Cutting
Skin Care Specialists celebrated their ribbon cutting in Queen Creek. They are a physician-owned dermatology practice, proudly led by fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon and board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Daniel Skinner. With expert care and a patient-first approach, they bring advanced skin health services to our growing community. www.skincarespecialistsaz.com
Grand Opening of Queen Creek Family Resource Center
The Queen Creek Family Resource Center celebrated their grand opening. The center, supported by First Things First, offers free parent and children learning activities, resources, referrals, and support to parents, families, and caregivers with children ages birth to five. Programming includes little chefs, playful learning, a parent connection cafe, a kid's zone, parent education and resources, and more all located in one convenient spot. www.qcusd.org
Google Fiber Bringing High Speed Internet to Queen Creek
Google Fiber announced the groundbreaking of their construction of a highspeed internet network in Queen Creek. Last December, Queen Creek Town Council approved an ordinance permitting Google Fiber to build a fiber-tohome network. Service is expected to go live early in 2026.
Photography by Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce
LET’S MAKE A MOVE!
Whether you are first-time buyer, ready to search for your DREAM HOME or thinking of selling... CALL ME TODAY!
As your FULL-TIME Realtor®, I specialize in Queen Creek/ San Tan Valley Real Estate! Put my experience, and commitment to work for you!
ASK ME ABOUT:
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FHA vs Conventional Loans?
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Military shaped my life. Having been married to a Marine before, during, and now after his time in service, I know FIRST-HAND the emotions that can be involved with any relocation. So many factors play into relocating and no two moves are alike. Having the honor of working for others during this time, along with my own personal experiences, gives me the unique ability to look for concerns and address them before they cause a problem. I love providing guidance and information that wasn’t always available during my own personal moves. Helping families through wherever life moves them has become a true passion of mine and I would love the opportunity to help you along your journey!
AFTER SCHOOL SNACKS
Get inventive and delicious with these easy to make snacks.
Breanna Vega is an Arizona native, homeschool mother to 2, certified teacher and cottage bakery operator. She is a contributing writer for Queen Creek lifestyle magazine and small business owner, creating opportunities for other Christian
homeschool families to connect. Breanna also makes adaptogen chocolates, a variety of sweet treats and non toxic home goods. You can find her almost always creating or innovating something for the sake of family life or art.
ARTICLE BY BREANNA VEGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY BLAKE
Breanna Vega
If you happen to be born before the year 2000, you remember the nostalgic lunchable stackers featuring cold pizza toppings and endless DIY fun. This take on the millennial favorite is sure to be a crowd
pleaser for the kids. Look no further for a healthy, creative way to keep the kids full and happy; Check out these lunchable style naan pizzas – a low maintenance alternative to an everyday old school favorite!
DIY NAAN LUNCHABLES
Ingredients:
• 1 package mini naans
• 1 jar of your favorite tomato sauce (we love Trader Joe’s Original Marinara)
• 1 package natural shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 small package of pepperoni
• Any extra toppings desired
• Mini knife or spoon for spreading
Directions:
1. Give children a spread of 4-6 mini naans, a ramekin of marinara sauce, a fourth cup cheese, and a stack of pepperoni on a plate or board.
2. Direct the child to assemble their mini pizzas layering sauce, cheese and toppings. No cooking needed – just build and enjoy!
3. To elevate this idea for adults, upgrade pepperoni to prosciutto, shredded mozzarella to fresh and top with basil.
4. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar from the local Olive Mill to complete your tapas lunchables. Everyone deserves to feel like a kid at heart and this is a low maintenance way to add some whimsy and variety to your lunches.
CONTINUED >
DIY Naan Lunchables
HARD BOILED EGG BACON SLIDERS
Change up your usual breakfast to go with these protein packed egg sliders. Go breadless and still feel satiated by using hard boiled eggs as the “bun” on these fun, bite sized breakfast snacks. Hard boiled egg sliders required a little bit of preparation in exchange for a satisfying change of pace in the morning. Feel energized and ready to tackle the day with 22 grams of protein per pair of egg sliders.
Ingredients:
• Dozen cage free eggs
• 1/3 cup organic mayonnaise
• Mustard spice, salt, pepper
• Lemon
• Package of uncured bacon
• Sliced 3 pepper cheese
• Sliced avacado
• Toothpicks
Directions:
1. Hard boil a dozen eggs in an egg cooker or with water for 9-11 minutes.
2. While eggs are cooking, place slices of uncured bacon in a baking dish in the oven for 14-16 minutes on 375°. Flip halfway through. Remove and cool once crispy. Break in half.
3. When eggs are done, chill and peel. Carefully split in half with a knife and remove yolks into a separate bowl. Arrange hard boiled egg whites on a tray or storage container.
4. In the bowl with the egg yolks, combine 1/3 cup organic mayonnaise, a ½ tsp of mustard spice, and salt and pepper for taste. Add a splash of lemon to finish. Set aside.
5. Prep slices of avocado to layer in sliders. Set aside.
6. Cut 1” mini square slices of 3 pepper cheese. Set aside.
7. Lay ingredients beside each other for final assembly.
8. Start to add a tablespoon of egg yolk mixture to half of the egg whites. Layer by adding a slice of avocado, 2 half slices of bacon, and a slice of cheese on top of the bacon. Top it with the empty egg white. Put a toothpick through the slider to hold. Repeat until all eggs are completed with their toppings. Chill and enjoy!
Hard Boiled Egg Bacon Sliders
Paws
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY BLAKE
Dakota Horan writes about the dogs she loves.
and Prose
Dakota’s mom, Julie Horan, started a dog day care business in 2020 as a bit of extra income. Soon they were not only surrounded by dogs and really enjoying the work. Julie says Dakota got very involved, playing with the dogs and helping to care for them. ‘I call her the dog whisperer.’ laughed Julie. The benefits were mutual however, Julie says that caring for the animals taught Dakota responsibility, hard work, compassion, and commitment.
Dakota with her dog, Hampton.
Dakota was also inspired by the different dogs in their care. The closer they were to the dogs the more they grew to learn each personality. ‘Each one has their own character.’ says Julie. They soon came up with the idea to create stories around each dog, showcasing their distinct identities. Dakota was further inspired when Julie shared a book that she had written when she was a kid. Excited to do the same, the second grader was soon writing about their 2 year old sheepadoodle, Hampton, or a 3 year old german shepherd named Zera.
Together, they put together each story, using AI to illustrate them, and then self-published on Amazon. They have managed to sell a few copies after only starting earlier this year. Dakota admitted that at first she thought writing would be really hard, but the stories flowed since she knew the dogs so well. They currently have four books out, the first one The Adventures of D’s Dog House, followed by three more that focus on three dogs: Loki, Prince, and Phoenix.
Dakota says she has more books planned for the future too. However, becoming a full time author is not her ultimate goal. ‘I’d like to be a veterinarian or a doctor.’ she says, but she hasn’t decided between them so far. Yet the experience of writing and publishing has clearly taught Dakota creativity and follow through. Dakota says she hopes her readers have fun when they pick up her books. Julie, meanwhile, says she hopes that the love and joy they get from the dogs shines through the books. www.dsdoghouse.org
Dakota and Julie Horan
Inspiring Passions
Rick Dejesus shares how he inspires his kids.
When you ask your kids what do they want to be when they grow up (depending on the age) they might answer veterinarian, or fire fighter, or you might even hear YouTube star. How about rock star? Rick Dejesus, lead singer of Adelita’s Way, understands how our passions can shape us. From a young age, music inspired him and Rick sees the value in having that deep love for something to propel you forward. Yet how do we get our children on a path to inspiration?
For Rick, music and baseball were both big drivers in his life and even kept him out of trouble. ‘I always dove all in on my passions. I tried so many different sports and activities as a kid and really honed in on a passion for baseball. I trained obsessively to reach my potential, as I became a teenager that exact passion and drive went all into music, I was obsessed.’
While Rick found his purpose, I asked him if his daughters had found a similar intense relationship with any of their pursuits. ‘They are still in the process but the common theme is music, both of my daughters love music. We listen to songs together, we jam out hard on car rides.’ However, the lifestyle of a musician including going on tour and the degree of travel involved, Rick admits, may
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON
have put them off that career path. His wife, Janine, has also left her mark with their girls and inspired their passion for skincare, fashion, and design, and says that he loves seeing their shared interests come through.
While they may not follow his footsteps into the music industry, Rick doesn’t seem bothered by their experimentation, in fact, he appears to encourage it. He admits their interests have ‘fluctuated’ and they have been open to exploring different things. ‘Presley has done soccer, drums, dance, musical theatre, tennis, and so far dance and theatre have stuck.’ As for Nelly, she “plays guitar, pickleball, tennis, volleyball, and guitar and pickleball are sticking so far, but she truly loves animals.” Rick and his wife have several pets and have even taken in some foster pets too. The exposure has created a natural affinity in Nelly. “I think she has a future helping animals in need. She is very kind and thoughtful,” observed Rick.
Nelly on guitar and Presley on vocals.
If his daughters don’t seem to have nailed down exactly what they want to be in the future, Rick advises not to sweat it. He doesn’t pressure his daughters, instead he says he tries to provide guidance and encouragement. Particularly when they hit challenges along the way. ‘I let them know that we all go through ups and downs and it’s how you respond that shows a lot about you. We raise our children to cross the finish line, reflect, and assess. I am proud of how they respond to adversity so far.’ he says. Ultimately, the lesson is that
whatever they choose it will only be through ‘patience, hard work, and tenacity’.
Regardless, it is evident that Rick is just enjoying watching his girls come into their own. “They surprise me everyday, they show me new music, they listen to classics on their own, they are interesting themselves.’”
Presley on the drums.
Rick with his daughters.
Decreased screen time for increased success.
Unplug To Level Up
ARTICLE BY LISA HORNE PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY BLAKE
GOING OLD SCHOOL BY GOING LOW-TECH
Growing up in the 80s, I remember every “high-tech” device we owned— mainly because there were so few. Our giant wood-framed TV had just two dials and a foil-wrapped antenna we adjusted constantly. TV shows ended at night with color bars signaling no further broadcasting until morning. I used a typewriter for school papers, played Oregon Trail on floppy disks, and hand wrote book reports in cursive until my hand cramped. I got my first pager at 15— as cell phones were still not mainstream for teens.
Then there were the offline opportunities where we played with toys like Etch-ASketch, Rubik’s Cube, jump rope, bicycles, roller skates, climbed trees, mud pies, fishing in the local pond, and playing outside until the streetlights came on. Times have changed, and many of these opportunities aren’t as safe or available for today’s youth.
A stark contrast to today’s always-connected world, kids in the 80’s and 90’s were unplugged simply because of lack of availability. Today’s youth face the opposite—screens are everywhere, while many offline experiences have faded. But this shift offers parents a powerful opportunity: to guide kids in choosing intentional screen limits and prioritizing hands-on, outdoor, and face-to-face activities. The payoff? Sharper focus, better sleep, stronger memory, and lasting life skills for both school and beyond.
BRAIN & ACADEMIC BENEFITS OF REDUCED SCREEN TIME
Focus & Executive Function: Improves attention, organization, and impulse control.
Memory & Deep Learning: Offline hands-on tools and fewer digital distractions boost retention.
Sleep & Academic Success: Less screen time before bed improves sleep and test performance.
Lisa (center) with her children Stetson, Isabella, Juliette, Genevieve, and Sterling.
“Going ‘old school’ with a low-tech offline lifestyle empowers kids to thrive.
What may feel as something being ‘taken away’ is a gift...”
Social-Emotional Health: Increases face-to-face interaction, reducing depression and improving life satisfaction and relationships.
10 TIPS TO HELP STUDENTS UNPLUG
1. Use parental controls on phones and devices to set time limits, block certain apps, schedule downtime, and monitor usage.
2. Remove non-essential apps that are distracting or unnecessary.
3. Restrict access to app stores to prevent downloading new games or social media without permission.
4. Limit internet access to shared family devices instead of personal phones or tablets.
5. Consider kid-safe phones or minimalist options like Gabb Wireless or a basic flip phone.
6. Create clear tech rules together as a family—decide when, where, and how devices can be used.
7. Establish screen-free zones and times , such as during meals, before bed, or in bedrooms. Work with schools to support limited screen use in class.
8. Encourage offline hobbies like reading, sports, art, or outdoor play.
9. Model healthy screen habits by limiting your own device use and prioritizing real-life activities.
10. Promote real-life social time with friends, playdates, sports, and in-person hangouts.
TECH IS A TOOL—NOT A TOY.
USE IT WITH INTENTION.
Going “old school” with a low-tech offline lifestyle empowers kids to thrive. What may feel as something being “taken away” is a gift– more focus, creativity, connection, and emotional resilience. Intentional tech use builds the life skills that lead to success both in school and beyond.
ABOUT LISA HORNE
Lisa Horne is a School Board Member and Board Clerk for J.O. Combs Unified School District #44, a registered yoga instructor and certified holistic nutritionist. She holds a B.S. in Business Marketing and is the mother of five. Lisa is a home educator of 13 years, with children currently attending Combs. She has a background in public policy, education, as well as broadcast journalism.
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Second Chances
ARTICLE
ORR
Angel's Wings Pet Rescue gives needy pets a new life.
BY JARED
| PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON
In 2012, a scared, overbred pup named Angel was on the brink of euthanasia in a California shelter, discarded by a breeder and forgotten by the world. But for Michelle McMains, Angel’s story wasn’t going to end there. She and her son drove through the night to save her, and by morning, they had rescued not only Angel but four other desperate dogs. That pivotal moment gave birth to On Angel’s Wings Pet Rescue & Sanctuary, a Queen Creek-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Michelle, her aunt Tina Huntley, and friend Connie Cummings.
What began as an act of compassion has grown into a mission: to provide love, safety, and second chances to animals that society has failed.
“What I’ve loved most,” says Michelle, “is seeing lives transformed, both the pets and the people who adopt them.”
On Angel’s Wings is a foster-based rescue powered entirely by volunteers with a shared passion for saving animals. The team doesn’t just hand over pets; they build lasting matches. Each adoption requires a detailed application, a home visit, and a foster-toadopt period to ensure a good fit. “We’re committed to making sure that pet never faces death again,” Michelle says. If an adoption doesn’t work out, the animal always comes back to the rescue, never to a shelter.
Michelle urges potential adopters to approach rescue with realism and care. “These animals often come with a past. Neglect, abuse, and abandonment are very common. They may need patience and time.
But their gratitude runs deep. They become some of the most loyal companions you’ll ever meet.”
She also cautions that not all rescues operate with integrity. She encourages people to research thoroughly. Look for registered nonprofits, ask questions, and support organizations that prioritize spaying, neutering, and responsible rehoming.
For Michelle and her team, rescue is just the beginning. Real change, she says, requires legislative action like stronger laws regulating breeding, shutting down puppy mills, and funding animal welfare reform.
“Animals don’t have a voice,” Michelle says. “But we do. And it’s time we use it.”
www.onangelswingspets.org
State of Mind
UNLOCK THE POWER OF YOUR TEENAGER'S MIND.
In a quiet, dimly lit room, I observed a teen client snuggled comfortably beneath a blanket listening to Quinton’s voice with eyes closed. The teenager was asked to imagine several scenes from a busy city to a serene forest. After a few exercises, they were asked to imagine a scenario they normally find stressful... taking an exam at school. ‘Can you see the classroom?’ asked Quinton Webb, a certified consulting hypnotist. The teenager nodded. By putting them back in a moment the girl found anxiety inducing, Quinton then redirected her emotions by encouraging confidence and positivity. It sounds simple, and yet what is buried deep in our minds and habits may take accessing our emotions to achieve some measure of change. Quinton says that humans actually develop their behaviors in the first seven years of life. Hypnosis is not parlor tricks or mind control, it is even acknowledged by the Mayo Clinic as a helpful and gentle form of therapy.
Quinton began studying and practicing hypnosis 5 years ago with the National Guild of Hypnotists. His background was in foreign language studies, and initially he was interested in using hypnosis to help students learn new vocabulary. Gradually, Quinton says he began to transition into doing hypnosis for weight loss, smoking cessation, and more. He became increasingly convinced of the many benefits and need for Hypnosis, including in children and teens.
Quinton says that unlike therapy which relies on dialogue between two people, “Hypnosis utilizes relaxation techniques to influence unconscious behaviors to help people make lasting change by instilling within them a deeper sense of self-confidence and a new narrative of who they choose to become.” Often, says Quinton, we know where we need to improve but lack the self belief to change. Hypnosis
ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNY KAUFMAN
Quinton Webb
helps you overcome this obstacle “by accessing the subconscious to view the world from a more positive narrative.” You may wonder how hypnosis does this, or even what it actually is. Quinton defines hypnosis as “a state of deep relaxation achieved when someone is on the verge of falling asleep but still awake. In this state the unconscious part of a person’s mind is highly impressionable and will easily respond to all suggestions or ideas that are given to it.”
Quinton has said the results in his clients have amazed even him. “People who have worked with me have had a variety of success stories, including going from having a fear of driving so bad that they couldn’t go anywhere, to being able to drive not just surface streets but highways with a state of ease. Other stories include going from smoking for 30 years to not smoking for over a year,” he says.
By using this guided visualization, a person can put themselves back in situations and circumstances that would normally cause stress and anxiety, however they then associate new feelings with these same experiences which can allow them to overcome their fears. This gentle redirection can be quite beneficial for teens who struggle with things like test anxiety or stress about the future.
www.zenlifehealing.com
“It sounds simple, and yet what is buried deep in our minds and habits may take accessing our emotions to achieve some measure of change.”
AUGUST 1ST
BR Diamond Spur Barrel Productions
Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre | 4:30 PM
BR Diamond Spur Barrel Productions offer high quality barrel races in a relaxed and fun environment. BRDS welcomes everyone, young and old, beginner or pro to join. BRDS and R Diamond Productions offer high quality barrel races, pole bending jackpots, ropings and more with a focus on fun, affordable entries, big payouts, and always thinking outside of the box.
AUGUST 16TH
Queen Creek Wedding & Event Show
Encanterra Country Club | 9:00 AM
From 9AM-12PM and a $10 admission, Encanterra Country Club is hosting an unforgettable morning designed for engaged couples and wedding planners to explore our stunning venue, meet top vendors, and enjoy exclusive experiences. The event is complimentary for already booked brides and grooms.
AUGUST 18TH
Queen Creek Restaurant Week
Queen Creek | 11:00 AM
The Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 2nd annual Queen Creek Restaurant Week taking place from August 18th to 24th. This event promotes local restaurants and gives residents the chance to discover new places to try in Queen Creek. Support local restaurants and a variety of special menus, prix fixe meals, and discounts at participating restaurants.
AUGUST 21ST
Disney's Descendents: The Musical
Queen Creek Performing Arts Center | 7:00 PM
After living a magic-free life of banishment their whole youth, the children of Disney’s most memorable villains are given a chance of redemption when they are offered the opportunity to attend Auradon Prep with the children of their parent’s sworn enemies. From there, they must decide if they want to take a path of good or evil. Tickets: www.qcpac.com
AUGUST 26TH
Queen Creek Hometown Heroes Awards Luncheon
Queen Creek Recreation & Aquatic Center | 11:30 AM
Hometown Heroes Awards is a celebration of individuals for their local achievements and distinguished contributions for the community of Queen Creek. Come and celebrate the 2024-2025 Queen Creek Hometown Heroes Awards recipients. Hosted by the Queen Creek Independent.
AUGUST 28TH
2025 Business and Education Summit
ASU Polytechnic Campus - Cooley Ballroom | 7:30 AM
This event brings together 150 attendees from local schools (students, teachers, and district leadership), government, and industry leaders to have roundtable discussions on how to prepare students for careers.
