Saddleback, CA April 2026

Investment Issue

LO C A L S E RV I C E S

AUTISM AWAREN ESS M O NTH: INVESTIN G I N OU R YOUTH A P R I L 2 02 6

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Investing Where It Truly Matters As we step into our April Investment Issue, I’ve been reflecting on what investment truly means.

While many of us immediately think of finances or markets, investment goes far beyond dollars and cents. It’s about where we choose to place our time, energy, attention, and resources to build something meaningful—for ourselves, our families, and the communities we call home.

This month, we’re exploring investment through a broader, more human lens. We’re honored to highlight four exceptional local organizations that embody this idea in powerful ways.

Dentistry 4 Kids reminds us that investing early in children’s dental health builds confidence and lifelong wellness. Connection Therapy Clinic, especially meaningful during Autism Awareness Month, provides vital therapeutic support that strengthens families and helps children thrive. Blue Sands Wealth demonstrates the importance of thoughtful financial planning so families can move forward with clarity and confidence. And Russian School of Math reflects the profound value of investing in education—nurturing critical thinking, discipline, and future opportunity for young minds.

Our communities flourish because of people who choose to invest locally.

Supporting neighborhood shops, attending community events, volunteering, and simply showing up for one another all create ripple effects that build lasting connections. Every small action contributes to a stronger, more connected town — one where neighbors feel valued, businesses flourish, and families thrive.

Thank you for continuing to invest in what makes South Orange County so special — its character, its hometown economy, and its shared spirit. Your support helps keep these stories alive and these connections strong.

April 2026 PUBLISHER

Toral Parmar | toral.parmar@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Nick Parmar | nick.parmar@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Paige Candee | paige.candee@citylifestyle.com STAF F P H OTO G R AP H E R

Travis Shields | shieldsfilms.tv CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Heather Holmes Whitsitt, Andres Molina, Jennifer Florendo C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Letitia Berbaum, Nicole Tomuta, Stephanie Fluger, Travis Shields

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

T O R A L PA R M A , P U B L I S H E R @ S A D D L E B A C KC I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

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

Proverbs 3:5-6 Saddleback City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Saddleback area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

Visit our Instagram C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / SA D D L E B AC K

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Saddleback City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue APRI L 2 0 2 6 | I N V EST MEN T

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Featured

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22 28 6

Empowering Neurodivergent Families Investing in understanding

Building Bright Smiles

Investing in every child’s confidence, comfort, and lifelong dental wellness

Real World Investing

Turning today’s success into financial independence

Invest in Thinking

How the Russian School of Math nurtures confident, creative problem-solvers

22 On the Cover

Departments

Stephanie Fluger stands proudly at Connection Therapy Clinic—investing in understanding, connection, and tools that empower neurodivergent children and their families to grow with confidence, advocacy, and belonging.

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Lifestyle Letter

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City Scene

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Business Monthly

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Kids Corner LOCAL SERVICES

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Local’s Choice HEALTH + WELLNESS

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Financial Buzz FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES

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Education Corner EDUCATION

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Events

Photography: Courtesy of Stephanie Fluger

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APRIL 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

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OPAH RESTAURANT MOULTON MUSEUM

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1: Moulton Museum unveiled an outdoor mural titled “Between Showers” by artist Anna Hills. 2: Opah Restaurant marked one year with a ribbon cutting alongside owner Joe Gatto and Katrina Foley. 3: The Laguna Hills Chamber celebrated leadership at its 5th Annual Gala, Legacy in Progress. 4: Outstanding businesses and community leaders were honored. 5: An evening of celebration recognized impact, innovation, and the spirit of local leadership. 6: Community leaders gathered for an elegant evening honoring service and business excellence.

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C I T Y SC E N E

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RSM

7: Russian School of Mathematics Southern California branches proudly hosted the 2026 International Math Contest. 8: RSM nurtures analytical thinking and a deep understanding of mathematics. 9: Champions beamed with pride after an inspiring day of mathematical achievement and celebration.

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APRIL 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Renewing the Pieces That Matter Before discarding older furniture during spring cleaning, consider the potential of renewal. Reupholstery can extend the life of a favorite chair or sofa while refreshing its look with updated fabric and detailing. Calico offers professional upholstery services, from cushion restoration and spring repair to modernizing vintage pieces. Complimentary design consultations are available in-store or at home. Calico is located at 23966 Aliso Creek Road in Laguna Niguel. Learn more at calicocorners.com.

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Warby Parker Adds Laguna Niguel Storefront Eyewear retailer Warby Parker has opened a new location at the Aliso Village shopping center in Laguna Niguel, marking the company’s 35th store. The shop offers optical and sunglass frames, children’s styles for ages 4 to 8, third-party contact lenses and accessories, along with in-store eye exams. Customers can apply vision insurance, as well as Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts, toward frames, lenses and exams at the register. The store is located at 23882 Aliso Creek Road.

K’ya Laguna Returns K’ya Laguna, a longtime fixture in Laguna Beach, has reopened on the ground level of La Casa Del Camino hotel after an extended closure. The reimagined restaurant features a refreshed interior and a renewed culinary focus built around Spanish-style shareable plates, cocktails and live music. Serving dinner Tuesday through Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., K’ya Laguna is again drawing locals and visitors to its South Coast Highway location.

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EMPOWERING NEURODIVERGENT FAMILIES INVESTING IN UNDERSTANDING THAT NURTURES CONFIDENCE AND GROWTH

ARTICLE BY HEATHER WHITSITT PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE FLUGER AND TRAVIS SHIELDS

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K I D S COR N E R | LO CAL SE RVICE S

While true understanding of neurodivergent families remains rare, Stephanie Fluger envisioned an elevated care experience unlike any other.

“The hardest part of autism wasn’t the diagnosis—it was realizing how few places actually knew how to support my child.”

That realization marked a decisive turning point that would reshape her family’s path, influencing how care and resources for neurodivergent children could look, feel, and reach countless children and their families.

This April, in recognition of Autism Acceptance & Awareness Month, Stephanie reflects on her own growth and on the kind of care families deserve—care that is thoughtful and built on genuine connection.

Following her son’s autism diagnosis, Stephanie did what many parents instinctively do: she began a tireless journey for help.

“We went to so many clinics and programs, and honestly, it just didn’t serve him or us,” she recalls.

“Either we felt like a number, or I walked away feeling like the environment just wasn’t right.” Rather than reassurance, the process often left her feeling unseen and overwhelmed.

Initially, Stephanie attempted to effect change from within, offering marketing support to the clinic her son attended. However, gaining an inside view only validated what she had long sensed as a parent.

“It became very clear that families needed something different, something more human,” she says.

That keen insight became the foundation for Connection Therapy Clinic (connectiontherapyclinic.com) in Laguna Niguel, a space she co-founded to embody the level of care she herself had once sought.

At Connection Therapy Clinic, the philosophy is intentionally reimagined.

Here, the mission is not to “fix” children, but rather to empower them. “We’re not trying to cure kids of anything,” Stephanie explains. “We’re trying to give them tools and a voice, whatever that voice looks like, so they can feel confident advocating for themselves.”

This innovative clinic offers speech and occupational therapy for children across a wide spectrum of support needs, delivered through a child-led, playbased approach.

Each room is thoughtfully designed with sensory-informed, age-appropriate detail, balancing function with an inviting sense of purpose.

Central to the clinic’s guiding principles is deep investment in parents and caregivers.

“Parents are carrying a lot,” Stephanie says. “They’re navigating emotions, expectations, and systems that don’t always make room for their kids. We wanted a space where parents feel seen, supported, and never judged.”

Connection Therapy Clinic creates meaningful opportunities for caregivers to ask questions, gain clarity, and process their experiences alongside their child’s growth, without added pressure or stigma.

With one in every 23 children identified as autistic and one in five considered neurodivergent, Stephanie believes that lasting change must reach far beyond the clinic itself.

She regularly collaborates with local schools, offering screenings and guidance for teachers, students, and parents alike.

“It’s about helping people understand how to be supportive in real-life situations,” she explains.

“How to navigate classrooms, public spaces, and the community so kids feel accepted, not singled out.”

More recently, Stephanie has expanded her advocacy into the digital space, sharing candid travel experiences with her autistic child on Instagram (@TravelwAutism).

CONTINUED >

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Her message is both reassuring and aspirational: families do not have to limit their life experiences out of a sense of fear.

“They can travel. They can go places,” she says. “They don’t have to feel trapped by their child’s behaviors or worried about what other people think.”

In addition, Stephanie is in the process of beta-testing StephAI, an AI-driven NeuroGuide designed to offer parents a judgment-free space to ask questions, receiving credible, expert-informed guidance in return.

Looking ahead, Stephanie envisions expanding Connection Therapy Clinic into additional locations across Orange County, in hopes of meeting a growing demand for services while preserving the clinic’s personalized approach.

Stephanie remains committed to collaboration with organizations throughout the community, continuing partnerships with organizations such as The Mommy Center OC and the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center at CHOC. In the spirit of Autism Acceptance & Awareness Month, which encourages both reflection and progress, Stephanie hopes families take with them one enduring message: “You are allowed to take up space.”

In Stephanie’s vision for the future, the world doesn’t just make room for inclusivity—it fully embraces it.

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K I D S COR N E R | LO CAL SE RVICE S

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ARTICLE BY HEATHER WHITSITT

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE TOMUTA

Investing in ever y child’s conf idence, comfort, and lifelong dental wellness

BUILDING BRIGHT SMILES THAT LAST

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Investing in your child’s health is one of the most meaningful gifts a parent can give. By laying the foundation for a radiant smile, you are giving them the assurance of confidence and habits that will encourage a lifetime of dental well-being.

In Mission Viejo, a close-knit community known for a strong sense of family, Dr. Ruben Sandu and his team at Dentistry 4 Kids (dentistry4kids.com/locations/mission-viejo) greet each patient with genuine warmth and conscientious care from the moment they walk through the door.

A board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Sandu brings a calming presence, extensive experience, and heartfelt commitment to every patient and their family. It is these exceptional qualities that have quietly earned him the distinction of being a preferred provider for families throughout the community.

Dr. Ruben’s decision to open his own practice was driven by a desire to raise the standard of dental care for children. “I wanted to provide the highest level of care possible and realized that the only way I could do that is if I owned my own office,” he explains.

LOCA L’S CH OICE | HEALT H + WE LLN E SS

As his practice flourished, so did his vision for shaping a lasting, positive impact on his patients’ lives.

“My passion centers around creating an experience for our patients that protects their dignity and cultivates a positive experience that carries into adolescence and adulthood, so they never have to experience ‘dental anxiety,’” he says.

Outside of the office, Dr. Ruben is a devoted husband and father of two. He cherishes time spent with his wife and children, particularly partaking in outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the beauty of nature.

With more than 15 years in dentistry, including a decade devoted exclusively to pediatric patients, Dr. Ruben brings a wide range of experience to his practice. He earned his

DDS from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, completed a General Practice Residency at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno (affiliated with UCSF), and went on to pursue advanced training in special needs dentistry through a fellowship at Helen Hayes Hospital, affiliated with Columbia University. Later, he completed his pediatric dentistry residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City and is Board Certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Ruben’s work is guided by strong personal values shaped by his faith, influencing how he cares for patients, families, and his team. As a business owner, one of the most important skills he’s developed is learning to truly listen, which is especially important CONTINUED >

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when caring for very young children who may not yet have the words to adequately express themselves. This attentiveness allows him to foster a sense of ease and trust that parents appreciate as much as his patients.

For Dr. Ruben, the greatest reward comes from building lasting relationships with the

"MY PASSION CENTERS AROUND CREATING AN EXPERIENCE FOR OUR PATIENTS THAT PROTECTS THEIR DIGNITY AND CULTIVATES A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE THAT CARRIES INTO ADOLESCENCE AND ADULTHOOD, SO THEY NEVER HAVE TO EXPERIENCE ‘DENTAL ANXIETY.'"

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LOCA L’S CH OICE | HEALT H + WE LLN E SS

children and families he serves. “Seeing our patients regularly develops a deeper and long-lasting connection with parents and community, while growing as a team at work that is learning how to thrive together,” he says.

Dr. Ruben’s dedication to building meaningful relationships extends far beyond the office, reflecting his genuine desire to be an approachable and trusted presence in the community. “My hope is for the community to know that we are there for them if—and when— they need us. I like to know that parents know me and can reach me anytime. I love it when I run into parents and their children at Trader Joe's or other local stores and we recognize each other. It's fun and exciting to meet others and make friendships with parents and lasting positive impressions for our patients,” he says. “We aim to take care of your children as if they are our own.”

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R E A L W OR L D

IN V E S T ING TURNING TODAY’S SUCCESS INTO FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE

ARTICLE BY HEATHER WHITSITT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LETITIA BERBAUM

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F IN A N CIA L BU Z Z | FI NANCE + LE GAL SE RVICE S

In South Orange County, high incomes are common. But so are expensive lifestyles, rising taxes, and the feeling that money disappears as fast as it comes in. Letitia “Tish” Berbaum, AIF®, CEPA®, Founder and Wealth Advisor at Blue Sands Wealth, regularly meets professionals thriving by every external measure. But behind the scenes, many are asking the same question: Why aren’t we further ahead?

“They’re working harder than ever,” says Tish, “but not seeing the financial freedom they expected; where work is optional, not required.” That disconnect is exactly what Blue Sands Wealth was built to solve.

CONTINUED >

“They’re working harder than ever but not seeing the financial freedom they expected...That disconnect is exactly what we help clients solve through coordinated, long-term planning.”

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WEALTH WITHOUT CLARITY ISN’T WORKING

Tish believes that one of the biggest challenges successful clients face today is a lack of coordinated advice. “Most clients come to us with a CPA, a bookkeeper, and maybe even a financial advisor,” she says.

“But no one is putting it all together to answer the real question: Am I on track for the future I want?”

At Blue Sands, clarity is essential to the process. Plans are designed to help clients keep more of what they earn, reduce financial clutter, and make steady progress. Time is dedicated to ensuring they understand every part of their plan. That clarity builds confidence.

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F IN A N CIA L BU Z Z | FI NANCE + LE GAL SE RVICE S

SPECIALIZING IN BUSINESS OWNERS AND MAJOR TRANSITIONS

A Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®), Tish brings deep experience in helping entrepreneurs prepare for and navigate business exits. “The business is often a client’s core asset. But too many people don’t plan well in advance, which can limit their exit options later.” She works closely with clients before they are ready to sell, focusing on tax strategy, timing, and how to convert business profit into personal wealth.

She and her team also work with those in transition: families with increasingly complex needs and high-income professionals who want to take control of their money.

“It’s not just about investments,” Tish explains. “That’s just the beginning. With successful people, we work with their tax advisors and estate planning attorneys to find long-term strategies to help reduce taxes. That can open the door to more strategic progress without relying solely on cutting expenses. The key is frequent and consistent planning. Evaluating options at tax time is simply not enough.”

PLANNING THAT’S CALM, NOT OVERWHELMING

A first meeting with Blue Sands Wealth is designed to feel different. There are no product pitches, no pressure, and no

“Real wealth isn’t just about having more—it’s about knowing what you’ve built, where it’s taking you, and having the confidence that your financial life is working together the way it should.”

jargon. The goal is to understand each client’s full story: where they are, what keeps them up at night, and what goals they want to achieve.

From there, the firm delivers clear and focused options. “We don’t believe in more meetings and a long list of recommendations that create overwhelm. We believe in sustainable forward progress and clarity.”

This combination of technical depth and real-world understanding is what sets Blue Sands apart. Clients don’t walk away with a generic plan or a pre-set portfolio.

Instead, they receive tailored guidance across all areas of their financial lives, from investments and tax strategies to big-picture planning. Because the team understands how busy life can be, they remain actively involved, helping ensure plans are put into action.

LOCAL ROOTS, NATIONAL REACH

Tish lives in Laguna Hills with her family and chose Irvine for the firm’s headquarters to make it easily accessible across the

Saddleback region. “Being rooted where we serve is important to me,” she says.

The firm also opened a second location in Ketchum, Idaho and now works with clients nationwide.

THE BIGGER MESSAGE: CONFIDENCE STARTS WITH CLARITY

Tish sees her role as helping clients build a system they can rely on, so they can stop second-guessing and start making informed decisions.

“Real wealth isn’t just about having more,” she says. “It’s about knowing what you’ve built, where it’s taking you, and having confidence it’s working the way it should.”

Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory” or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Blue Sands Wealth and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended as tax advice. Please consult your tax professional regarding your specific situation.

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ARTICLE BY HEATHER WHITSITT PHOTOGRAPHY BY RSM

How the Russian School of Math nurtures confident, creative problem-solvers through thoughtful instruction, building skills that extend far beyond the classroom

Invest in Thinking In the world of meaningful investments, few offer a return as profound as education.

Mathematical literacy stands apart, shaping disciplined thinking and lasting confidence. For Ms. Olga Voronel, regional director for Southern California at the Russian School of Math (RSM), mathematics is more than a subject to be mastered; it is an asset to be nurtured and strengthened over a lifetime.

Long before it became her profession, mathematics held an enduring presence in Ms. Olga’s learning journey. “From an early age, mathematics felt natural to me,” she recalls.

“I was drawn not only to the answers, but to the elegance behind them—the logic, the patterns, and the satisfaction of finding solutions that were both clever and precise.”

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EDU CAT ION COR N E R | ED U CAT ION

Today, she brings that wealth of experience to RSM-South Orange County, where leadership and learning meet. “My role allows me to combine my background in mathematics education with operational leadership to strengthen instructional excellence across our Southern California branches and expand RSM’s presence in the local community.”

Despite her many responsibilities, Ms. Olga’s greatest joy remains in working directly with students and witnessing the spark of learning come alive. RSM moves beyond immediate results, investing in intellectual development that is allowed to flourish over time. “Rather than isolating individual topics, the program emphasizes connections between concepts and encourages students to explore ideas in multiple contexts.”

CONTINUED >

That early passion was nurtured by educators who encouraged her to pursue competitive problem-solving. “What truly deepened my interest was the encouragement of my physics teachers, who recognized my curiosity and urged me to pursue math and physics competitions. That encouragement changed everything.”

Those enriching experiences instilled a mindset that continues to guide her leadership today. “I was captivated by the challenge of approaching problems from unexpected angles and discovering solutions that went beyond standard methods. That excitement—the thrill of creative problem-solving—has stayed with me ever since.” SM instills this same drive in its students, empowering them to see opportunities where others see obstacles.

Ms. Olga’s career reflects the remarkable versatility of mathematical thinking. “My professional journey took me from university research laboratories to roles in the biomedical field and later into software development, eventually leading to senior management positions.” Across these varied industries, one advantage remained unmistakable: Ms. Olga’s ability to analyze problems deeply and solve them thoughtfully.

AP R I L 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SA D D L E BAC K

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“AT RSM, WE FIRMLY BELIEVE THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A ‘MATH PERSON.’ EVERY CHILD IS CAPABLE OF LEARNING AND ENJOYING MATHEMATICS WHEN TAUGHT THOUGHTFULLY— DEVELOPING CONFIDENCE, CURIOSITY, AND THE FLEXIBLE THINKING SKILLS THAT EXTEND FAR BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.”

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EDU CAT ION COR N E R | ED U CAT ION

The impact of this approach extends well beyond academic measures. “Students are empowered to think flexibly, view problems from different perspectives, and develop more than one path to a solution.”

For Ms. Olga, the results were evident, visible in the lives of those closest to her. “As a parent of two RSM alumni who are now thriving adults, I saw firsthand how this approach builds confidence and opens doors, allowing students the freedom to pursue a wide range of academic and professional paths.”

It is a philosophy that begins with a simple, yet powerful premise. “At RSM, we firmly believe that there is no such thing as a ‘math person.’ Every child is capable of learning mathematics and enjoying it, when taught thoughtfully.”

RSM emphasizes depth of thought over repetition.

“By focusing on concepts rather than memorized tricks, students learn to reason, adapt, and apply their knowledge to new and unfamiliar problems.”

As a result, the classroom becomes a training ground for future leaders.

Through RSM’s teacher-led classroom experience, students learn to articulate their thinking, listen to others, and engage in healthy academic competition.

The result is not only strong mathematical ability, but also confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the classroom.”

Their work is built on the view that a child’s success is a shared investment made by teachers, parents, and educators. “We believe that raising a confident, successful child takes a community of teachers, parents, and educators working together,” says Ms.

Olga. “The ‘aha’ moment may come quickly for some students and later for others, but when it does, when their eyes light up, and a smile spreads across their face, it is a powerful moment of achievement.”

Ms. Olga’s philosophy reaches past the boundaries of formal education. “Parents often ask me how to motivate their children to enjoy math. My answer is simple: Show them that math is part of everyday life.”

By weaving math into everyday routines, families help children recognize it as a meaningful tool that shapes decisions and grows in value over time.

Families interested in exploring how RSM fosters this approach in South Orange County can learn more at mathschool.com/locations/south-orange-county.

While today’s culture prizes speed and shortcuts, RSM honors depth, the beauty of deliberate thought, and lifelong curiosity.

AP R I L 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/SA D D L E BAC K

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