Issuu

Tempe Personal Injury & Business Litigation Attorneys

You Can Trust

A family-owned law firm, here for you when it matters most.

Arbitrations, Mediations, & ADR Business & Commercial Litigation Personal Injur y & Wrongful Death

For more than two decades, The Sorenson Law Firm has proudly called Tempe home. We’re more than just attorneys we’re parents, neighbors, and active members of this community. Whether you’re navigating an injur y claim or a business matter, our family-owned firm is here to guide you with care, clarity, and experience.

Finding Joy in the Little Things

Some of life's greatest lessons don't come from experts. They come from children and dogs. They remind us to celebrate the little things. A loose tooth finally falling out. A new friend on the playground. Chasing bubbles across the yard. Splashing in a pool on a hot afternoon. Sitting beside someone who simply needs a companion. These moments may seem ordinary, but they're often the ones we remember most.

As adults, we have a tendency to rush through life. We focus on the next meeting, the next deadline, or the next item on our to-do list. Somewhere along the way, we forget to notice the everyday moments unfolding right in front of us.

This month's issue is a gentle reminder to slow down.

In our feature with Dr. Wright, we discover that children have an incredible way of turning ordinary experiences into extraordinary adventures. Through imagination, courage, and unwavering curiosity, they remind us that wonder isn't something we lose. It's something we choose to see.

At Camp Bow Wow, we imagine the world through the eyes of our four-legged companions. If dogs could tell us about their day, they probably wouldn't mention the schedule or the routine. They'd tell us about making a new friend, chasing one more tennis ball, or soaking up every ounce of joy they could find. There's something beautifully simple about living so fully in the present.

Beyond our homes and families, those same small moments shape our communities. Chick-fil-A Tempe reminds us that community isn't built through grand gestures. It's built one small act of kindness at a time. A celebration for a student's accomplishment. A leadership opportunity for young people. A family gathering around the table. Those intentional moments have a way of creating lasting connections.

Finding joy doesn't always require a vacation, a promotion, or a major life milestone. Sometimes it's found in a child's perspective, a dog's wagging tail, or a neighbor showing up for someone else.

So this month, I hope you'll take a cue from the youngest among us, and maybe even our four-legged friends. Slow down. Celebrate the little victories. Stay curious. Choose kindness. And don't forget to find a little wonder in the everyday.

August 2026 Visit our Instagram

PUBLISHER

Wendy Bates | wendy.bates@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Jett Arredondo | jett.arredondo@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Skye Minor | skye.minor@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Stephanie Slezak

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Rebecca L. Rhoades, Jett Arredondo, Wendy Bates, Kali Kasprzyk, Kristen Hafner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jett Arredondo, Annaliza Izydorczyk, Lindsay Borg, Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

JETT ARREDONDO, EDITOR @TEMPECITYLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE

MDVIP Wellness Program

Expert comprehensive screenings, tests and a custom wellness plan designed for you.

Better Health Outcomes

Members have better control of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension.Dr. Heavens has extensive training in hormone replacement therapy for women and men, he is also a certified menopause provider by the Menopause Society of North America.

Available After Hours

The doctor is available by phone, after-hours and on weekends.

Better

Relationship 97% of MDVIP members are satisfied with their relationship (vs 58% in traditional PCP)

With City Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online.

double your local reach? Contact your local publisher by scanning below.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-3: Mike and Julie Smith, owners of Goldstar Plumbing recently celebrated their six-year anniversary in Tempe. To mark the milestone, owners Mike and Julie Smith hosted an employee celebration bringing together over 125 team members from all three locations. 4-6: The Arizona Diamondbacks, Reformed Pilates, and Make-A-Wish Arizona teamed up for the second annual “Pilates in the Ballpark” at Chase Field, in support to grant wishes this summer for children with critical illnesses. 7: Wendy Bates, Michelle Hunt, Jessica Bastian, and Bernard Johnsen at the Tempe Diablos Ignite the Night.

DRIVEN MEDIA LAB - CHRIS DAVERN

Let’s stay connected

Stay up-to-date on all of our family fun and activities each month. We can’t wait to see you at our next event!

@cfatempe

Buffables Café Opens with a Focus on True Healthy Dining

Owners Craig and Grant Logan are redefining and elevating the community's idea of healthy dining. Ingredients for the brand's food and beverages are intentionally sourced from exceptional origins. Guests can expect small-batch coffee roasted in Oregon, matcha sourced directly from a farm outside Tokyo, pure unsweetened açaí from Brazil, fresh-pressed organic juices, and handcrafted toasts made with sourdough from Proof Bread, among many other thoughtfully selected offerings.

Through one-on-one tutoring, along with plenty of high fives and fist bumps, the program has impacted the lives of more than 5,700 students across the city, thanks to the support of more than 450 volunteers. Helping students reach grade-level reading benchmarks is a critical milestone. Tempe launched Experience Corps in 2006 with just three schools and 25 volunteers. Today, the program serves 16 schools, with 130 volunteers tutoring about 400 students. For more information, visit www.tempe.gov

Dr. Stephanie Ellman joins the Young Orthodontics Family

A San Francisco native, she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of California, San Francisco, before completing her orthodontic training at A.T. Still University. Dr. Ellman approaches each patient with genuine compassion and thoughtful attention, providing high-quality, evidence-based, patient-centered care with a focus on creating smiles that are both beautiful and functional. She is deeply passionate about serving her community and caring for individuals from all walks of life.

WHAT CHILDREN CAN TEACH US ABOUT CURIOSITY, RESILIENCE, AND DISCOVERING WONDER IN EVERYDAY MOMENTS

THROUGH A CHILD’S EYES

After years of caring for children, Dr. Wright has come to believe that some of life's greatest teachers aren't found in classrooms or textbooks. They're found in the honest, unfiltered way children experience the world. Every day, he watches young patients remind him that joy isn't something we outgrow. It's something we slowly stop noticing.

"Children have taught me that joy often comes from being fully present," he says. "Adults become busy, distracted, or focused on what's next. Children step into each moment with innocence, expectation, and wonder."

That perspective is especially evident inside a pediatric dental office.

Where adults see equipment and bright exam lights, children see possibility.

"Children use imagination to understand the world," Dr. Wright says. "A dental chair becomes a spaceship. A curing light transforms into a magic wand. A spinning toothbrush becomes a tickle brush, and I've even had one child leave after getting crowns and proudly announce, 'Now I have robot teeth!'"

"Our job isn't to take that away. It's to guide it in a positive direction, help children feel safe, and whenever we can, add a little magic."

Imagination, he says, often goes hand in hand with courage.

“SOMETIMES JOY IS FOUND IN NOTICING THE SMALL BRAVE THING WE DID TODAY.”

Many children arrive feeling uncertain, unsure of what to expect. Yet time and again, he watches them discover strength they didn’t know they had. In those quiet moments, fear gives way to curiosity, hesitation becomes confidence, and small victories remind us that courage often grows one step at a time.

"When a child hears, 'I know you can do this,' something changes," he says. "They begin to believe it too."

One memory has stayed with him for years.

A young girl came into the office with a loose tooth she was too nervous to wiggle out. After a little encouragement and a hand mirror, she finally found the confidence to do it herself. Minutes later, she overheard another child facing the very same challenge. Without hesitation, she handed over the mirror, shared what had worked for her, and encouraged the other child to try. Before long, both children were proudly holding their newly lost teeth while their parents looked on with smiles.

"It was such a small moment," Dr. Wright recalls, "but it captured everything children

bring into the world. One child discovered she could do something hard and immediately wanted to help someone else do the same."

Adults often wait for life's biggest milestones before celebrating themselves. Children don't. They celebrate trying something new, taking one brave step, or accomplishing something they didn't think they could do.

"We don't have to wait for life's biggest moments to recognize growth," he says. "Sometimes joy is found in noticing the small brave thing we did today."

“IT WAS SUCH A SMALL MOMENT,”

WRIGHT

Perhaps that's the greatest lesson of all.

Children remind us that wonder still exists in ordinary moments, that kindness is contagious, and that courage grows one small victory at a time. Through their curiosity, resilience, and unwavering belief that good things are possible, they invite us to slow down, celebrate life's smallest victories, and rediscover that every day holds the possibility of something extraordinary.

WHAT We Did TODAY

A day at Camp Bow Wow, told by the dogs

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JETT ARREDONDO

Humans, gather around. We need to tell you something. You think you're dropping us off for daycare. That's adorable. What you're actually doing is sending us to the greatest place on Earth.

The moment someone says the magic word, "Camp," everything changes. We sprint to the door, do at least seventeen excited circles, supervise the car ride from the back seat, and spend the entire drive wondering who's already there.

Will our best friend be waiting?

Is today Water Park Day?

Are there bubbles?

Treats?

This is going to be the best day ever.

The second those doors open, our tails immediately shift into turbo mode. First, we check in with our favorite Camp Counselors for a few well-deserved belly rubs. Then it's time to catch up on the neighborhood news by reading the morning sniff-mail before finding our friends.

Some of us are professional wrestlers. Others are expert cuddlers, champion ball chasers, or Olympic-level zoomie specialists. A few of us simply prefer sunbathing while watching everyone else make questionable life choices.

The best part? Nobody cares.

Big dogs become best friends with little dogs. Shy pups slowly find their footing beside the bold ones. The same friends greet each other morning after morning, as if no time has passed at all. Around here, every tail has a story, and every dog has a place.

Maybe that’s why we love it so much. It’s not just the games or the toys. It’s the freedom to be ourselves, surrounded by friends who ask for nothing more than another round of play.

While we're busy making memories, there's something else happening that you might not notice.

The humans take care of us every step of the way. They make sure we stay hydrated, encourage us to rest after we’ve played a little too hard, keep our play yards clean, and somehow remember every one of our quirky personalities. They know who lives for tennis balls, who prefers cuddles, who needs a little confidence boost, and who believes every bubble must be caught before it disappears.

Even better, they're trained to understand us before we can tell them what we need. They watch over our friendships, celebrate our victories, and keep us safe so our humans can relax knowing we're in caring hands.

“So, if you’re wondering what Camp Bow Wow means to us, it’s pretty simple. It’s where we get to be dogs.”

By the time you come to pick us up, we’ve packed an entire week’s worth of adventures into one day. We’ve made new friends, played until our legs could barely keep up, learned something new, earned a few extra cuddles, and probably splashed in a pool or two. Then we’ll climb into the car, let out one long, satisfied sigh, and sleep for approximately twelve straight hours.

So, if you’re wondering what Camp Bow Wow means to us, it’s pretty simple. It’s where we get to be dogs. A place to run, play, learn, rest, make friends, and feel completely loved. Humans, thanks for giving us a home away from home. We can’t wait to come back.

Dr. Mona Zade and Dr. Annette Hobi

Everyday Wins

How small acts of care create meaningful community connections

Community isn't built through grand gestures. More often, it's created through small, intentional moments that bring people together.

At Chick-fil-A Tempe, those moments begin inside the restaurant, where a simple meal can become an opportunity to connect. Throughout the year, families, friends, and neighbors gather for events designed to create lasting memories, from holiday celebrations to craft nights that encourage quality time together.

That same spirit extends beyond the dining room.

For Chick-fil-A Tempe, community starts with the people on its own team. Abby, a team member at the University at Dorsey restaurant, organized a 5K fundraiser for her high school benefiting Feed My Starving Children, and the restaurant proudly provided meals for participants. It’s one example of a culture that gives.

The restaurant also partners with local schools, athletic programs, and youth organizations to celebrate achievements both large and small. Whether recognizing a student for reaching a new reading milestone with a milkshake or helping kick off a high school sports season, these moments of encouragement remind young people that their efforts matter.

One of the most meaningful partnerships is with Our Lady of Mount Carmel's Chick-fil-A Leaders Academy. Guided by educators Brenda Beers and Leslie Gjerstad, students spend the school year developing servant leadership skills before planning and hosting a carnival for HopeKids, a nonprofit supporting children facing cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Watching students grow into confident leaders while creating joyful experiences for others is one of the program's greatest rewards.

Throughout the year, Chick-fil-A Tempe proudly participates in community traditions like the Fantasy of Lights Parade and Paint the A while supporting local initiatives. The team believes the best way to care for the community is showing up.

Serving great food is only part of the story. Building relationships, celebrating others, and creating opportunities for connection are the little things that leave the biggest impact.

The Smile Experts

We make orthodontic care

you — whether you’re a

or a parent exploring options for your child.

How two beloved Bichons became the heart behind one Tempe artist’s most memorable paintings

THE INSPIRATION & THE MUSE

ARTICLE BY WENDY BATES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FOUR-LEGGED MUSES.

We have two Bichons: Bertie, who is 11, and Eliza, who is 4. They're constant companions and bring so much joy and personality into our everyday lives.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED PAINTING, AND WHEN DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED WITH THE TEMPE ARTISTS GUILD?

I began painting about 10 years ago as a hobby while taking classes with Leona Moriarty in Burlingame, California. After moving to Arizona in 2017, I joined the Tempe Artists Guild the following year. I've been an active member since 2020 and now serve on the executive committee. Painting has become much more intentional, and I enjoy exhibiting my work throughout the Valley.

WHEN DID YOUR DOGS BECOME YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECTS?

The first painting I ever had accepted into a juried show was a portrait of Bertie. It earned a ribbon and made me realize he was a wonderful subject. Painting Bertie and Eliza is also a fun challenge because they're both white, so I rely on color, light, and value to bring them to life.

HOW DO YOU CAPTURE EACH DOG'S UNIQUE PERSONALITY?

Bertie is gentle, affectionate, and happiest when treats are involved. Eliza is more energetic but also loves her quiet time. She's endlessly fascinated by hummingbirds and has the funniest side-eye expression, which inspired one of my favorite paintings. They both adore my husband, and I'd love to paint the three of them together someday.

WHAT'S YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?

They're always nearby while I paint, so inspiration is never far away. I take lots of photos as they go about their day, then turn my favorite moments into paintings, especially when they fit an upcoming exhibition.

WHERE DO YOU ENJOY EXPLORING TOGETHER?

We love visiting Postino in South Tempe, Changing Hands Bookstore, Kiwanis Park, the Riparian Preserve, and Lost Dutchman State Park. They're also seasoned road-trippers who have traveled throughout Arizona, New Mexico, California, and even Mexico.

ATT ORNEY BERNARD JOHNSEN SHARES TIPS FOR ORGANIZING ASSETS AND PROTECTING LOVED ONES DURING NATIONAL MAK E-A-WILL MONTH

ARTICLE BY REBECCA L. RHOADES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSAY BORG

A LIFE

WORTH PLANNING

The phrase “death is hardest on the living” refers to the emotional grief a person feels after losing a loved one. But in many cases, it can also represent the financial and legal complications that arise when a family member passes on without a will.

Bernard Johnsen

“And, you should discuss your estate plan with your family. A huge reason why most families have disharmony is that they simply don’t talk about it.”

— BERNARD JOHNSEN

According to the Pew Research Center, only 32% of U.S. adults have created a will that describes what to do with their assets and belongings after they die. And only 31% have made a living will or advance healthcare directive.

To understand why doing so is important, we sat down with Bernard Johnsen, founder and managing attorney of Praesidium Law, a Chandler-based legal firm that specializes in probate and trust litigation, estate and trust administration, and estate planning, to share the basics of what you need to know to get started.

WHEN SHOULD I START THINKING ABOUT ESTATE PLANNING?

People will often ask me, “What age do I need to be or how much money should I have before I should make an estate plan?” I tell them that if you’re breathing, you should have an estate plan because proper planning actually serves you while alive—not just after your death. At a minimum, you should start with some basic powers of attorneys. You’ll need these documents in the event you don’t have the capacity to make decisions for yourself regarding your assets and your health care. Powers of attorneys are fairly inexpensive and can save you thousands in attorneys fees and costs by avoiding the need for a guardianship and conservatorship.

WHY DO I NEED A WILL OR TRUST?

Most people want to avoid probate as it is a costly process with very rigid rules, and nearly everything filed with the court is part of the public record. You can avoid probate with a Last Will and beneficiary designations on your assets. However, creating a trust is the most common way to avoid probate, which comes with many other benefits such as promoting family harmony (no questions as to your wishes); privacy; protecting your children from creditors

and predators; preserving inheritance from wasteful spending; and protecting your children in the event they have drug, alcohol, or gambling addictions. But, most importantly, if you do nothing, the state of Arizona decides who receives your assets. Sometimes it’s right, but sometimes it’s wrong. It’s hard enough to lose someone, but you don’t want your loved ones to be stuck cleaning up a mess at the same time.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN THINGS PEOPLE NEED TO KEEP

IN MIND WHEN IT COMES TO ESTATE PLANNING?

Estate planning is more about being prepared for unforeseen circumstances than simply dividing assets at your death. It is kind of like insurance, where you are planning for unfortunate events that you hope never happen. The plan should work for tomorrow— not just in 20 years. Also, they should make sure they put responsible people in charge of managing their assets while they are alive and after their death. Most of the litigation calls we get are because the person who’s put in charge simply isn’t doing the work. You need someone who is very task-oriented and desires to get things done quickly. And, you should discuss your estate plan with your family. A huge reason why most families have disharmony is that they simply don’t talk about it. Death can be an uncomfortable topic, but you need to communicate with your kids and family members about who you’re choosing to manage your finances and make your healthcare decisions. This way, questions can be answered while you’re alive instead of questions and assumptions being made after your death. This open communication will defuse potential fights in the future.

Praesidium.law

Now Open In Tempe

Adult and Pediatric ENT Care

Hearing Testing/Treatment

Earaches/Ear Infections | Dizziness

Tinnitus/Ear Ringing | Nasal Surgery

Sinusitis | Allergies | Nose Bleeds

Congestion | Sore Throat | Cough

Dr. Tracey Knott DO, FAOCO

Tianna Gomes PA- C

TREY & KATIE KENNEDY

ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE

Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.

Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.

Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”

Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.

After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”

The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.

FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY

Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.

Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.

HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE