Collin County Living Well Magazine March-April 2022

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COLLIN COUNTY MARCH/APRIL 2022 PALMER LAW GROUP , P.C. Divorce Doesn’t Have To Be So Hard! ® CHIP & JOANNA GAINES PUTTING FAMILY FIRST More Inside

STAND OUT WITH THE EMINENT CHOICE IN HEALTHCARE

Pain Management • Sports Medicine • General Surgery

Spine Surgery • Orthopedic Surgery • Neurosurgery

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery • Total Joint Surgery

Foot & Ankle Surgery • Hand Surgery

Gynecological Surgery • Plastic Surgery

ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGY

Orthopedic surgeons and the medical staff at Eminent Medical Center are excited to offer Zimmer Biomet’s ROSA Knee System, which helps surgeons personalize surgical procedures for their patients.

COLLIN COUNTY • 1 Eminent Medical Center is the premier treatment destination in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with three operating suites and five private patient rooms. www.eminentmedicalcenter.com • (469) 910-8800 1351 W. President George Bush Highway, Richardson, Texas 75080 IN-NETWORK
premier,
area.
are an
Eminent Medical Center is a
boutique treatment destination in the DFW
We
In-Network provider with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and United Healthcare.
PROVIDING SPECIALTY
CARE We provide surgical services for pain management, orthopedic & sports medicine, gynecology, spine surgery and general surgery.
TOP DOCS 2019 Livingwell PROVIDERS HEALTHCARE AND OTHER TOP DOCS 2020 Livingwell PROVIDERS HEALTHCARE AND OTHER
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Scott MillsAP General Manager

FROM THE PUBLISHER

TEXANS ON TOP

Our Top Lawyers Issue is back for 2022. Inside you’ll fid the best of the best when it comes to local attorneys. These exceptional legal professionals offer a depth of knowledge in areas from civil to criminal law and everything in between.

It’s no surprise that local family law attorney Dana Palmer makes the list. His focus on amicable divorce settlements makes him stand out among his peers. As the founder and CEO of Palmer Law Group, he’s always seeking a better way to do things and Dana’s found going for the jugular is not always the answer.

If revenge is what you want, Palmer Law Group is not the right law fim for you. The fim has a strict no revenge policy. “We don’t want clients who want revenge,” Dana explains. “It’s about making you healthy and ending the fihting, not increasing it. We will fiht to protect you, but we do not fiht for the sake of fihting. Those type of tactics often lead to higher bills and don’t and rarely, if ever, accomplish better results.”

On page 8, we sit down with Dana to learn why “divorce doesn’t have to be so hard.”

Next, we turn our attention to Chip and Joanna Gaines, a couple who’ve also made quite a name for themselves. Don’t expect them to get a divorce anytime soon. In love and on fie, since the launch of their show Fixer Upper in 2013, the duo have revitalized the once sedate town of Waco, Texas, and turned it into a bustling, must-visit destination that millions of their devotees visit yearly for a chance to sample the gracious, bucolic lifestyle cultivated by the pair.

Check out page 24 to learn how the photogenic couple met and how they ended up heading an entire network devoted exclusively to their personally curated content.

Of course, there’s more. Get reading!

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TEXAS: Denton County, Dallas County, Collin County

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MARCH/APRIL 2022 All advertisements in this Magazine are placed by third parties. We do not control or endorse either the advertisements or their content. Further, we

4 • MARCH/APRIL 2022
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CONTENTS FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @ LivingWellmag @ LivingWellmags @ LivingWellmags @ LivingWellmagaz Palmer Law Group, P.C. Divorce Doesn’t Have To Be So Hard!® 8 24 41 FEATURES 8 Palmer Law Group, P.C. Divorce Doesn’t Have To Be So Hard!® 24 Chip & Joanna Gaines TOP LAWYERS 2022 51 DANA PALMER 52 THE ASHMORE LAW FIRM 54 CHRISTIE MERCHANT 55 CRAIG W. WATSON 56 DEANDRA GRANT 58 EARSA R. JACKSON 59 RICK ROBERTSON 60 ROBIN FORSYTHE 62 LEU & PEIRCE 64 JONATHAN RAWLINS TOP LAWYERS 2022 Livingwell AND MUCH MORE... 19 DART’s Student Art Contest 21 What is Elder Law? 22 Tips for Dealing with Spring Allergies 31 What are Dental Implants? 37 Retirement Income Planning 41 Understanding Hearing Loss 43 Just Something Simple 48 Why You Need an Independent Physician

Southwest Foot & Ankle Center is a respected group of board certified foot and ankle surgeons. They are fellow trained surgeons, and board certified in wound care and reconstructive surgery. All physicians have also completed an intense residency and fellowship in the area of limb salvage, and foot and ankle surgery. The team at Southwest Foot & Ankle Center strive to make each patient’s experience personable. Our outcomes are of perfection and meticulous in surgery. As a result, patients from all over the country seek to be treated by DFW Wound Care Center.

Correction MIS—Minimally Invasive Surgery

Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) Stem Cell Therapy

Toenails

Custom Orthotics & Braces

Laser Therapy for Pain, Swelling, Arthritis, and Wounds

6 • MARCH/APRIL 2022 Let your feet guide your way to Comfort
Ankle
Toe
Foot and
Surgery Bunion and Hammer
Neuropathy Ingrown
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Diabetic Foot Care Flat Feet Trauma Wound Care
PLANO CLINIC 5804 Coit Rd., Ste. 100 Plano, TX 75023 LEWISVILLE CLINIC 502 N. Valley Pkwy., #2 Lewisville, TX 750067 IRVING CLINIC 6161 N. State Hwy. 161, Ste. 320 Irving, TX 75038 DESOTO CLINIC 714 N. Hampton Rd. De Soto, TX 75115 833-FOOT-DFW www.dfwfootdoc.net
Joshua Worley, DPM Reza Mobarak, DPM, FACFAS, FAPWCA, FAPWHc Mitch Williams, DPM Voted best in D Magazine, Living Well Magazine, and Best Docs Network SPECIALIZING IN Southwest Foot & Ankle Center is proud to provide Stem Cell Therapy. TOP DOCS 2021 Livingwell PROVIDERS HEALTHCARE AND OTHER NORTH TEXAS #1 FOOT AND ANKLE SURGEONS IN DFW #1 WOUND CARE CENTER IN DFW! dfwfootdocswfacenterthedfwfootdoc

Brian Nwannunu, MD, MS

Brian Nwannunu, MD, MS, is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement. He cares for patients at Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine’s offices in Sherman and McKinney, Texas.

Dr. Nwannunu, a native of Dallas, graduated Valedictorian from the High School for Health Professions at Townview Magnet Center in DISD. He then earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was part of the Morehouse College Honors Program. Upon graduation, he completed his master’s degree in Physiology at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., with a concentration on complementary and alternative medicine. Dr. Nwannunu then graduated with his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C., where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

Dr. Nwannunu completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the John Peter Smith Health Network in Fort Worth, Texas, before pursuing additional training with a fellowship in adult reconstruction at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. In addition to his clinical training, Dr. Nwannunu enjoys mission work abroad, providing medical care and health education to populations in need.

He is a member of the American Medical Association, National Medical Association, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

When not working, Dr. Nwannunu enjoys basketball, weight training, outdoor activities, attending art and music festivals, traveling, world news, and reading.

COLLIN COUNTY • 7 6850 TPC Drive, Suite 116 McKinney, Texas 75070 (972) 362-0065 204 Medical Drive, Suite 110 Sherman, Texas 75092 (972) 362-0253 alphaortho.net

PALMER LAW GROUP, P.C.

DIVORCE DOESN’T HAVE TO BE SO HARD! ®

PAID ADVERTISEMENT
LEFT TO RIGHT: BRIDGET DAVIS, DANIEL BOHMER, JENNIFER HAAR, DANA PALMER, SHANNA NUGENT
TOP LAWYERS 2022 Livingwell
When emotions are so high, you need a law firm that understands all the emotions that are involved and who can guide you from this side of the mountain to the other, healthy, safe side. “ ”

Are you going through a hard divorce? A hard divorce is if your spouse has threatened to ruin you fiancially, take your kids away from you, and make your life a living nightmare. Thankfully the Palmer Law Group is here to protect you from that. When someone is faced with this horrible situation the Palmer Law Group’s is excellent in court and here to help.

Palmer Law Group often gets results that are better than are even legally possibly obtainable in court. Going to court is often more like using a chainsaw to cut through the middle of your life. No one feels good in court except the lawyers. Court is great money for the lawyers, but it’s torture for the clients. Palmer Law Group focuses to avoid court and have success to avoid court. But they are certainly not afraid to go into battle if war is necessary.

If revenge is what you want, Palmer Law Group is not the right law fim for you. The fim has a strict no revenge policy. “We don’t want clients who want revenge,” Dana explains. “It’s about making you healthy and ending the fihting, not increasing it. We WILL fiht to protect you, but we do not fiht for the sake of fihting. Those type of tactics often lead to higher bills and don’t and rarely, if ever, accomplish better results.”

Family law is different from other areas of law. There isn’t a definte mark of a “win”. For example, in criminal law staying out of jail equals a win. Dana’s movement is to establish good health as that mark for family law. Dana’s mission in life is to change the way people approach the divorce process.

Unlike a lot of other law fims, the Palmer Law Group offers extensive transparency. Clients have live access to the status of their case. They can actually digitally watch documents being developed, review attorney notes, and see what they do. Reviews consistently reflct this and add comments like “honest” and “great communication.” “How quickly did we give them their life back? How happy are the clients? Ths

is how we measure success.” Palmer Law Group endeavors to deliver the highest quality and most efficit service.

Consultations begin with an explanation that everything you say is confidetial. Then, you will talk through a threestep process with your attorney. Step one discusses your situation and why you needed to speak with them. Step two discusses your goals and what you’d like to achieve. Step three discusses what Palmer Law Group can do to help you get from where you are now to where you want to be. “Ths process gives them a highly customized and efficit path where we fid the best solution for them.”

Dana Palmer, the founder and CEO of Palmer Law Group, has crystalized his vision and is sharing it to benefit as many people as he can. “I am always looking for a better way to do things, then I’m compelled to share with others.” He noted that he is only one fim, thus limited on how many people he can help. It’s been years in the making, but through Worthy Vision Company, he is teaching other lawyers around the country how to improve the lives of their clients too.

“You need to believe there is a better way. You need to believe that you should get your clients through the legal process in the healthiest way possible. You should be the type of person that would rather declare peace and negotiate the terms of the peace and get a healthy solution than to declare war and hope they settle by fear. I want to share this with as many attorneys as we possibly can.”

At Dana’s fim, their attorneys are farmer attorneys. Farmers grow, nurture, and multiply. By doing as good of a job as possible for their clients-getting the healthiest results as quickly as they can. Palmer Law Group wants to get their cases solved quickly, for healthy results. Dana always focuses on the big picture to help their clients get through the divorce process in the healthiest way possible. He helps them get a SoftDivorce® because “Divorce doesn’t have to be so hard!”®

Dana is the Founder and CEO of Palmer Law Group, P.C. He graduated from the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX after earning the professional degree of Juris Doctorate. He studied at both the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas at Dallas, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Finance, graduating cum laude from U.T.D. Dana was licensed to practice law by the Supreme Court of Texas throughout the state of Texas on August 26, 2006 and he opened the Law Offices of Dana C. Palmer, P.L.L.C. on September 1, 2006. The firm was renamed the Palmer Law Group, P.C. in 2016.

Dana has been a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, the State Bar of Texas, the Dallas Bar Association, the Dallas Bar Association Family Law Section, the Collin County Bar Association, a Lifetime Member of the Texas Family Law Foundation, and the Dalmatian Club of North Texas and the Greater Collin Kennel Club, just to name a few.

Dana mentors and speaks on the topics of Family Law, Estate Planning, and Entrepreneurship. He has created many advanced techniques to deliver higher values to his clients, including Decision Counseling Sessions and Divorce Strategy Sessions. Dana wants to always deliver higher value, faster results, and customer satisfaction to our clients. Dana has received many perfect five-star reviews and a perfect 10 rating on AVVO.com (as of April 10, 2017) attest to that fact.

SHANNA NUGENT

Managing Probate & Estate Planning Attorney

Shanna Nugent attended law school and graduated from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in 2003. Recognized by her peers for superior work, she was a recipient for the 2011 Super Lawyers award. With experience that spans the ranges of corporate and transactional matters, real estate transactions, and general estate planning & probate, she has the foresight for planning as well as knowing the intricacies to get our clients through the probate process in the healthiest way possible. As the department managing attorney, Shanna sees that our clients plan for the future and ensures their families are protected when the unfortunate happens.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Daniel Bohmer received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems in 2000 with cum laude honors from Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. He attended law school at SMU where he earned his Juris Doctorate in 2003. During law school Daniel served as Chief Counsel for the SMU Criminal Clinic and the Director of Public Service for the Board of Advocates. Before joining the Palmer Law Group, P.C., Daniel practiced public school law and governmental law.  He represented some of the fastest growing school districts in the United States. Within the scope of public school and governmental law, his areas of practice included real estate transactions, business and commercial transactions, trial and appellate practice, employment matters, and construction law. Daniel has worked on a variety of noteworthy appeals including Lewisville Independent Sch. v. Ch Townhomes, 346 S.W.3d 21 (Tex. App. 2011). Daniel believes that every family law matter should be handled in a healthy manner. He prides himself on providing efficient and effective counsel on each and every case.

Lisa Kreider received a Bachelor of Applied Science in Legal Studies from Texas A&M—Corpus Christi in 2012. She then earned a Juris Doctorate from Texas Tech University in 2016, where she served on the Estate Planning and Community Property Journal and interned with the Regional Public Defender for Capital Cases. Since early 2018, Lisa has focused her career on family law, and handled a variety of cases to completion involving custody, property division, and child support. Her favorite cases are— and always will be—adoptions, which are her particular area of expertise. Lisa’s approach to family law cases is personal and centers on the big picture. She works early on to determine a client’s goals and map out what achieving those might realistically look like.

212 Each Virginia St. McKinney, TX 75069 972-316-9999
JENNIFER HAAR Administrator BRIDGET DAVIS Paralegal

Dear Olivia,

We are considering starting our mother on hospice services sometime soon, as her physician thinks that it might be time to keep her at home and prevent any further hospitalizations. She has been frail for some time now and he feels she may need this extra layer of support and care. How do we know when the time is right? Also, are there any supports our family can receive if we need to go out of town to see our grown children while she is on hospice service?

-Difficult decisions

Dear Difficult decisions,

It is often a difficult decision to put a loved one on hospice service, even when we know that may be the best way to provide the appropriate level of care. Skilled hospice care can provide comprehensive, holistic care to both the patient and family when someone is facing a terminal illness or condition.

Starting hospice at the right time is important to ensure that the care team has a chance

to get to know the patient and family and establish the best plan of care possible. The “right time” to transition someone to hospice is different for every family, but two important considerations are whether further aggressive treatment is desired, and if the patient would want to return to the hospital. If the answer to both questions is no, then this is often the right time to choose hospice care.

In terms of travel, one of the best benefits of hospice for families is a service called respite care. This is one of the levels of care we can provide. This allows a patient to stay in an inpatient setting, such as a nursing facility, for up to five consecutive days for caregiver relief. This means that the family can travel, see other loved ones, or even just have a much-needed respite from caregiving, knowing that their loved one is safe and being checked on daily by hospice staff. Hospice really can help families take care of loved ones as they navigate the challenges of endof-life care.

VNA Hospice Care focuses on living life to its fullest and treating you with the dignity and respect you deserve. As a nonprofit, our bottom line is patient support and care provided by our highly qualified staff.

To schedule your free in-home informational visit please call (214) 535-2615 or email gethelp@vnatexas.org For volunteer opportunities please call (214) 689-2271 or email volunteer@vnatexas.org

12 • MARCH/APRIL 2022
~Olivia
vnatexas.org N I J H ACCREDITED TOP DOCS 2021 Livingwell PROVIDERS HEALTHCARE AND OTHER PLACES TO WORK 2020 <ibt iSalla% 11\tmting Ntlll%
OLIVIA ROGERS is a leading voice in health care and senior services and the Chief Nursing Officer of VNA Texas.

Stephen P. Courtney, MD

Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

Over 26 Years of Experience

Dr. Courtney is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon located in Plano, Texas. A Louisiana native, he attended Louisiana State University for medical school, and completed residency at Texas A&M followed by a fellowship at the Florida Neck and Back Institute.

SPECIALTIES:

• Back Pain

• Neck Pain

• Spine Pain

• Disc Replacement

• Microdiscectomy

• Spinal Fusion

• Minimally Invasive Surgery

• Steroid Injections

• Physical Therapy

“I

COLLIN COUNTY • 13
Voted Top Doc for Orthopedic Spine Surgeon by Living Well Magazine readers 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 TOP DOCS 2018 Livingwell PROVIDERS HEALTHCARE AND OTHER TOP DOCS 2020 Livingwell PROVIDERS HEALTHCARE AND OTHER TOP DOCS 2019 Livingwell PROVIDERS HEALTHCARE AND OTHER TOP DOCS 2021 Livingwell PROVIDERS HEALTHCARE AND OTHER 2004 Ventura Drive, Suite 200, Plano, Texas 75093 (972) 499-5457 • scheduling@advancedspinecenters.com advancedspinecenters.com
laser-focused on providing world-class care and innovation to the patients
treat on a daily basis.
forward to
to know
believe in treating each of my patients with honesty, dignity, and respect. My patients come away from our shared interactions feeling confident, assured that they are truly in the best hands. Throughout my career, I have remained
I
I look
getting
you!”

At North Texas Orthopaedic & Spine (NTOS), patients of all ages are given the focused, individualized care they need in order to live fully and comfortably. The team at NTOS has a high level of expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions involving the spine, joints, and bones.

Patients appreciate the practice’s ability to educate them thoroughly about their conditions and give them the tools that they need to take control of their well-being. Whether the patient is an athlete with an injury or someone who has a long-term condition that affects their daily life, the NTOS team works alongside them to get them back to a full, active life. NTOS offers treatment for shoulder pain, tennis elbow, torn ACLs, sciatica, carpal tunnel, herniated disc, scoliosis and more. These and other conditions can get in the way of your work, hobbies, and general enjoyment of life.

VUDHI SLABISAK, MD OLABISI BRUCE MARKMAN, MD RAHUL BANERJEE, MD

4090 Mapleshade Ln., Ste. 100 Plano, TX 75093

4833 Medical Center Dr., 6E McKinney, TX 75069

874 West Hwy., 243, Suite 110 Kaufman, TX 75142

Lakewood Medical Center 6243 Retail Rd., Ste. 500 Dallas, TX 75231

3670 West Wheatland Rd. Dallas, TX 75237

7589 Preston Rd., Ste. 500 Frisco, TX 75034

8080 Independence Pkwy., Ste. 100 Plano, TX 75025

600 East Taylor St., Ste. 304 Sherman, TX 75090

3110 Parks Center Drive Tyler, TX 75701

PLANO
DALLAS
DALLAS
FRISCO
MCKINNEY
KAUFMAN
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SHERMAN
(214) 592-9955 www.ntosonline.com Ifyou’resufferingfrompainor anathleticinjury,schedulean appointmentwithyourpreferred NTOS location for effective, compassionatetreatment. BRIANA HODGSON, PA-C Physician Assistant JAMES STANLEY, MD Orthopedic Spine Surgeon CHARITY OGUNRO, MD Hand & Orthopedic Surgeon AMIR MALIK, MD Neurosurgeon STEVE HONG, MD Interventional Pain ManagementSpecialist
TYLER

Experienced DWI Defense THE LAWYER LAWYERS CALL

Deandra M. Grant

JD, GC, MS

Attorney Deandra M. Grant is the Managing Partner of Deandra Grant Law’s five offices. She is an international speaker on DWI law, science and trial skills. As the author of the annually updated Texas DWI Manual, she is viewed by her peers as being a leader in her field. Deandra understands the science behind alcohol absorption and elimination rates and can use this knowledge to competently defend you.

Deandra formerly was an assistant district attorney. Her tenure as a prosecutor focused on DWI prosecutions which has given her firsthand knowledge on how to counter the prosecutor’s evidence and strategy. Deandra has spent hundreds of hours in training courses and programs related to DWI defense and has completed the certification course to administer standard field sobriety testing (SFST), the same training course taught to police officers nationwide on how to identify drunk drivers during traffic stops. As a certified SFST Instructor, Deandra has taught the course to other attorneys. She’s also completed the coursework on DWI forensic blood and urine testing.

GRANT DEANDRA

“I have a masters degree in pharmaceutical science and a graduate certificate in forensic toxicology. I am able to take apart evidence in ways a lot of other attorneys are not able to do. The most important part of my job is being the barrier between the government and my client. Standing between them. Making sure their rights are protected.”

16 • MARCH/APRIL 2022 TOP LAWYERS 2022 Livingwell
3300 Oak Lawn, Ste. 700, Dallas, TX 75219 (972) 943-8500 | TexasDWISite.com texas trial attorneys
Co-Author of the Texas DWI Manual
COLLIN COUNTY PREMIER SURGEON FOR HIP AND KNEE
VOTED TOP DOC IN DALLAS COUNTY AND COLLIN COUNTY. DR. TOULSON IS PROUD TO SERVE LOCAL RESIDENTS AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES. TO LEARN MORE, VISIT AlphaOrtho.net Dr. Charles Toulson specializes in: Robotic Joint Replacement
Hip Replacement Total Knee Replacement
Knee Replacement Total Hip and Knee Revisions TOP DOCS 2020 Livingwell PROVIDERS HEALTHCARE AND OTHER TOP DOCS 2019 Livingwell PROVIDERS HEALTHCARE AND OTHER TOP DOCS 2018 Livingwell PROVIDERS HEALTHCARE AND OTHER TOP DOCS 2021 Livingwell PROVIDERS HEALTHCARE AND OTHER 2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU: McKINNEY 6850 TPC Drive, Suite 116 McKinney, Texas 75070 972-362-0065 SHERMAN 204 Medical Drive, Suite 110 Sherman, Texas 75092 972-362-0253
REPLACEMENT
Total
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18 • MARCH/APRIL 2022 Community Partners Media Partners SIMPLER . BETTER . FASTER . EASIER! 2022 DART STUDENT ART CONTEST FINAL DEADLINE: FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2022 Enter today at DART.org/ArtContest This year’s theme: DART’S NEW BUS NETWORK:

D

DART Announces Theme and Now Accepting Entries for 2022 Student Art Contest

ART invites participants in the 2022 Student Art Contest to DART’s New Bus Network: Simpler. Better. Faster. Easier! and incorporate this theme in their work. The contest is open to kindergarten through 12th grade students, limit one entry per student.

DART will accept entries through April 8, 2022. Competition is tough, so students should start early on their masterpieces! DART’s Annual Student Art Contest helps foster awareness of public transportation.

Each poster must visually illustrate the theme “ DART’s New Bus Network: Simpler. Better. Faster. Easier!.”

Limit one entry per student. Designs must be original work created by the student. No group entries allowed.

Media may include crayons, paint, markers, colored pencils and digital art.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit 1401 Pacific Avenue P.O. Box 660163 Dallas, TX 75266-0163 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 HERE ARE SEVEN ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TO REMEMBER:

Students may use multiple colors or black and white. Entries must measure 11” high x 17” wide, and the design should be laid out horizontally. Mailed entries should be submitted on heavy paper such as poster, tag or illustration board.

Contestants should include the DART logo in any drawings of buses or trains.

All mailed entries must include a completed entry form found at Dart.org/ArtContest. Affix the completed form to the back of the artwork. Entries must arrive no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2022, and should be directed to:

Students in all grade levels now have the option of submitting their entries online. All digital entries must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2022, at DART.org/ArtContest.

DART’s Transit Education Program 2022 Student Art Contest

COLLIN COUNTY • 19
Learn more about the 2022 DART Student Art Contest at DART.org/contest.

ELDER

LAW FOR SENIOR ADULTS & THEIR FAMILIES

True Compassion

Elder Law is first and foremost about empowering seniors. Elder Law services help you address issues of living arrangements, financial well-being, healthcare options, and the ultimate disposition of assets, enabling you to make your own choices and decisions about managing life as you age.

PROBATE LITIGATION ESTATE PLANNING WILLS & TRUSTS

20 • MARCH/APRIL 2022
EXPERIENCE
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(972)996-2540 | 2313 Coit Road, Suite A, Plano, TX 75075
Lauren Olson Attorney Lori Leu Certified Elder Law Attorney Erin Peirce Attorney

What is “ELDER LAW?”

“Elder Law” is a relatively new area of focus within the legal community. Attorneys who practice Elder Law have committed themselves to helping seniors plan for the issues they will face as they age. In recent years, the demand for attorneys focused on this area of the law has only increased. With 10,000 people turning 65 every day, and advancements in medical technology allowing people to live longer than ever before, access to long-term health care is becoming increasingly more complicated and expensive.

Attorneys who primarily work with seniors appreciate the complex fiancial, social, and health-related decisions their clients face. Elder Law attorneys bring to their practice a knowledge of their client base that allows them to ignore the myths related to aging, while empathizing with the true physical and mental difficulties that often accompany the aging process. Moreover, Elder Law attorneys are normally tied into a community of support agencies and organizations, such as geriatric care managers, psychologists, and other professionals who may be of assistance to seniors and their families.

Elder Law encompasses many different filds of law, including the following:

Estate Planning. Everyone should plan for the future, regardless of their income or asset level. Books and websites with pre-printed forms are not always up to date, and documents available from these sources may not work in your state or meet your goals. Elder Law attorneys have special training and expertise in estate and disability planning, and are sensitive to the special needs of seniors and their families. A comprehensive estate plan includes several documents that work together to ensure your wishes are followed and trusted individuals are in place to assist you if you are no longer able to act for yourself:

• A Will declares your intentions regarding the distribution of your property after you die

• A Durable Power of Attorney appoints an agent to act on your behalf regarding fiancial and legal matters.

• A Medical Power of Attorney appoints an agent to make health care decisions for you, if you are unable to do so yourself.

• A HIPAA Release and Authorization names individuals who may access your health information.

• A Directive to Physicians (Living Will) provides direction to your agent under the medical power of attorney regarding your desires about life-sustaining treatment.

• A Declaration of Guardian names individuals you trust to be appointed your guardian, if necessary, as well as individuals who should never be appointed.

Public Benefits (Medicaid/VA). Available healthcare choices depend on your specific stuation and needs. Elder Law attorneys can

help ensure the proper level of care, and explore payment options and eligibility for public benefits.

Guardianship. If you become unable to make important decisions for yourself, or are subject to exploitation by unscrupulous people, it may be necessary for a court to appoint a guardian. Elder Law attorneys can help you determine if a guardianship over your loved ones is necessary or whether other alternatives are available.

Probate/Estate Administration. After the death of a loved one, the legalities involved in distributing the estate can seem overwhelming. If title to assets needs to be transferred, a probate proceeding will usually be required. The type of proceeding depends on whether a valid Will exists, the details of its terms, the existence of debts, and the value of the estate. Elder Law attorneys can help you understand and evaluate your options.

Elder Law attorneys specialize in helping seniors and their families address the often-complicated legal issues related to fiancial and medical care Because of their concentration in this area, attorneys whose sole focus is Elder Law are more likely to have the legal tools and techniques necessary to meet the objectives of an older client. The Elder Law attorneys at Leu & Peirce, PLLC believe that education is one of the greatest benefits we can provide our clients and their families. Arming our clients with knowledge about options available to meet their care needs allows them to move through the aging process with confidece. If you or someone you love needs to visit with an Elder Law attorney, local agencies and support programs, such as the Alzheimer’s Association, State or local Bar organizations, or the website for the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (www.naela. org), are good places to look for a referral. Lori A. Leu, Erin W. Peirce, and Lauren E. Olson are Elder Law attorneys with Leu & Peirce, PLLC in Plano, Texas.  For more information, call 972-996-2540 or visit www.leulawfim.com.

COLLIN COUNTY • 21

Tips for Dealing with Spring Allergies

Spring in North Texas can be especially brutal for allergy sufferers. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Dallas ranks 19th in the nation for the most challenging places to live with spring allergies, although this year’s ranking is an improvement from last year’s no.7 rank.

Spring allergies can cause sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion, as well as dry, red, itchy, burning or even swollen eyes. These symptoms are more than irritating; they can be downright painful.

How allergies affect your eyes

When the conjunctiva (mucous membrane covering the whites of the eyes and lining the eyelids) comes into contact with allergens such as pollen from grasses, trees and weeds, the immune system senses a threat and antibodies are developed that release histamine, causing watery, itchy, red eyes.

In addition to seasonal allergies, many people suffer from perennial allergies, which may be caused by dust, mold, pet dander, air pollution, cosmetics, perfume, medication or smoke. If you aren’t certain of the cause of your eye allergies, ask your doctor for an allergy test to determine the source of your discomfort.

Common types of allergic eye conditions

• Allergic conjunctivitis or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis: Ths is the most common allergic eye condition, and it is typically associated with seasonal allergies or hay fever. The

release of histamine can cause common eye allergy symptoms, including itchy, red, burning, watery or swollen eyes. Topical antihistamine drops, decongestants and mast-cell stabilizers are common treatments for allergic conjunctivitis.

• Atopic keratoconjunctivitis:

Primarily affecting adolescent boys, this condition involves inflammation in the conjunctiva and the cornea. Symptoms include itchy, red patches on the eyelids, scaly or crusty skin on the eyelids, heavy discharge or sensitivity to light. If not properly managed, this condition could lead to permanent scarring of the cornea from rubbing and scratching.

• Vernal keratoconjunctivitis:

Though less common, this spring eye allergy condition causes the eyes to become itchy, sensitive to light and can even cause eyelids to feel heavy or droopy. Improper treatment may lead to impaired vision. A short-term, low-dose prescription of topical steroids has shown to be the most effective treatment for this condition.

EYE CARE TIPS FOR DEALING WITH SEASONAL ALLERGIES

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, follow these eye care tips for relief from your symptoms:

• Apply a cold compress. If your eyes are puffy or swollen from allergies, a cold compress can provide temporary relief.

• Stay inside and keep your windows closed on high pollen count days. Local weather services provide daily pollen counts. When pollen is high, avoid being outside as much as possible. Typically, pollen counts tend to be higher mid-morning and early evening.

• Wear eyeglasses or sunglasses to block pollen from your eyes. When you do go outside, eyeglasses or sunglasses can provide an extra shield to protect your eyes from allergens that may be in the air.

• Practice proper contact lens care. Contact lens wearers may experience more allergy symptoms due to allergens becoming trapped behind the contact lens. Lenses should be cleaned thoroughly and changed regularly. Do not share contact lenses or cases with others.

• Wash your hands and hair frequently. In the same way your hands can spread germs, they can also spread allergens, and if you spend much time outside during the spring, pollen and other allergens may become trapped in your hair.

• Avoid rubbing or scratching your eyes. Consistently rubbing or scratching your eyes may lead to more serious eye

problems or a damaged cornea. Purchase over-the-counter eye drops, or ask your doctor for prescription eye drops to help relieve dry or itchy eyes.

• Change your bedding frequently. Allergens can stick to your bedding, further irritating your eyes.

Remember that some eye conditions—dry eyes or pinkeye, to name a few—are not caused by allergies, but may be confused with allergies. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of eye allergies, only your doctor will be able to tell you if your symptoms are in fact caused by an allergic reaction. Schedule an eye exam today to ensure your symptoms are not caused by an infection or more serious problem.

22 • MARCH/APRIL 2022

Key-Whitman Eye Center celebrates over 60 years of providing excellence in eye care to North Texas. The Plano clinic has provided services in Collin County for 20 years.

Dr. Kimberly Warren is board certifid in general ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology and specifially board certifid in LASIK and cataract surgery by the American Board of Eye Surgery. She has been an integral part of the Key-Whitman staff sice 2000. She resides in Plano with her husband and three children.

Dr. Faisal Haq is also board certifid in general ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology and specifially board certifid in LASIK and cataract surgery by the American Board of Eye Surgery. He joined Key-Whitman in 2006 and lives in Plano with his wife and two children.

Dr. Warren and Dr. Haq provide a full range of adult vision services, including comprehensive eye exams, management of glaucoma and corneal disease, and cataract surgery.

• Comprehensive Adult Eye Care

• Light Adjustable Lens, Synergy™, Symfony®, PanOptix, Vivity®, and the Toric IOL

• Management of Glaucoma & Corneal Disease

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• Laser Vision Correction

Give us a call today 972-769-2020 or Toll-Free 800-442-5330 www.keywhitman.com

Convenient locations to serve you in Dallas, Plano, Richardon, Mesquite, Frisco, Arlington, Rockwall and North Fort Worth. Follow us on (username: ketywhitman)

• Management of Glaucoma & Corneal Disease • Eyelid Surgery & Botox® • Laser Vision Correction Give us a call today 972-769-2020 or Toll-Free 800-442-5330 www.keywhitman.com Follow us on (username: keywhitman) Everything We Do is Focused on You
Seven locations to serve you Dallas, Plano, Mesquite, West McKinney, North Arlington, Rockwall and South Arlington. • Comprehensive Adult Eye Care • Cataract Surgery • Symfony®,Crystalens®, Tecnis® PanOptix & the Toric IOL TOP DOCS 2021 Livingwell PROVIDERS HEALTHCARE AND OTHER
From left to right are: Leslie Pfei er, M.D.; Anita Jacob, O.D.; Kimberly Warren, M.D.; Sadaf Razi ElHa ar, O.D.,; Faisal Haq, M.D.
See Better. Look Better. Feel Better.

Sweet

HOME HOME

CHIP & JOANNA

GAINES

PUT FAMILY FIRST WHILE BUILDING A LIFESTYLE EMPIRE IN TEXAS.

In small town Waco, Texas, Chip and Joanna Gaines are hometown royalty. Since the launch of their show Fixer Upper in 2013, the pair revitalized the once sedate town into a bustling, must-visit destination that millions of their devotees visit yearly for a chance to sample the gracious, bucolic lifestyle cultivated by the Gaines’s Magnolia brand.

There’s the 5-acre Magnolia Market shopping complex, the Magnolia Press coffee shop, the Silos Baking Co. Bakery, and Magnolia Table, add to this their lifestyle books, a magazine (Magnolia Journal), apparel, furniture, accessories, a real estate company, and most recently their very own cable channel, the Magnolia Network on Discovery, all proof of the pair’s influence in the worlds of design, food, home, and garden.

The photogenic couple’s affble nature and country approachability, combined with an eye for design, have contributed to their popularity. Yet, it’s their unwavering commitment to each other and their family that is the ultimate “secret” sauce to their appeal.

“We are who you think we are. We’re the couple you want to go have a coffee with, we’re the couple you want to have a 15-minute chat with on the way to the market,” said Chip to Hunter Hauk of Cowboys & Indians. “ The reason that we’re those people is because we do the hard work that is required. We treat each other with respect. We admire one another’s strengths and weaknesses. We pull for each other. We learned that early.”

Although they both graduated from Baylor University, Chip with a marketing degree and Joanna with a degree in communications, his fist glimpse of her was a photo of Joanna hanging on the wall of her father’s Firestone Tire store. “I knew I’d marry her one day just by the picture on the wall,” Chip told Popsugar

Hoping to meet his future wife, Chip returned to the shop for fresh “repairs.” His doggedness proved fruitful when he fially ran into her. He landed a date by complimenting Joanna on the car commercials she starred in for her family’s tire shop.

“At fist, I couldn’t believe how kind Chip was––he had kind eyes, and made me laugh a lot. I knew he was the one because I knew I could trust him,” Joanna said.

Contrary to their traditional Christian values, after only a year of dating, they moved into a rental property of Chip’s, an 800-square-foot home that they renovated. They married in 2003, the year they opened the original Magnolia Market on Bosque Blvd. After their wedding, they purchased their fist offial flp together. “All I could remember is the smell. The house was bad. Chip did all the construction, and I remember many nights he was on his hands and knees staining flors or laying tile,” she said.

“I remember when we fist got married the only money we had was what was in Chip’s pocket,” Joanna told PEOPLE. “He always had a wad of cash, but we were broke. If I needed to go grocery shopping it’s whatever was in his pocket. That’s how we paid the bills.”

A Vietnam War vet, Joanna’s father wasn’t exactly pro Chip. “Her dad spent the fist two years of our marriage asking me if I was going to get a job,” Chip said. “I was like, ‘I have a job and I like it.’”

When Magnolia Market closed in 2006 after the birth of two of their five children, the duo focused on their construction business, Magnolia Homes.

“One pretty amazing thing we learned early on was that the more time we spent together, the better our relationship was,” wrote Joanna on her blog. “We seem to give each other energy. We function better together than we do apart, and I don’t think either one of us has ever felt the urge to say,

“ ONE PRETTY AMAZING THING WE LEARNED EARLY ON WAS THAT THE MORE TIME WE SPENT TOGETHER, THE BETTER OUR RELATIONSHIP WAS.

‘I need a break from you.’ Don’t get me wrong, we’ve certainly had our share of disappointments and arguments, but we just always wanted to tackle our issues together.”

After more than a decade of flpping houses, Joanna’s blog caught the attention of producer Katie Neff, who called the couple to learn more.

“I was just really impressed by the fact that they were so in love with the town and so dedicated to it––and so dedicated to making a more beautiful place to live in. It’s the perfect place to be flpping homes, because there were so many horribly decrepit homes that you couldn’t live in,” Nefftold Texas Monthly

HGTV recognized the duo’s dynamic chemistry and distinctive style was unique and signed them up, much to the surprise of Chip, who initially couldn’t believe it was legitimate interest. “He was like, ‘it’s a scam, do not call them back,’” Joanna told Today

Launched in 2013, Fixer Upper became the most watched series in the history of HGTV. With years spent fixig and flpping houses, they hit the ground running and viewers were instantly hooked on the pair’s charming design aesthetic.

Early on, they established ground rules to ensure their brood, which has since grown to five, wouldn’t suffer due to filming. They insisted all the homes worked on during the show’s 79 episodes be in Waco so that they were rarely far from home or their other businesses.

“ I KNEW I’D MARRY HER ONE DAY JUST BY THE PICTURE ON THE WALL.
• MARCH/APRIL 2022

Single-handedly responsible for turning farmhouse chic into a national obsession and for the meteoric rise of shiplap sales, the looks they achieved on the show were widely coveted and opened the door for other opportunities.

“We realized we didn’t necessarily love that side of the camera, and that part became a fulltime job,” said Joanna to PEOPLE. “We’ve got a big family. We’ve got a business. The show ended up where we had to constantly be feeding it.”

When Chip and Joanna walked away from the show in 2018, fans were shocked. Yet, the pair, always ahead of the trend, had bigger plans. Their biggest remodel to date turned out to be the transformation of HGTV’s sister channel, DIY Network, into their own personal cable realm devoted exclusively to Chip and Joanna curated content. Named (what else) Magnolia Network, it debuted on cable this year with over a dozen original shows handpicked by the duo and the tagline “TV that feels like home.” Not surprising, considering Magnolia Network is a coming home of sorts for Chip and Joanna.

“What we’re hoping to do is to light a fie so that you can go out and create the life that you were meant to live. And that’s really, really the bottom line for us,” explained Chip to Variety about the venture.

“We just believe in the power of getting around the television as a family watching the same show together. I think right now a lot of people are on their own devices watching their own shows,” said Joanna. “It kind of reminds me of six years ago when we said yes to [creating Magnolia Journal quarterly] magazine. That was something we were dreaming about. Everyone was saying it’s all going digital, print is dying. We believe in the idea of sitting in your favorite chair with your magazine for an hour doing that kind of back-to-basics thing. And I think the same goes with television. It’s weird to think of it as nostalgic, but being around the television set feels like back to the basics all over again.”

“ WE’RE THE COUPLE YOU WANT TO GO HAVE A COFFEE WITH, WE’RE THE COUPLE YOU WANT TO HAVE A 15-MINUTE CHAT WITH ON THE WAY TO THE MARKET.

Enjoy your life

We get you playing again!

When orthopedic pain slows you down and makes everyday movement a challenge, call the experts at Orthopedic Institute of North Texas. Our surgeons provide a comprehensive array of solutions designed to resolve your pain.

Our approach is simple

Our patients are our top priority. We carefully review your options, explain your treatment, and the prospects for a return to full mobility. You will be fully informed at every step of your treatment.

Our experts are available 24/7

During diagnosis, treatment and recovery, any questions or concerns you have will be answered. We speak in terms you can understand, and discuss every step of your care to ensure you feel comfortable and confident with the recommended treatment plan.

Our promise to you

Using advanced, proven medical techniques, the surgeons at Orthopedic Institute of North Texas will return you to the freedom of mobility you enjoyed before.

Don’t spend one more day in pain. Call 972-591-6468 today and get playing again.

28 • MARCH/APRIL 2022

Vikas Patel, MD

Education:

Medical School:

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston-Galveston TX

Residency:

Louisiana State University Health Science Center-New Orleans LA

Fellowship:

Shoulder and Elbow Reconstruction, KerlanJobe Institute, Los Angeles CA

Memberships:

• American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

• American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons

• Texas Medical Association

Upper Extremity Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Patel specializes in shoulder and elbow issues along with wrist and hand surgery. He specializes in shoulder and elbow replacement, shoulder arthroscopy, carpel tunnel syndrome, and complex revision procedures of the upper extremity. He has numerous publications in medical journals and currently has several ongoing research projects. He has spoken nationally on a number of topics regarding upper extremity orthopedic conditions.

Dr. Patel’s family consists of his wife and two children. He enjoys traveling the globe and capturing the moment. When he is not working, he loves all outdoor activities and sports and enjoys the culinary arts.

Frisco • Farmers Branch • Lewisville www.oint.org 972-591-6468

COLLIN COUNTY • 29

NEED A DENTIST?

30 • MARCH/APRIL 2022 We are now offering our very own membership plans! Stop paying so much out-of-pocket and get the smile you want with the comprehensive coverage you need. Call us today to learn more and sign up for our new membership plan.
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Max Cook, DDS; Steve Williams, DDS; Brad Wyatt, DMD; Jeff Williams, DDS; Josh Williams, DDS

What are Dental Implants?

Believe it or not, some folks don’t understand what dental implants are, how they work and why they are so helpful. A dental implant acts just like a real tooth root, maintaining complete stability of the attached tooth or teeth and stimulating the surrounding bone so that the bone maintains its volume. Dental implants are often the most conservative tooth replacement option and can be a better option than complex dental work to try and save a tooth where the tooth is already highly compromised. The actual implant is a small titanium screw that replaces the root of the missing tooth or provides an anchor for a full arch case. After the implant is integrated into the bone, we can place a tooth on top of it and allow you to begin feeling confidet again and chewing normally.

Why would anyone want to get dental implants? Something that can help aid you in your decision between a Dental Implant and any other dental procedure is that you will most likely want a solution composed of 5 things: natural looking, comfortable, easy to maintain, healthy for your mouth and a great value. Imagine a smile that is pure, clean and allows you to beam with confidece. Imagine a smile that allows you to brush and flos normally. Imagine a smile that will not require return visits to the dentist to maintain and replace expensive appliances. Dental implants are a great option for each of these ideal solutions.

Gone are the days of teeth flpping around in your mouth! Dental implants can secure most dentures, and that’s life changing. Most of us like being social and the most common thing we do is eat together. That’s reason enough to make sure your teeth are secure, not to mention being able to eat the food we enjoy. Additionally, a single tooth implant might be used to preserve the surrounding teeth by avoiding a cemented bridge. When we do bridges, we have to treat the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. In trying to restore missing teeth, we would love to keep the others healthy too.

What worries the average person about getting implants? You can be sure almost everyone can benefit from implants. It’s a rare case that we can’t help someone. Maybe it might be between $3,000 for a

single tooth and $50,000 for an entire mouth reconstruction. There are affordable ways, including special fiancing, that could bring the cost down to $56 a month for a single tooth and $390 for one full arch. Ths is all subject to credit approval and a down payment, but it gives a proper perspective to those who are considering this.

Another possible misconception is that Dental Implants could be painful. Most of the time getting implants is not nearly as uncomfortable as people imagine. There is a lot of planning put into the surgery ahead of time so that the actual procedure is quite simple.

The Allen Dental Center has been performing many dental services for decades, but implants are at the top of the list. We even have the Dallas Implant Institute conducting continuing education classes out of this facility with our doctors as the instructors. In other words, our dentists are getting to teach other dentists how to be successful at placing implants.

Implants can and often last a lifetime. It is important to fid a dentist who knows how to help you get the successful results you deserve. Allen Dental Center is offering a free consultation with necessary x-rays and are currently looking for certain cases that we can use for teaching classes.

Are Dental Implants right for you? Ask yourself these questions:

• Are you missing one or more teeth and would love to have a complete smile once again?

• Do you currently have any other kinds of tooth replacements such as: dentures, bridges, flppers, etc. that aren’t providing the comfort or convenience you desire?

• Have you or are you experiencing any mouth injuries, decay, gum disease?

• Are you embarrassed about your teeth and your smile?

• Would you love to fially have a healthy, beautiful smile?

If you said yes to one or more of these questions, then you are likely a good candidate for dental implants.

COLLIN COUNTY • 31
32 • MARCH/APRIL 2022 It’s your move. Speak with a surgeon to see if Mako Technology is right for you. Find a surgeon today! Call 1 888 STRYKER (1 888 787 9537) or visit dfwmako.com. All surgery carries risk. See your orthopaedic surgeon to discuss your potential benefits and risks. Not all patients will have the same post-operative recovery and activity level. Individual results vary. MKOSYM-PM-14_22150 Take control of your joint pain Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology, the latest in total hip, partial knee and total knee replacement, is now available in your area.

Dr. Jason Tinley, MD is a minimally invasive, board certified, orthopedic spine surgeon. He specializes in spine surgery, including spinal stenosis, cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy, minimally invasive cervical and lumbar spine surgery, cervical artificial disc replacement, and microdiscectomy.

Dr. Jason C. Tinley is committed to excellence by pledging to provide the highest quality spine care possible. Along with the treatment of immediate or chronic problems, he strives to integrate the doctrine of prevention in all treatment plans with the goal of alleviating possible future difficulties.

Dr. Tinley has become a leader in instruction and research in disc replacement and has a passion for optimizing spine surgery outcomes through development and utilization of new techniques, research and materials.

“Dr Tinley is a leader in the field of spinal surgery. His technique is excellent, but he does not rush to pursue surgery. Very good at explaining your condition and allowing you to decide a course of treatment.”

“My experience with DFW Center for Spinal Disorders was excellent. Dr. Tinley and his staff are attentive and compassionate. My surgery went better than I could have ever expected, and I am now pain free!”

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Dr.
(817)916-4685 • www.dfwspinecenter.com DFW DISORDERS Center for SPINAL
36 • MARCH/APRIL 2022 TRUSTED FOR 30 YEARS LOCALLY RENOWNED TEAM MANAGED Keeping up with this market? Feeling like a number rather than a client? Confused about what is in your investment portfolio? New in town and looking for a financial advisor? Are you? As a Private Client you will have access to: Streamlining your existing portfolio A retirement income & investing plan Proactive client service from industry veterans SCAN QR CODE TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE! www.hodgesprivateclient.com We’re not like other advisors & our clients appreciate it! 2905 Maple Avenue Dallas, TX 75201 (833) 629 - 2240

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT Retirement Income Planning

Those of you inching closer to retirement are probably wondering how your golden years will work from a fiancial standpoint. Ths is a natural curiosity, as you will one day need to replicate your income from your savings and other sources. While this might sound like a daunting task, it’s actually pretty simple to illustrate. I think that the advisory and planning industry provides too much detail around the topic and it might be explained in a way

that is confusing or downright scary. I’ll attempt to alleviate those feelings as we walk through a simple example. Most of you probably have a good handle on your income sources and expenses. The goal now is to figue out your known sources of income. Typical sources:

• Social Security

• Employer Pension

• Rental Property

These are all hypothetical numbers for illustrative purposes

Social Security (spouses combined): $4,000 mo................................$48,000 yr

Pension: $5,000 mo................................$60,000 yr

Rental Property (net of expenses): $1,500 mo................................$18,000 yr

Sub-Total: $10,500 mo............................$126,000 yr

Now, let’s add-in the effects of $1,000,000 in investible money from all accounts. Let’s assume the income producing stocks and bonds in the portfolio throws off 2.5% er year.

Then we need to figue out variable income from all your investment accounts; IRAs, Individual Accounts, Joint Accounts, 401ks, etc. These accounts will be invested and will be throwing offincome from the investments you own, plus appreciation (over time). Ths income can be added to all of your known sources, and voila, you have your retirement income plan. To give you more peace of mind, let’s plug in some numbers:

$1,000,000 @ 2.5%.............................................................$25,000

Total…………………………………..………………$151,000*

Continued on next page

COLLIN COUNTY • 37

“Ths is all well and good, but I need more income.” I get this request pretty often, so there’s more that one can harvest from their investment accounts to get that extra income. Let’s use the same example as the couple with the $1 million in investible accounts. Let’s say they need $50,000 per year (5%) from the aggregate of all their accounts. Well, as shown above, half of it (2.5%) is already coming in from dividends and bond coupons, so where does the other 2.5% come from. The answer is the appreciation of the portfolio. That’s right, at the end of the day you are indifferent from getting $50,000 a year in dividends vs. selling $50,000 worth of your investments.** It’s all just money! Ths is a concept called total return. It’s your investment income + the appreciation over time.

You might be saying to yourself, “Well, that seems like I’m digging into principal, and I am not comfortable with that.” I get this question by virtually every client, and here’s my simple answer. As long as your total return, over time, is in excess of your withdrawals, your principal will continue to grow over time.

The next natural question (and I’ll spare you from having to ask) is how does this work in a recession and a bear market? It’s a fair question and one that deserves an answer. Given that the duration of market cycles can vary, and trying to predict the next big downturn is a fool’s errand, it’s always good to have a cash cushion that makes a person comfortable. Perhaps one to two years’ worth of cash needs should be kept in a money market? When the market takes that big dip, you can now draw from your cushion without having to sell anything during the down period. Once the market comes back, you replenish the cash you have taken out by selectively selling when things have rebounded. The specificsof how your portfolio should be allocated is an exercise that all clients should have with their advisor.

A quick note on financial planning:

The essence of a plan is showing a person how to get income by pulling various levers at various times. There really isn’t much more to it than that. Where the artistry comes into play is helping a client figue out when it’s best to pull each lever. For example, should I take social security as early as I can or should I defer? Should I start taking distributions from my IRA now, or wait until age 72 when the Required Minimum Distribution kicks in?

All of these variables can be worked out when talking to a client and running scenarios. Sure, there could always be some one-offsalong the way. Perhaps you want to sell a rental property, or you might be getting an inheritance. All of these can be accounted for and baked into your income plan when they occur. Again, putting together the plan is not the hard part, but it’s the execution of the plan by your advisor that is the hardest part.

You might need your portfolio to deliver income over a 20- to 30-year horizon, and in those multiple decades there will be some crazy times in the market where a seasoned investment manager can truly add value. It might behoove a person to look for the most qualifid manager fist, then figue out the income plan, not the reverse. Why? Some advisors lead with the fiancial planning angle as the most important part, build you the plan, and then try to sell you products for the plan or outsource the management to a third party. They might be great with numbers and spreadsheets, but can they manage money in an ever-changing market? Ths is one of the most important questions you need to ask yourself while you’re evaluating an advisor.

“EverybodyHasaPlanUntilThey Get Punched in the Mouth”

*This is a pre-tax amount

**There could be different tax treatments for IRA withdrawals, dividend payments, and capital gains.

Hodges Capital Management, Inc. is a Federally Registered Investment Advisory Firm registered with the SEC. The above discussion is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results, and should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Investing in smaller companies involves additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility. No current or prospective client should assume that information referenced in this communication is a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. No client or prospective client should assume that any information provided is a substitute for personalized individual advice from the adviser or any other investment professional. This document was created for informational purposes only and the opinions expressed are solely those of Hodges Capital Management, Inc.

All data and information reference herein are from sources believed to be reliable. Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices, or other information contained in this research is provided as general market commentary, it does not constitute investment advice. Hodges Capital Management shall not in any way be liable for claims and make no expressed or implied representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of the data and other information, or for statements or errors contained in or omissions from the obtained data and information referenced herein. The data and information are provided as of the date referenced. Such data and information are subject to change without notice.

38 • MARCH/APRIL 2022
Continued from page 37

DFW Wound Care Center is a group of wound care specialists in all of the DFW area. They are fellow trained surgeons, and board certified in wound care and reconstructive surgery. All physicians have also completed an intense residency and fellowship in the area of limb salvage, and foot and ankle surgery. When it comes to wound care and limb salvage, DFW Wound Care Center has the knowledge and experience to successfully treat your condition. As a result, patients from all over the country seek to be treated by DFW Wound Care Center.

Whether caused by diabetes, infection or disease, any wound that will not heal can be very serious. If you are experiencing a wound or ulcer that will not properly heal, our wound care center can provide a range of expert treatment options best in each case. We offer non-surgical and surgical treatments for:

Diabetic Wounds & Ulcers

Arterial Ulcers

Infected Wounds

Open Wounds

Pressure Ulcers

Vascular Wounds

Acute Wounds

Non-Healing Wounds

Chronic Wounds

Surgical Wounds

Traumatic Wounds

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IRVING CLINIC

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DESOTO CLINIC

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COLLIN COUNTY • 39
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40 • MARCH/APRIL 2022
4201 Medical Center Dr, Suite 270 Across from Medical City of McKinney Mon-Fri: 8:30am-5:00pm Other times available by appointment Locally Owned and Operated • Financing Options Available hearinmckinney.com 972.838.1300 TOP DOCS 2021 Livingwell PROVIDERS HEALTHCARE AND OTHER HEARING SERVICES OF McKINNEY CASSANDRA WILSON, Au.D. DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY
YOU Connected!

UNDERSTANDING HEARING LOSS

Hearing Facts

Let’s start with some facts (NIDCD, 2013): one in five Americans 12 and older experiences hearing loss severe enough to hinder communication. Nearly 50% of adults ages 75 and older have hearing impairments. Hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic condition in older Americans after hypertension and arthritis. About 26 million Americans between the ages of 20 and 69 have high frequency hearing loss due to exposure to loud noises at work or in leisure activities. Tinnitus (“ringing in the ears”) affects up to 50 million Americans. Tinnitus is currently the #1 service-connected disability for veterans from all service. If you have hearing loss, you’re not alone. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that 360 million people worldwide have “disabling hearing loss.”

How Hearing Works

When we become aware of a sound in our environment, it is the result of a sequence of events. The outer ear-sound travels through the pinna, what we see on the side of our head, which collects and funnels sound into and down the ear canal, striking the eardrum and causing it to vibrate. The middle ear-vibrations from the eardrum cause the ossicles (the three smallest bones in the body) to vibrate which, in turn, send the information onto the inner ear. In the inner ear, the movement of the hair cells sends electrical impulses through the auditory nerve to the hearing center of the brain, which translates them to sounds the brain can recognize.

Causes of Hearing Loss

Something can go wrong along that whole auditory pathway, therefore many things can cause our hearing system to stop functioning

properly. The main causes are the aging process, noise exposure, infections, variety of diseases such as Meningitis, injuries to the head or ear, birth defects, genetics, and ototoxic reaction to drugs or cancer treatment (i.e., certain antibiotics, chemotherapy, etc.).

How Hearing Loss Occurs

To understand why hearing loss is pervasive, it’s important to understand how hearing loss happens. Hearing loss happens when any part of our delicate hearing system stops working properly, whether it’s due to damage or deterioration. The most susceptible and common parts to break down are the microscopic stereocilia, the thousands of tiny hair cells that detect and send sound impulses to the brain. When these tiny hair cells become injured, diseased or die naturally, the result is sensory hearing loss. Ths is by far the most common type of hearing loss. When the microscopic stereocilia (hair cells) in your cochlear (inner ear) are damaged, they will not send complete signals to your brain, causing you to be unable to understand the consonants (more typical than vowels) within words. For example, the word “TOOTHBRUSH” may sound like “OO-BRU.” Healthy hair cells stand erect and are able to accurately detect sound waves and send impulses to the brain to correctly identify the word spoken. Damaged hair cells are limp and will no longer stand erect. They are therefore unable to properly detect sounds waves or send the correct information to the brain to identify.

How Hearing Loss Can Impact Your Life

If you think you hearing loss is inconsequential, you should know that studies have linked

untreated hearing loss to signifiant issues such as: diminished psychological and overall health, impaired memory and ability to learn new tasks, reduced alertness and increased risk to personal safety, avoidance or withdrawal from social situations, social rejection and loneliness, fatigue, tension, stress and depression, irritability, negativism and anger, reduced job performance and earning power.

What Hearing Loss is Like

You can’t recreate a hearing loss simply by plugging your ears. A person with normal hearing can hear quiet, medium and loud sounds that vary from low pitch (bass) to high pitch (treble). But when you have hearing loss, you often lose the ability to hear higher pitched sounds fist, such as certain consonants like T, K, S, F, SH and TH. Even though you still may be able to hear the stronger, lower pitch vowel sounds. Ths is why “I hear, but cannot understand” is a common complaint.

Help is Available

If you think you or someone you know has hearing loss, the next step is an easy one— confim it by seeing an Audiologist. Just as every person is unique, every hearing loss and hearing need is unique too. Consult an Audiologist who is trained to inspect your ear canal, accurately measure your hearing loss, assess your unique needs and make a recommendation that takes all this personal information into account.

COLLIN COUNTY • 41
42 • MARCH/APRIL 2022 Plano’s only family owned and operated full service funeral home Rick and Melanie Allen Owners/Funeral Directors Meaningful Appropriate Affordable 2112 W. Spring Creek Pkwy. | Plano, TX 75023 | 972.596.8200 www.affoplano.com

Just Something

Simple

Aa funeral director, I am often asked, “How much does a funeral cost?” Without trying to appear as if I am avoiding the question, I typically will follow up with, “What do you want to do?”

Several years ago, when cremation was almost non-existent in the United States, all funeral cost was based on which casket a family selected. That price would include everything the funeral home offered, such as limousines, funeral programs, flwers, etc. In the mid-1980s, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigated funeral pricing and how the prices were disclosed to client families. From that review, the FTC devised “ The Funeral Rule,” which requires funeral homes to itemize all items of service they offer and attach an itemized cost to each service.

Therefore, if a family wanted to drive their own cars to a funeral instead of using the funeral home limousine, they did not have to pay for that service. Funeral homes realized they had expenses related to overhead no matter what a family selected, so the FTC allows funeral homes to recoup the overhead in what is titled as “Basic Services.” Basic Services will be an added piece of cost to every funeral and is deemed as non-declinable by the FTC.

Today, some funeral homes offer services in packages, but are still required to present the families they serve with an itemized General Price List, Casket Price List, and Outer Burial Container (vault) Price List. Families may choose only the items they want and then only pay for items they choose. For lack of a better description, it is most like à la carte dining. Even though the application and adherence to The Funeral Rule was burdensome at fist for funeral homes, it has created a much fairer way for client families to be charged for funeral and cremation services.

So, what does all of this have to do with the title of this article, “Just Something Simple?” A lot of families I talk with these days will answer my question about what they want to do with the phrase, “something simple.” Simple means different things to different people. Fortunately, now a family can create their own version of “simple” by picking only what they really want. The result is often a beautifully planned, meaningful, and appropriate tribute that is affordable to that family’s budget. Don’t we all strive to live our lives in as simple a fashion as possible? If so, why should a funeral be anything different?

Feel like Youagain.

Rahul Banerjee, MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in hip and knee replacement, comprehensive management of fractures, and treatment of complex orthopaedic problems. Dr. Banerjee graduated from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and completed his residency and fellowship at Brown University.

After training, Dr. Banerjee served in the United States Air Force and worked with the Army treating the injured and training residents in El Paso, TX. He was deployed to the War in Iraq and treated many soldiers and civilians.

After his military service, Dr. Banerjee joined the faculty at University of Texas Southwestern as Assistant Clinical Professor. In 2021, Dr. Banerjee joined North Texas and Orthopaedic Spine. Dr. Banerjee is available to see patients at office locations in Plano, Carrollton and Dallas.

• Total Hip Replacement

• Direct Anterior Hip Replacement

• Knee Replacement

• Treatment of Fractures

• Bone Deformity

• Nonunion of Fractures

• Limb Lengthening

• Elbow Injuries / Elbow Replacement

• Foot and Ankle Injuries

• Infections

• Total Hip Revision

• Total Knee Revision

“From the moment I met Dr. Banerjee, he listened to what I had to say and how I felt, that means a lot to me. After many years of knee pain and not being able to live the lifestyle I wanted, he agreed to do a total knee replacement. It was the best decision I ever made. He did an amazing job! Less than two months out and I am walking and biking like I haven’t been able to in years! It really changed my life!!!”

44 • MARCH/APRIL 2022
(214) 592-9955
www.ntosonline.com
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WHY YOU NEED AN Independent Physician

Some of the most important decisions in your life involve healthcare. Decisions that can impact your family, your work, as well as the quality and length of your life.

You can’t take even the smallest decision lightly.

Which medication should I take? Do I even need medication? Why more tests? Where should I have surgery? Do I even need surgery?

To help make these decisions, you need a healthcare partner that you can trust, and that may be the most difficult decision of all.

Trust is the foundation of a physician-patient relationship. No one wants to think that their physician might have a conflict of interest. But healthcare is a business, a very expensive business.

You need an unbiased physician to help you to make the best decisions. A physician focused entirely on your needs, with no hidden agenda, and no secondary business distractions.

Over 70% of America’s physicians, compared to less than 40% in 2010, are employed by a healthcare corporation. Insurance companies, hospitals, or venture capitalists now employ most of the physicians in our country. Each of those businesses are influencing, to varying degrees, the decisions of their employed physicians. Many corporations are counting the number of referrals to their system, measuring the revenue, and justifying their investment in the employed physicians.

There is nothing wrong with profit. But when it comes to your healthcare decisions, it is wise to know who profits from the advice that you are receiving.

Fortunately, good patient care remains the goal for most physicians, regardless of the business model in which they work. But in this time of rapid consolidation, it is critical for patients to know what questions to ask.

Independent physicians can protect your freedom of choice because you will not be limited to the consultants or facilities that benefit the physician. Instead, you can have a trusted partner that helps you find the best value, and highest quality, that serves your needs.

GUY L. CULPEPPER, MD

Dr. Culpepper has led Bent Tree Family Physicians for 34 years, growing from a solo practice into a successful group of 7 MD’s and 13 mid-level providers, in North Dallas and Frisco. Bent Tree Family Physicians is a nationally recognized primary care practice that blends the traditions of personalized healthcare with the latest medical science and technology.

Dr. Culpepper co-founded Jefferson Physician Group (JPG), where he has served as CEO for 26 years. JPG is a group of over 500 practitioners dedicated to improving North Texas healthcare and to protecting the innovation of independent medical practices.

Dr. Culpepper has demonstrated leadership at every level of his career, from serving as Chief Resident during his training at U.T. Southwestern Medical School, to becoming the Chief of Staff and Founding Chair of the Family Medicine Department for THR Presbyterian Hospital.

He has served on the Board of Trustees for Medical City Hospital Plano and Frisco, in addition to the Foundation Board of the Dallas County Community College District.

His unique passion for healthcare has been rewarded with multiple honors, including 29 consecutive years as “Best Doctor” in D Magazine , and 18 consecutive years as “Top Doctor” in Texas Monthly

Dr. Culpepper believes that the strength of America’s healthcare comes from independent physicians, and he has dedicated his life to protecting the physician’s role as the leaders of patient advocacy.

TOP DOCS 2021 Livingwell PROVIDERS HEALTHCARE AND OTHER TOP DOCS 2020 Livingwell PROVIDERS HEALTHCARE AND OTHER

Sports Medicine and Non-Operative Orthopedics

R. BRENT BRIDWELL, MD

R. Brent Bridwell, M.D. is a board-certified Sports Medicine physician. He received his Doctorate of Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. After finishing residency training at AnMed Health Hospital in South Carolina, he completed a Sports Medicine Fellowship at Blue Ridge Orthopedics/Clemson University.

Dr. Bridwell manages all musculoskeletal conditions and sports related injuries. He is skilled at the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound for both diagnosing and guiding injection treatments. Most recently, Dr. Bridwell offers regenerative medicine for treating both acute and chronic injuries with Platelet Rich Plasma Injections (PRP).

• Providing Non-Surgical Treatment for:

• Sports Injuries

• Sprains/Strains

• Impingements

• Arthritis

• Overuse Tendonitis

• Bursitis

• Hand/Wrist Pain

• Knee, Shoulder, Hip, Back Pain

Two convenient locations:

FRISCO

3550 Parkwood Blvd., Ste. 600 Frisco, TX 75034

(972) 377-8800

NORTH DALLAS

17110 Dallas Pkwy., Ste. 100 Dallas, TX 75248

(972) 380-7000

Jefferson Physician Group (JPG) is a network of over 200 independent physicians, working cooperatively to preserve the private practice of medicine and to provide the greatest value in healthcare.

Founded in 1995, JPG believes that independent physicians deliver the highest level of personalized care and offer the greatest opportunity for healthcare innovation.

Bent Tr ee Family Physicians
BentTreeMD.com

TOP LAWYERS 2022 TOP LAWYERS 2022 Livingwell

In this special editorial section, the lawyers are listed in alphabetical order and by ad size. To learn more about the lawyers and their specialty, you can visit their websites provided. Their information presented in Living Well Magazine is not legal advice, nor is the Top Lawyers Section a legal referral service.

Thoughout the year, readers and clients nominate attorneys they feel are great candidates for the Top Lawyer recognition by Living Well Magazine Not all lawyers nominated opted to participate in this paid Top Lawyers Section. While we strive to maintain a high degree of accuracy in the information provided, we make no claim, promise or guarantee about the accuracy of the information provided to us. Hiring an attorney is an important

decision that should not solely be based upon advertising or the listings in this magazine.

Take your time and focus on fiding an attorney that has dealt with your specificlegal issue. You can usually fid out basic information about any attorney you’re interested in online. Their websites generally list their specialties, where they went to school, and how long they’ve been practicing. The Dallas Bar Association and Collin County Bar Association are other great places to research information. Once you’ve narrowed down your search, make an appointment with any attorney you’re interested in and set up a consultation (fid out if a fee is involved for the consultation). Be sure and take your questions with you to your consultation that are specific o your case.

50 • MARCH/APRIL 2022

PALMER law group

family law, divorce, pre-nuptial agreements, child support, wills, trusts, estate plans

In court and out of court, Dana Christian Palmer, works to get families through the divorce process in the healthiest way possible. Mr. Palmer has received the Avvo.com 10.0 “Superb” rating for 2021 and numerous awards including “Best Family Lawyers in McKinney” for 2021 from Expertise, “Top 10 Family Law Attorney in Texas” from Attorney & Practice Magazine in 2019, 2020 and 2021, and “10 Best Attorneys” from the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys yearly from 2015 to 2021. Dana and the Palmer Law Group have handled thousands of family law cases with issues that include multimillion dollar property disputes and extremely hard child custody cases. Palmer Law Group is equipped to succeed at trial with the hardest cases, but they avoid court and get healthy results via negotiations more often than not. For clients who want healthy solutions, Palmer Law Group wants to end the fihting—even if they have a hard fiht. SoftDvorce.com®

COLLIN COUNTY • 51 TOP LAWYERS 2022 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
212 East Virginia St. McKinney, TX 75069 (214) 789-4735 www.softdivorce.com
TOP LAWYERS 2022 Livingwell
Divorce Doesn’t Have To Be So Hard!®
52 • MARCH/APRIL 2022 TOP LAWYERS 2022 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE ASHMORE LAW FIRM, P.C.

estate planning, wills and trusts, will contests, probate, guardianship, complex divorce, child custody, personal injury

The Ashmore Law Firm is a family-owned and operated, fullservice boutique law fim that has been serving the community for over 30 years. The fim was established in 1987 by Retired Probate Judge Joseph E. Ashmore, Jr. and his son, Gary Ashmore. Attorney Lori Ashmore Peters, Joe’s daughter, and Gary’s sister later joined the fim in 1996.

We provide you with cost-effective options and specifially focus on the individual needs of our clients.

As a client of The Ashmore Law Firm, you will benefit from over 134 years of combined legal experience.

“I can’t thank The Ashmore Law Firm enough. They gave me peace of mind helping me with my legal needs. They are professional and looked out for our interest.”

“As an attorney & businessman, I am pleased to share that Lori Ashmore Peters has the integrity & philosophies that are sorely needed in the legal profession today.”

When you work with The Ashmore Law Firm, you are working with attorneys that are passionate about going above and beyond for you. We believe that we can offer you the best possible legal counsel within our community. You get the best of both worlds, a high level of service that the big law fims provide, with the individualized attention of a smaller practice.

559-7202 www.ashmorelaw.com

COLLIN COUNTY • 53
3636 Maple Avenue Dallas, TX 75219 (214)
TOP LAWYERS 2022 Livingwell

CHRISTIE merchant

criminal defense

Christie Merchant is a straight-shooting and compassionate attorney who has spent the majority of her career practicing criminal law. Christie started her profession as a prosecutor in East Texas where she represented the State of Texas in cases involving misdemeanor offenses, Child Protective Services, and in cases on appeal where individuals sought to challenge the validity of their convictions. As a young prosecutor, Christie argued before the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and won and has maintained her passion for appellate advocacy ever since.

Shortly after her win in Austin, Christie became a staff attorney for the Twelfth Court of Appeals in Tyler. As a staff attorney, she honed her research and writing skills, and learned how judges approach the cases before them. After nearly four years with the Court, Christie moved to Dallas in 2016 where she began practicing criminal defense.

Since becoming a criminal defense attorney, Christie has represented numerous clients at the trial and appellate court levels in both state and federal court. She has been a speaker for the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, been recognized as one of D Magazine’s Best Lawyers and Best Lawyers Under 40, and has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star two years in a row.

Christie has primarily served clients in the DFW area. In 2020, she expanded her practice to include an office inyler where she primarily serves as counsel for individuals seeking to appeal their convictions. Whether you have needs in the metroplex or East Texas, reach out to Christie by phone or email to set up a consultation!

DALLAS LOCATION

17304 Preston Rd., Ste. 1250

Dallas, Texas 75252 (214) 538-7393

EAST TEXAS LOCATION

2702 E. Fifth St., #735

Tyler, Texas 75701 (903) 747-0784

christie@merchlaw.com

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TOP LAWYERS 2022 Livingwell TOP LAWYERS 2022 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

watson CRAIG W.

estate planning, probate, elder law, guardianship 805 N. Travis St., Ste. 400

Craig Watson’s legal practice focuses on the areas of estate planning, probate, elder law and guardianship matters. He serves clients with large taxable estates as well as small non-taxable estates. His estate planning work includes the preparation of simple Wills and Revocable Trusts as well as complex estate plans involving By-pass Trusts and Marital Trusts. Craig also designs estate tax-sensitive plans that include charitable trusts, life insurance trusts, educational trusts, LLC’s and family limited partnerships. Craig’s probate practice is similarly broad and may include anything from probating a small estate all the way up to preparing and filing a federal estate tax return for a large taxable estate. As an elder law attorney, Craig handles nursing home Medicaid qualifiation, guardianships, wills, powers of attorney and medical authorizations for elderly clients.

Craig is a member of the Special Needs Alliance, a national, invitation only organization of attorneys committed to serving the legal needs of disabled individuals. Craig is certifid as an Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation, which is recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is a Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and the Texas and Grayson County Bar Associations. He graduated from SMU School of Law in 1989 with a Juris Doctor degree. Prior to that, he practiced as a CPA in Dallas for four years after graduating with a degree in Accounting and concentration in Finance from Baylor University in 1982.

Craig is married and lives on a farm west of Sherman where he raises cattle.

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TOP LAWYERS 2022 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION TOP LAWYERS 2022 Livingwell
Sherman, TX 75090 (903) 813-8500 www.craigwatsonlaw.com
TOP LAWYERS 2022 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Attorney Deandra M. Grant is the Managing Partner of Deandra Grant Law. She is an international speaker on DWI law, science and trial skills. As the author of the annually updated Texas DWI Manual, she is viewed by her peers as being a leader in her fild. Deandra understands the science behind alcohol absorption and elimination rates and can use this knowledge to competently defend you.

Deandra was included in the list of Super Lawyers® for 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Super Lawyers® is an attorney rating service that is nationally recognized throughout the legal community. The list represents no more than 5% of the attorneys in Texas. She is also AV® Preeminent™ Rated by MartindaleHubbell®, which is the highest rating an attorney can achieve. She was given the AV® Rating for her outstanding professional achievements in the fild of DWI law and her contributions to the legal community. She’s also received the highest rating of 10.0 by both AVVO and Justia.

Deandra graduated in 1990 from Trinity University in San Antonio with a B.S. in Business Administration. She earned her law degree from the SMU School of Law and was licensed by the State Bar of Texas in 1993. Having spent her last year of law school as an intern with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Offi, she began work there as an assistant district attorney in January 1994.

Deandra’s tenure as a prosecutor focused on DWI prosecution. Upon leaving the DA’s Offi, she opened her own criminal defense practice. Over the last 28 years she has represented hundreds of Texans charged with criminal offenses, including DWI, violent felonies and sex crimes. As a former prosecutor, she knows fisthand how to counter the prosecutor’s evidence and strategy.

Deandra has spent hundreds of hours in training courses and programs related to DWI defense and has completed the certifiation course to administer standard fild sobriety testing (SFST), the same National Highway Traffic fety Administration training course that teaches police offics nationwide how to identify drunk drivers during traffi stops. She has also completed the SFST Instructor course and taught the SFST practitioner course to other attorneys. In 2008, she completed coursework on DWI forensic blood and urine testing.

In 2011 she received a certifiate from the American Chemical Society in forensic chromatography. In 2012 she became a member of both the American Chemical Society and the American Academy of Forensic Science. Deandra earned the ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation in 2015. In 2016 she completed both a Graduate Certifiate in Forensic Toxicolog y from the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine and a Master in Pharmaceutical Science—Concentration in Forensic Science from the University of Florida’s College of Pharmacy. In 2019 she joined the faculty at Axion Labs as an Assistant Chromatography Instructor.

Deandra is a former board member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. She is a Charter Member and former president of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association. Currently she serves on the board of the Dallas Women Lawyers Association and in 2022 she will begin serving a term as president of the Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

On a personal note, Deandra is a wife, the mom of two and has 5 rescue dogs. She spends a great deal of time working with dog rescues and is Vice President of Living the Doxie Dream Rescue & Sanctuary, located in Royse City, Texas. Deandra is a selfproclaimed “wine snob” who collects wine.

DEANDRA grant

COLLIN COUNTY • 57
TOP LAWYERS 2022 Livingwell criminal & dwi defense texas trial attorneys GRANT DEANDRA 3300 Oak Lawn, Ste. 700 Dallas, TX 75219 (972) 943-8500 www.texasdwisite.com

901

(214) 651-4300

www.clarkhill.com

EARSA R. jackson

franchise & distribution, litigation

Earsa Jackson is a dynamic leader with more than 23 years of experience practicing law. Chair of Clark Hill’s Franchise & Licensing team and the fim’s Diversity Committee, Earsa enjoys helping individuals and companies expand through franchising and licensing models. She regularly structures franchises and assists franchises with ongoing transactional needs in addition to handling business and commercial litigation matters.

She is the Chair of the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Diversity Institute and was honored to receive the 2019 IFA “Ronald E. Harrison Diversity Award” at the 59th Annual Convention, an award that recognizes businesses and individuals who have made signifiant contributions to diversity in franchising either within their own franchise organization or within the franchise community.

Earsa has written and spoken extensively on franchise issues and is a member of the Governing Committee of the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising and a former Director of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Division for the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising. She has been recognized among Best Lawyers in America and Who’s Who Legal. She is the co-author of Franchise and Distribution Law Developments 2016. She is an associate editor of the Franchise Law Journal.

She enjoys spending time with her husband of 26 years and their children as well as travelling.

About Clark Hill

Clark Hill is a multidisciplinary, international law fim that provides innovative legal solutions and client-service excellence worldwide. Its work is guided by its deeply held shared values, including practicality, entrepreneurship, mutual respect, diversity, ethical behavior, and a commitment to client and community service. Some of its signature practice groups include banking & fiancial services; corporate law; cyber security, data protection & privacy; labor & employment; litigation; real estate and tax & estate planning. Learn more at clarkhill.com.

58 • MARCH/APRIL 2022
Main St., Ste. 6000 Dallas, TX 75202
TOP LAWYERS 2022 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION TOP LAWYERS 2022 Livingwell

KOONS fuller

family law, divorce, child custody, prenuptial agreements, property division, paternity

FAMILY LAW IS NOT ONLY WHAT WE DO. IT’S ALL WE DO.

With more than thirty proven attorneys in four office across North Texas, KoonsFuller is one of the largest family law fims in Texas and the Southwest. KoonsFuller Family Law offers clients a level of legal representation and range of resources unmatched by any other family law fim. Whether your case calls for informal negotiations, mediation, collaborative law or court proceedings, KoonsFuller is equipped to handle cases of all sizes and issues and has been doing so for over 40 years. The Plano attorneys pride themselves on the compassion, skill, and thoughtfulness they bring to each case. They understand that every family is unique and every family’s concerns are different, especially when divorce, custody issues, and fiances are involved.

Working together, as a fully integrated team, there is no case too large or complex for us to manage. To learn more about KoonsFuller, visit koonsfuller.com.

ROBERTSON SHAREHOLDER Voted 2022 Top Lawyer

(Principal Office) 1717 McKinney Ave., Ste. 1500 Dallas, TX 75202 (214) 871-2727

W. Eagle Dr., Ste. 200 Denton, TX 76201 (940) 442-6677

COLLIN COUNTY • 59
TOP LAWYERS 2022 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION TOP LAWYERS 2022 Livingwell
PLANO 5700
Plano,
(972)
SOUTHLAKE 550 Reserve St., Ste. 450 Southlake, TX 76092 (817) 481-2710
W. Plano Pkwy., Ste. 2200
TX 75093
769-2727
www.koonsfuller.com
DALLAS
DENTON
L TO R: TOM DALEY, JESSICA PERRONI, KEVIN SEGLER, NEDA GARRETT,* RICK ROBERTSON, JULIE CRAWFORD, BRIAN LOUGHMILLER, SALLY PRETORIUS, DERON SUGG AND LAUREN HARRIS. BOARD CERTIFIED IN FAMILY LAW BY THE TEXAS BOARD OF LEGAL SPECIALIZATION
RICK
320
TOP LAWYERS 2022 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Attorney Robin Forsythe’s estate planning practice focuses on helping families enhance their lives today and secure their futures tomorrow. She excels in guiding her clients through the often-confusing maze of fiancial and legal decisions to create plans that ensure the well-being of their families and the accomplishment of cherished family goals. Her considerable legal expertise includes family protection, wealth preservation, pet planning and values-based planning as well as planning strategies for unmarried couples and divorced individuals. Whether you are married or single, with a traditional family or blended one, just starting out or looking back on a life welllived, Robin will help you craft a lan that achieves your goals for your loved ones today and for years to come.

Robin started her career as a Special Investigative Agent for the Kentucky Department of Revenue after graduating Magna Cum Laude from Kentucky State University with a bachelor’s in Business Administration with an Accounting Emphasis and a Minor in Finance. There she investigated Criminal Tax Fraud in both individuals and businesses. She also performed joint investigations with local, state, and federal law enforcement bodies and sat on multiple task forces. Robin attended law school part time while working for the state and graduated from Northern Kentucky University’s Salmon P. Chase College of Law in 2014. She worked for Toyota North America for four years in their accounting, supply chain and sales departments working on large projects including moving the supply chain function to the United States from Japan and leading their Annual Plan for North America. In 2018 Robin and her husband moved back to Texas and Robin joined a Dallas based CPA fim providing Tax Controversy services to clients struggling with IRS issues. In 2019 Robin set out on her own to provide clients with flat fee-based practice for Tax Controversy and Estate Planning.

Robin’s love of Estate Planning started in her undergraduate career knowing how difficult life can be when a family member dies without a will or even any clear instructions. Her own father passed when she was a senior in high school and saw the rift t can create in families. Robin knows the value of planning for a death or incapacity in your family. Your kids, pets, friends, and family need clear instructions from you to see your dreams, goals and ideas through.

Robin lives in Princeton, TX with her husband Cory and 4-year-old daughter Taylor. She’s also the loving owner of a corgi cross, Chewy, a corgi Hamilton, and an Appaloosa horse named ‘Appyness. Robin is an avid Tennis player and dressage rider.

ROBIN

COLLIN COUNTY • 61 MCKINNEY 500 E. Davis St., 2nd Floor McKinney, TX 75069 FRISCO 5 Cowboys Way, Ste. 300 Frisco, TX 75034 (972) 430-6763 www.forsythelawpllc.com ROBIN WITH HER HUSBAND CORY, DAUGHTER TAYLOR AND HORSE ‘APPYNESS forsythe estate planning, equine & pet trusts, elder law & medicare planning, tax services
TOP LAWYERS 2022 Livingwell
TOP LAWYERS 2022 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LEU & PEIRCE

elder law, estate planning, probate, guardianship, public benefits planning, probate and fiduciary litigation

As partners at Leu & Peirce, PLLC, a preeminent Elder Law fim in Plano, Lori Leu, Erin Peirce, and Lauren Olson are committed to providing quality, compassionate, and dignifid services to their clients. Their boutique practice focuses on protecting seniors through estate planning, long-term care decisions, public benefits eligibility, including Medicaid and VA benefits, probate administration, heirship proceedings, Will contests, and guardianships.

Lori Leu, a Certifid Elder Law Attorney (CELA), graduated from Kansas State University and Harvard Law School. After practicing commercial litigation and telecommunications law, Lori attended SMU Perkins School of Theology and, in 2008, realized her calling of serving seniors and their families through the practice of Elder Law. Lori grew up in a small town in Kansas and raised her family in Plano.

Erin Peirce graduated from Texas A&M University and South Texas College of Law. Erin was raised in Houston and moved to Dallas in 2007. Prior to joining Lori Leu in 2011, Erin practiced commercial litigation, which now enables her to advocate for her client’s rights and defend against elder abuse and exploitation in the Elder Law arena.

Lauren Olson began practicing with Leu & Peirce in 2013. Lauren is a Plano native and graduate of Saint Louis University and SMU Dedman School of Law. Lauren’s background as a social worker and member of AmeriCorps forms the foundation of her compassion and mission to help the community and the families served at Leu & Peirce.

The experienced and talented team at Leu & Peirce is devoted to empowering seniors and their families with advice on issues of housing, fiancial well-being, healthcare, and the ultimate disposition of assets, enabling their clients to plan for the future and age with grace and dignity. Along with their dedicated support staff, Lori, Erin, and Lauren focus all of their energy on making the legal aspects of aging easier for their clients. The emerging practice of Elder Law encompasses a variety of legal challenges experienced by seniors and their families, as well as those with special needs, and the attorneys at Leu & Peirce are committed to serving the unique needs of each client.

COLLIN COUNTY • 63
2313
Rd., Ste. A Plano, TX 75075 (972)
TOP LAWYERS 2022 Livingwell
Coit
996-2540 www.leulawfirm.com

JONATHAN rawlins

litigation work

Rawlins Law Firm, LLC represents individuals across the state of Texas. Our fim specializes in providing representation to individuals and companies helping recover Diminished Value on their automobiles.

When your personal or company vehicle is involved in an accident and subsequently repaired, it will have an inherent lost value due to the loss history on the vehicle. When another person’s negligence causes the accident, you have the right to recover the lost value directly from that person’s insurance company.

Get in touch with us to set up a consultation to inquire whether our services are right for you. We at Rawlins Law Firm know that fiding the right attorney to represent you is a choice not to be taken lightly. That’s why we offer free consultations to walk you through your needs, the scope of your goals, and your budget.

64 • MARCH/APRIL 2022
TOP LAWYERS 2022 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION TOP LAWYERS 2022 Livingwell
12801 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 360 Dallas, TX 75243 (972) 372-0766 www.rawfirm.com

Dr. Litke is a passionate artist, both in her spare time and as an orthopaedic surgeon. At L&W Orthopaedics, she approaches every orthopaedic problem with an eye toward restoration of function and mobility. With a deep knowledge of the inner workings of the body’s most active and important joints, Dr. Litke is able to repair most hip, knee, and shoulder problems, giving her patients the freedom to move again. Assisting her skilled hands, she uses the latest state-of-the-art robotic equipment for accuracy and precision, delivering a powerful combination of experience and technology to all of her patients.

Dr. Litke earned her medical degree at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. She went on to complete her orthopaedic residency at the University of South Carolina in Columbia South Carolina. She is certi ed by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, and is a Fellow of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery and a Fellow of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. Dr. Litke is a liated with the Methodist Richardson Medical Center, where she is the director of the joint program. When she’s not working, Dr. Litke enjoys photography and ceramics.

Please call 972.498.4791 to schedule an appointment.

(972) 498-4791 www.LWOrthopaedics.com
Dr. Diane S. Litke, MD
L&W Orthopaedic Associates Orthopaedic Surgeons located in Richardson, TX 2821 E. President George Bush Highway Suite 201 Richardson, TX 75082

Deandra M. Grant

Leaders in DWI Defense NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED DWI LAW FIRM

Have you been arrested? Whether you have been charged with DWI in Texas or another criminal offense, we advise you to secure the immediate representation of our experienced DWI lawyers. Your charges can have life-altering consequences. It is of the utmost importance that following an arrest, you hire our Dallas criminal defense lawyer. We will stop at nothing in order to protect your rights, freedom, and future. At Deandra Grant Law, you will receive the individualized support and tenacious advocacy that you require in order to combat your criminal charges.

Because we care deeply about helping as many people as we can, our Texas DWI & criminal attorneys also represent clients in Collin County and throughout northern Texas.

Deandra Grant Law’s five offices are led by Managing Partner Deandra M. Grant, JD, GC, MS, one of the most awarded and respected DWI authorities in the country. She is co-author of The Texas DWI Manual, certified in the science and testing of DWI enforcement, and respected by her peers as being a leader in her field.

66 • MARCH/APRIL 2022 TOP LAWYERS 2022 Livingwell THE LAWYER LAWYERS CALL
JD, GC, MS Co-Author of the Texas DWI Manual 3300 Oak Lawn, Ste. 700, Dallas, TX 75219 (972) 943-8500 | TexasDWISite.com texas trial attorneys GRANT DEANDRA

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