Healing rituals are making their way into daily wellness routines
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Each January, it feels like we all rush to reinvent ourselves with new goals and routines. This year, I’ve decided not to make any resolutions. Instead, I’m leaning into intentions—giving myself time to do more of what truly brings me joy. More of my mornings are spent diving into a good book, my afternoons are filled with longer walks around the neighborhood, and I’ve rediscovered the simple pleasures of a good craft, such as embroidery and painting.
This is what the season is all about: not striving to be someone new but returning to who we are when life slows down. In that spirit, one of the stories in our wellness issue dives into healing rituals. On page 24, the experts at Sila Wellness encourage us to explore how practices like meditation and Reiki help us realign and reconnect with ourselves.
I find that intention can also mean treating ourselves with kindness—and sweetness! On page 36, Kellie Stocker invites us to discover her buttery, delicious scones crafted with care. She says, “It all started in my grandparents’ kitchen when I was little, and now in my own … I think people can taste the difference when something is homemade with care. My scones are baked the same way that I’d make them for my family.”
In between these pages, I invite you to meet several area students who discuss their passions. On page 19, Alyssa Wang of East Ridge High School shares her love for science and art; later, on page 32, four students reminisce on a medical mission trip to Honduras.
Here’s to a year of slowing down and doing more of what makes our hearts sing. Happy New Year, Readers.
On the Cover: Divine Forces , page 24
Photo by: Chris Emeott
VOL. 21 NO. 6
January 2026
PUBLISHER
Susan Isay
EDITOR
Hailey Almsted
MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Renée Stewart-Hester
MANAGING EDITOR
Hailey Almsted
DIGITAL EDITOR
Madeline Kopiecki
COPY EDITORS
Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt
STAFF WRITERS
Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Jennifer Pitterle and Paige Udermann
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Megan Koren, Amy Leferink, Gretchen McNaughton, Manali Shah, Patty (Stutzman) Paulus, Rachael Perron and Katie Tomsche
DIGITAL INTERN
Claire Krieger
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Diane Meyer and Avery Vrieze
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Shawn Hogendorf, South Washington County Schools ; Michele Magistad, Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce ; Sue McKeown, Resident ; and Shelly Schafer, City of Woodbury
SENIOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR
Sarah Dovolos
ART DIRECTOR
Allison Nolden
ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR
Jamie Klang
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Yaz Lo
LEAD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Chris Emeott
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Brittni Dye
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Lisa Stone
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Mimi Coz
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Laura Bjorgo, Cynthia Hamre and Sara Johnson
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Rochita Chatterjee and Gina Neumann
PRESIDENT
Pete Burgeson
To subscribe to Woodbury Magazine , please visit localmedia.co. For customer service inquiries, please contact hello@localmedia.co, or call 612.208.6248. ©Local LLC 2026. All rights reserved.
As the new year rings in once more, bringing with it fresh goals, many people take this time to reflect and set healthier habits and goals for themselves. For aging populations, it’s an opportunity to explore wellness options that support longevity and vitality. This winter, the City of Woodbury Parks & Recreation supports these goals with Live 2 B Healthy classes at Central Park. Recreation technician Jennifer Anderson shares more about each class.
Strength & Balance Class: In this popular class, participants build balance, flexibility and strength to reduce fall risks. Equipment includes bands, loops and mini-balls, all of which are used to improve coordination and muscle mass.
Tai Chi for Seniors: Arthritis and Fall Prevention: “With its low-impact, adaptable approach, this program helps seniors stay active, independent and engaged in daily life,” according to the City of Woodbury. This class, which guides participants through rhythmic postures, is created for individuals with arthritis or concerns about falling, but it is safe for all fitness levels.
For more information, visit woodburymn.gov. Discover more wellness practices for all ages on page 24. —Hailey Almsted
Your Community, Your Vote
Let’s start the year with some exciting news. Best of Woodbury is moving—to February! We think it’s a perfect fit. After all, February is the month of love, and we all adore our local businesses and service providers.
Our 2026 annual readers’ choice poll will be better than ever, featuring an all-new, voter-friendly platform at woodburymag.com
and an entire month for readers to make their selections for their favorites in more than 70 categories, including our inaugural wedding section.
Start making your lists of favorites now. Vote in February, and watch for the list of finalists on our website on March 16. Find additional details and rules online.
—Editorial Staff
Shelby Van Pelt’s novel follows widow Tova Sullivan as she works the nightshift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Tova has kept busy since the disappearance of her son, Erik, over 30 years ago. At the aquarium, Tova becomes acquainted with the incredibly knowledgeable Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus. The two form a remarkable friendship, and together they discover the truth behind Erik’s disappearance.
Told from multiple perspectives, Remarkably Bright Creatures is unlike any other literary fiction novel I’ve read. It’s charming, intricate and will have you researching the giant Pacific octopus species. —Hailey Almsted
A 30-year Woodbury resident, Bill Sawyer volunteers for several organizations, including the Relay for Life of SoWashCo. “Through the years, we raised over a million dollars for the American Cancer Society,” Sawyer says. “This purpose-driven event ignited in me the desire to connect with and give back to the community.”
Sawyer serves on the Woodbury Days Council, volunteers by sorting food at Open Cupboard in Maplewood and serves meals at the Dorothy Day residence in St. Paul.
Since 2018, he has also dedicated his time serving at the Armed Forces Service Center at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. “It’s a wonderful organization that offers support to active-duty military members, retirees and their families,” Sawyer says.
His connection to the United States Armed Forces is rooted in family—two of his daughters serve in the Navy and Space Force, continuing a legacy begun by his father’s service in the Navy.
Manali Shah is a board member of the Woodbury Community Foundation and has been volunteering in Woodbury and Washington County for over 20 years. Find more at woodburycommunity.org.
It really is time to start preparing for summer camp adventures.
By Renée Stewart-Hester
Preparing kids for summer camp includes more than packing lists and stocking up on sunscreen and bug spray. Campers’ health and well-being while away from home—at day or sleepaway camps—takes priority before they hop in the car or on the plane. Starting points often include a visit to a health care professional for a camp physical and communication with a camp’s staff to get an overview of its health and wellness
protocols. Knowing what to ask—and to whom—can be confusing. To clarify, we turned to Roger Aronson, M.D., a family medicine physician, pediatrician and medical director at HealthPartners Park Nicollet. He answers some important questions. Are day camp physicals required? Depending on the activities, some day camps will want proof of a recent physical exam to make sure the child is OK for full
participation. That being said, not all camps require a physical examination. Do camp physicals differ from sports or regular physicals? [They do] not; most regular pediatric physicals will cover everything needed for a camp physical as well as a sports physical. (… in general, any physical done within one year of camp attendance will suffice.)
What should be evaluated? It certainly
makes sense to make sure the camper is healthy and doesn’t need to be evaluated for infections. It’s also good to make sure vaccines are current as some camp injuries would require proof of current tetanus vaccination. Being in a group setting, it’s good in general to have all your vaccines current to minimize the risk for infectious exposure and subsequent illness.
What about prescription medications?
Most camps will have a person who manages meds for campers, especially the younger campers. There generally are medications that should be taken on a daily basis or as needed. Most camps will allow campers ages 12 and older to administer their own albuterol. Epinephrine should always be given by camp staff in the event of an allergic reaction.
Let’s discuss dietary issues. The biggest dietary concerns would involve allergic reactions to foods, such as peanuts or eggs. There would also be considerations for vegetarian or vegan diets. Notify camp staff of the need to avoid gluten if a child was diagnosed with celiac disease.
What about health and well-being? I recommend starting with a conversation with your child to ask if there are any thoughts, feelings or concerns they have about going to camp … It’s good to acknowledge that it’s normal to have feelings and emotions at camp, such as homesickness, loneliness or not knowing how they fit in … It’s also important to remind them they should speak up if anything seems wrong or inappropriate. Encourage your child to speak with camp counselors at any point if they have concerns or are feeling uncomfortable, sad or lonely. It’s good to review general safety topics and peer pressure. It can be helpful to practice how to respond in a situation that feels uncomfortable or unsafe.
Are there clues that a child should be retrieved early? Signs that a child may be struggling at camp may include difficulty regulating or expressing their emotions. Other signs include struggling with social interactions and a lack of resiliency related to stress, feeling unsafe, sad or lonely. You may see difficulty engaging or general fatigue as well as significant changes in appetite. Any of these may be an indication that your child may need additional support or to be picked up from camp.
HealthPartners (healthpartners.com) has locations throughout the Metro, including HealthPartners Clinic Woodbury.
For more of DeHart’s interview, visit woodburymag.com.
By Mollee Francisco
When Natalie Standridge couldn’t find childcare that met her needs and values after the birth of her daughter, she did what any natural entrepreneur would do—she started her own. “I had specific requirements,” she says. “I wanted a Spanish immersion environment with a wholesome approach to care. No one was doing that in the Twin Cities.”
After running a home daycare for four years, Standridge opened Casa de Corazón in South Minneapolis in 2006. The intercultural early learning center serves infants through preschool-aged children and features a bilingual program, cloth diapers and freshly prepared meals. “We focus on nurturing your child’s mind, body and heart,” Standridge says. “It’s an extremely wellrounded education.”
Twenty years after opening the South Minneapolis location, Casa de Corazón now has 10 locations across Minnesota and Wisconsin, including its newest entry to the family in Woodbury.
Standridge says Casa de Corazón took off quickly after doors opened. “We had an awesome response from the community,” she says. “We had doubled in size by 2007 and opened our second location in 2009. I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, so many people need and want this.’”
In 2017, Casa de Corazón continued its evolution, opening the door to franchise opportunities. In Woodbury, Jansel Hernandez is the franchise owner. Hernandez has a Ph.D. in education and has worked with Casa de Corazón for the last 10 years. “He helped me build the program,” Standridge says. Hernandez adds, “I love to create new ideas, innovate.”
Opening the Woodbury location is the culmination of his work with Casa de Corazón to date. “The children are part of the family,” he says. “I know their names. It’s not just a business to me. I love my job.”
“I feel so blessed, and I’m so grateful for all
“Whether you’re dreaming of downsizing to a one-level living townhome, building your dream home, or moving somewhere warmer — let’s make that happen in 2026!” My ‘WHITE GLOVE SERVICE’ means you’ll never do it alone. Call me today and let’s make your home journey stress-free!
the others who have been passionate about it,” Standridge says.
The Hudson Road facility, with its eight classrooms, kitchen and both indoor and outdoor play spaces, opened in July. Like other Casa de Corazón locations, Woodbury celebrates Latin culture in all aspects of its programming. “We implement The Creative Curriculum by Teaching Strategies—one of
the most respected early childhood education frameworks in the United States—together with Casa’s own intercultural curriculum,” Hernandez says.
This comprehensive program promotes cultural immersion with a different theme and focus country each month, fostering language development, global awareness and meaningful connections for children. Children are introduced to the art, food, music and symbols of each country.
Each Casa de Corazón location features a commercial kitchen where snacks and meals are made on site each day. “We make food very fresh with local products,” Hernandez says. Casa de Corazón works with local coops, farms and family-owned food vendors to source organic ingredients for their meals. “It’s such a robust meal program,” Standridge says. Hernandez says among the crowd favorites prepared in their kitchen are flautas (rolled tacos), huevos rancheros (fried eggs
and salsa on corn tortillas) and a Costa Rican beans and rice dish known as gallo pinto “Parents ask for that recipe,” Hernandez says. “Everyone loves the food program.”
Casa de Corazón boasts more than 900 graduates. “Some come to us for the Spanish, some for the health,” Standridge says. Whatever the reason, “Everyone is welcome here,” Hernandez says.
Casa de Corazón casaearlylearning.com @casa.woodbury
As snow blankets the ground and winter settles in, there’s no better time to embrace the warmth, comfort, and peace of mind that come with independent living at Saint Therese of Woodbury. Nestled in one of Minnesota’s most vibrant communities, our campus is a welcoming retreat where seniors can enjoy the beauty of winter without the burden of home maintenance.
Step outside your door and into a vibrant community offering:
• A warm saltwater pool and fitness center
• On-site bistro, library and Club Room
• Chapel and spiritual support
• Salon, barber shop and boutique
• Serene gardens and a therapeutic labyrinth
If your health needs change, a full continuum of care is available within the same familiar campus.
Come see why Saint Therese of Woodbury has been a trusted choice for nearly 10 years.
One student is a leader in the arts, science and sustainable initiatives.
At just 17, Woodbury’s Alyssa Wang is making an impact that stretches from science labs to art galleries—and she’s not slowing down anytime soon. A junior at East Ridge High School (ERHS), Alyssa is navigating a schedule full of art competitions, leadership roles, science fairs and swim practices. For her, the balance between STEM and the arts isn’t a contradiction—it’s essential. “Both help foster different skills for life,” Alyssa says.
One of the key leadership roles for this member of the ERHS Class of 2027 is for the school’s Sustainability Club. At Woodbury Days, Alyssa and her fellow club members had set up a booth to meet the community. “We were able to connect with different community members, and we promoted the Food Scraps Pickup program, which is basically composting at home,” Alyssa says. The program is run by Dakota and Ramsey counties, and Alyssa and her crew were able to recruit more than 70 new members at their booth.
That same spirit of community extends to the school, where Alyssa has led the charge in implementing recycling initiatives by working on a recycling competition throughout the school, and hosting a secondhand
prom dress sale, the proceeds of which were donated to fighting food insecurity in the school district. Jim Smokrovich, ERHS principal, says Alyssa exemplifies the spirit of the school. “She shines academically in all areas, but what makes her unique is her ability to capture the full high school experience,” Smokrovich says. “I’m excited to watch her progress through her junior and senior years.”
Alyssa has lived in Woodbury with her family—mom, Ying Zhang, dad, Jason Wang, and younger sister, Victoria Wang, for 14 years. They enjoy the sense of neighborliness and the opportunities for outdoor activities, where Alyssa has learned about the impact of conservation. Alyssa recalls a pivotal fourth-grade field trip: “Our whole grade took a trip to the Mississippi [River]. I noticed there was so much trash just floating around in the river. That’s really when it hit me, and I realized that I really wanted to help protect the environment,” she says.
Alyssa’s biggest passion lies in science research. “I started conducting my own research when I was in ninth grade,” she remembers, after reading an article about the dangers of plastics in the environment.
“It introduced some alternatives, like bioplastics, which are degradable, but they also mentioned there were a lot of problems with the current alternatives.” She created bioplastics out of mango peels, with the potential to reduce fruit waste going to landfills. For another project, she created an edible coating, made from orange peels, for fruits and vegetables that could extend their shelf life by 50 percent and ward off foodborne diseases.
Stephanie Harberts, ERHS science department chair, is one of Alyssa’s mentors and cheerleaders. “Alyssa is one of the most inquisitive and empathetic students I have ever taught in AP Biology,” Harberts says. “She asks tough questions, explores new ideas and expresses herself in unique ways.”
Those questions and explorations have taken her to competitive stages. Alyssa has attended the International Science and Engineering Fair, a competition for more than 1,800 middle and high school students worldwide; only 20 Minnesota students are typically selected. She’s also published two peer-reviewed papers and won gold at the GENIUS Olympiad Competition in New York. She says she’s learned a lot from competing
Alyssa Wang’s biggest passion is scientific research. Stephanie Harbets, East Ridge High School science department chair and Alyssa’s mentor, says Alyssa is one of the most inquistive students she’s had the pleasure to teach.
in science fairs. “My first time doing it, I was really scared, but I found that all the judges are really nice,” Alyssa says. “My favorite thing was just being able to talk to them, because they always share interesting things.”
Ying remembers the early signs of science love. “Alyssa showed a strong interest in science from early on,” she says. “When she was very little, we took her to the Science Museum of Minnesota often. Her favorite place in the museum was where you could put a lab coat on and do some hands-on activities.”
But science is only half the story. Art is woven deeply into Alyssa’s life. “Typically, I do sketching with graphite, but I also have done watercolor and acrylic,” she says. She works on realistic drawings, illustrating people or things from her life—a recent frequent subject is Victoria. Alyssa tries to devote several hours every Sunday to her art. “They do take a while, since I go back and look and see something that’s not right,” she says with a smile. “I just finished an acrylic that took me four months—that’s 12 to 15 Sundays.”
As with science, she’s sharing her artistic talents, too. She’s been a winner and finalist at the Minnesota State Fair and the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. “I was also a runner-up for the Congressional Art Competition, so my artwork is currently displayed in Representative Betty McCollum’s St. Paul office.” Alyssa writes, too—she likes flash fiction (very short stories) that build suspense “or humorous stories that can make people laugh,” she says. “Creative writing helps me express my ideas.” Like many writers, she was a reader first and counts Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson & the Olympians as an early favorite series.
“We are very proud of Alyssa,” Jason says. “She cares about things she’s doing, she cares about the people around her and she cares
Wang is a Minnesota State Fair and Scholastic Art and Writing Awards finalist and winner; additionally,
Congressional Art Competition.
“We are very proud of Alyssa. She cares about things she’s doing, she cares about the people around her and she cares about the community she lives in.”
Jason Wang says of his daughter, Alyssa Wang.
about the community she lives in. She advocates for the policies that reflect her values and beliefs.”
Alyssa says she’ll likely major in a STEM field when college beckons, but she’s exploring her options. “That’s why I’m taking all the science classes available at East Ridge,” she
says. “Maybe I’ll do a minor in art because I don’t want to give up my hobbies.”
Although it’s pretty clear to anyone around her that Alyssa will go on to great things, it’s also clear that—between science fair projects and sketching sessions—she’s not waiting until college to make her mark.
Healing rituals are making their way into daily wellness routines.
Written by Hailey Almsted — Photos by Chris Emeott
In the Sila Wellness studio, a flow of energy and peace runs freely. In the age of constant connection, it serves as a space to take a step back from daily stresses and reconnect with your innermost self. “The holistic approach is inherently the foundation of a well-rounded, healthy life. It’s mental, emotional and physical well-being,” says Samantha Kopet, coowner, yoga instructor and reformer trainer who has always been drawn to mindfulness.
In her personal life, Kopet says it’s about enjoying the life you lead. She often wonders, “Do I feel like I have a good work-life balance? Am I present and satisfied in my own life and relationships?” It’s these questions that she encourages her clients to consider. Fellow co-owner, yoga instructor and reformer trainer Rachael Devine agrees. “We emphasize taking the time away for yourself, [as] we do give so much of ourselves to other things [and] people,” Devine says. “Take that time to find yourself and treat yourself well.”
At the Woodbury studio, this time can be found in group fitness and wellness classes alongside its wellness services, including Reiki energy healing and sound meditation. “It’s about being open, being willing to be here in a space that facilitates mindfulness and presentness,” Kopet says.
The Flow of Energy
Sila Wellness Reiki energy healer Becky Smith was first introduced to the practice by a friend. “Even I was skeptical,” she recalls.
“When I left [my first] session, I thought I had to know how to do this and share this with people. The shift I felt in my body from that session … It’s indescribable. It’s amazing.”
The Japanese energy healing practice known as Reiki combines the words rei, meaning universal energy and spiritual consciousness, and ki, the life force energy that flows through all living beings. Using gentle touch or hovering of the hands, a practitioner serves as a conduit to channel the Reiki energy. “That universal energy flows through every living thing, including plants, animals, anything living,” Smith says. “I’m just a channel for Reiki to flow through me to the person I give it to.”
Reiki is said to induce a meditative state and aid in overall well-being. During her sessions, Smith goes through each of the seven chakras (focal points of energy throughout the body) and gives Reiki energy to the needed areas. “When I go through, I can feel which chakra is off,” she says. Her goal is to ensure that each client feels completely relaxed and calm at the end of each session. “The flow of energy helps bring that groundedness and content within the body, physically, mentally and emotionally,” Smith says.
At Sila Wellness, bells, chimes, crystal singing bowls, and ocean and wave drums are all used in the practice of sound meditation. In this practice, also known as sound bathing,
“The holistic approach is inherently the foundation of a well-rounded, healthy life. It’s mental, emotional and physical well-being.”
Samantha Kopet, Sila Wellness co-owner
practitioners utilize singing bowls made of various elements to induce deep relaxation.
“The music and sound is giving you something to focus on,” Kopet says. “But it’s the reverberation of the sound, the vibrations they’re making, that helps stimulate the different parts of your brain.”
It’s said that this meditative practice contributes to creativity and mental clarity, along with supporting overall well-being. “The combination of all of it contributes to nervous system regulation,” Kopet says. At Sila
Wellness, sessions are often about 60 minutes in length, and clients are guided through gentle yoga for approximately 25 minutes and through sound meditation for 35 minutes.
“A sound bath is an amazing opportunity for people with limited mobility or people new to mindfulness,” Kopet says, noting that the outcomes of sound bathing are similar to those produced by meditation, Reiki and yoga. “They’re all intertwined. Whether you’re moving, not moving, inside or outside, it’s all the same,” Devine adds.
The Journey to Wellness
One’s personal wellness journey is always evolving, but intertwining healing rituals with a daily routine can foster a happier and healthier lifestyle. “The more you practice, the more you start living in that state,” Devine says.
Apps, such as Calm, Headspace and Screen Zen, are helpful tools for beginners and advanced practitioners alike. The duo also recommends several books, including How to Meditate: A Practical Guide to Making Friends With Your Mind by Kathleen McDonald, Living Your Yoga: Finding the Spiritual in Everyday Life by Judith Hanson Lasater and When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chödrön.
“It’s very normal to be skeptical about the impact that sort of simple practices like these could have on your life. Most of us as practitioners have similar stories to Becky, where we ourselves were skeptical initially, and then you realize that there is sort of a sense of magic,” Kopet says. “Be open, be curious and allow yourself to be a beginner.”
Sila Wellness
silawellness.com
@silawellnessmn
Ahh, the idyllic days of a childhood summer—meant to savor and relish as summer can quickly fold into fall and the return of school days and the obligations (assignments!) that come with them. While the freedom from schedules certainly has its place, it is just as important to keep kids academically, creatively, physically and socially engaged throughout the summertime.
The National Research Council and Institute of Medicine (2002) found that “exposure to positive experiences, settings and people, as well as opportunities to gain and refine life skills, supports young people in the acquisition and growth of [their] assets,” and summer can be a prime time for children to have these experiences, according to Elizabeth Fogarty, assistant professor with the University of St. Thomas School of Education.
Summer camps play a key role in fortifying those experiences and exposing children to new opportunities not typically
found in a classroom. “Campers can try new activities and discover that they really enjoy them,” Fogarty says. Participation can also help children learn how to make and build friendships, an important skill that can last a lifetime.
“Summer camps provide campers with opportunities to interact with kids who are not in their schools or usual social circles,” she says. “These new friends can provide encouragement to try something new or step outside one’s comfort zone.”
There are plenty of opportunities around the Metro to try new experiences and fine-tune current interests. Saint Thomas Academy has a wide range of camps, including athletics (basketball, fishing, hockey, soccer and more), specialized academics and college prep for kids in grades three through 12. Campers receive hands-on learning through STEM programs, including Engineering Fun, LEGO Stop Motion and Robotics.
Visitation School offers fun-filled,
academically enriched camps for kids in preschool through 12th grade with halfand full-day options. The program provides a friendly, relaxed and supportive environment for creativity, enrichment and learning. Offerings span a wide range of interests, including arts, athletics, cooking, science, sewing, STEM and many more hands-on experiences.
The importance of downtime shouldn’t be understated and is an essential consideration for families when planning how to spend the summer months. Striking a balance between scheduled camps or programs and nonscheduled time can be a challenge. “Relaxed summer schedules often provide respite from busier school days,” Fogarty says. “An extended lack of structured time, however, can create restlessness for kids and caregivers alike. Camps and summer programs not only provide childcare options for working families, but they provide opportunities for summer enrichment.”
—Renée Stewart-Hester
Premier summer camps for Pre-K through Grade 12 girls and boys, offering academics, arts, athletics and more at Saint Thomas Academy and Visitation School. Build skills and confidence, and have fun!
cadets.com/summer and visitation.net/summer Saint Thomas Academy @allthingssta Visitation School @visitationschoolmn
Flexible Summer Math: Catch up. Get ahead. Mathnasium’s flexible summer program offers 19 or 25 one-hour sessions (June–August) to prevent the “summer slide.” Personalized plans build math skills and confidence, and help students catch up, keep up or get ahead for next school year.
mathnasium.com/woodbury woodbury@mathnasium.com
Offering flexible full-day summer camp options for children ages 3–12 years. Weekly field trips and bike, water and park days. Chef prepared meals are included. Discover the difference!
steppingstoneslearning.org 651.998.1661
Written by Hailey Almsted
Students experience operating rooms and patient care through a medical mission trip
A group of students from across the East Metro each share something unique in common. This past summer, they returned from their first-ever mission trip to Honduras with fresh perspectives and stories that have altered the course of their futures.
Hosted by One World Surgery (OWS) and Summit Orthopedics, the student volunteers witnessed life-changing clinical care at Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (“Our Little Brothers and Sisters” or NPH), a 2,000-acre orphanage and the location of the Holy Family Surgery Center founded by Summit Orthopedics’ Peter and Lulu Daly.
“The opportunity to go abroad and participate in something as impactful as a medical mission isn’t one you get often in high school, so I knew what OWS and Summit Orthopedics were doing was special,” says Patience Oduro, a Park High School alumna and a student at the University of Minnesota–Rochester.
During the weeklong mission, the patients at NPH receive orthopedic surgeries free of charge while the student volunteers aid the physicians in the work. “It’s great to have young people that are showing interest in medicine, and a lot of
them come with all sorts of different questions,” says Scott Pepin, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Summit Orthopedics in Vadnais Heights and Woodbury. From assisting in preoperation preparation to shadowing the physicians in the operating room, the students experience several parts of the surgery.
“When I first arrived at NPH, I was immediately filled with hope,” says Justine Thompson, a senior at White Bear Lake Area High School. “When I walked into the surgery center, I knew that, whether it was painting walls or observing surgeries, I was going to make a difference. That alone was enough to ignite the flame of excitement in me.”
Justine recalls observing a hysterectomy, where the two surgeons explained the procedure step-bystep, ensuring that she could see and understand what was happening. “I didn’t even remember I was on a medical mission or in a completely different country because I was so fascinated by their teaching,” Justine says. Patience also observed this procedure and was able to speak with the patient after the operation. “Even though she had just gone through the surgery, she told me she was already feeling better than before,” Patience says. “We learned that many of the patients who came to the clinic had been suffering from their conditions for years already.”
Right: In 2025, patients at Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos in Honduras received life-changing care from volunteer physicians and students. The medical mission trip is hosted by One World Surgery and Summit Orthopedics.
The steep cost of health care and the limited number of providers means that most patients have waited three to four years for surgery. “It really opened my eyes to what life is like in countries such as Honduras,” says William Maguire, a senior at East Ridge High School.
“It will change your brain chemistry and affect you positively for years.”
Min Ka, Woodbury High School alumnus and University of Minnesota–Rochester student, says of the medical mission trip.
Dr. Pepin says it’s rewarding to perform these necessary medical operations while also teaching students about the work. “It’s great having them along and giving them that experience early. The first time I got to observe an operating room, I was done with college,” he says. “It’s a nice introduction to the OR [and] seeing the many components that make up the team. It’s emphasizing the teamwork that goes along with it and that everyone’s role is just as important as the next.”
Min Ka, a Woodbury High School alumnus, immediately felt the impact of the
mission while shadowing Dr. Pepin during an arthroscopic surgery. “When we were watching, we could ask Dr. Pepin questions, and before he would do anything … he would explain what he was about to do,” Min says. “It was a really cool experience to see and learn what was actually going on.”
Min, who is now studying nursing at the University of Minnesota–Rochester, adds,“Before going on the trip, I didn’t really know about specialities. Being there, and listening to the nurses and surgeons around me, I learned a lot. It got my mind working
Several area students joined One World Surgery and Summit Orthopedics on a medical mission trip to Honduras, where they were able to interact with patients and experience a surgical operating room.
around that maybe I do want to work in the OR and preop.”
Similarly, William volunteered because of his aspirations to have a career in the medical field. He assisted the medical team where needed and observed surgeries firsthand, including an ACL repair. “It was a really conflicting experience at first. I was so focused on not being the person who passed out that I ended up psyching myself out,” William says. “But once I was actually in the surgery room, my anxieties went away … By the end, I was deeply invested in whatever surgery I was observing.”
Outside of the operating room, volunteers explored Honduras, planted a tree while reciting a poem honoring their time in the country and visited with locals. “The kind of positive impact that was made inside and outside the clinic is what I strive to create and contribute to in the future,” Patience says. “[This mission] reaffirmed my beliefs about quality health care for everyone, and the lifechanging power of it.”
“It’s been such a cool experience. One you’ll never find anywhere else,” Min says. “I’m very grateful, very thankful for this opportunity to go on this trip and have this impact on others—and have the others impact myself … I would recommend this to any student who would like to go into the medical field or not. It will change you as a person and affect you positively for years.”
Healthy Smile = Healthy You Comprehensive periodontal care in a patient-focused environment. Board-certified periodontists. Doctor-owned. ThePeriodontalCenter.com
Interested students are encouraged to apply beginning this month, and applications are open to students within the South Washington County Schools district. Learn more by visiting oneworldsurgery.org and summitortho.com.
Written by Paige Udermann — Photos by Chris Emeott
There is something magical about a homemade, handcrafted baked good. Not many people can name the secret ingredient, yet everyone can taste it: the love and care baked into every single bite.
For Kellie Stocker, owner of The Scone Shoppe in Woodbury, that secret ingredient is a key component in her signature recipe. Her scones are indulgent, soft and utterly irresistible.
These scones, whether Blueberry, Cranberry White Chocolate or Pumpkin-Chocolate Chip, don’t just satisfy a sweet tooth; they bring comfort and joy.
Stocker’s affinity for baking runs in her blood. She fondly remembers growing up in Pennsylvania, across the river and through the woods from her Polish grandparents’ kitchen. “I have so many memories of always being in the kitchen and
having something baking or cooking,” Stocker says. “I think my love for baking came from growing up in a large family that was always around the kitchen table and all the conversations we had about baking and cooking.”
Stocker grew up enjoying delicacies like chruściki (a deepfried Polish pastry) and Polish nut rolls, but her love for scones didn’t develop until later in life. She noticed most bakery scones were very dry, and she was craving something more versatile. Then a friend shared her scone recipe, and Stocker fell in love. Over the years, she transformed the recipe into her own, creating a pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth pastry that serves as the perfect accompaniment to a warm beverage or as a stand-alone snack or dessert.
Baking scones became a passion-filled hobby for Stocker, and, encouraged by her husband and children, she took the leap and launched The Scone Shoppe in 2023. Operating out of her home under Minnesota’s cottage food law, Stocker keeps things small-batch, personal and filled with intention. “I love bringing joy into people’s lives; it’s my way of showing I care,” Stocker says. “It all started in my grandparents’ kitchen when
I was little, and now in my own … I think people can taste the difference when something is homemade with care. My scones are baked the same way that I’d make them for my family.”
Small batches allow Stocker to stay creative. They let her experiment with new flavors, such as Savory Bacon, Chive and Cheese Breakfast Scones; Lavender-Lemon with a delicate icing drizzle; or Strawberry-Rhubarb, made with fresh rhubarb from her garden. “It’s more than just a baked good; it’s a way of sharing joy, comfort and connection,” she says. “I think that’s connecting with our community and with people on a personal level, and maybe that’s what we’re missing a lot of times in our society.
“The Scone Shoppe exists to bring joy and connection to the Woodbury and surrounding communities through small-batch, homemade, handcrafted scones crafted with care,” Stocker says.
The Scone Shoppe thesconeshoppe.com
The Scone Shoppe
Today, there are primarily two types of scones: British (where they originate) and American.
Traditional British scones are crumbly, fluffy and light, often served with cream and jam alongside tea, whereas American scones are usually cake-like, denser and sweeter. Kellie Stocker’s scones lean more toward the American variety.
“The difference between the two definitely is in the dough and the batter,” Stocker says. “The typical scone is drier, probably flakier, whereas mine has a dense rather than flaky texture … As for serving style, I would say there’s more versatility to the more American-style scones. You could serve mine with any meal; it doesn’t just have to be a breakfast scone, whereas a British scone people typically think, ‘Oh, this is for breakfast or tea time,’ whereas mine can be served standalone or complementary.”
Patients in Woodbury and the East Metro now have expanded access to specialty care under one roof. Since opening in March, HealthPartners Specialty Center Woodbury has been serving patients in the community across 13 specialty services inside its new 55,000-square-foot medical facility. The center is designed to make care more convenient by bringing multiple health and wellness services together in one location.
Patients can receive expert care for allergy, asthma, audiology, cardiology, endoscopy, gastroenterology, oncology, otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat), rheumatology, urogynecology and urology. To make care even easier, the center also offers imaging, infusion and lab services on-site, eliminating the need to travel elsewhere for these medical needs.
Cancer care is one of the new services being offered at the specialty center. “Our Woodbury cancer clinic brings specialized care closer to where patients live, reducing travel time and stress associated with commuting,” says Daniel Anderson, M.D., department chair of HealthPartners Cancer Care. “The clinic in Woodbury allows patients to maintain normal routines and receive timely access to oncology services, lab work and imaging. We are proud of the outstanding cancer care we are able to provide our patients in Woodbury.”
“We believe care should be simple and convenient for our patients, says Kate Klugherz, vice president of medical specialties for HealthPartners. “Having all these specialties and services within one facility offers convenience to our patients and reinforces our long-standing commitment to the community.”
The state-of-the-art facility is already making a positive impact on the community. Patients say they appreciate the ease of receiving quality, personalized care:
• The new facility is wonderful,” says a
recent patient. “The staff is very friendly, and it was easy to get there and easy to go through the whole process.”
• Another patient praised the “exceptional care teams and administration staff” and the facility’s functional design, which allows patients to be in a central location where staff can come to them. One word summed up their experience: “Welcoming.”
The specialty center is part of HealthPartners’ long-standing presence in the community. “We have a full range of care offerings in the Woodbury area, including primary care, urgent care, dental and eye care, plastic surgery, dermatology, TRIA Orthopedics and Sports Medicine and more,” says Kario Brooks, director. “The new location makes getting specialty care even easier for our patients and the community. Now, they can get their care for these areas closer to home.”
“Woodbury and surrounding communities are growing rapidly, and HealthPartners is expanding services to meet those growing care and wellness needs,” Klugherz says. “Our relationship with the Woodbury community goes back more than 25 years. Many of our patients in the East Metro are looking for convenient options closer to home, and we added services to deliver that. It’s a partnership we deeply value, and we look forward to strengthening it with residents of Woodbury and beyond.”
HealthPartners is a nonprofit organization with a mission of improving health and well-being in partnership with its members, patients and community. An integrated system of care and coverage since its founding in 1957, HealthPartners operates hospitals and clinics, health plans and a research and education institute. The Minneapolisbased organization serves more than 1.3 million patients in Minnesota and Wisconsin and 1.7 million medical and dental health plan members nationwide.
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Experience one of Minnesota’s biggest winter events.
For many Minnesotans, and the nearly 5,000 people attending this year’s Hockey Day Minnesota, hockey is a quintessential winter sport. This year, the event celebrates its 20th anniversary with games including boys’ and girls’ high school, college and professional hockey teams; it will be held in Hastings at the United Heroes League campus, a nonprofit that raises funds for children of those in the military to play sports and have proper equipment.
Only a few high school teams are chosen to play in the games that are televised locally. This year, the East Ridge High School Raptors were chosen to play—a first for the team, says head coach Dustin Vogelgesang. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our players to experience something like this, and we’re just super excited to have the opportunity,” says Vogelgesang. Visit hockeydaymn.com for more information about Hockey Day Minnesota. —Avery Vrieze
01.08
Good Morning Woodbury Stop in to Bridgeman’s Ice Cream Parlor before clocking in for coffee and a light breakfast with a side of networking from 8 to 9 a.m. This event is open-house style, with a short program at 8:30 a.m. woodburychamber.org
01.11
Performance in the Park Head to the Indoor Amphitheater at Central Park and listen to a performance from duo ForEver Young from 2 to 3 p.m., featuring classic rock, country, pop, smooth jazz and swing hits. woodburymn.gov
01.12–01.26
Coin Quest
The Coin Quest medallion hunt returns for its sixth annual run. Coins will be hidden over a three-week span, and each week a new coin will be hidden at a Woodbury park. woodburymn.gov
01.16
Community Awards Gala Honor the businesses, people and philanthropies that keep Woodbury going. The gala, running from 6 to 10 p.m. at Central Park, includes a social hour with entertainment, a plated dinner and a silent auction.
Sip, Savor and Salud
01.17
Sip, Savor and Salud
From 5 to 6:30 p.m. ages 21 and older are invited to travel through wine regions of Spain and Portugal without leaving Woodbury. Learn about the unique characteristics of each varietal and region. totalwine.com
01.23
Finding Your Ancestors
R.H. Stafford Library’s class on internet genealogy from 2 to 4 p.m. features tips and resources to connect with your roots. washcolib.org
01.26
Blood Drive
Ages 17 and older can give back to the community by donating blood at Woodbury High School during a blood drive hosted by the Key Club during the school day. whs.sowashco.org
Compiled by
Diane Meyer and Avery Vrieze
To have your event considered: email woodburymag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Please note that some events may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.
“I’ve known Angela for years, and her team has always been there for us. Her team went above and beyond every day, from staging, to scrambling when time came to deliver. She knows the market, but has shown over and over that she can and will GET IT DONE! Thank you Angela and Team! - the Johnson Family!
UPDATE: It’s 2025 and again Angela and her team got it done! We are in our new hobby farm home and we love it! There is a reason we’ve kept coming back to her for help! Best realtor in town! 100%!”
-Tyler & Audra
In late 2025, the Woodbury Community Foundation celebrated its graduating YELA (Youth Engagement Leadership Academy) class. YELA is a five-week service learning and leadership program for rising high school seniors. Through the courses, the goal is for students to develop skills for community engagement. Learn more at woodburyfoundation.org.
To have your event considered: send date, time, location, photos, contact information and a brief description of the event to woodburymag@localmedia.co.
“The snow was shoveled away on Battle Creek Lake last January, either for ice fishing or snowmobile racing, which made it perfect for us to kick sled,” Liz Hagstrom says.“I was a little leery of being on a frozen lake, so [I] was happy to see how thick the ice was, but then [I] became enchanted with the geometric lines and contrasting shading in the ice. I love the depth, shading and random shapes in the ice.” —Hailey Almsted
Photographer: Liz Hagstrom Title: Battle Creek Lake Ice Equipment: iPhone XS Max
Location: Battle Creek Lake Category: Abstract Award: Second Place
To view other Focus on Woodbury photo contest winners, visit woodburymag.com.
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