COVER PHOTO BY MYRTLE ROY
EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS
LANDSCAPING - RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL
Andre Passos | The Grounds Guys 571.290.2219 | groundguys.com
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, INFANT FEEDING DIFFICULTIES & LASER FRENECTOMY
Dr. Rishita Jaju | Smile Wonders 571-350-3663 | smilewonders.com
COLLEGE CONSULTING & TUTORING SERVICES
Elaina Mercatoris | Principia Education 703-442-4700 | www.principiaeducation.com
COSMETIC ENHANCEMENT
Emily Grubel | Great Falls Aesthetics (703) 495-3688 | greatfalls-aesthetics.com
LUXURY JEWELRY
Alicia Villars | Helvetia 703-401-9679 | www.Helvetiajewelry.com
PEDIATRIC ORTHODONTICS
Gema Island | Island Children Dentistry & Orthodontics 703-790-1320 | www.islandchildrensdentistry.com
BUSINESS BROKER
Erika Baez-Grimes | Business Coach Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional - The BPH Group, LLC 804.750.3008 | www.NovaBusinessInquiry.com
FASHION & STYLE
Aleena Dhar | House of Alkara info@houseofalkara.com | www.houseofalkara.com
LIGHT MANAGEMENT & HOME COMFORT EXPERTS
Tsykhnenko Viktoriia & Marina Leonova | New Blackout (571) 245 5744 | www.newblackout.com
FINANCIAL WELLNESS
Lafayette Federal Credit Union Team
Lafayette Federal Credit Union 240.747.3166 | www.lfcu.org
PERMANENT MAKEUP ARTIST, LASH ARTIST
Jennifer N. Phung | Touch of Beauty Inc. (301) 346-3098 | MyTouchOfBeauty.com
To learn more about becoming an EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR, contact Gloria at
© Best Version Media
PUBLICATION TEAM
Publisher: Gloria Fonseca
Publisher Assistant: Daniela Banegas
Designer: Hannah Argall
Contributing Writer: Sofia Roman
Social Media Administrator: Andrea Simon
Photographer: Myrtle Roy
ADVERTISING
Contact: Gloria Fonseca
Email: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com
Phone: 703-868-8071
FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS
Have feedback, ideas or submissions?
We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com.
(5
remember Content Submission Deadline dates of the 20th or later refer to a magazine edition 2 months out.) Content Due
January 10..............................................................................
June 10
July 10 .........................................
DEAR GREAT FALLS NEIGHBORS,
Finally, we say goodbye to April—a month that felt more like summer than spring. Let’s hope May slows things down a bit and brings us the kind of season we’ve been waiting for. But weather aside, May is always special for one reason: it’s the month we celebrate mothers.
And truly, what a privilege that is. Over the years here in Northern Virginia, I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many incredible women—women who lead businesses, support their communities, wear multiple hats, and still show up every single day as present, loving mothers. It’s something I deeply admire, not just as a publisher, but as a mother myself.
For this special issue of Great Falls Living, I wanted you to meet six of these remarkable women: Sumaira, Jennifer, Shannon, Kaha, Gloria, and Kate. Each of their stories is di erent. Each of their journeys is uniquely their own. But as you read, you’ll notice a common thread—the strength to keep going, the love that never wavers, and the beautiful, challenging role of raising sons and daughters.
Motherhood is not simple—but mothers are.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or
WHERE PRECISION MEETS LUXURY
Transform your smile with expert prosthodontic and cosmetic dentistry at Aurelia Dental Boutique. Led by Dr. Shervin Tabeshfar, our practice blends advanced technology, artistry, and concierge-level care to deliver natural, confident results.
Services include:
• Dental Implants • Veneers & Smile Makeovers
• Full-Mouth Reconstruction • Preventative & Cosmetic Dentistry
Book your private consultation today. Leesburg, VA • (571) 617-6465 www.aureliadental.com
If you are a husband, a son, or a daughter, let me tell you this: what she wants most is your time. Your presence. A moment around the table, a warm meal, a genuine hug, and a kiss filled with love. Those are the things that matter most.
And of course, if you want to give her something that lasts just as long as her love, don’t forget to visit Helvetia Jewelry—because some gifts, just like a mother’s love, are meant to last forever.
Wishing all the mothers in our community a beautiful and well-deserved celebration.
FROM THE SOCIAL DESK
By ANDREA SIMON Social Media Administrator
Fresh stories, fresh beginnings, and a community that continues to inspire. Hello, May
Sumaira Malik, Jennifer Jo, Shannon
Burwell,
Kaha Hashi-
Soter, GloriaArteaga & Kate Bradshaw
By SOFIA ROMAN | Professional photos by MYRTLE ROY
As I moved through each of these interviews, I kept returning to a shared truth, one that lives quietly within each of their stories
Motherhood is not something that simply happens. It is a journey you can never fully prepare for, yet one that asks everything of you It calls for strength, patience, and a depth of love that grows with each passing day. Some days bring laughter, others challenge, but never give up. Only the quiet determination to keep showing up
What makes this story even more meaningful is how these women found one another. What started as simple neighborhood walks, one morning a week or sometimes more, evolved into something deeper Though they come from di erent backgrounds and stages of life, they bonded over motherhood, conversation, and the comfort of shared experience It has been a privilege to tell their stories, stories not only of motherhood but also of intention, connection, and the lives they are building along the wa
Where it all began morningwalks, shared conversations, and the start of a lasting friendship
SHANNON SAULET BURWELL
Shaped by a Love So Deep
There is a quiet steadiness to Shannon Saulet Burwell, one that reveals itself not in grand gestures, but in the consistency of how she shows up: for her family, her community, and the causes she believes in.
Originally from Los Angeles, Shannon moved to Great Falls in 2005 after marrying her husband, beginning a new chapter that would soon be reshaped by motherhood. When their daughter Serena was born in 2011, life did not shift all at once; it unfolded. What she discovered was not only the depth of a mother’s love but also how profoundly it transforms the one giving it.
Before Great Falls, Shannon built a career rooted in understanding others. With a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, she worked in hospital and community settings, supporting individuals through vulnerable moments. That foundation, grounded in empathy and resilience, continues to shape how she moves through life today.
Over the years, she has become an integral part of the community, taking on leadership roles across educational and philanthropic organizations. She currently serves as co-chair of the 2026 McLean Project for the Arts Spring Benefit and as live auction lead for the Women’s Club of Great Falls Scholarship Fund, helping support meaningful opportunities for others.
Yet, for all her accomplishments, motherhood remains at the center of her story.
“I thought I would be the one teaching her everything,” she reflects, “but she’s taught me patience, strength, and a deeper kind of joy than I knew existed.” It is this quiet exchange, growing alongside her daughter, that has shaped her most.
Motherhood today feels more intentional. It is less about guiding every step and more about knowing when to hold on and when to gently let go. She focuses on presence over perfection, creating a space where her daughter feels seen, supported, and deeply loved.
Balance, she admits, is never fixed. Rather than striving to do everything perfectly, she chooses to be fully present in whatever role she is in.
Still, it is not the milestones she holds closest, but the quiet, everyday moments; the conversations; the shared laughter; and the simple comfort of being together.
If her daughter were to describe her one day, Shannon hopes it would be simple: loving, steady, and always there.
Not perfect, but present.
SUMAIRA MALIK and the Power of Advocacy
For Sumaira Malik, life has been shaped by movement, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to both family and community. Since settling in Great Falls in 2015, after living in five di erent states, she has found not just a home but also a place where her values could truly take root.
Raised in Milwaukee, Sumaira built a successful career with General Electric, working in program management, Six Sigma, and international trade. Yet beyond her professional achievements, it is her dedication to service that defines her presence today. A member of the Women’s Club of Great Falls and event chair for the Scholarship Fund, she has remained deeply committed to giving back, with a particular passion for inclusion through organizations like Best Buddies.
At the heart of her life, however, is motherhood.
A mother of three, Sumaira describes her journey as one that evolved far beyond what she once imagined. With the birth of her son Amar, who has Down syndrome, her perspective shifted in profound ways.
“That experience reshaped everything,” she shares. “It taught me that advocacy is a much bigger part of motherhood than we often expect.”
Through that journey, she discovered a deeper strength rooted in presence, intention, and compassion, one that has shaped how she parents all three of her children.
Now, as an empty nester, her role has evolved once again. “It’s about stepping back while still standing beside them,” she says. “O ering support and perspective as they grow into independent adults.”
With her husband frequently traveling, Sumaira became the steady anchor at home, ensuring stability and support. “My family has always been my top priority,” she reflects. “Their well-being and education are what I consider my greatest accomplishment.”
What she once thought would be her greatest challenge has become one of her greatest blessings.
“My son is the heart of our family,” she says. “He has brought us closer and taught us empathy, awareness, and unconditional love.”
Loved by Kids, Trusted by Parents
Gentle and Most Effective Laser Dentistry
Special Needs Dentistry
In-Office IV Sedations
Tongue-tie/Lip-tie/Buccal-ties Frenectomy Specialists
Dr. Rishita Jaju
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Anh Dang
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
571-350-3663
11790 Sunrise Valley Dr #105 Reston, VA 20191 smilewonders.com
Still, it is the simplest moments she holds closest, watching her children support one another, traveling together, and sharing time as a family.
If her children were to describe her, she hopes it would be simple: a source of strength and kindness, always there.
In Sumaira Malik’s story, motherhood is not defined by perfection but by presence, a journey of resilience, grace, and enduring love.
© Best Version Media
GLORIA ARTEAGA
On the Meaning of Home and Motherhood
In a place like Great Falls, where life moves with quiet intention, Gloria has found not only a home but a grounding force for the life she is building with her children. For her, home is not just a place— it is a sanctuary, thoughtfully created with faith at its foundation.
As a mother of two, Gloria describes motherhood not as a role, but as a journey that has shaped her in profound ways. While she is a professional image consultant and founder of Timeless Image Consulting and Dating Decoded, she is clear about her priorities: her most important work happens at home. It is there, within those walls, that she leads her family with love, patience, and grace.
“Motherhood has been the most refining journey of my life,” she shares. Though it hasn’t unfolded as she once imagined, each challenge has brought growth—deepening her resilience, humility, and understanding of unconditional love.
Pelvic Healing & Wellness Physical Therapy
FOR THE MOMS WHO GIVE SO MUCH, GIVE YOURSELF HEALING
ຉ Pelvic floor therapy
ຉ Postpartum recovery
ຉ Painful intercourse
ຉ Bladder issues & incontinence
ຉ Core strengthening & wellness
PelvicHealingAndWellness.com
In this season, Gloria is choosing to slow down. There is a quiet mindfulness in how she moves through her days—preparing meals, instilling values, and remaining fully present. “I’m trying to be more mindful of what really matters,” she says, “and to truly enjoy this time with them while I have it.”
Faith and family are at the center of everything. She is intentional about raising her children with a strong sense of self—rooted not in external validation, but in something deeper and unwavering. She hopes they grow into individuals who are kind, honest, and strong in their beliefs, guided by a moral compass shaped by faith. For Gloria, balance is not about perfection, but about honoring each season. “There are times when my children need more of me, and I honor that,” she explains. Rather than dividing herself evenly, she gives her presence where it is most needed.
This Mother’s Day, prioritize your wellness with compassionate care for pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and pelvic health. Feel stronger, supported, and like yourself again.
brita@pelvichealingandwellness.com
That presence reveals itself in the smallest moments—quiet laughter, time spent together, the simple act of being close. “Being fully present matters deeply to me,” she says. “I want to hold onto these moments in a way that I can always return to them.”
Through challenges and growth, Gloria has built a life centered on intention, love, and connection. And in the end, what matters most is simple: being together.
“It feels like my entire world is gathered in one place,” she says. “And that, to me, is everything.”
And that she could make anywhere feel like home—even something as simple as a cardboard box. Because for her, it was never about the place, but the feeling of being together.
JENNIFER JO Rooted in Kindness
Jennifer Jo’s story is not one of rigid timelines or carefully mapped milestones, but of intuition, knowing when to move forward, when to pause, and when to begin again.
A California native, Jennifer first arrived in the DC area in 1998 for law school. What began as a temporary chapter became a life built across cities, Georgetown, Arlington, and McLean, each step eventually leading her to Great Falls. In 2020, as the world slowed, her family found something unexpected.
“We didn’t realize it at the time,” she reflects, “but it was the perfect place to plant roots.”
In the stillness of that season, Great Falls o ered space to explore, to reconnect, and to begin again. Through the Women’s Club of Great Falls, where she now serves as hospitality VP, Jennifer found not just community but belonging.
Motherhood, however, came on its own timeline.
“I always wanted children,” she says, “but I never quite felt ‘grown up’ enough.” Her career as an attorney was demanding, leaving little room for the presence she envisioned as a mother. It wasn’t until she and her husband, after ten years together, took that leap that everything shifted. At 38, she welcomed her son, a moment
that quietly reshaped her life.
“I realized the career path I had chosen was depleting me,” she shares. In response, she stepped away, choosing a path that allowed her to be more present, both as a professional and as a mother.
Now, as her son enters his final year of high school, her role has evolved once again.
“I’m pulling back, giving him space to make decisions and mistakes,” she says. “The love doesn’t change; it grows.”
What she sees now is not just her child but the person he is becoming.
If there is one value she hopes to pass on, it is simple: kindness. “Nothing else matters without that.”
Balance, she believes, is not something to achieve but something to navigate. Rather than striving for perfection, she has created a life that makes room for what matters most.
And it is often in the unplanned moments where connection thrives.
“The best conversations happen in the car,” she says.
When the world shut down during her son’s early years in Great Falls, it tested everything. Yet it also a irmed her choices. Because she had created space in her life, she was able to be there, steady, present, and guiding him through uncertainty.
If her son were to describe her one day, Jennifer hopes it would be simple: that she loved him unconditionally and inspired him to be kind.
© Best Version Media
KAHA HASHI-SOTER on Living Life in Increments
For Kaha Hashi-Soter, the idea of home has never been defined by a single place but by a journey shaped across continents, cultures, and seasons of life. Today, that journey has led her to Great Falls, where she has chosen to plant roots and create stability for her son.
Originally from Somalia, Kaha’s early life was marked by movement. After immigrating, her family spent time in Syria before settling in Virginia when she was 14. It was in Fairfax County that she came of age and built the foundation of what she now considers home.
“I consider Virginia home,” she shares. Her path, however, was anything but linear. After college, she spent her twenties in New York City working in the fashion industry, a chapter defined by independence and creativity that continues to shape her today. Later, she returned to Virginia, married, and welcomed her son.
In 2016, her husband’s career took them to Tokyo, o ering Kaha a new perspective.
“Living abroad as an adult gave me a deeper understanding of what my parents went through,” she reflects. “There’s uncertainty, but also excitement in building something new.”
By 2019, the family returned to Northern Virginia and settled in Great Falls, a place she chose intentionally.
“I wanted my son to grow up here,” she says, “to have that sense of belonging.”
Motherhood, she shares, has transformed her in unexpected ways.
“It has changed my life for the better. It’s made me a better woman, sister, and friend.”
Her son remains her greatest inspiration. “Watching him grow pushes me to become the best version of myself,” she says. “I want him to be happy, to enjoy life, and to accept change.”
Rather than striving for perfect balance, Kaha embraces a more grounded perspective.
“With a supportive community, we can have it all, just not all at the same time.”
She calls it living life by increments.
At home, life is filled with warmth and connection. Hosting, shared meals, and time with friends reflect her desire to create a space where people feel welcomed and supported.
“I think it’s important to hold onto who you are,” she says. “Motherhood is part of you, but it’s not everything.”
And in that journey, she is building a life rooted in connection, shaped by experience, and guided by the quiet strength of motherhood. Make Your Little One’s Haircut Fun
Supported by a strong circle of women, Kaha continues to move through each chapter with intention.
Her story is one of evolution, of honoring where you come from while embracing what lies ahead.
Kate Bradshaw
A Presence Defined by Purpose
© Best Version Media
The One for You in Great Falls
A recognized top producing Realtor, Jennifer Jo has more than 20 years of professional experience combined in law and real estate. With unrivaled local expertise and access to a global network like no other, she brings an elevated experience, custom-tailored to your unique needs. Because every home is one of a kind. Just like you
Jennifer Jo, J.D Realtor Global Luxury Real Estate Advisor m + 1 703 489 0935
SAVANNAH MARKS, LME Licensed Master Esthetician AFSOUN RAZMAZMA, FNP-BC Board Certified Nurse Practitioner
REFRESH YOUR GLOW THIS MAY
Personalized aesthetic treatments designed to enhance your natural beauty. TECHNIQUEAESTHETICS.COM
✨Natural-looking results
Step into spring feeling confident, refreshed, and radiant. From Botox & fillers to Hydrafacial, microneedling, and lip enhancement, Technique Aesthetics & Wellness offers treatments tailored just for you.
© Best Version Media
Why Tracking Net Worth Matters
By MARC ERAZO
Every consumer, including those with established households, should regularly check their credit profile to access favorable opportunities and protect their financial reputation.
Even a luent borrowers can be surprised: outdated account information, identity theft, reporting errors, or credit utilization ratios that don't accurately reflect your financial strength. Many assume that wealth alone guarantees excellent credit terms, but lenders rely heavily on credit scores and reports when setting rates. An error can cost thousands in higher interest over the life of a loan.
Credit monitoring allows you to catch and correct errors before they a ect your financial decisions. It also helps
detect identity theft early when it's easiest to resolve.
Beyond problem prevention, reviewing your credit positions you to act quickly when opportunities arise, whether refinancing at favorable rates, securing a business line of credit, or making a time-sensitive investment property purchase.
Twice a year, review your credit reports from all three bureaus to ensure your financial flexibility.
The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Lafayette Federal Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA. Membership
© Best Version Media
When Little Habits A ect Big Smiles Understanding Myofunctional Therapy for Children
By ARIANA GRIECO - Myofunctional Therapist
WHY IS PROPER ORAL FUNCTION IMPORTANT?
The tongue is actually one of the strongest muscles in the body relative to its size. When it rests in the wrong place (such as pushing against the teeth or sitting low in the mouth), it can a ect how the jaws and teeth grow.
Over time, improper muscle patterns can contribute to issues like the following:
• Crooked teeth or orthodontic relapse
• Mouth breathing
• Speech di iculties
• Thumb sucking or pacifier habits
• Tongue thrust swallowing
• Sleep problems
• Narrow dental arches or crowding
teeth, speech, and breathing—but few realize that
Myofunctional therapy is a specialized program of lips, cheeks, and face to work properly. These muscles influence important functions like breathing, swallowing, chewing, and speaking. When these patterns are o , children can develop habits or conditions that may a ect their dental health, facial development, sleep, and even behavior.
Through guided exercises and habit training, therapy helps children learn how to:
• Rest their tongue in the correct position
• Breathe through the nose instead of the mouth.
• Swallow properly
• Strengthen the muscles that support healthy oral development
Think of it as physical therapy for the muscles of the mouth and face.
Because children’s faces and jaws are still developing, early intervention can make a significant di erence.
SIGNS YOUR CHILD MIGHT BENEFIT FROM MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY
Many parents are surprised to learn that everyday behaviors can be signs of an underlying oral muscle imbalance. Some common symptoms include:
• Frequent mouth breathing
• Snoring or restless sleep
• Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use
• Di iculty keeping the lips closed at rest
• Tongue thrust when swallowing
• Speech issues such as a lisp
• Crowded teeth or orthodontic concerns
• Dark circles under the eyes or daytime fatigue
• Trouble chewing or messy eating
If any of these sound familiar, it may be worth having your child evaluated.
HOW MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY HELPS CHILDREN
The goal of therapy is to help children develop healthy muscle patterns that support proper growth and function.
Benefits may include:
• Improved nasal breathing
• Better sleep quality
• Support for orthodontic treatment
• Improved speech clarity
• Stronger oral muscles
• Reduced harmful oral habits
• Support for healthy facial development
Many parents also notice improvements in focus, energy levels, and overall well-being once children begin breathing and sleeping better.
WHAT DOES THERAPY LOOK LIKE?
Myofunctional therapy is typically fun, engaging, and interactive for kids. Sessions involve learning targeted exercises that strengthen and retrain the muscles of the tongue, lips, and cheeks.
Children practice these exercises both in sessions and at home, allowing them to build new, healthy habits over time. Just like learning a sport or musical instrument, consistency and practice are key.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
My name is Ariana Grieco. I'm a myofunctional therapist at Island Children Dentistry, where I work with children to improve oral function through personalized therapy programs. My goal is to help families understand how small muscle habits can have a big impact on a child’s health and development.
If any of the symptoms mentioned above ring a bell, we encourage you to call our o ice to schedule an evaluation. Early support can make a meaningful di erence in your child’s breathing, sleep, and smile.
DR. NICKIE BASTANI
© Best Version Media
Light Layers & Fresh Color
By ALEENA DHAR, yle Advisor and Founder of House of Alkara Style and Founder of House of Alkara
May brings a gentle shift in rhythm. The air feels softer, gardens begin to bloom, and everyday moments naturally move outdoors—brunches with friends, afternoon walks, and gatherings that linger into the evening.
Here in Northern Virginia, the season is marked by cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, reminding us how beautiful the arrival of spring can be.
At House of Alkara, this time of year inspires a style thread built around light layers, soft color, and pieces that move easily through the day.
The cherry blossom pink dress captures the spirit of the season beautifully. Its coral tone reflects the warmth of spring, while the delicate floral appliqué along the neckline adds a subtle nod to cherry blossom season. The relaxed silhouette makes it e ortless to wear—equally suited for daytime outings or casual evening gatherings.
Spring styling also invites thoughtful layering. Our handpainted tulip dress celebrates one of nature’s most iconic spring flowers. Painted tulip stems create a graceful vertical movement across the dress, giving the piece a quiet artistic presence.
Layered over it, the pastel green floral net shrug introduces a light, airy texture. The sheer floral pattern adds dimension while keeping the overall look soft and refined.
For a more contemporary layer, the powder blue lace bomber jacket o ers a modern balance. The bomber silhouette adds structure, while the lace fabric keeps the piece delicate and feminine—an e ortless jacket to style with dresses or soft separates.
Jewelry completes the spring palette. The Pink Topaz Heart Pendant Set brings a soft blush tone that pairs beautifully with lighter fabrics, while the Blue Topaz / Tourmaline Sunlit Water Drop Pendant Set reflects the cool clarity of spring mornings.
Together, these pieces form a simple style thread—one that celebrates color, artistry, and the lightness of the season.
We invite you to explore the spring collection online or visit the House of Alkara boutique in Great Falls to experience these pieces in person. Elevate Your Everyday
YOUR LEGACY BEGINS AT HOME
