CLEA LIVING M N
MASTERING DOING IT ALL: MODERN MOTHERHOOD
FAIKA HALICI, CARLY SMITTLE, LENA MUNASIFI, SARA MOKHTARI
COVER PHOTO BY MYRTLE
© Best Version Media
PUBLICATION TEAM
Publisher: Gloria Fonseca
Publisher Assistant: Daniela Banegas
Designer: Hannah Argall
Social Media Administrator: Andrea Simon
Photographer: Myrtle Roy
ADVERTISING
Contact: Gloria Fonseca
Email: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com
Phone: 703-868-8071
FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS
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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.
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Finally, goodbye to April—bringing us those unexpected summer-like days right in the middle of spring.
And just like that, May is here.
With it, I’m proud to introduce our newest issue of McLean Living. I know I often say each issue is special, but this one carries a deeper meaning. This is not just a Mother’s Day feature—it’s a tribute.
A tribute to the women who said yes to motherhood and chose to walk that journey on their own.
Single mothers who carry the full weight of responsibility, who show up every single day for their children while continuing to grow professionally, personally, and emotionally. Women who, despite the challenges, lead with strength, love, and grace.
We all know someone like this. Maybe it’s a friend, a neighbor, a colleague—or maybe it’s you.
In this issue, we are honored to spotlight four incredible women from our own community. Women I admire not only as a publisher, but as a mother myself. Because I understand that this path is not easy… and yet, they make it look e ortless.
Motherhood doesn’t come with a manual. It’s a journey that teaches you something new every day. Some days are filled with laughter, others with tears—but never with giving up.
So today, I want to say—Happy Mother’s Day.
To every woman who embraced motherhood with courage and continues to show up with love and pride, every single day.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned—and you’ll read it between the lines of these stories—it’s that what matters most is presence. Time together. The simple, meaningful moments.
(Although… let’s be honest, I will never say no to a little sparkle. If you’re thinking of adding a touch of celebration, a bit of “diamond therapy” at Helvetia Jewelry never hurts.)
This month, let’s celebrate fully. With intention. With gratitude. With love.
With all my admiration,
FROM THE SOCIAL DESK
By ANDREA SIMON Social Media Administrator
Fresh stories, fresh beginnings, and a community that continues to inspire. Hello, May
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INFANT FEEDING DIFFICULTIES & LASER FRENECTOMY
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Dr. Geith Kallas, Founder & CEO | Smile Makers Dental Center 703-356-0250 | www.smilemakerscenter.com
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Stephanie Q. Lawrence | Vinson Hall 540-314-8745 | vinsonshall.org
HOME COMFORT SOLUTIONS
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BUSINESS BROKERAGE & COACHING
Erika Baez-Grimes | The BPH Group, LLC – Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional 804.750.3008 | www.NovaBusinessInquiry.com
LEGAL SERVICES
Amy Griggs | Tysons Trial Law, PLLC 703-643-4021 | www.tysonstriallaw.com
WOMEN’S WELLNESS
Dr. Anna Le—Chief Executive Officer, Anna Health Annandale OBGYN PC (703) 642-7522 | www.annandaleobgyn.com
HOME DESIGN & INTERIORS
Anna Gibson - Founder & Principal Designer AKG Design Studio (571) 446-1108 | www.AKGdesignstudio.com
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THE STRENGTH OF SINGLE MOTHERHOOD
LENA MUNASIFI, SARA MOKHTARI, FAIKA HALICI, CARLY SMITTLE
By SOFIA ROMAN | Photos by MYRTLE ROY
As I worked through each of these stories, one thought stayed with me: we are surrounded by extraordinary women.
Motherhood, in all its forms, asks for strength, patience, and love. But for single mothers, that journey often requires something even deeper, a quiet resilience, a steady courage, and the ability to carry both the weight and the wonder of raising a family on their own. While every mother faces challenges, having a partner to lean on can soften the load. Single mothers, more often than not, become that support system themselves.
And yet, what stands out most is not the di iculty; it is what they build in spite of it.
In this special issue of McLean Living, we are honored to introduce four women who embody that strength. Each of them has navigated motherhood with intention and grace, while also building successful professional lives. Their stories are di erent, their paths uniquely their own, but they are connected by a shared determination to show up fully, for their children and for themselves.
This is a celebration of women who lead, who persevere, and who remind us that strength is not always loud; it is often found in the quiet decision to keep going.
chapter became a defining foundation for her family. Nearly a decade ago, she returned to the United States and chose McLean as the place to begin again.
Today, she serves as Vice President of Customer Engagement at Celonis, leading global initiatives with precision and vision. Yet it is motherhood that remains her most transformative role.
“Motherhood has been both more challenging and more meaningful than I ever expected,” she reflects.
Her transition into single parenthood in 2020 required a di erent kind of strength, one rooted in resilience and in redefining what balance and success truly mean. Today, she describes motherhood as “being both a foundation and a compass,” o ering stability while guiding her children toward independence, kindness, and confidence.
Her approach is intentional. She teaches resilience, empathy, and self-belief, not just through words, but through the example she sets.
Balance, she admits, is not fixed.
“It’s about being intentional with your time and energy and accepting that some days won’t feel balanced at all.”
FAIKA HALICI
A FOUNDATION AND A COMPASS
In a community known for excellence, some women quietly redefine what it means to lead, at home, at work, and within themselves. Faika Halici is one of them.
A Turkish American born in Washington, D.C., Faika’s story spans continents and chapters that have shaped her into both a global executive and a deeply grounded mother. After marrying, she moved to Istanbul, where she spent over six years raising her two children, Ela and Ege. That
With a teenager and a ten-year-old, life moves quickly. Between sports, school, and daily routines, she embraces the rhythm with humor, often describing herself as “part executive, part Uber driver.” Yet within that motion, she cherishes the quiet moments most, conversations in the car, laughter at the dinner table, evenings spent together. Those are the moments where connection lives.
Simple rituals, like daily walks with their goldendoodle, Daisy, o er space to slow down and reconnect. And on Mother’s Day, rooted in her Turkish heritage, the celebration becomes a moment of reflection and gratitude.
“I often think, I’m so proud of who we’ve become as a family.”
Beyond her home, Faika is committed to lifting others through mentorship and community involvement, creating space for women to grow and lead.
If her children were to describe her, she hopes it would be simple: strong, loving, and always there.
And in that presence, she shows what’s possible.
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For Carly Smittle, the path to McLean was not just a move; it was a decision rooted in growth, opportunity, and the life she envisioned for her son.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Carly was raised in a close-knit family alongside her two younger sisters. Her foundation was shaped by two powerful influences: a father who instilled in her a relentless work ethic and a mother who nurtured her creative spirit. That duality would later define her career. With a degree in hospitality & restaurant management from Penn State and a passion for real estate, Carly carved her own path, teaching herself construction and renovation, blending discipline with design, and building a business grounded in both grit and vision.
By 2023, that journey led her to McLean.
“I realized this was the perfect place,” she shares, “a way to create more opportunity for both me and my son while still staying close to family.”
Motherhood, however, did not unfold as she once imagined.
“I always pictured a traditional life,” she says. “But I became a single mother very early on.”
Navigating new motherhood while building a business came with undeniable challenges. Yet through it all, her son Milo became her greatest source of motivation.
“He’s my right hand,” she says. “Everything I’ve built, I’ve built for us.”
Today, motherhood is both her anchor and her purpose.
“It means being his foundation while continuing to build my own,” she explains. “Every decision I make is part of a bigger picture, to show him what’s possible.”
Balance, she admits, is never perfect. But she is intentional. Amid busy schedules, she carves out time just for Milo, whether it’s a movie night, laser tag, or simply sharing a moment together.
Still, it is often the smallest rituals that matter most.
Each morning begins with a irmations they have shared since he was three: reminders of strength, kindness, faith, and purpose.
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And every afternoon, without fail, Milo calls her from the bus, asking how her day was and what’s for dinner.
“It’s the little things,” she says.
If Milo were to describe her, his answer is simple: "Nice, pretty, and stubborn.”
She laughs, but beneath it is something deeper. Strength. Resilience. Love.
And in Carly Smittle’s story, that is exactly what defines her: a woman building a life with intention, leading with example, and showing her son, every single day, that there are no limits to what is possible.
ABIDIAH THE STRENGTH BEHIND LENA MUNASIFI’S MOTHERHOOD
For Lena Munasifi, motherhood is not something she learned; it’s something that has always lived within her. A McLean native, raised through the Langley school pyramid, she carries a deep appreciation for the community that shaped her. It’s a place she chose to return to with intention so her daughter could experience the same sense of belonging, diversity, and academic excellence.
“McLean has always been home,” she shares.
At the center of Lena’s world is her daughter, her greatest joy and the inspiration behind everything she does. Motherhood, she says, has come naturally, yet it carries a profound sense of responsibility.
“My daughter is a dream come true. Watching her grow and thrive is the greatest gift.”
That journey is shaped by intention, especially in today’s digital world.
“Being a mother today means guiding your child to stay grounded,” she explains. “We can’t remove technology, but we can show them it doesn’t define us.”
That grounding is rooted in legacy. Lena often reflects on her father’s journey from Iraq to the United States and the values he instilled in their family. One word defines it: Abidiah, strong.
“It was never ‘I can’t’ growing up,” she recalls. “We were taught to keep going and think bigger.”
As a single mother and attorney, Lena approaches balance with clarity.
“My daughter will always come first,” she says. “When a child feels secure, they have the confidence to become who they’re meant to be.”
It is in the everyday moments where that connection grows strongest, especially their car rides.
“We talk about everything,” she says. “I learn so much about her world in those moments.”
There are challenges, too. The hardest, she admits, is not being able to shield her daughter from pain.
“But my role is to remind her she’s loved and never alone.”
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Faith plays an important role in their lives, from church to milestones like baptism and First Communion. And in the quieter traditions, like matching outfits on Mother’s Day, she finds meaning in the fleeting.
“I know it won’t last forever,” she says, “but for now, I hold onto it.”
If her daughter were to describe her one day, Lena hopes it would be simple: loving, present, and dependable.
A Life Built with Intention
For her, motherhood is not simply a role it is the center of everything. At the heart of her world is her son, Max, a bright and curious boy who inspires her daily to lead with intention, strength, and love
What matters most to her is raising a child who is kind, grounded, and resilient someone who understands where he comes from and feels confident in where he is going. It’s a philosophy that shows up not in grand gestures, but in the quiet, meaningful moments: cheering from the sidelines at a basketball game, sitting together over a new Lego creation, or watching Max disappear into the pages of a good book These are the moments she believes shape who he will become.
Her journey to motherhood was one she chose with clarity and courage Through IVF, using a sperm donor, she made the intentional decision to build a life centered around family It’s a path that reflects both independence and deep commitment a testament to her belief that there is no single definition of what a family should look like.
Professionally, she manages and invests in residential real estate, a career that has afforded her the flexibility to be fully present for Max
That balance between work and motherhood is not accidental it is something she has carefully designed, ensuring that her role as a mother always comes first.
Beyond her responsibilities as a parent and professional, she also shares another deeply meaningful role: caregiver Alongside her sister, she helps care for their father, who is living with Alzheimer’s It is a journey that requires patience, compassion, and resilience qualities she embodies every day. In many ways, she credits her ability to give so much of herself to the example set by her own mother, whom she describes as the pillar of their family Though her mother recently passed, her influence remains a guiding force in how she loves, leads, and nurtures.
As an Iranian American, she is also deeply committed to ensuring that Max grows up connected to his heritage. She wants him to understand the richness of his culture and to feel empowered to use his voice especially in support of freedom and human rights in Iran It’s a legacy of awareness and purpose that she hopes will shape the kind of man he becomes.
Through it all, her approach to motherhood is rooted in authenticity. She leads by example, showing Max that strength and softness can coexist, that families are defined by love not structure and that resilience is built through both challenges and care
In the end, her greatest hope is simple yet profound: that Max grows up knowing who he is, where he comes from, and how deeply he is loved.
© Best Version Media
© Best Version Media
When Little Habits A ect Big Smiles Understanding Myofunctional Therapy for Children
By ARIANA GRIECO - Myofunctional Therapist - 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
Many parents pay close attention to their child’s teeth, speech, and breathing—but few realize that the function and development. This is where therapy
Myofunctional therapy is a specialized program of exercises that trains the muscles of the 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.
• Narrow dental arches or crowding
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
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IGNITE AT OFC: ART & PAINT THEME
SATURDAY, MAY 2 | 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
THE OLD FIREHOUSE CENTER
Enjoy a creative morning with Snack & Paint instructor Gillian Bank as you create wallworthy art, explore additional crafts with the Art Club facilitator, and enjoy hot wa les and refreshments.
THE DOO WOP PROJECT
SATURDAY, MAY 2 | 7:00 – 8:30 P.M.
THE ALDEN THEATRE
A high-energy performance that takes audiences from classic five-part harmonies of groups like The Crests and The Temptations to doo-wopinspired renditions of today’s hits—delivered with Broadway-level vocals and charisma.
OFC OPEN GAME NIGHTS
WEDNESDAYS: MAY 6, 13, 20 & 27 | 6:30 –9:00 P.M.
THE OLD FIREHOUSE CENTER
Drop in for a relaxed evening of games, including ping pong and Mah Jongg, while connecting with friends and neighbors in a casual setting.
OFC OPEN GAME NIGHTS
April 1, 15, 22, 29 | 6:30–9 PM. Enjoy relaxed evenings of ping pong, Mah Jongg, and community connection at The Old Firehouse Center.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: EL NORTE (1983)
THURSDAY, MAY 7 | 1:00 P.M.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13 | 6:30 P.M.
THE ALDEN THEATRE | RATED R Rated TV-G
After their village is destroyed, siblings Rosa and Enrique flee Guatemala in search of a better life in the United States. A powerful film blending realism with poetic imagery.
PAT HAZELL’S “PERMANENT RECORD”
SATURDAY, MAY 9 | 7:00 – 8:30 P.M.
THE ALDEN THEATRE
“Seinfeld” writer Pat Hazell brings humor and heart to the stage in this confessional performance, turning personal reflection into a fast-paced and deeply relatable comedy experience.
PERFORMING ARTS MOVIE: BALLET RUSSES (2005)
THURSDAY, MAY 14 | 1:00 P.M.
THE ALDEN THEATRE
A captivating documentary on the legendary Ballet Russes, featuring rare archival footage and interviews with dancers from one of the most influential companies in modern dance history.
MCLEAN DAY 2026
FRIDAY, MAY 15 | 3:00 – 9:00 P.M. (CARNIVAL RIDES & VOTING)
SATURDAY, MAY 16 | 11:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
LEWINSVILLE PARK
McLean’s signature community festival returns with live music, carnival rides, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, over 100 exhibitors, games, and family-friendly activities.
JENNY LIN, PIANO: “MELODY’S MOSTLY MUSICAL DAY”
SUNDAY, MAY 31 | 2:00 P.M.
THE ALDEN THEATRE
A MedStar Gastroenterology presentation on recognizing symptoms and exploring treatment options.
OFC IGNITE FAMILY DAY. April 11 | 9 AM – 1 PM
A storytelling concert for children, where pianist Jenny Lin guides audiences through Melody’s day using 26 short classical pieces by composers including Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Grieg.
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Five Benefits of Regular Dental Check-Ups
By DR. GEITH KALLAS, Founder & CEO of Smile Makers Dental Center
A healthy smile begins with prevention. While many people wait until they are experiencing pain or discomfort to visit the dentist, regular dental check-ups are one of the most important ways to protect your oral health and avoid more serious problems in the future.
At Smile Makers Dental Center, we believe that routine dental visits are about much more than simply cleaning your teeth. They are an opportunity to protect your overall health, maintain your confidence, and ensure that your smile stays healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Here are five important benefits of scheduling regular dental check-ups.
1. Early Detection Prevents Bigger Problems
One of the greatest advantages of routine dental visits is the ability to catch issues early. Cavities, gum disease, cracked teeth, worn fillings, and even signs of oral cancer often begin with little or no discomfort. By the time pain develops, the problem may already require more extensive treatment. During a regular exam, your dentist carefully evaluates your teeth, gums, and mouth to identify concerns in their earliest stages. A small cavity can often be treated with a simple filling, while
early gum disease can usually be managed before it progresses. Detecting problems early can help you avoid more complicated procedures such as root canals, extractions, or periodontal treatment.
Preventive care not only protects your smile, but it also saves you time, stress, and expense in the future.
2. Your Oral Health A ects Your Overall Health
Your mouth is closely connected to the rest of your body. Research has shown that poor oral health may be linked to serious medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illness, and even pregnancy complications. Gum disease, in particular, can cause inflammation that may a ect other areas of the body. Bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and contribute to other health concerns. For patients who already have medical conditions such as diabetes, maintaining healthy gums can be especially important.
Regular dental check-ups help keep your mouth healthy and reduce the risk of infection and inflammation. By caring for your oral health, you are also taking an important step toward supporting your overall well-being.
© Best Version Media
3. Professional Cleanings Keep Your Smile Bright and Fresh
Even with excellent brushing and flossing habits at home, plaque and tartar can still build up in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. Over time, this buildup can lead to cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and staining.
Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that cannot be removed with a toothbrush alone. Your hygienist will also polish your teeth, helping to remove surface stains and leave your smile looking brighter and cleaner.
Many patients notice an immediate di erence after their visit. Their teeth feel smoother, their breath feels fresher, and they leave with renewed confidence in their smile.
A clean, healthy smile can make a powerful first impression and help you feel your best in both personal and professional settings.
4. Regular Visits Save Time and Money
Preventive care is almost always less expensive than restorative treatment. Skipping regular check-ups may seem like a way to save money in the short term, but small dental problems can quickly become larger and more costly if left untreated.
For example, a small cavity that could have been treated with a simple filling may eventually require a crown or root canal if it is ignored. Gum disease that begins with mild inflammation may later require deep cleanings or periodontal treatment.
Routine visits allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and address concerns before they become more serious. This
can reduce the need for emergency appointments, extensive treatment, and unexpected expenses.
At Smile Makers Dental Center, we believe that preventive care is one of the smartest investments you can make in your smile.
5. Personalized Care Helps You Maintain a Healthy Smile
Every patient has di erent needs, concerns, and goals for their oral health. During your dental check-up, your dentist and hygienist can provide recommendations that are tailored specifically to you.
You may receive guidance on the best brushing and flossing techniques, recommendations for products, advice about diet and habits, or suggestions for improving the appearance of your smile. If you have concerns about sensitivity, teeth grinding, missing teeth, cosmetic dentistry, or orthodontic treatment, your dental team can help you understand your options.
At Smile Makers Dental Center, we take the time to listen to our patients and create a treatment plan that supports their long-term health and confidence. Our goal is not only to help you maintain a healthy smile, but also to ensure that you feel comfortable, informed, and cared for at every visit.
Regular dental check-ups are one of the simplest and most e ective ways to protect your smile and your health. If it has been more than six months since your last dental visit, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment.
Your smile deserves the best care and at Smile Makers Dental Center, we are here to help you keep it healthy for life.
© Best Version Media
At first glance, Violet Yan’s world seems to move e ortlessly, gliding across the ice with precision, grace, and quiet confidence. But behind each performance is a story shaped by discipline, early mornings, and an unwavering love for the sport she discovered as a child. Violet’s journey began at just five and a half years old, when a simple decision to enroll her in group skating lessons, while her brother played hockey on the other side of the rink, sparked something lasting. What started as curiosity quickly turned into passion. She found joy not only in being on the ice but also in the process of learning, improving, and challenging herself.
By the age of seven, Violet was introduced to ice dance, initially as a way to refine her technique. What she found instead was her calling. Solo ice dance, with its blend of artistry and athleticism, became the space where she felt most at home. Since then, her path has been defined by both dedication and quiet determination.
Now a sophomore at Langley High School, Violet balances the demands of elite training with the responsibilities of a full academic schedule. Her days begin before sunrise, often at 5 a.m., with early morning training sessions before heading to school. Afternoons bring more time on the ice, followed by evenings spent completing assignments, sometimes in the car as she travels hours to train with her coaches at the University of Delaware.
It is a schedule that requires sacrifice, but one she embraces with remarkable focus.
That commitment has carried her far beyond her local rink. This past January, Violet represented her community on an international stage, earning the Junior Champion title at the International Skating Union NRW Solo Dance Trophy in Dortmund, Germany. The victory followed an already historic season in which she became the U.S. Junior Solo Dance National Champion in Salt Lake City.
Yet, among her achievements, one moment holds a deeper meaning. At Nationals, Violet was honored as the inaugural recipient of the Sasha Kirsanov Trophy, named in memory of one of her early coaches. Carrying that legacy with her and ultimately standing atop an international podium marked a full-circle moment that speaks not only to her talent but also to her heart.
What stands out most about Violet is not just her success but the quiet resilience behind it. Her journey is one of consistency, humility, and an understanding that greatness is built in the unseen hours.
For her community, Violet represents more than a champion. She is a reminder that passion, when nurtured with discipline and love, can carry young people farther than they ever imagined.
© Best Version Media
