NOW SEEING PATIENTS DR. ROB PIÑÓN Professional dentist on the clock, adventure-seeker off of it — that’s a fitting description of Dr. Rob Piñón,
who is opening Lakeside Dental at 1612 N. Barker Road this spring. Dr. Rob’s adventures range from traveling the world (including four volunteer mission trips) to navigating his motorcycle or bicycle along more familiar pathways. The native of Yakima received his DDS PIÑÓN degree from the University of Washington School of Dentistry. Other hobbies include
tennis, snowboarding, spending time with his family and friends and volunteering through his church and community. Built by Baker Construction on the corner of Barker and Mission near Liberty Lake’s River District, Lakeside Dental is leasing the remainder of its new building to Blissful Whisk, a new bakery launched by longtime Liberty Lake resident Tiffany Cable. For more on their newly built and opened dental office, see the Lakeside Dental ad on page 51.
SENIOR LIVING TRANSITION CHAMPION K R I S T I S TA L D E R For much of the last decade, Liberty Lake resident Kristi Stalder had two separate passions: her work as a senior advocate in the assisted living industry, and her increased investment in her love of writing. Earlier this year, those two passions intersected with the release of “Navigating Assisted Living,” a book covering all aspects of transitioning seniors into a senior living environment. Stalder said the book is an attempt to facilitate intentional communication during an emotionally overwhelming time for seniors and their families. “My book offers support and guidance to help families collaborate, leverage one another’s strengths and work toward this higher goal of making sure that their loved ones thrive,” Stalder said. It’s easy to use the internet and search for answers, but many of the resources available online are from senior living companies, competing with each other and marketing their products and services in-between the lines. Stalder simplifies the process and adds the facts necessary to prepare families for a smooth transition. Stalder also dives head-on into the financial maze of senior living, including explanations of Medicare and Medicaid. Readers learn the questions most critical to ask during a facility tour and gain a greater understanding of basic standards and operations of
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senior living facilities. “Everyone’s situation is different, and variables such as family dynamics, finances, and health issues can impact the course of action,” Stalder said. “My book suggests strategies to navigate these difficult conversations, understand motives and empower your loved one to choose a senior living community.” Kristi Stalder is a local author and independent publisher in Liberty Lake, where she lives with her husband and three children. In addition to her nonfiction work, “Navigating Assisted Living,” she is a member of The Author’s Guild and a writer of fiction novels and children’s books. For more, see her ad on page 57.