A martini is now more than a cocktail... it’s a ritual. Feel shaken or stirred every Thursday night through music, vibes, and the perfect pour.
Collection of NEW, VINTAGE & DESIGNER JEWELRY:
Curated
20 Cover Story
Through love and loss, philanthropist Susan Naylor turns a mother’s promise into action by lifting San Antonio’s children, museums and community with uncommon heart.
30 Role Model
At age 23, Gabriella Salinas holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and works in a communications management position, yet giving back to her community remains a top priority.
32 Guy to Know
Entrepreneur Erik Darmstetter turned a simple idea into one of San Antonio’s most successful and funfilled furniture empires — proving that reinvention and creativity never go out of style.
60 Women in Business
Heather Adkins’ journey from rural beginnings to executive leadership at UT San Antonio and UT Health embodies resilience, purpose, and a passion for transformation.
Stories
20 Cover Story: Susan Naylor
26 Feature Story: Les Dames d’Escoffier San Antonio’s 30th Anniversary
30 Role Model: Gabriella Salinas
32 Guy to Know: Erik Darmstetter
Lifestyle
Women in Business
35 Fashion: Holiday Glow Up!
40 What’s In Your Bag? Susan Shaw
42 Best Practices: Dr. Murphy
46 At Home: Shades of Gray Design Studio
51 Dossier: Health Care Professionals
56 Boots to Business: Ms. Serafina L. De Los Santos
59 Women in Leadership
60 Heather Adkins: Blazing Trails for Higher Ed and Healthcare
64 Showcase: Kim Pollok, CEO, SWBC Payroll + HR
66 Showcase: Chelsea Steele, CEO, ABC of Southwest Texas
74 Finance: Season of Giving, Season of Growth
77 Business Woman Spotlight: Ginger Mullaney, CEO, Healthy Futures of Texas
To Your Health
80 Lung Cancer Screenings Save Lives
82 Medical Vein Clinic: What May Be Causing Your Chronic Pelvic Pain
84 Laurel Ridge Treatment Center: Emotional Health and the Holidays
86 Michelli Ramon: The Art of Wintering
88 Porter Wellness: Your Health Refresh
90 The Brain Coach: Finding Light in the Darkness
91 Acro Audiology: Three Questions to Ask When Scheduling an Appointment for Hearing Aids
Food/Entertainment
92 The Charity Ball Association: Over 70 Years of Hope and Impact
94 Holiday Gift Guide
102 Dining: Bohanan’s Prime Steaks & Seafood New Bar Menu
104 Ladino’s Birthday Block Party
106 Holiday Events
108 Hill Country Curated: Boerne
110 Final Thoughts: “Runners High” by Elizabeth Dryden
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CONTRIBUTORS
Melinda Adams
Contributing Financial Editor Finance
Edie O'Brien
Contributing Fashion Editor Edie Styles
Lainey Berkus Writer What's in Your Bag
Suzanne Pack Photographer Celebrated Reflections
Jennifer Denton Photographer Jennifer Denton Photography
Chelcee Porter
Contributing Welness Editor Pharm D, IFMCP
Contributing Beauty Editor Best Practices, Dr. Bill Murphy
Sunita Punjabi, PhD
Contributing Health Editor The Brain Coach
David Teran Photographer David Teran Photography
Dr. Bill Murphy
Dawn Robinette Writer
Rudy Arispe Writer
Taylor Lane Photographer | Writer Travel
Susan Naylor
Photography: Suzanne Pack with Celebrated Reflections celebratedreflections.com
Makeup: Dora Vera, The Look Beauty Studio thelookstudiohmu@gmail.com
Locations: San Antonio Zoo sazoo.org Cibolo Nature Center and Herff Farm cibolo.org
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Cathleen Lane cathleen@sawoman.com
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Lainey Berkus
Bill Murphy, MD
Chelcee Porter
Sunita Punjabi, PhD
Dawn Robinette
Rudy Arispe Taylor Lane
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Suzanne Pack
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EDITOR'S LETTER
I'm thrilled to bring you the latest issue of San Antonio Woman!
Susan Naylor embodies what we look for in the women we feature on our cover - women with an inspiring story who are compassionate and are making an impact on our community. Susan shares her journey of turning unimaginable loss into a mission to help others and keep her sons' memories alive through supporting the places that are meaningful to her. Photographer, Suzanne Pack, beautifully captured Susan's spirit, and writer, Dawn Robinette, beautifully captured Susan's voice in our cover story. We were thrilled to take photos at two of the many places Susan has supported over the years - the San Antonio Zoo and Herff Farm & the Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne. Thank you to both venues for graciously welcoming us and making sure the photo shoot was a joyful and smooth experience for all.
As you plan for the holidays, be sure to check out the fun fashions curated by Edie O'Brien for any event on your calendar! And our Holiday Gift Guide has unique offerings from locally-owned businesses that will definitely make someone happy. If you're looking to improve your health, our Dossier section includes a wide range of healthcare professionals to help you feel your best. This issue is filled with inspiring stories, profiles, and information!
As we move into a busy holiday season, I hope you take time to practice the “Art of Wintering” as my friend, Michelli Ramon, describes in our Health section. Get cozy, notice the small wonders around you, and enjoy this issue of San Antonio Woman!
Cheers!
Cathleen
Cathleen Lane Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
San Antonio Woman Launch Event San Antonio Woman Launch Party at RÉVE!
by Lynn Yao
Photography
Sandy Skoglund: Enchanting Nature
On View Through February 1, 2026 | San Antonio, Texas
Sandy Skoglund: Enchanting Nature, is organized for McNay Art Museum by René Paul Barilleaux, Head of Curatorial Affairs, with Sandy Skoglund. Presenting Sponsorship is most generously provided by Bank of America. Lead funding is provided by the Arthur and Jane Stieren Fund for Exhibitions; and Elizabeth Huth Coates Charitable Foundation of 1992.
mcnayart.org | @mcnayart
Sandy Skoglund, Fresh Hybrid installation (detail), 2008. Courtesy of the artist.
Susan Naylor
Carrying Will and Charlie: The Heart of Susan Naylor
By Dawn Robinette | Photography by Suzanne Pack
Susan Naylor sees love in small signs – a penny on a driveway, an orb of light that appears in a photo, an infinity symbol – and takes them as a nudge to keep going. "I feel them around me all the time," she says of her boys. "This is the way they live on." She wants the full story to be told, with nothing airbrushed. "Because I've got to make sure they live on."
"They" are her sons, Will and Charlie. And Naylor's life forever changed on June 3, 2007, when she and Will were driving in Maui. A reckless driver hit them head-on. Naylor was fine, but 8-year-old Will wasn't. As emergency responders worked on Will, she made a vow: "If he lives or if he dies, I will start the Will Smith Foundation and will help other kids because that's what he wants to do."
In the long, stunned hours that followed, surgeons tried and tried again. "It happened at 9 a.m., and he passed away at 1," Naylor recalls. "They would say, 'code red'… 'that's your son.' He's going into cardiac arrest, and he would come back, and I'm like, yep, that's Will. He's arguing with God.
"I said to the man upstairs, 'I understand why you want him,' and that was the beginning," she explains as she both smiles and wipes away tears.
The vow she made was rooted in who Will already was. At school, he befriended classmates who were left out. His journal held a child's global generosity: a dream that "the poor people in Africa have more things." Naylor had taken him to Africa, where he noticed children running to the road for empty water bottles. That image – small hands, big need – became a compass. "Next year when we come back, I want to bring my toys to share with those kids," he told her. The foundation's early work followed that line of sight: toys, meals, water projects, practical love.
Eighteen years later, the Will Smith Foundation is the thread that runs through Naylor's philanthropy – work defined not by headlines but by intention. "I don't want this to be about what I give or how much I give, but why I'm giving," she explains. It's like Will said, you know, 'to make things better for everybody else.' This is the way they live on."
Keeping that vow meant facing grief squarely. "I think a lot of people don't understand how I can accept it the way I did, but I have a choice," she says. "Believe me, I had my moments, but I realized I still had Charlie. And I needed to make sure Will is always remembered."
Her giving began humbly and never stopped. "I was working my tail off in the nonprofit world," she says. "That's all I did – have these little events and raise money to just give away."
In time, financial resources from family land followed, and with them, the opportunity to do more. "Do you realize what I can do with this now?" she remembers saying when she learned of the
money that would become available when the Eagle Ford Shale began producing. "That's when we were able to start doing bigger things."
At the same time, grief for one child braided into care for the other. Charlie was 19 when Will died, and the shock sent him searching. He tried, stumbled, tried again. "He overdosed on fentanyl that November," Naylor says of 2016. "I say that the foundation was my way of healing from our wreck that killed Will. Charlie turned to drugs."
But she refuses to let it be the last word. She took another breath and widened the circle – more support for housing-insecure neighbors in San Antonio and on Maui, more help where Charlie would have shown up first.
Ask her about impact and she'll point to children –always children – and to places that shaped her own family. "The Witte and the San Antonio Zoo were the big things that my kids loved the most and also that I remember from childhood, so we started there trying to do bigger things."
She calls the Will Smith Zoo School her "opus" because it returns learning to nature and teaches kindness. "The Will Smith Zoo School takes it to another level," she says, explaining how her boys grew up on ranches, playing with sticks, dirt and animals.
Her philanthropy at the Witte Museum is equally personal. "I have memories of going there with my family." There's the Will Smith Education Center, the amphitheater honoring Charlie, and the B. Naylor Morton Collection Center named for her father – layers of family memory made public, so others can learn and gather.
Naylor's biography is textured: ranching roots, a lifetime of hunting and travel, and a family history marked by tragedy long before her own. She tells those stories not to dwell on loss but to explain the shape of her resilience—and her tenderness. And her own story matters to her now in a fresh way. She recently reclaimed her family name, Naylor, as her last name, tying herself to a lineage she's carefully preserved at home and in museum collections.
She tells stories of ranches, of a beloved father whose name graces a collection center, of ancestors who made hard choices and left her their grit. "After me, there's nobody left," she says, not with sorrow but with resolve. "That's why I thought, well, someone needs to tell this story." She's recording memories for a book; the kind of narrative that will help strangers understand why a schoolyard laugh or a gallery label can reduce her to grateful tears.
Her circle keeps her steady. "I surround myself with positive people," she says. "I call them my little tribe." They are board colleagues at the Witte and the Zoo, keepers and curators, teachers and students, neighbors from Maui and San Antonio, friends who met the boys and friends who know them now through her. Many of those friends found their own healing in Charlie's humor or Will's tenderness. Naylor has a way of making everyone feel like family, always widening her circle.
She carries practical advice for other women, honed by fire and softened by grace. "Be honest. Be true to yourself. Don't ever forget who you are," she says.
"Be honest. Be true to yourself. Don't ever forget who you are."
"Be forgiving. Holding on to hurt and pain only damages you." She has learned to set boundaries so that giving stays aligned with purpose, to say yes when it matters and no when it doesn't, to let the work be the point. "It takes a village to raise me," she jokes, meaning that the same community she serves is the one that lifts her up when the road gets steep.
Grace spills into her hardest choices, too. Prosecutors once sought a long sentence for the driver who caused the wreck. Naylor offered a different path. "What about 10 years' probation?" she suggested at a meeting, and "they looked at me like I had eight heads." The judge said yes –"only because of you" – and years later, when the woman moved to San Antonio, Naylor brought her to openings so she could see what the foundation was doing. "Be nice to her," she told friends. "She's trying to get her life together." She is not absolving harm but instead choosing a future for someone who did harm. It sounds like what Charlie would have nudged her to do.
Today her days are filled with the quiet labor of kindness: a program at the Zoo, collections care at the Witte, a 'yes' to a small nonprofit no one else has noticed. She still hunts for pennies, still spots infinity signs, still finds her boys in the "weirdest little things." "They would want me to be happy," she says. "They would want me to be joyous, and they would want me to be kind." So that is how she lives — real, present, and open-hearted.
San Antonio is full of generous people. But Susan Naylor's 'why' is singular — fierce, tender, and steady. It began on a road in Maui and keeps widening here: in outdoor classrooms where children learn under live oaks, in galleries where history is kept safe for the next generation, in simple acts of hospitality that feel like home. "I carry them with me," she says. And because she does, Will and Charlie remain — present in the work, visible in the lives it touches and loved out loud in the city their mother keeps blessing.
"I don't want this to be about what I give or how much I give, but why I'm giving... to make things better for everybody else. This is the way they live on."
OPENATTHE WITTE MUSEUM
Thank you, Susan
Naylor
for all you do for the Witte Museum and our community. Your generosity is inspiring and creates an impact across generations. Thank you for your support in bringing Unseen Oceans to San Antonio!
NOW
PRESENTED BY Susan Naylor & The Will Smith Foundation
Generously
Celebrating 30 Years! Les Dames d'Escoffier San Antonio Chapter
By Nichole Bendele
Photos courtesy of Les Dames d'Escoffier San Antonio
"We started our chapter with 10 members," recalls Karen Haram, a founding member of Les Dames d'Escoffier San Antonio (LDEISA), of the initial meeting of the group in 1995. "We were all busy with our careers and thought starting with the minimum number needed for a chapter was the best way to begin. We all remembered the old saying, 'Too many cooks…'"
Haram and three other women — Pat Mozersky, Nancy Lazara, and Lenny Angel – had gathered around a table for brunch at La Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe on Broadway. Their intent was to form a local chapter of the international organization by inviting six more women leaders in the fields of food, beverage, hospitality, and related areas.
Haram was the award-winning Food and Taste Editor at the San Antonio Express-News. Mozersky was a cooking instructor and food columnist for the Express-News. Angel was a cookbook author and cooking teacher. Lazara was vice president of food service and product development at H-E-B.
The group considered other members who were leaders in the culinary community and invited Rosemary Kowalski, a nationally known caterer who founded The RK Group. Patsy Swendson was a cookbook author with a cooking show on KENSTV. Barbara Bechtold was a wine expert. Cynthia Guido started Ciao, the first local gourmet take-out. Prissy Kent was a hotel catering director. Cynthia Pedregon owned The Peach Tree, a popular tearoom in Fredericksburg.
"What a prestigious group we turned out to be!" says Guido. Kowalski went on to be selected as a Grand Dame, the international organization's highest honor. Mozersky served as president on the international board and edited the group's "Cooking with Les Dames d'Escoffier: At Home with the Women Who Shape the Way We Eat and Drink" cookbook.
Established in 1995, these 10 women were the founding members of the San Antonio chapter. Haram is the only founding member who remains an active member today, serving as a committee chair. The group is part of Les Dames d'Escoffier, an international organization of women leaders who create a supportive culture in their communities to achieve excellence in their professions. Members share knowledge, support members, and provide leadership, educational opportunities, and philanthropic events for the larger community.
Named in honor of Auguste Escoffier, the international organization was founded in 1976 by the late Carol Brock, a New York City food writer, when Les Amis d'Escoffier — an all-male organization — did not allow women members. Escoffier was a French chef, restaurateur, and culinary writer who updated and popularized traditional French cooking methods in the 20th century. The French press called him the "king of chefs and chef of kings". He was also deeply involved in charitable work.
LDEISA — a 501(c)(3) non-profit — continues the legacy of Escoffier's charitable work and
community outreach. Some of the initiatives LDEISA is involved with include Roy Maas Youth Alternatives (RMYA), Green Tables, scholarships, and Aspiration Grants.
Annually, the group provides a holiday steak dinner and gifts from Santa for the children of RMYA, which provides a healing shelter for children who have suffered abuse and violence. Young adults from RMYA Turning Point Transitional Living Program are also included.
With the Green Tables initiative, LDEISA sponsors the San Antonio Time Dollar Community as well as community gardens through food and monetary donations. Members also conduct cooking demonstrations and food and nutrition classes. Annually, the group provides 80 low-income families with Thanksgiving turkey and Christmas ham dinners with all the trimmings.
LDEISA has also worked with C.I.E.L.O. (Community, Interfaith, Education, Literacy, and Opportunities) Gardens, giving San Antonio's refugee population a chance to grow their own food, make friends, and gain confidence in their new community. Casa Mia Gardens, a refuge for mothers with opioid use disorders and their infants, is another community garden LDEISA has assisted.
Linda Triesch, Kim Mauldin, and Debby Stein are Green Tables co-chairs.
The LDEISA Scholarships are designed to help women further their educations in food, beverage, agriculture, nutrition, and hospitality. The chapter has awarded nearly 100 scholarships totaling some $329,000. Co-chairs are Elise Russ and Diana Barrios Trevino.
Aspiration Grants — begun by Kathy Shearer, the current chair is Abby Kurth — help women business owners take their operations to the next level, providing everything from cooking kettles for producing broths to walk-in coolers to increase cold storage. After Hurricane Harvey, the grants helped women in the Port Aransas–Rockport area purchase equipment needed to reopen their restaurants.
LDEISA holds a major fundraiser each year, including Meals on Reels, A Evening Inspired by Julia Child (a Dame herself!), Lone Star Afternoon, and Fried Chicken & Bubbles. Most recently, the 30th Birthday Fundraiser at The Red Berry Estate, chaired by Elise Russ, cleared $118,000.
Celebrating its 30th birthday this year, LDEISA counts as members women leaders in food, nutrition,
wine, beverages, hospitality, arts of the table, agriculture, and related fields. Eight new members were inducted into the chapter in September: Angela Burns, Sarah Felix, Alejandra A. Lopez, Lizzeth D. Martinez, Michelle Metzger, Grecia Ramos, Zoe Stanley, and Elisa Trevino, bringing membership to 100. From farmers and dietitians, chefs to sommeliers, wholesale food purveyors to restaurateurs, Dames have varied backgrounds and play a big role in our community.
Several Dames will have food and beverage concessions at the San Antonio Airport: Allison Balfour of Southerleigh, Crystal Dady of Tre Trattoria, Nicola Blaque of Freight Chicken,
Elizabeth Johnson of Pharm Table, and Nichole Bendele of Becker Vineyards.
The current Board Members of Les Dames d'Escoffier San Antonio include: Susan Johnson and Nichole Bendele, Co-Presidents; Diana Adkison, First Vice-President of Membership; Emily Simpson, Second Vice President of Programs; Jennifer Michaelis, Recording Secretary; Cathy Siegel, Corresponding Secretary; Darcie Schipull, Archivist; Di-anna Arias, Treasurer; and Nancy Fitch and Naylene Dillingham, Immediate Past Presidents. For more information regarding LDEISA and or to make donations, visit ldeisanantonio.org or info@ldei.org.
Back
Lyn Christal, Blanca Aldaco, Bettie Lee Wilson, Bunny Becker (deceased), Cynthia Guido, June Hayes, Susan Johnson, Jenny Mattingsley, Lyn Selig, Karen Haram, Anne Reece, Donna Vaughan, Johanna Brown, Kathy Gottsacker.
Photo by Tracey Maurer
Photo taken at the 2002 Les Dames d’Escoffier International Conference in San Antonio.
Front row seated in circle left to right: Diana Barrios Trevino, Ana Martinez Egan, Pat Mozersky, Rosemary Kowalski (deceased), Tracey Maurer.
row left to right:
Gabriella Salinas
Giving Back to Nonprofits Fuels Young Chamber of Commerce Dynamo’s Energy
By Blithe Wiley | Photography by David Teran
Role Model
When people learn that Greater San Antonio Chamber Communications Manager Gabriella Salinas is 23 and holds not only a bachelor's but also a master's degree, the typical thought is "Wait…what?" Salinas, a native of Alamo, Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley, was able to graduate with an associate's degree at age 18 through the dual enrollment program at PSJA Memorial High School. She decided to enroll in her baccalaureate studies at St. Mary's University, in large part due to her twin sister, Gianna's, decision to attend that university. After graduating from St. Mary's, she earned her M.S. degree in User Experience Design from Arizona State University.
When asked about her role as Communications Manager at the Greater San Antonio Chamber, Salinas enthusiastically describes her myriad duties. "The Chamber is a small but mighty team, so in true Chamber fashion, I wear a lot of hats!" Salinas explained. "My primary responsibilities include designing all visual content, both print and digital, along with managing photography and videography. I also manage our organic social media presence, sharing upcoming events, celebrating member milestones, and highlighting the important advocacy work happening across our departments. Ultimately, my role is about telling the Chamber's story and the stories of our members."
Salinas continued her passion for giving back to her community when she moved to San Antonio to attend St. Mary's. "My first internships at St. Mary's were with local nonprofits, and these experiences really helped shape my heart for community work," she said. "My first internship was with Artvango Therapeutic Services, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children heal from cycles of abuse, poverty, and trauma through expressive art therapies."
Her second college internship was with Triple H Equitherapy, an organization that uses the power of horses to help individuals with physical and mental
challenges find confidence and healing. "These internships gave me such a real, hands-on look at what it means to serve others. They taught me compassion and the impact that even small acts of kindness can have. This is where my love for nonprofit work began."
In addition to her college internships, Salinas began volunteering with the nonprofit "RGV Gives Back" during her senior year of college. She served on the organization's Board of Directors during her graduate studies and first year of full-time work. During her involvement with RGV Gives Back, the organization was able to provide 500 Thanksgiving meals to families in need and award more than 10 scholarships each year to students at all levels.
When asked what has served as the inspiration for giving back to her communities, Salinas is quick to point to her mother and two sisters. "The women in my life are the biggest inspiration behind why I love giving back," she said. "My mom built the foundation for everything I am. She's always put her three girls first -- no matter what – and taught us the value of hard work and heart. My grandma, who never graduated from college, made sure all of her children did so they could create better opportunities for themselves and their families."
Salinas noted that her older sister, Victoria, works in the medical field and cares for others every day, while her twin sister, Gianna, is a third-year law student at St. Mary's and is serving as a student attorney, helping clients in need on a pro bono basis.
As for looking ahead to the future, Salinas envisions herself in 5-to-10 years leading a communications team at a nonprofit organization that's making a difference in the community. "I hope to stay involved in giving back, whether that's through community projects, mentorship, or volunteering. Overall, I want to grow as a leader, while staying grounded in purpose and service."
Erik Darmstetter
CEO of Office Furniture Liquidations
By
Rudy Arispe | Photography by David Teran
Guy to Know
Inside the 90,000-square-foot warehouse, showroom and a planned distribution center at Office Furniture Liquidations, you'll find everything you can possibly need to furnish your home or corporate office "except the office politics," as CEO Erik Darmstetter likes to put it.
As far as the eyes can see, you'll see a sea of new and reusable desks, chairs, cabinets, conference tables, dressers, and so much more at very reasonable prices. Although some might have a small scratch or dent, don't let that deter you.
"A lot of times people will come in, look around and ask where the used office furniture is. They don't realize they're looking at it. We're very picky about the furniture we bring in. We don't sell junk," Darmstetter emphatically states.
Office Furniture Liquidations is just one of many businesses that the entrepreneurial-minded Darmstetter has founded throughout the years. His first business was a T-shirt company followed by the very successful graphic design and branding company, Creative Link, which he had for 10 years, and then the marketing and consulting company, Sales by 5. Now, his focus is on furniture, which even surprises him a bit because the creation of Office Furniture Liquidations happened by accident.
Darmstetter had been running the thriving Sales by 5 for 12 years when the Great Recession of 2008 wreaked havoc on the economy. During this same period, he experienced personal tragedy when his close business assistant died unexpectedly. So, he decided he would close his office and work from home. He began selling his furniture to the other office suites in the building and was having so much fun doing it when he realized he was on to something good.
"I liked it so much I decided to build it into a business," Darmstetter said. "What stimulated it was the downturn from the recession. Offices in the building where I worked needed their furniture sold because commercial real estate was sitting on a lot of it, so I started selling for the tenants in the building and for others."
Thus, Office Furniture Liquidations was born. Today, Office Furniture Liquidations, 6838 Bandera Road,
continues to be ranked as one of the top office furniture stores in the industry, and Darmstetter is having a blast operating it. Just check out their Facebook page to see some of the fun and whimsical videos where the CEO talks about some of the great pieces for sale and why you should come check out the showroom.
"I didn't model it after any business or research," he said. "It's 100 percent organic."
A unique aspect about the company is what Darmstetter calls the "See, Feel and Touch Experience," meaning you are welcome to pull out a chair from a desk, open your laptop, and sit for a bit to see how the furniture feels. "Our biggest competitor is online, but you can't touch it," he said. "The number one thing we hear from customers is they bought something online, and then they have a hard time returning it. We want you to see the furniture in person and touch it before you buy."
Darmstetter explains that he acquires a lot of his used or scratch and dent furniture from distributors around the country. "A lot of manufacturers will have a damaged box. Imagine going to WalMart to buy a blender, and you might have a box that's dented, but the product is perfect inside," he said. "The distributor won't open the box, so we buy it. We're the only ones who do this. We love it because we might get two that have damaged boxes of the same thing or there might be a scratch, so well sell it for half the price."
Aside from work, Darmstetter likes getting away to explore the mountains of Colorado or jet skiing at Horseshoe Bay at Lake LBJ and cooking Italian or fine American cuisine for himself and his son, who works for the company in between his classes at UTSA. His daughter is also an employee.
For as long as he can remember, Darmstetter knew he was meant to work for himself and be his own boss. As an adolescent, he was already exhibiting signs of a savvy business owner.
"We had a game room in our attic," he recalls. "I used to charge the neighborhood kids to come play my pinball machines."
For more information, visit www.officefurnituresa.com
By: Edie Styles, LLC
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Holiday Glow-Up
Effortless outfits that shine from brunch to the ball drop!
Blouse & camisole: Stylists own
Skirt: Black w/ribbon skirt, Wang, Sloan Hall, $522
Boots: Models own
Fashion Editor: Edie O’Brien, ediestyles.com
Photography & Graphic Design: Jennifer Denton, jenniferdenton.com
Makeup/Hair:
Dora Vera Pro Makeup Artist @_thelookbeautystudio
Stylists: Chloe Ramon, Destiny Valadez
Model: Denise Andrade Woods
Fashions: St. Bernard saintbernard.com
The Collection Texas thecollectiontx.com
Sloan Hall IG @sloanhall
Dress: Party Pencil Dress, La La Lucy, The Collection Texas, $136
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Earrings:
Hat: Desert Drifter hat, Charlie 1 Horse, St. Bernard, $185
Sweater: Cashmere Waffle Mesh Tee, White & Warren, St. Bernard, $345
Pants: Rio High Waist Flare Pant, Leset, St. Bernard, $240
Red & faux pearl drop, Hudson Day, The Collection Texas, $25
Necklace & jacket: Stylists own
Shoes: Models own
Dress: The Moonlight dress, Dress Forum The Collection Texas, $76.00
Earrings: Margaux Puff-Gold, Jenny Bird, St. Bernard, $168
Necklace: Black & gold necklace, Hudson Day, The Collection Texas, $60
Shoes: Models own
Deck the halls, light the menorah, and do it all in style! These holiday-ready looks are made to shine—no matter how or where you celebrate.
Susan Shaw Bag? What’s
in your
The World of Handmade Jewelry
By Lainey Berkus | Photography by Jennifer Denton
Readers,
I am thrilled to introduce you to my dear and talented friend, Susan Shaw.
Susan has redefined the world of handmade jewelry, building a brand that blends artistry, quality, and timeless style. Her collections continue to evolve with seasonal designs while staying true to her signature motifs— coins, crosses, bees, florals, equestrian, and coastal inspirations. Simply put, her creations are treasures of artistry, expressions of personal style, and symbols of elegance.
Her journey began when Susan designed a playful chile pepper necklace for Fiesta in 1979. The piece attracted attention and sparked the creation of her first jewelry collection. Since then, Susan has hand-sculpted more than 2,000 original molds, shaping a brand that has evolved from Southwestern roots to a line of collective, heirloom-quality jewelry.
Today, Susan Shaw jewelry is carried in all 50 states and over 10 countries. Her expansive designs are also featured in world-renowned destinations, including the Smithsonian, Monticello, and luxury hotels such as the Four Seasons and the Waldorf Astoria. Each piece is meticulously crafted with sterling silver or 24K gold triple-plating, and accented with genuine gemstones, freshwater pearls, Venetian glass, and hand-painted beads. The result is not only beautiful but also wearable, lightweight, comfortable, and always in style.
Let's look into Susan's easy-access travel bag, with multiple compartments that keep her jewelry from knotting, tangling, and scratches.
Tell me about your jewelry bag?
My jewelry bag is a reflection of my style, in my signature blue, of course. I love that it is simple, flexible, and easy to pack. It has a soft but structured shape, plenty of secure pockets, and a smooth lining that keeps everything protected. Organization is key, so I use the pockets to keep pieces separated and tanglefree. Each item is carefully wrapped or tucked into a compartment. I carry my jewelry case in my hand luggage so it stays safe and with me at all times.
How do you organize your jewelry for travel?
I start with the outfits I'm packing, then curate my jewelry accordingly. For business trips, I select pieces that work with necklines and really showcase the jewelry. I avoid collared shirts so necklaces can shine. I pack more options for work trips and love to layer. I am more playful with my personal travel and choose pieces that match a color palette - usually blue tones, since I wear so much blue. Pearls are always in my bag because they transition from day to night. Gold hoops are a go-to because they work for every occasion.
Is there a piece that always travels with you?
Several pieces from my Atlas Collection come with me everywhere. The Long Florence Necklace is effortless and pairs beautifully with my Roma Studs. The genuine stone discs in malachite, blue lapis, turquoise, mother of pearl, and black onyx make the collection versatile it's easy to mix and match for any trip.
What inspires you when designing jewelry?
My inspiration comes from so many places travel, art, architecture, history, and nature. My blue and white collection was inspired by my personal collection of antique porcelain. I have loved blue and white pieces since childhood, as my mother collected antiques, too. My designs often reflect the French and Italian influences from my travels, as well as botanical themes from my home and garden. My passion for home decor often shapes what I design, too.
Do you have a most sentimental favorite Susan Shaw piece?
Yes, my Pearl Cross Multi-Strand Necklace. I designed it over 30 years ago. This piece is a testament to how some designs truly stand the test of time.
Susan's tips for keeping your jewelry looking new. The most important thing is to keep your pieces dry. That helps maintain the original finish.
Always apply perfume or hairspray before putting on jewelry.
Take pieces off before showering.
Are You A Halloween Skeleton…. Or A Sports Car?
By Bill Murphy, MD, Medical Director, Turquoise Springs Medical Spa
Practicing medicine for over 40 years allows one to settle on a variety of stories and analogies to explain various complicated medical issues. I have seen my patients' faces go blank and their eyes zone out after 30 seconds of too much medical jargon and $5 words. Communication is a key to success, so I tend to lean on anecdotes, short stories, and comparisons to which we can all relate. As I talk with people of all ages with aches, pains, sore joints, and other maladies, I must battle their tendency to think that inactivity or rest is required for all healing. While this is true if there is an acute injury, a broken bone, a surgical incision, or a head injury, inactivity is not the answer for most chronic issues.
Staying active is optimal for being and staying healthy. An active lifestyle is also best if you have chronic issues you are coping with every day. Sitting down, staying still, being sedentary, or maintaining a constant state of rest is bad for your body, your health, and your mental state. So what is my first analogy?
Your body is like a sports car. What happens if you park a sports car in the driveway, under a tree,
and don't drive it? The rubber of the tires and the window seals becomes brittle and cracked. The tubing of the gasoline system corrodes, and the oil becomes thick and full of sludge. All the joints in the carriage become dry, creaky, and squeaky. The same thing happens to your body if you park it and don't drive it. A beautiful Corvette is meant to be driven, not parked. Your body is the same. You must take it out for a spin on a regular basis!
My time with you today is not about how exercise or physical activity benefits heart health, lung health, or even mental health. A full article could be written about each of these topics and how important movement is to preserving health and wellness in those disparate body systems. Today, I wish to write about muscle strength, flexibility, core strength, and posture. Therefore, I will present my second analogy about how important muscles are to maintaining health and decreasing chronic pain.
As I am writing this in mid-October, the Halloween holiday is almost here. Plastic skeletons are hanging from the trees all around my neighborhood. Those skeletons have no inherent strength. Individual bones are strong, but the joints of the Halloween skeleton move however the wind blows with no resistance. They move in and out of proper position and clank and clink. The model skeleton is pulled in whatever direction the wind, gravity, or the tree limb moves. Without strong, flexible, trained muscles, we are the same.
If we are physically weak, we are impacted by whatever forces attack us over the course of a day, starting with gravity. Our joints move in and out (subluxation), which causes stretching and
wear of the tendons and joint cartilage. Posture suffers as the neck bends forward, the shoulders slouch, and the walking or gait pattern becomes unbalanced. Strong muscles, large and small, around the joints allow proper positioning, range of motion, and proper posture and gait patterns.
I prescribe resistance exercise to all of my patients, regardless of their varied issues. I did not say "only weight training". Body weight exercises can be resistance training, as all you need is gravity. As your muscles get stronger, you can add resistance with bands, dumbbells, machines, or even a can of peas. Proper lifting techniques and avoidance of too much weight are important to avoid injury, so using a trainer, instructor, or even a YouTube video is ideal.
I also use advanced, state-of-the-art muscle stimulation technology for my clients and patients. It is called TruSculpt Flex by Cutera. I have used muscle stimulation for 30 years, but it has never been as effective as now, with this device. I am able to provide multidirectional stimulation to multiple muscle groups to build strength, tone, and flexibility.
This can be accomplished with a 15-minute session once or twice per week. I can stimulate arms, legs, abdominal muscles, back muscles, and buttocks. It is intense, yet painless and incredibly effective to augment and improve your gym workouts, tone and shape your body, and improve posture. The FDA recently approved this technology for the treatment of back pain, muscle aches, and rehabilitation of injuries to muscles and joints. Flex has shown amazing results in my practice for the treatment and strengthening of abdominal muscles after delivery of a baby, even if by surgical delivery, and recovery after back, hip, and knee surgery.
Exercise and movement is natural and healthy for our bodies. If you need a plan, advice, or even feel you would like to try our new technology to help get you going, I would be honored to meet with you to devise a plan. Call me at 210-253-3313.
Shades of Gray Design Studio
Melissa Fields
CEO + Principal Designer shadesofgraydesign.com
Photography by: Kris Shopov
Our clients live within the Oak Hills Country Club. Their backyard is on the 17th hole of the golf course community that was established in 1922. The home is surrounded by beautiful and lush mature trees where whole families of deer routinely dart across the driveway. It doesn’t even feel like you’re in San Antonio!
Like many homeowners, our clients wanted to update and elevate their home in a way that would feel deeply personal and reflective of their everyday lives. Taking inspiration from the home’s natural surroundings, we decided to blend their indoor space with the outdoors in an elegant and fresh way. Blue, green, cream, and white was the color palette of choice with accents of black to provide a striking contrast.
The living room’s backdrop was their stunning backyard, so we kept that view center stage, creating a neutral, calming space with pops of color in the chairs, throw pillows, and rug. The fireplace was given a whole new face by cladding it with textured porcelain that had subtle marble veining.
What was once their formal dining room has been transformed into a flex room – this is where puzzles are put together while sipping on their morning coffee or lazy conversations after dinner. We carried the neutrals into this space where textured wallpaper covers the walls and the ceiling painted white to make the room feel more spacious. We replaced the unused double doors with a large picture window to let in more natural light.
From a Texas style poker room to our client’s home office, we didn’t want to play it safe in this space. We created a color-drenched, moody vibe inspired by their most favorite destination in the world – the Amalfi Coast, Italy. We are obsessed with Austin’s Kyle Bunting hide wall coverings, so we were certain that would be our custom mural! Sourcing from Texas businesses is so important to us, so this was a no-brainer. Green was the color and seeing all the trees outside the windows
made it feel like a treehouse. There were many custom elements in this room like the cabinetry, pillows, and (of course) Italian cowhide mural of the Amalfi Coast.
After we completed this project, our clients said they now feel like they wake up in a resort every day! This is why we love what we do. Transforming homes and improving our client’s quality of life is our absolute passion!
DOSSIER Health Care Professionals
Finding the right health care provider can make all the difference in your well-being. In this special section, San Antonio Woman introduces you to some of our city’s leading medical and wellness professionals—experts dedicated to helping you live your healthiest life. Learn what inspires their practice, how they care for their patients, and what sets them apart in their fields as they answer key questions about their approach to health and healing.
What sets your practice apart from other practices in the same field?
The extensive and specific training my team has in hormonal health, and the other services we offer. There are many providers out there currently prescribing Testosterone, weight loss, and peptides to patients with very little to no specific training in those fields. My team is fully qualified. Our patients also receive a direct line to our providers, so they can speak with them whenever needed, no appointment necessary. We also have an on-site laboratory for immediate results, and we can start patients on treatment within the same first-day appointment.
What warning signs should women be aware of in their men that would require a visit to your clinic?
A change in his personality, energy, drive, performance, or cognitive abilities. Some common symptoms are: moodiness, irritability, no energy, lethargy, brain fog, lack of concentration, low libido, weight gain, and ED.
Do you only service men?
No, we can treat women for all of our services except Testosterone and ED. We have many women patients, especially for weight loss and peptides.
What health and wellness issues are you most concerned about for our population?
Testosterone levels. Today we are experiencing an epidemic due to poor diets, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. Everyone, male and female, should know their levels.
Does your clinic offer any specialty services?
Yes, in regard to our Erectile Dysfunction treatments. For moderate to severe cases, we administer the Gainswave procedure, using the gold standard Omniwave technology. We are one of the only providers in South Texas with that device, and we can reverse the most severe cases of ED, completely pain-free.
Gameday Men's Health Alamo Ranch & New Braunfels 3903 Wiseman Blvd., Suite 123, San Antonio, TX 78251 (830) 376-9100 | www.gamedaymenshealth.com/alamo-ranch-tx FB: @gamedayalamoranch | IG: @gameday_alamoranch
by David Teran
Photography
Jennifer Lee, M.D.
T: (210) 595-5300
Specialty: Radiation Oncology
Saranya C. Kodali, M.D.
T: (210) 656-7177
Specialty:
Hematology/ Medical Oncology
Jillian Grimm, D.O.
T: (830) 730-5006
Specialty:
Colon and Rectal Surgeon
Alison Unzeitig Barron, M.D., FACS
T: (210) 598-4300
Specialty:
Breast Surgical Oncology
TEXAS ONCOLOGY
Why choose Texas Oncology?
Corinne (Jeppson) Jordan, D.O., FACOOG
T: (210) 595-5300
Specialty: Gynecologic Oncology
Texas Oncology offers expert, multidisciplinary cancer care across San Antonio, with access to advanced treatments, clinical trials, and personalized support close to home. Jennifer Lee, M.D.
What is a common myth about your specialty?
Many patients worry that a cancer diagnosis means there's no hope, no cure—but that's not true. Not all cancers are incurable. Many cancers today can be treated very effectively. Some are even curable, especially when detected early. Others can be managed like a chronic illness, allowing people to live long and meaningful lives. Saranya C. Kodali, M.D.
How does Low Dose Radiation Therapy help osteoarthritis patients?
Low-dose radiation therapy targets inflamed joints to reduce pain and swelling. It’s a safe, non-invasive option for patients with chronic arthritis who haven’t responded to other treatments. Jennifer Lee, M.D.
What sets your practice apart from other gastroenterologists and what colorectal health issues worry you most?
Colorectal surgery focuses on surgical treatment of lower GI issues (colon, rectum, anus), while gastroenterologists manage both upper and lower GI medically. We often collaborate on comprehensive care. We’re seeing colorectal cancer rates rising in younger adults likely due to poor diet, inactivity, smoking, and alcohol. Colonoscopies are vital to help detect and prevent cancer by removing polyps early. Jillian Grimm, D.O.
What lifestyle changes and screenings do you recommend to reduce breast cancer risk?
Lifestyle changes recommended are maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet. Limit alcohol, avoid smoking, and use hormone therapy cautiously. Women of average risk should begin annual mammograms at 40. If there’s a family history or genetic risk, start earlier. For dense breast tissue or elevated risk, add ultrasound or MRI. Alison Unzeitig Barron, M.D.
What does gynecologic oncology encompass and what are the warning signs that women need to be aware of?
It includes cancers of the uterus, ovaries, cervix, vulva, and vagina. Warning signs include postmenopausal bleeding, bloating, and abdominal pain. If anything feels unusual, consult your doctor. Corinne Jordan, D.O.
Texas Oncology
To view our locations and contact information, please visit TexasOncology.com
PORTER WELLNESS
Chelcee Porter, PharmD, IFMCP
What is your specialty?
At Porter Wellness, I use a functional medicine approach to help women get to the root cause of their symptoms so that healing is clear, personalized, and attainable. Instead of masking symptoms, we focus on restoring your body's natural rhythm through nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted supplementation. As a pharmacist and certified functional medicine practitioner, I am able to combine the best of functional and conventional medicine by collaborating with other providers, if necessary, to ensure a truly personalized approach. This allows your body to heal from within, giving you renewed energy and confidence so you can feel grounded, vibrant, and like yourself again.
What sets your practice apart from others in the same field?
At Porter Wellness, you're fully supported for six months with regular visits, direct messaging, and ongoing guidance, which help you uncover and heal the true root of your symptoms. Think of it as having a functional medicine expert in your back pocket as you move through your healing journey. When questions arise or motivation dips, I'm there to help you stay consistent, confident, and connected to your progress. By the end of our time together, you'll walk away feeling deeply educated, empowered, and in tune with your body.
How often do you recommend clients visit with you?
We meet every 3–4 weeks over the course of our six months together so that we can adjust your plan as your body begins to heal. Each step builds on the last, so rather than overwhelming changes, we layer small, meaningful shifts that transform your health from the ground up. You'll leave feeling truly rooted in your health.
I specialize in individualized movement coaching for performers, athletes, and active adults. My practice blends dance artistry with Mat Pilates and strategic stretching to optimize range of motion, alignment, and longevity. I create tailored movement programs that improve overall body mechanics.
What specialized training have you received?
My specialized training spans classical ballet, a certification in both Mat Pilates and stretch therapy, augmented by adaptive-athlete certification and experience as a Diagnostic Imaging Technician. As a military veteran, I bring discipline, focus, and a rigorous safety standard to every session. This multi-disciplinary foundation lets design movement programs that honor each client's history, goals, and daily life.
What sets your practice apart from other practices in the same field?
I don't just teach exercises; I teach movement intelligence and ongoing mentorship. I coach from the perspective of a dancer who has navigated multiple surgeries, weight gain, motherhood, PTSD, and the high demands of a military career. Clients gain a trusted guide who has stood in their shoes and proven the path to durable, expressive movement that yields results. I can tell people that my programs work, my movement works, my coaching works because I am my own client!
What else can we see from Operation Recharge?
Operation Recharge is expanding to bring even more accessible, movement-focused wellness to the San Antonio community. In the coming year, you'll see a new line of grip socks, a lightweight merch range, and essential classroom gear. We are also launching a refreshed slate of workshops and movement clinics to include a mobility lab and an O|R Stretch & Sculpt Club. Through pop-ups, veteran support, and homelessness initiatives, we are turning movement into a practical, lasting lifestyle for everyone!
Photography
BEYOND THE BOOTS
This Feature Sponsored by:
Leadership and Legacy
Photography by David Teran
MS. SERAFINA L. DE LOS SANTOS
Executive Director,
502d Force Support Group, Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)
United States Air Force, (Enlisted), United States Army Retired (Major)
How has your military career prepared you for your current job?
Throughout my military career, I served as a logistician, and the Army provided me the opportunity to receive my Master of Science in Logistics and Business Management. When I retired from the Army in 2004, my first job was serving as the senior logistics officer for a military intelligence organization. In that position, I applied my knowledge of resource and logistics management. I served as the project manager for the construction of a multimillion-dollar facility on Fort Sam Houston to house the intelligence organization. In 2008, I began work at the Fort Sam Houston US Army Garrison and served as planner to transition the Garrison into an Air Force organization as part of Joint Base San Antonio. In my current job as the Executive Director, I continue to apply all the skill sets I learned throughout my military service. I oversee an organizational budget in excess of $90 million. I help the organization's military Commander manage a support organization of over 3,000 personnel. It was my experience in the military that provided me with the skill sets that have allowed me to have a successful career as a civilian. As a military leader, I learned to lead under pressure, managing diverse personnel, always ensuring mission success. I created and executed detailed operational plans. I learned to be responsible for myself and others within my organization. My military experience made me adept at assessing risks and making critical decisions with limited information and resources. Now, working in an organization that must make programmatic and personnel decisions in a fiscally constrained environment, I am able to provide advice to help leaders make tough decisions. As a military leader, I had to adapt to rapidly changing conditions, set clear goals, and delegate based on strengths while maintaining morale. That focus on communication and accountability continues to provide me with the tools I need to help lead a diverse organization. More importantly, military service instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility and dependability. When I commit to something, I follow through. The team building experience that I learned in the military was instrumental in standing up the Joint Base San Antonio Workforce and
Transition Alliance, which has brought together external community organizations to support active duty military members and their families assigned to JBSA.
What advice do you have for other women who are transitioning out of the military into the civilian workforce?
The advice I would give to women transitioning from the military is to first believe in yourself and in your experiences. Regardless of your rank, you will be an asset to any organization. Prepare yourself, figure out where your passions lie. Seek the advice and mentorship of others who have transitioned. Networking can help you learn about corporate culture and about artificial barriers from others who have gone before you. Ensure you obtain any certifications or education in areas that require additional training or education. You already bring many skills as a military professional, discipline, adaptability, problem solving, leadership, team building, and many more. Focus on your strengths. Above all else, be confident!
Who or what has helped you the most in your career?
My military experience not only helped me in my civilian career, but it also helped instill in me a commitment to service to others and to my country. It taught me to be a servant leader who tries to put the needs of others first by prioritizing the development and welfare of the community and organization that you are a part of. Service to others above self has been my hope, whether I have succeeded or not, only time will tell.
Any additional thoughts or questions you'd like to add?
I am honored to be a woman Veteran. Throughout our history, Women in the military have broken many barriers in numerous roles. We need to continue to recognize the positive impact that women have brought to military service, and now, as Veterans, we need to ensure we continue to support our sisters in arms.
WOMEN in BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
Heather Adkins
Blazing Trails for Higher Ed and Healthcare – Leading Marketing and Communications for UT San Antonio and UT Health
By Rudy Arispe | Photography by David Teran
Growing up on a Kentucky farm, Heather Adkins fondly recalls crisp early mornings feeding livestock with her grandparents or heading to the barn before sunrise to strip tobacco, work essential to sustaining the family's farm in small and rural Georgetown. Sometimes that devotion meant bottle-feeding a newborn lamb in the kitchen to keep it warm through the cold nights.
Both sets of my grandparents farmed and worked tirelessly to provide," Adkins said. "Because of their love, encouragement, and never-ending support, particularly that of my grandmothers, I became the first in my immediate family to graduate from college. On a farm, there are no days off. The animals and the work don't wait. People's livelihoods depend on you showing up. When you say you'll do something, you do it. What a blessing to have had that as an example in my life, demonstrated day after day."
Today, the Kentucky farm girl turned business executive carries that same work ethic, integrity, and purpose into her role as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for The University of Texas at San Antonio and UT Health San Antonio, whose merger was formalized in September.
Adkins will juggle double duty to oversee marketing, internal and external communications, public relations, media relations, web and brand management for both institutions in addition to overseeing some 120 employees. No doubt it's a daunting task set before her, but one she embraces with deep experience, energy and determination.
"What lies ahead is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," she said. "Together, we will build on the strength of our healthcare environment, our commitment to higher education, and our meaningful research to lift UT San Antonio, now the third-largest research university in Texas, to even greater heights. Over the next decade, we are on a path toward national preeminence, becoming a truly distinctive institution that serves our community in ways like never before. It is a vision inspired by UT San Antonio leadership that calls all of us to help shape what comes next for our beloved San Antonio. It's a big undertaking, but the belief in our potential makes up for all the complexities."
In 2015, while working in Cincinnati as a health system executive and principal of a consulting firm serving healthcare nonprofits, Adkins received an unexpected call from then UT Health San Antonio President William Henrich, M.D. He invited her to come to San Antonio to help build and elevate the UT Health San Antonio brand as part of a plan to transform the institution into a more visible and distinguished health science center deeply connected to its community.
"Anyone who ever met Dr. Henrich knew how truly compelling he was," Adkins said. "When he called, you couldn't say anything but yes because you knew you were being invited into something meaningful. When I arrived, there was no formal marketing, communications, or media division. I was fortunate to work with people who believed in the power of storytelling and what it could do to help shape an institution's future. That trust and vision allowed us to build something extraordinary and something that still reflects the people, passion, and promise of UT Health San Antonio. Today, as one UT San Antonio, that same energizing spirit has ignited across our institutions, fueling the momentum to deepen our impact across healthcare and higher ed."
Among her many accomplishments, Adkins established a comprehensive brand and marketing infrastructure for the $1.5 billion UT Health San Antonio enterprise, creating a unified brand identity, new logo, and inaugural brand campaign that helped drive double-digit growth in patient volumes for six consecutive fiscal years.
"We did more than build a brand," she said. "We took a complex environment and gave it clarity and meaning, connecting mission with purpose in ways people could believe in. We're now building on that experience to shape a new narrative for our newly merged university, one that unites learning, discovery, and care under a shared vision. Our shared goal – as this is a 'we' thing – is to create a brand and a culture that inspires pride, attracts talent, and reflects a community that anyone would want to be part of and serve. No, not anyone. Everyone."
Adkins insists she could not have achieved all that she has without the dedication and support of her colleagues. "I work alongside people who have devoted their careers to this mission," she said. "They are so good at what they do – informed, curious,
problem solvers and generous in spirit. If I can take even a fraction of that and inspire my team to do the same, then I have served my role well."
"Her presence has a way of energizing others, and her judgment is always sharp and thoughtful," Matos said.
"She leads by example, working tirelessly, thinking strategically and keeping our institution's mission at the heart of every decision. Heather brings intelligence and wit to everything she does, making her not only an exceptional leader, but also someone people can relate to and are proud to work alongside."
Lety Laurel Matos, UT Health San Antonio Senior Director of Communications, works closely with Adkins and said she has found Adkins to be a dynamic and passionate leader whose insight and drive inspire everyone around her.
Likewise, Monica Taylor, UT Health San Antonio Senior Director, Public and Media Relations, has seen firsthand Adkins' outstanding vision, strong leadership, and remarkable innovation come to life. A recent example is the transformational work she did with the merger of UTSA and UT Health San Antonio to become UT San Antonio. "She is a brilliant leader who holds herself accountable to the same high standards she asks of the team," Taylor said. "She rolls up her sleeves and works tirelessly to make the magic happen behind the scenes so the brilliance shines through for the community to see and experience."
Now that she's been settled in San Antonio, Adkins believes a kindred spirit exists between Texas and Kentucky. Perhaps it's the warmth and friendliness of the people of San Antonio, she said, who welcomed her with open arms when she and her daughter arrived 10 years ago. Now she's happy to call Texas home, and UT San Antonio is fortunate to have Adkins at its side, as she continues to carry out the mission and vision that is envisioned to serve San Antonio and South Texas.
Kim Pollok CEO of SWBC Payroll + HR
By Rudy Arispe | Photography by David Teran
Kim Pollok has always been drawn to the people side of business, which is why a career in human resources has proven to be the perfect fit. She's been doing HR since age 19 at a call center with about 2,000 people, overseeing employee relations, operations and leadership development. It proved to be a major learning experience that would prepare her for greater things when she landed at SWBC.
"It's where strategy and people intersect," said Pollok, Chief Executive Officer of SWBC Payroll + HR. "I wanted to understand what makes teams thrive and how to build cultures that bring out the best in people. That curiosity has stayed with me throughout my career."
Since joining SWBC in January 2010 as a human resources consultant in the Employee Benefits Division, Pollok has made her mark and proved her ability to lead, manage large, multiple projects, and, more importantly, connect with people, including her fellow SWBC employees and numerous clients.
In fact, it was her leadership role with one major project – the company's acquisition of the SWBC Payroll + HR Division – that would lead to SWBC co-founders, Chairman Charlie Amato and President Gary Dudley, noticing her strong performance and eventual promotion as Chief Executive Officer.
"I was right in the thick of it from the start," Pollok recalled. "My role was to make sure we weren't just acquiring a business; we were building something stronger for the company and for our employees. I focused on how we could integrate teams, retain clients, and create a seamless experience. It was a lot of listening, planning, and making sure we stayed true to our SWBC Values. That process really showcased my ability to lead through change, learn the PEO industry, and I think that's what helped pave the way to the CEO role."
As CEO, Pollok wears many hats, but the core of her job is to set the vision and make sure the company delivers real value to its clients. "I work closely with our leadership team to keep us aligned and moving forward. I also spend a lot of time connecting with employees and clients to stay grounded in what's working and where we can improve."'
Pollok earned a bachelor's degree in human resources from the University of the Incarnate Word. Incidentally, her daughter, Delaynie, followed in her mother's footsteps. Like her mom, Delaynie earned a bachelor's degree in management with an emphasis in human resources from Texas A&M University. Her other daughter, Tatum, is currently enrolled at Texas A&M University, where she studies kinesiology and business.
"I want to show them that I can be a full-time working woman and still balance being their mom," she said. "I also look forward to watching them grow in the business world and supporting them in their careers."
In addition to her busy work schedule, Pollok makes time to mentor business students at Texas State University's McCoy College of Business. "It's one of the most rewarding things I do," she said. "The students are so eager to learn and full of fresh ideas. I love helping them connect the dots between what they're learning in class and what it looks like in the real world. And honestly, I learn just as much from them as they do from me."
She also founded Women Supporting Women in Texas Business (WSWTX), a group dedicated to empowering women-owned and operated businesses through networking and shared knowledge.
"WSWTX is such a special community of women," Pollok explained. "It started local and has grown. It's on a social media platform, and it's all about bringing women leaders together to share experiences, support each other, and drive change. I've met some incredible women through it, and I always walk away from those conversations feeling inspired and recharged."
To ensure she balances her work and personal life, Pollok looks to the outdoors to recharge mentally and physically. She jogs and enjoys yoga and biking, especially on trails where she can disconnect and be with Mother Nature.
"I've learned that protecting my mental health isn't a luxury, it's a necessity, especially in a leadership role," the CEO said. "It's not always easy to slow down without feeling guilty, but I've come to appreciate how much better I show up for others when I take that time for myself. Exploring new places, even just a new trail or a weekend getaway, helps me reset. And, yes, I love a good glass of wine now and then."
Pollok's journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and heart. From her early days in HR to leading a dynamic division at SWBC, she's remained focused on what matters most—people. Whether she's mentoring future business leaders, championing women entrepreneurs, or guiding her team through change, Pollok leads with purpose and authenticity. Her story continues to inspire those around her, proving that when strategy meets compassion, remarkable things happen.
Chelsea Steele CEO of ABC of Southwest Texas
By Rudy Arispe | Photography by David Teran
Chelsea Steele is not one to shy away from a challenge. On the contrary, she embraces them. Because over the years, she has discovered that when faced with the impossible, she is able to muster her inner strength and courage and tackle any hopeless situation staring her in the eye.
"I love challenges and like to think creatively and to reimagine things, so to me it's my love letter to all the kids and families we serve," said Steele, a mother of four, who took the helm as President & CEO of ABC of Southwest Texas in August after serving for a while as chief impact officer. "I'm looking at how we can do better for our families and raise the bar. I'm excited about where we're going."
For the past 43 years, ABC of Southwest Texas has been serving families of children and teens, from infants to 18 years old, with physical and mental healthcare needs. Formerly known as Any Baby Can, the new name is part of the agency's rebranding. "We want people to understand we do more than just serve babies," she said, adding that the nonprofit serves 16 counties besides Bexar County.
Indeed, there is a clear purpose and mission behind the agency's name and services they offer, which Steele is eager to share. ABC, she explained, focuses on the organization's three pillars: A includes autism, education, and training. "Our team goes out into the community to offer classes in person or virtually to caregivers, special education teachers, police cadets, and firefighters about what it's like navigating through life with autism and how that looks," she said.
B covers bereavement services, including grief counseling and financial assistance with funeral costs, such as caskets and cremation. "It doesn't have to be a child who has died from a disability," Steele said. "It's also any parent or caregiver who has lost a child."
C is for case management, which is the nonprofit's foundation, Steele stresses. "A lot of times, families will call and say, 'We just got a diagnosis, and we don't know what to do.' Our case managers do a lengthy, in-take consultation with them to assess their needs to determine how we can help them," she said.
Since assuming the role of CEO this summer, Steele has jumped in full steam ahead. Because, as anyone who has ever worked in the nonprofit arena will
tell you, there's no rest for the weary. The work is demanding but immensely rewarding – and the families and children whom the organization serves are the driving force for her and the entire ABC of Southwest Texas team.
"With any nonprofit, you have to hit the ground running," Steele said. "You're making key decisions by the third or fourth day … You wear so many hats. You're fixing a leaky faucet, cleaning toilets if you have to, or doing a song-and-dance to get donations. You have to love the work and understand why you're doing it to be connected to the mission. At the end of the day, I'm the person who has to make sure every decision honors our mission and that we're helping the community."
With a solid background in nonprofit experience, Steele is known by colleagues and co-workers to possess the gift of transforming struggling organizations into vibrant, impactful ones, which she attributes to having been the vice president of a medical staffing company and overseeing an $83 million budget prior to her foray into the nonprofit world.
"I have a savvy business side," Steele said. "I'm always looking at inefficiencies. I've always been a fixer. If something is outdated, let's update it. I also love tech and innovation. That's helped me be successful."
Away from work, you can find Steele at the San Pedro Playhouse, volunteering to scan tickets or serving as house manager, because of her long-time love of theater. But there's no acting when she speaks about the incredible things happening daily at ABC of Southwest Texas. It's straight from the heart.
"More than anything, ABC is home to our staff and the 350 families we serve," Steele said. "It's full of love, laughter and hope. I've experienced miracles here, and we continue to give families miracles."
For more information, visit https://abcofswtx.org/
Heather Walsh, CRPC™
Leading with Purpose in Merrill Wealth Management
Merrill Lynch Lone Star Bank of America
1803 Broadway, Suite 700
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 805-2837
www.ml.com
As the Market Executive for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in the Lone Star Market, Heather Walsh oversees a dynamic network of financial advisory teams across four key Merrill offices: San Antonio, La Cantera, Corpus Christi, and McAllen. With a career spanning over three decades in financial services, Heather brings a powerful blend of strategic leadership, deep client insight, and a relentless drive to elevate advisor performance.
Heather began her journey in the industry in 1991 and joined Merrill in 1997, where she served clients as a Financial Advisor for over 20 years. Today, she leads with a clear mission: to help wealth management teams deliver exceptional client service and deepen client relationships. Her coaching style is direct yet fun, empowering advisors to expand their impact.
Her market serves a diverse clientele of affluent families, corporate executives, and successful business owners—both domestic and international. Under Heather’s leadership, the teams focus on comprehensive financial services including goals-based planning, retirement and income strategies, legacy and education planning, portfolio development, and business banking solutions.
Heather holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™) designation and has contributed thought leadership through articles, seminars, and media interviews. Her reputation for cultivating a high-performance culture is matched by her passion for recruiting top-tier talent.
Outside of her professional life, Heather is a proud mom to two daughters, Ashley (27) and Courtney (25), who continue to inspire her with their own journeys. She thrives in the outdoors, whether it’s golfing, skiing, or soaking up the sun on a beach. A passionate traveler and self-proclaimed foodie, Heather loves discovering new restaurants and revisiting her favorite culinary hot spots. Her zest for life, gratitude for her team, and commitment to excellence make her a standout leader in both business and community.
Leesa Harper Rispoli President, Broker/Owner
Coldwell Banker
D’Ann Harper, REALTORS®
18756 Stone Oak Parkway, Ste 301
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 483-7070
www.cbharper.com
Leesa Harper Rispoli is redefining what it means to lead a real estate company in the modern era. As Broker/Owner and President of Coldwell Banker
D’Ann Harper, REALTORS®, she has built a modern traditional brokerage that honors the company’s 39year legacy while constantly innovating for the future.
Under her direction, the brokerage has achieved more than one billion dollars in annual sales for fourteen consecutive years, expanded into new markets, and grown into one of the largest womanowned Coldwell Banker franchises in the nation. Yet for Leesa, success is measured not only in numbers but in the people she empowers. She refers to her employees as teammates, and her corporate office— known as the Support Center—is designed with agent assistance front of mind, ensuring every agent has the tools, guidance, and support they need to succeed.
Her vision is one of accessibility and excellence, offering world-class marketing, listing syndication that distributes properties across hundreds of national and international platforms, and worldwide exposure through the Coldwell Banker network. These services are designed to elevate every listing—at every price point—while delivering a seamless experience for both agents and clients.
With five divisions—Residential, Global Luxury, Land & Ranch, Commercial, and Harper Property Management—Leesa ensures that all clients and agents receive the same exceptional level of service.
Beyond business, her leadership extends deeply into the community through scholarships, charitable partnerships, and company-wide volunteer efforts. Leesa believes it is her responsibility to help build the community that built her company, knowing that real estate has the power to strengthen neighborhoods, connect people, and inspire hope for the future.
Forward-thinking yet deeply grounded, Leesa Harper Rispoli represents the best of modern leadership— where purpose meets innovation and people remain at the heart of it all.
Meg Walker Vice President – Master Rug Cleaner (MRC)
Aladdin Cleaning & Restoration
San Antonio, TX 78212
210-736-1821
Multiple locations www.aladdincleans.com
Meg Walker is Vice President of Aladdin Cleaning & Restoration in San Antonio, TX. Aladdin has been in business since 1956, with 3 locations and over 30 employees. Aladdin specializes in the cleaning of Oriental Rugs, carpets, Upholstery, Air Ducts, and more.
After graduating from Texas Christian University in 2004, Meg began her career at Aladdin in accounting, marketing, and HR. She completed the UTSA Building Business Excellence Program in 2009. In 2016 Meg graduated from the Master Rug Cleaner Program. Meg has served on the Board of the Association of Rug Care Specialists since 2016 and is the current Past-President.
Kelly Wade Fry, owner of Kelly Wade Jewelers in Alamo Heights, is a certified gemologist whose love for fine jewelry began with something deeply personal—her mother’s jewelry box. After losing her mom at a young age, Kelly found comfort and connection in the pieces her mother wore, sparking a lifelong appreciation for the emotion and memory each gem can hold. Today, that sentiment is felt at her boutique reflecting her belief that fine jewelry should celebrate life’s milestones while empowering the women who wear it.
Kelly has created a space that feels both luxurious and personal. Beyond her showcases of shimmering beauty, she is devoted to community—supporting local causes and empowering women to wear their stories with confidence and grace. Kelly’s mission remains the same: to make every client feel seen, celebrated, and beautifully adorned.
Wendy Cleveland President & Chief Executive Officer
Firstmark Credit Union
2023 Gold Canyon Drive San Antonio, TX 78232 210-442-0100 firstmarkcu.org
Wendy Cleveland serves as president and chief executive officer at Firstmark Credit Union ($1.2B; San Antonio, TX), a cooperative committed to serving its members, school employees, and the community. An industry veteran with over 30 years’ experience leading credit unions of various sizes, she has a passion for bettering members’ lives and enriching communities through the credit union mission.
With a strong commitment to making a positive impact and championing efforts that support others, Wendy attributes her passion for service to the challenges and rewarding experiences that have shaped her both individually and professionally. Whether you’re eager to give back or looking for financial solutions tailored to fit your needs, she invites you to come see how Firstmark can grow your savings while helping your community thrive.
Lori Karsky Horn Co-Owner
Dough Pizzeria Napoletana
6989 Blanco Road, San Antonio, TX 78216 210-979-6565
518 South Alamo Street, San Antonio, TX 78205 210-227-2900 | doughpizzeria.com
After graduating from the Whittemore School of Business, Lori Karsky Horn began her hospitality career with Marriott Corporation, relocating from Hartford, Connecticut to San Antonio.
Following a move with Marriott to California, she met her husband Doug, who was also in the food and beverage industry. After Doug graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, they moved to San Antonio, where Lori launched “Creative Dining & Entertainment” a concierge service located at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
In 2007, combining their expertise in food, beverage, sales, and marketing, the couple opened “Dough Pizzeria Napoletana.” They expanded their concept in 2018, with a second location in Hemisfair.
Lori credits her success to hard work, community support, and encouragement from family and friends. Her next move is to expand their catering program with “Dough on the Go!” that will take their pizza on the road!
Janice Baldassari Owner
Creative Floral Designs by Helene 5218 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209 210-930-1905 creativehelene@att.net creativefloraldesignsbyhelene.com
Janice Baldassari is the new owner of Creative Floral Designs by Helene, bringing over 27 years of experience to the business. With a deep passion for florals and design, Janice recently took the helm of this wellestablished floral studio, which has been serving the community for 35 years. She graduated from Texas A&M University, where she developed a love for creativity and design. Janice’s expertise and vision for the future are set to continue the legacy of providing exceptional floral arrangements for weddings, events, and everyday occasions. Under her leadership, Creative Floral Designs by Helene remains committed to crafting beautiful, personalized floral creations with unmatched attention to detail. Whether it’s a simple bouquet or an elaborate event design, Janice’s artistry and dedication ensure each arrangement is a true masterpiece.
TK
Kathy Ripps Realtor®
Kuper Sotheby's International Realty 4 Dominion Dr. Bldg 2 San Antonio, TX 78257 kathy.ripps@kupersir.com 210-240-4464 kathysa.com
Local Expertise. Global Connections. San Antonio Realtor® Kathy Ripps brings compassion, professionalism, and integrity to every client relationship. With Master’s degrees in Education and Counseling Psychology, she spent 31 years in the San Antonio school system before transitioning her skills in understanding and guiding others into real estate. A former counselor and property investor, she combines empathy with sharp business insight to help clients navigate buying and selling with confidence. Recognized as a Platinum Top 50 Centurion and member of The President’s Club at Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty, Kathy is also active in NAWBO, Impact SA, and the American Cancer Society. Deeply connected to the military community through family and past service at Ft. Sam Houston, she is honored to assist those who serve. Kathy and her husband are passionate supporters of the arts, community growth, and giving back—values that define her “Ninja” approach to life and real estate.
Season of Giving, Season of Growth
Making the Most of Your Money and Meaning This Holiday Season
By Melinda Adams, Financial Advisor, CEPA®
The holidays have a way of bringing out the best in us. The lights twinkle a little brighter, our hearts grow a little fuller, and suddenly we're reminded of what really matters—faith, family, friends, and giving back. But while we're wrapping gifts and setting the table for another round of "just one more piece of pie," it's also the perfect time to wrap up our finances for the year and set the stage for a strong start to 2026.
This season, take a moment to reflect not only on what you'll give to others, but what you can give to yourself in the areas of clarity, confidence, and financial peace of mind.
Give with Intention
Giving is one of the most joyful parts of the holidays. Whether you're supporting a favorite local charity, donating to your church, or giving through a donor-advised fund, intentional generosity can make a lasting impact not only for others but for your financial plan.
If you itemize deductions, charitable gifts made before December 31 may reduce your taxable income. If you're over 70½, you can make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to a nonprofit to satisfy your required minimum distribution and avoid taxes on the withdrawal.
Pro tip: "Bunch" several years of giving into one to maximize deductions, then take the standard deduction the next year. It's a smart way to give strategically while making every dollar count.
Reflect Before You Reset
Before the champagne pops on New Year's Eve, take time to review your financial picture. Ask yourself:
• Did I spend money in alignment with my values this year?
• Am I saving and investing in what truly matters most to me?
• Do I feel prepared for my future as well as the unexpected?
The end of the year is an ideal time to review your 401(k) or IRA contributions, check beneficiaries, and rebalance your portfolio. Think of it as financial self-care—a quick tune-up that keeps your money working for you.
Plan Now, Thank Yourself Later
As you move from holiday sparkle into the fresh energy of January, small steps now can set the tone for a thriving 2026:
• Maximize retirement contributions before year-end.
• Harvest investment losses to offset capital gains.
• Meet with your financial advisor or CPA to discuss taxes, giving strategies, or family gifts.
You can also give up to $18,000 per person in 2025 without affecting your lifetime exemption—perfect for funding college accounts or helping family members get ahead.
Give Yourself Permission to Enjoy
Financial planning doesn't have to feel heavy or restrictive. It's about creating freedom and joy knowing you're living intentionally and giving generously without guilt or worry.
So yes, buy the matching pajamas, bake the cookies, and savor the laughter. The best financial plans make room for both the future and the present.
Start 2026 with Purpose and Prosperity
As this year closes, think about how you'll build wealth with purpose in 2026 by investing intentionally, growing your net worth, and aligning your money with your mission. Maybe it's expanding your portfolio, creating new income streams, or finally implementing a tax-efficient wealth strategy that fuels your long-term vision.
Whatever your next step, remember it's not just about accumulating assets, it's about building a life of abundance, generosity, and impact.
And you don't have to work on your financial planning alone. Reach out to a trusted financial professional, someone who can help you turn your goals into a clear, confident plan. I'm always happy to be a resource if you're ready to grow, give, and elevate your wealth with purpose.
WOMEN ON THE MOVE
MARI HERNANDEZ CEO and President, NALAC
The National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures (NALAC) announces the appointment of Mari Hernandez as NALAC CEO and President. Hernandez joined the organization in 2022, previously served as NALAC Program Manager, and was promoted to Deputy Director in 2024.
Hernandez has twenty-five years of artistic practice and arts administration experience. Prior to joining NALAC, she served as the Education Manager for the Contemporary at Blue Star and as the Program Manager at San Anto Cultural Arts. As a practicing artist, Hernandez has shown her work locally, nationally, and internationally.
A passionate financial advisor, Melinda Adams empowers individuals, families and business owners to align their finances with their dreams. With extensive experience in business consulting, financial planning, wealth management, insurance, and goal setting, she's dedicated to helping others create a life of purpose and joy.
You can reach Melinda at melindaadams@financialguide. com or contact her at (210) 796-9549. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/melindaadams/
Melinda Adams, CEPA®, is a registered representative offering securities, investment advisory and financial planning services through MML Investors Services, LLC, member SIPC (www. SIPC.org). Supervisory office: 10101 Reunion Place, Suite 300, San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 342-4141. M&T Financial Partners is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services, LLC, or its affiliated companies. Neither MML Investors Services, LLC nor any of its subsidiaries, employees or representatives are authorized to give legal or tax advice. Consult your own personal attorney, legal, or tax counsel for advice on specific legal and tax matters. CRN202810-9631829
Ginger Mullaney
1. What do you love most about your work?
I love seeing youth light up when they realize they’ve found an adult who cares about them, who listens, and they can talk to. Many are craving that attention, and I feel privileged we get to be the light in their day and a supportive presence on their journey.
2. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Work for an audience of one, and take full responsibility for yourself.
CEO, Healthy Futures of Texas (HFTX)
3. What was the most inspirational book you read over the past year?
Leadership from the Inside Out - Kevin Cashman Assigned reading by the Holt Value-Based Leadership cohort, this book changed my life as a leader. The quotes still live with me and have changed me from the inside out, just as the title promises.
4. Who has influenced you the most in your life or career?
My faith shapes my life the most, but as a leader, I’m driven by constant learning through books and podcasts. Radical Candor by Kim Scott is a favorite I often recommend for its practical, day-to-day insights about the human parts of leading. Two mentors –Evelyn Delgado, Former CEO of HFTX, and Dr. Adelina Silva, Vice Chancellor of Student Success at Alamo Colleges, Emeritus – inspired me with their bold, trailblazing leadership as Latina Women, rising to key leadership roles in San Antonio and the state. They taught me to confidently take a seat at the table while also lifting others, and permitted me to lead authentically myself, which sometimes can be a bit jaggedy, but is honest and humble.
5. What’s your favorite holiday event in San Antonio?
Since childhood, and now with my own young family, I’ve loved the tradition of grabbing hot chocolate to go, packing the car with snacks, and driving through Windcrest to enjoy the neighborhood’s decades-old holiday lights display tradition.
6. What do you do to relax outside of work?
I unwind from work with my four kids. Between soccer games and keeping up with our energetic 4-year-old twins, it’s not exactly restful, but it keeps me grounded and clears my mind from the complex issues we face at work. To truly relax, though, I sit by the pool in the evenings with good music and snacks.
7. What would people be surprised to know about you?
I am obsessed with all things historical nonfiction and military fiction.
HEALTHY FUTURES OF TEXAS
We are headquartered in San Antonio and have offices in Dallas, Austin, and Houston (210) 223-4589 | hftx.org and hftxclassroom.org
Business Woman Spotlight
Photography by Jennifer Denton
Lung Cancer Screenings Save Lives: How and When to Get One
By Gloria Madera, public relations manager for CHRISTUS Health
Dr. Gia Dice Renee Spence
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, bringing attention and education about the second most common cancer in women.
The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2025, there will be more than 226,000 people diagnosed with lung cancer, with more than half being women.
"Lung cancer develops as an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs," said Dr. Gia Dice, internal medicine physician with CHRISTUS Health. "It is the number one cause of cancer deaths despite being the second most common cancer behind breast cancer in women."
Dice is multi-board certified in internal medicine, medical oncology and hematology.
She said there are two types of lung cancer, small-cell and non-small-cell. Most lung cancers detected are nonsmall cell, which is the kind that originates in the airway and lungs. She said the treatment approach is different for the two types of lung cancer, but that the small-cell type typically has a poorer prognosis.
"Those who smoke have the greatest risk of lung cancer, and their risk increases the longer they smoke and the more cigarettes they smoke," she said. "But those who are exposed to long-term second-hand smoke and other carcinogens are also at risk."
Currently, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual lung cancer screenings for adults ages 50 to 80 who currently smoke or have quit smoking within the last 15 years and have at least a 20-pack-year smoking history.
Dice said that while smoking is the number one reason patients develop lung cancer, up to 20% of women diagnosed with lung cancer do not smoke.
Often, lung cancer is detected late because symptoms do not always present early on. By the time a patient experiences symptoms, they may likely already be in the advanced stages.
"Annual lung screenings increase a patient's chance of detecting the cancer early," Dice said.
Some symptoms of lung cancer are:
1. coughing up blood
2. shortness of breath
3. chest pain
4. hoarseness
5. loss of appetite
6. unexplained weight loss
7. feeling tired or weak
8. persistent infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia
Lung cancer screenings can detect cancer in its earlier stages before a patient exhibits symptoms, leading to an increase in chances for a cure.
Dice said there is a trend towards improved survival due to new technology that allows experts to find and treat lung cancer sooner and in a less invasive manner. But it all depends on when the cancer is detected.
CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – Westover Hills has invested in new technology, enabling patients to detect and treat lung cancer more effectively, ultimately achieving the best possible outcomes.
"This breakthrough technology is the first of its kind for the west side of San Antonio," said Renee Spence, lung nodule navigator for CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – Westover Hills. "The Ion Robotic Navigational Bronchoscopy is a tool we have that allows physicians to get more precise biopsies of masses that were previously not accessible by traditional procedures, while also minimizing the risks."
She said that during the procedure, a small breathing tube is placed as the surgeon guides it through the natural airway passages. This reduces the chance of complications.
"Using this technology allows our team to detect lung cancer early so intervention can start now," Spence said. "Our patients now have a safer alternative with this minimally invasive approach."
In addition to the latest technology, Spence said the hospital has invested in creating a comprehensive lung nodule program, offering the latest medical technology and providing compassionate support throughout every step of the process – from screening and diagnosis to treatment and recovery.
"It is important to have this level of care here on San Antonio's west side because it brings specialized care close to home," Spence said. "If someone is diagnosed
with cancer, we know that historically they do better with having support close to home, and that is extremely important to us."
It is essential to establish care with a primary care provider and for patients to be honest about their family history, as well as to disclose information about their own personal health care history.
"I work with each patient and go over their history to make the best decisions in their care," Dice said. "But lung cancer screenings do save lives because they detect cancer early." To learn more about lung cancer or to find a primary care physician, visit our website at CHRISTUSHealth.org.
Ion Robotic Navigational Bronchoscopy at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – Westover Hills
What May Be Causing Your Chronic Pelvic Pain
Understanding Pelvic Venous Disorder & a New Treatment That Offers Relief
By John Hogg, MD, DABR, DABVLM, RPVI, RPhS, RVT, RVS Founder, Medical Vein Clinic
You’ve seen your gynecologist, maybe more than once. You’ve described the pain: the constant ache in your pelvis, the sharp stabs that take your breath away, the way intimacy has become something you dread. You’ve been examined, tested, and told everything looks normal. “Maybe it’s stress,” they suggest. “Let’s wait and see.”
You’ve lived with this pain for months, maybe years. It affects your work, your relationships, and your ability to simply enjoy life. You’re tired of being told it’s in your head.
We hear you. We see you. We understand.
A Condition Few Understand
About 40 percent of gynecological visits involve pelvic pain. In nearly one-third of those cases, the true cause may be a vascular condition known as Pelvic Venous Disorder (PVD) or Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. Most women are never referred to specialists who can help. Studies show that up to 75 percent of women with these symptoms never seek further care. Many have been dismissed or told to “learn to live with it.”
What Is Pelvic Venous Disorder?
Think of varicose veins in the legs, those bulging, twisted, bluish veins that appear when valves weaken. The same thing can happen in the veins surrounding your ovaries and uterus.
Inside every vein are one-way valves that keep blood flowing in the right direction. When these valves fail, blood flows backward and pools, creating pressure and inflammation. This congestion is what causes pain.
A Story That Changes Everything
Recently, I was reviewing a patient's venous ultrasound and noticed something concerning: deep vein reflux in the legs with superficial veins that had reopened after successful treatment the previous year. When I discussed this with the patient, she mentioned she was scheduled for pelvic surgery in October to remove mesh related to a hernia treatment that doctors believed was causing her pelvic pain.
Then she shared something that broke my heart: intense pain during intercourse and chronic back pain so debilitating that she struggled to stand through a full day at work.
I realized that all of her symptoms pointed to one thing: a compressed vein causing the venous blood to back up and cause Pelvic Venous Disorder. That scheduled mesh removal surgery? Possibly unnecessary, but could be answered by a specialized pelvic MRI examination. The additional invasive procedures? We might avoid them entirely. I saw a real opportunity to resolve her whole situation and end years of suffering.”This is why specialized knowledge matters. This is why we take the time to holistically understand the full picture.
Do You Recognize These Symptoms?
Chronic Pelvic Pain
The hallmark of PVD is a dull, aching pain in the lower abdomen that can flare with sharp stabs. The pain often worsens when you stand for long periods of time, have intercourse, sit for extended times, go through your menstrual period, or lift heavy objects. Pain often improves when you lie down or rest.
Pain That Started During or After Pregnancy
Pregnancy increases blood volume and vein pressure, which can weaken valves. If your pain started during or after pregnancy and never went away, PVD may be the cause.
Varicose Veins in Unexpected Places
PVD can cause visible veins on the vulva, vagina, upper thighs, or buttocks. Many women also have leg varicose veins. These visible signs can point to deeper pelvic vein problems.
Bladder and Bowel Changes
You may need to urinate more often, feel sudden urges, or experience leakage when coughing or laughing. Some women report alternating diarrhea and constipation or abdominal cramping.
Abnormal Bleeding
Heavier periods, bleeding between cycles, or irregular timing can occur. Because these symptoms overlap with endometriosis or fibroids, seeing your gynecologist first is important, but if no cause is found, pelvic veins may be the key.
A Treatment That Changes Lives
Here’s the most remarkable fact: about 80 percent of women treated for PVD feel significant relief within two weeks.
After years of frustration and pain, that kind of improvement can transform a life. At Medical Vein Clinic, our mission is to help women live pain-free, active lives again.
Specialized Treatment Available in San Antonio
Medical Vein Clinic is the only clinic in San Antonio offering dedicated, specialized treatment for Pelvic Venous Disorder. We heard the complaints of pain, we saw the ultrasounds and evidence of the misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed disorder, and we took action.
A Minimally Invasive Solution
The procedure to treat PVD is outpatient and minimally invasive. Using advanced imaging, we insert a small
catheter through a vein to place a stent or close off the veins causing the congestion. The treatment takes about an hour under IV conscious sedation. You’ll be relaxed but awake, and you can usually resume normal activity the next day.
No major surgery. No long recovery. Just targeted treatment that addresses the root cause.
Why Expertise Matters
PVD isn't a one-size-fits-all condition, it requires a physician who specializes in this specific disorder and takes the time to understand your unique situation.
My colleague, Dr. Thomas J. Gianis II, MD, FACS, FSVS, DABVLM, RPVI, RVT, the board-certified vascular surgeon at Medical Vein Clinic, sees this every week. “These women struggle with pelvic pain no one can explain. Many physicians don’t realize that varicose veins deep in the pelvic region can be the source. The good news is, this is something we can treat.”
Beyond the credentials and expertise, Dr. Gianis cares. He chose to specialize in this overlooked condition because he saw women suffering needlessly. He saw the gap in care and had to fill it.
What to Expect at Your Evaluation
Your evaluation will include:
● A detailed review of your symptoms and medical history
● Advanced imaging such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans
● A personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs
We take time to listen, investigate, and design care that fits you, not a generic protocol.
Reclaim Your Life
If you’ve been told there’s nothing wrong, if your pain has been dismissed or misunderstood, there may still be an answer. Pelvic Venous Disorder is real, and it is treatable.
You deserve relief: to walk, rest, and be intimate without pain. You've suffered long enough.
Healthy Legs Take You Further™
Medical Vein Clinic is the only clinic in the San Antonio area offering specialized treatment for Pelvic Venous Disorder. Set up your screening today: 210-622-8000.
Emotional Health and the Holidays
By Charlotte Brandvig, LCSW-S
The approaching holiday season can bring about a whirlwind of emotions, from excitement, joy, and anticipation to anxiety, stress, loneliness, or sadness. Between our regular responsibilities, family gatherings, financial stressors, travels, and expectations we place on ourselves, this season can sometimes feel more overwhelming than joyful.
As women, we often try to manage it all and care for everyone else. It can be particularly useful to tune in to the "shoulds" we put on ourselves: how we should feel, giving the perfect gifts, decorating we should do, food we should prepare, and where or with whom we should celebrate. We may have to decide which side of the family we will be with and how much traveling we will do. Given all this hustle and bustle, it is normal not to feel joyful all the time.
It can be difficult to balance expectations with the ability to remain present, manage stress, and enjoy the moments of connection with loved ones. Tune into your emotions to be mindful of your own limits and what your body is communicating about stress. Allow yourself the time and space to feel emotions, give yourself a break, or ask for help. Some of us thrive on socializing and entertaining, while others need time alone to recharge. Consider your own needs and plan to make space for this. Setting boundaries can be difficult to do with family and friends. However, it is necessary to protect your own peace by establishing limits and communicating needs.
Some of the limits to consider include how much you can take on, allowing yourself to slow down when you can, and asking others to assist with tasks. Plan ahead, set financial limits and stick to them, and delegate tasks to others so that they can also contribute. Evaluate priorities to determine things you can let go of. Sometimes we do things because "that's the way we always do it," when it may not serve us anymore. Are we doing them because we believe we "should" or because they truly matter to us? Our thoughts hold power, and it makes a substantial difference whether we believe we "have to," or that we "get to." This mindset can help us focus on gratitude.
Holidays, anniversaries, and family gatherings can also highlight loss. Loss comes in many forms and can include grief over a loved one, adjustment to a move, or living far away from loved ones, and job loss. It is normal to feel sadness and a wide range of emotions, including loneliness, even amongst celebrations with family and friends. Allow the space for your emotions and consider creating new traditions or ways to honor those you miss. Memorials, sharing memories with others, or volunteering in their honor can be healing. You are not alone in feeling this way, and it can be helpful to reach out to others or to join a support group.
If you're in recovery or trying to make healthy choices, plan for gatherings where alcohol or other triggers may be present. Bring a support person or have an exit plan if needed.
Remember, holidays are not about perfection; they are about connection, gratitude, and presence. Give yourself permission to feel whatever you feel, and practice compassion toward others and for yourself. Make a commitment to yourself to take care of you this season! Ask yourself what truly brings meaning to the holidays. Prioritize those things and let go of or delegate others. Take small steps toward balance, setting healthy boundaries and allowing for moments of stillness and quiet.
Charlotte Brandvig, Director of Clinical Services and Program Manager for Mission Resiliency, is a trauma therapist with over a decade of experience serving active-duty service members, veterans, first responders, and military families. A certified Prolonged Exposure Therapist and Grief Educator with advanced training in multiple evidence-based modalities, she brings both professional expertise and personal insight as a lifelong member of a military family to her work supporting those impacted by trauma.
Learn more about Laurel Ridge at laurelridgetc.com.
The Art of Wintering
By Michelli Ramon | Photography by Sara Blanco
The holidays carry a complicated weight. For generations, women have carried the emotional labor of the season. Bake the cookies. Hang the lights. Smile for photos. Send the cards. Wrap the gifts. Make spirits bright. Our calendars and culture demand we go faster, do more and make merry. But our inner rhythms, so deeply ingrained with the seasons, beckon us to something else: Winter.
Winter comes with other intentions. The trees are letting go. The ground goes still. Even the sun takes her rest early - and somewhere inside, our bodies long to do the same. Winter is an invitation to return to ourselves. To let the masks fall. To sit quietly with what is unresolved. To make space for stillness so that something truer can emerge come spring. This isn't laziness or retreat. It's alignment. Exhaustion isn't a character flaw—it's information. When we feel heavy or tired in November and December, it may not be depression or ingratitude. It might be biology calling us back to balance. Winter asks something radically different from us. Winter asks not for effort, but for rest.
In a world that tells women to push through, rest becomes a radical act. Rest is not indulgence. It's sovereignty. It's the choice to treat your exhaustion with reverence instead of shame. It's how you tell yourself: I will not abandon you, even when the world asks me to. This softness stands in contrast to the cultural myth that strength means powering on. Real strength might look like choosing to be gentle with yourself when old wounds surface during family gatherings, when grief visits at midnight, when joy feels far away. A woman's body knows something that culture has forgotten: renewal requires rest.
Seasonal Self-Compassion
You don't have to cancel the holidays to reclaim your rest. You need only bring your body and spirit into the rhythm of the season. These practices are small portals to presence and restoration:
1. Create light rituals.
The early dusk can feel heavy. Meet it with gentle illumination: a single candle at dinner, a strand of warm lights in your room, morning walks when the sun rises. Let light be medicine, not decoration.
2. Rest as ritual.
Schedule nothing. Take naps. Sit without multitasking. Allow yourself to do less, on purpose. Rest is not a reward for finishing your list; it's part of how you survive it.
3. Soothe your senses.
Wrap in something soft. Drink something warm. Turn off notifications. Breathe into your belly. Small acts of physical care help your nervous system shift from doing to being.
4. Practice emotional honesty.
If grief or loneliness arrives, greet it like an old friend. You don't have to force cheerfulness. Cry, if you need to.
5. Seek small beauty.
Watch the steam curl from your mug. Notice how bare branches catch the light. These tiny moments of attention are how we return to ourselves.
Rest begins in gestures so small they go almost unnoticed.
In her book, Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times, Kathryn May writes, "Here is another truth about wintering: you'll find wisdom in your winter, and once it's over, it's your responsibility to pass it on. And in return, it's our responsibility to listen to those who have wintered before us. It's an exchange of gifts in which nobody loses out."
To "winter" is to honor dormancy. To trust that life continues even in stillness. This holiday season, instead of promising to do better, choose to be gentle with what already is. Because when we stop fighting our natural rhythm, we create the conditions for real renewal. As the holidays unfold, let the world rush if it must. You are allowed to rest.
Michelli Ramon is a writer, therapist, and dedicated girl's girl. She is the author of A Book for Girls and the owner of Bird & Branch, a quirky little therapy practice in the heart of San Antonio. michelli@birdandbranch.love, birdandbranch.love
Your Health Refresh
Why Now is the Perfect Moment to Begin
By Chelcee Porter, PharmD, IFMCP
Did you know that if you get just 1% better every day, in 3 months you could feel up to 9 times better than you do right now? Small choices add up. Each time you choose to prioritize your health, that decision compounds, and before you know it, you can feel like a completely different version of yourself.
Getting started, though, can feel easier said than done. That's why I want to share a few guiding principles to help you take those first steps and start moving back toward feeling like you again.
#1: Remove Resistance
Pause and reflect: is there anything in your diet, lifestyle, or environment that makes it harder to stay consistent? For example, if you're trying to snack less but there's a basket of chips on the counter, simply moving it out of sight can make all the difference. The easier you make it for yourself, the more natural it feels to stick with new habits.
#2: Set Yourself Up for Success
You are 2 - 3x more likely to follow through with a change if you make a plan. That might mean laying out your workout clothes the night before, waking up just ten minutes earlier to reduce stress in the morning, or doubling a dinner recipe so you have healthy leftovers for lunch the next day. These small shifts create momentum.
#3: Personalize Your Approach
It's tempting to grab tips from social media or copy what worked for someone else, but that often leads to overwhelm and inconsistency. Your body, your history, and your goals are unique. That's why a personalized, root cause approach is so powerful: it gives you a clear roadmap that shows you what to do, when to do it, and why it matters for you.
2026 is right around the corner. But instead of waiting for January 1st to make resolutions, imagine where you could be by the new year if you started today. Every day is another opportunity to choose yourself, your body, and your health.
Just picture how your life would feel if you were 9x better. It's possible, and it starts with your very first step.
If this sparked something inside you, I'd love to invite you to book a free discovery call with me. Together, we'll uncover the root causes behind your symptoms and design a plan that truly works for you. Because action takers are health makers, and your transformation can start right now. Learn more at www.chelceeporter.com or on Instagram @chelceeporter.
Finding Light in the Dark
Understanding and Overcoming Seasonal Depression
By Sunita Punjabi, PhD
As we approach the holiday season, there are a couple of things to keep in mind to chase away the holiday blues. The majority of seasonal depression can be attributed to unmet expectations and excessive meaning-making on the part of the brain. It's natural to have stress in family relationships, and the holiday season can bring up unresolved issues. Also, so many of us have "ideal" views of what it's supposed to look like to celebrate the holidays, and when it doesn't look like what it's supposed to look like, we think something is wrong with us or something is wrong with our family.
Creating purpose for the season:
When things start to deviate from what we would consider "ideal," which they will because we're human, I recommend that we spend a few minutes recognizing the power of living a "purpose-driven life". Not like the book, but the idea of finding purpose in our daily tasks.
When stressful events occur, evaluate the "why" or "purpose" for the parties, celebrations, and even the gift giving, or ask "why" are we taking whatever action causes you stress. One of my clients was extremely stressed about not having the necessary finances to celebrate the season. She told me she couldn't buy the gifts that she wanted to buy. She couldn't buy the food and could not decorate the house the way she wanted.
I asked her what the reason was for the celebration. What was her "why" for the event she had planned? After conducting a value exercise, we were able to identify what really mattered to her: her 'why' or reason for the holiday was to be a role model for her kids. I asked her if there were ways that she could accomplish that, even though she may not have all the financial resources. We brainstormed things that she could do that would provide the joy, family time, and laughter she really wanted.
Another client felt awkward about meeting her daughter-in-law because she had felt that the daughterin-law was keeping her from seeing her grandkids.
When we reviewed her commitment in this area of her life, we realized that her commitment was really to keep her family together, especially the grandkids. She really wanted time with her grandkids. Whatever her daughter-in-law did or didn't do was not the focus of her purpose for the holidays. She wanted to create time with her grandkids. We brainstormed around that commitment, and the result was that she created a vacation for her to host her grandkids, and her daughter-in-law could come or not. But her "why" was to keep her family together, so she was going to create with her grandkids.
She, like all of us, had created images in her head of what "happy holidays" looked like. When she got in touch with the "why" of the season, the "how" and the "what to do" became clear. Busy work and life schedules cause a rush of action. It's very easy to fall into patterns that we think are normal for this season of the year. It's very easy to get caught up in "what" and "how" to do it.
If we can slow down and get in touch with "why" we want to take the action, we can take action from those answers. The "why" behind every emotion or action can make clear the values that really matter. A second really important factor for any action, and that is your "commitment". When things don't go right this holiday season, with your commitment in mind, we can avoid natural human responses to panic or look for blame. This is the normal brain response.
Reminding yourself of your commitment, or "why" you started the actions in the first place, new options for action will come to mind. When something goes wrong, it's normal for the human mind to think about why things aren't going right. So the next actions we take are born from what went wrong. That level of thinking will give us more of what we did not want. However, if we take action based on our commitment, which is rooted in our values, whatever comes up and however it gets done, is based on what truly matters to you.
For more information about finding purpose, contact Dr. Sunita Punjabi, Brain Coach Founder, (210) 3325298 or visit braincoachtx.com.
Three Questions to Ask When Scheduling an Appointment for Hearing Aids
Navigating the hearing health care market is more confusing than ever before. Hearing aids are only as effective as the clinician evaluating your hearing loss and fitting your devices. Below are three key questions you can ask when scheduling an appointment to confirm that the clinic truly prioritizes your hearing health.
1. How much do you charge for a hearing test?
As the saying goes, there's no such thing as a free meal. If a clinic is offering free hearing tests, there's a high likelihood that they are a retail-focused clinic. Their goal is often to get you in the door "for free" and sell you top-of-the-line hearing aids regardless of your specific communication needs. To put it simply, a free hearing test is a classic bait-and-switch sales tactic.
2. Do you complete Speech-in-Noise Testing?
A thorough hearing evaluation should include Speech-in-Noise Testing, which measures how well you understand speech in background noise and real-world listening environments. This test is the primary way we determine which level of technology is most appropriate for you.
Without this test, we have no way to know how much control over background noise you need—and therefore cannot
knowledgeably recommend premium technology. If a clinic does not complete Speech-in-Noise testing yet recommends premium hearing aids, their focus is on selling devices rather than helping you hear your best.
3. Do you complete Real Ear Measurements?
Real Ear Measurements (REM) are a critical part of best-practice hearing aid fitting. This procedure verifies that your hearing aids are programmed according to your unique ear canal shape and size. It also ensures the hearing aids are safe and not at risk of causing further damage to your hearing.
Imagine you, an NFL linebacker, and a U.S. gymnast all have the same hearing loss. The hearing aids might be programmed identically, but because ear canal size and shape vary, they will sound very different. If a clinic does not use Real Ear Measurements, you cannot be certain the devices are properly fit, safe, or performing to their potential.
Unfortunately, it's estimated that fewer than 30% of hearing care providers perform Real Ear Measurements.
I hope you use these questions to find an audiologist you can trust to help you hear your very best!
The Charity Ball Association: Over 70 Years of Hope and Impact
Since 1954, The Charity Ball Association (CBA) of San Antonio has been “funding hope, changing lives, and shaping futures for the children of Bexar County.” What began as a grassroots movement of women called to action during World War II has evolved into one of the city’s most influential philanthropic organizations, raising more than $30 million to support local children’s charities.
This year’s Chrysanthemum Ball, themed “Storybook Garden,” was held on Thursday, October 16th at The Witte Museum offering an evening of elegance and purpose. For the first time in the event’s storied history, the gala introduced a “Featured Entertainer,” with Katharine McPhee headlining the night. Guests also enjoyed performances by DJ Lucy from Dallas and The San Antonio Academy Boys Chorale during cocktail hour.
In another exciting first, the evening included a Super Silent Auction alongside CBA’s traditional raffle and live auction, led by auctioneer Morgan Hopson of Fort Worth. Continuing a cherished tradition, the Cavender family once again donated a car for the raffle—an unbroken commitment spanning 56 years—alongside a Rolex watch generously contributed by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry.
Over its 70+ year history, the Charity Ball Association’s 140 dedicated women have supported transformative projects across Bexar County—from funding 54 playgrounds to upgrading roofs, HVAC systems, technology, and security infrastructure for dozens of non-profit agencies. This year, CBA is proud to award over $1.3 million in grants.
As another chapter closes on this year’s Chrysanthemum Ball, the story of generosity continues to bloom—reminding San Antonio that hope, like a garden, flourishes when nurtured with love and purpose.
Let your gift be part of the story—support our cause by visiting www.cbaofsa.org
Charity Ball Association Board of Directors
Back row Left to Right: Kelly Kennedy, Laura Dawson, Lisa Thurmond, Nel Belt, Carrie Catalani, Josie Flesher, Amy Swaney
Front Row Left to Right: Katherine Hollimon, Jody Lutz, Kathleen LeFlore, Christy Ebrom
L-R: Lee Anne Hendry, Terrie Musselman, Nel Belt, Carrie Catalani
Taylor Dawson, Mary Duane and Gene Dawson, Laura and Sam Dawson; Kendall Weaver, Michael Ferree, Gayla and Blaine Scheideman Laurie and John White, Jr.
Nel Belt and John White, Jr.
Megan Steves and Katharine McPhee
Katharine McPhee
Barbara Wood, Olive Anne and Tres Kleberg
Stephanie and Bobby Cavender
Allison and Josh Zeller
Courtney and Chip Percy
Kelly Fellbaum, Laura Guglielmo, Tisha Beck
Meredith and George Ames; Sara and John Ames
A Refined Setting for Unforgettable Celebrations
Where historic architecture meets modern sophistication, The Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection offers brides and grooms an extraordinary backdrop for their celebration. Spanning four and a half acres of lush gardens and preserved 19th-century landmarks, The Plaza brings resort-style luxury to the heart of San Antonio, an oasis of calm, connection, and timeless elegance.
Each event at The Plaza is an experience curated with intention. Across more than 21,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, celebrations unfold with ease; from the open-air romance of the Oasis Lawn to restored interiors that capture the hotel’s distinctive blend of heritage and design. Every venue radiates sophistication, inviting couples to craft moments that are both elevated and deeply personal.
With 253 guest rooms, including the remarkable Arciniega Presidential Suite, The Plaza offers a seamless weddingweekend experience. Bridal parties and guests can relax, stay, and celebrate together, surrounded by tranquil gardens, luxury accommodations, and intuitive service that defines the Autograph Collection’s “Exactly Like Nothing Else” philosophy.
Culinary artistry shines through Corinne San Antonio, where refined comfort cuisine celebrates honest ingredients and effortless flavor. Garden-inspired cocktails await at Anaqua Garden Bar, the perfect setting for a rehearsal toast or postwedding gathering beneath the stars. Moments of renewal come to life inside Spa Plaza San Antonio, where natureinfused treatments and serene spaces create a retreat before or after the celebration.
From the first champagne pour to the final farewell brunch, The Plaza San Antonio delivers an experience that is as memorable as it is meaningful; a celebration that embodies heritage, style, and the timeless spirit of San Antonio.
Bohanan's Prime Steaks & Seafood
Unveils An Elevated New Bar Menu
The legendary Bohanan's Prime Steaks & Seafood, an icon of fine dining in the heart of downtown San Antonio, is proud to introduce its new downstairs Bar Menu, blending timeless house favorites with inspired new creations that reflect the restaurant's continued dedication to craftsmanship, flavor, and elegance.
Under the direction of Chef-Owner Mark Bohanan, the new offerings honor the restaurant's acclaimed steakhouse heritage while inviting guests to experience fresh, modern interpretations that celebrate the best ingredients from land and sea.
Exciting New Offerings
Bohanan's culinary team introduces fresh and inventive dishes that highlight exceptional flavors and refined presentation:
New Appetizers
• Crispy Fried Oysters – Lightly cornmealbreaded oysters with house remoulade
• Shrimp Campechana – A vibrant Mexican shrimp cocktail in zesty tomato-lime sauce with ripe avocado and jalapeños
• Spinach & Strawberry Salad – Fresh strawberries, shaved red onions, arugula, feta, candied pecans, and balsamic vinaigrette
• Wagyu Short Rib Empanadas – Braised short rib and Parmesan filling, served with Rojo Chimichurri
• Steakhouse Salad – 7 oz. Flat Iron Steak sliced on romaine with cherry tomatoes, blue cheese, duck fat fried croutons, and balsamic vinaigrette
Introducing Bruschetta!
Bohanan's introduces a new Bruschetta Trio—a sophisticated and shareable addition that blends artistry, freshness, and layered flavor.
• Cheese & Duck Bacon – Humboldt Fog goat cheese, Hudson Valley duck bacon, arugula, and sherry vinaigrette
• Curry Butter Crab – Lump crab salad with aromatic curry butter and fresh herbs
From The Grill
Bohanan's continues its steakhouse tradition with prime selections and a notable new addition:
• 7 oz. Filet – Served with truffled Parmesan fries
• 13 oz. Ribeye – A steakhouse classic with truffled Parmesan fries
• Steakhouse Wagyu Burger – Half-pound burger with Bibb lettuce, heirloom tomatoes, and sweet Cipollini onion jam
• NEW: 7 oz. Flat Iron Steak from Snake River Farms – Perfectly grilled, tender, and deeply flavorful
Fan Favorites Return
Guests can still enjoy signature classics that have become synonymous with the Bohanan's experience:
• Bacon Wrapped Texas Quail Breast –Nueske's Bacon, Pomegranate Molasses, and Pistachio Gremolata
• Fried Pecan Crusted Brie – Served warm with Apricot and Candied Jalapeño Jam, and Toasted Bread
• French Onion Soup –Legendary
• Duck Confit Eggrolls – Glass noodles, Napa cabbage, and curry with Thai chili sauce
• Lobster BLT – Cold water lobster salad, Bibb lettuce, Nueske's bacon, and heirloom tomatoes on a potato bun
A Sophisticated Blend of Signature Favorites and Bold New Additions
Each new dish reflects Chef Bohanan's passion for detail and commitment to excellence, harmonizing with the restaurant's heritage of warm hospitality and sophisticated dining. The refreshed menu is the next chapter in Bohanan's story—one that continues to define the essence of fine dining in San Antonio.
"Our new menu reflects the spirit of Bohanan's— classic yet creative, rooted in tradition but always evolving," says Chef-Owner Mark Bohanan. "We've taken what guests love most and added new flavors and experiences that elevate every visit."
Bohanan's Prime Steaks & Seafood, 219 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX
Available now - www.bohanans.com
@bohanans on Facebook, Instagram, and X
Ladino’s Birthday Block Party
Writing & Photography by Taylor Lane
As a celebration of their third birthday, Ladino hosted a block party with guest chefs from Pullman Market, Mezquite, Burgers by the Butcher, and Chef Nicola Blaque from The Jerk Shack.
With pop-up style booths from each eatery adorning the outdoor patio space at the entrance to Ladino, guests enjoyed delectable menu selections, craft cocktails and mocktails, and danced to the sounds of the DJ all evening.
After opening in 2022 by Chef Berty Richter and Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, Ladino, a Mediterranean Grill House that celebrates Richter’s Sephardic heritage through Middle Eastern and Balkan flavors, with livefire cooking on the charcoal mangal grill, quickly earned its stripes. In addition to local recognition and being named CultureMap San Antonio’s Restaurant of the Year in the 2025 Tastemaker Awards, Ladino was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand just two years into operation, and maintained its award in 2025.
The Ladino menu features small plates, dips, wood-fired pita, and shareable entrees that offer complex flavors and spices rooted in Mediterranean cuisine. Whether for a special occasion, brunch, dinner, or an afternoon snack, we absolutely recommend the Ladino dining experience.
Happy Birthday, Ladino! To many more.
November 15, 2025 - January 4, 2026 • Zoo Lights • sazoo.org
November 21, 2025 - January 11, 2026 • Illuminate • San Antonio Botanical Garden sabot.org/illuminate/
November 21, 2025, 5:30-7:30 PM • Signia La Cantera Resort & Spa Jingle Bell Roll - A Holiday Tree Lighting Illumination
November 28 - December 28 • Coca Cola’s Christmas Classic • Toyota Field • ClassicChristmas.com
December 5 - December 14 • Holidays on Houston Street • onhoustonstreet.com/holidaysonhouston
December 6 - 7 • Children’s Ballet of San Antonio • The Polar Express Charline McCombs Empire Theatre • majesticempire.com
December 23 - December 28 • Broadway in San Antonio at the Majestic Theatre Elf The Musical • majesticempire.com
Boerne's Hill Country Mile Dazzles for the Holidays… and Beyond!
Courtesy of Hill Country Mile
"It's like being in a Hallmark movie." When people ask what it's like celebrating the holidays in Boerne, this is often what you'll hear. Downtown shops and restaurants go all out with lights, decorations, seasonal menus, and unique gifts to set the holidays apart, while cocktail pop-ups, wine bars, and craft breweries offer a great spot to gather. Special events, spanning from Thanksgiving weekend to midDecember, are hosted by the City and local retailers and offer everything from a wassail walk and a kids' scavenger hunt down Main Street to activity-filled weekends of shows, food, the beloved annual Weihnachts parade, and live entertainment.
Kicking the season off each year is Dickens on Main, a two-day festival held Thanksgiving Weekend, which transforms Boerne's historic downtown district, known as the Hill Country Mile, into a vintage winter wonderland complete with four "villages" filled with live entertainment, kids' activities, carolers, food, and themed vendors throughout. Held on November 28 & 29 this year, Dickens is ready to impress as Victorian-period revelers, street performers, and carolers surprise and delight as guests stroll along a beautifully lit Main Street…punctuated by intermittent snow falling along the way! Dickens on Main is also host to the Hill Country's "official" kickoff moment of the holiday season, the lighting of the City's 30-foot Christmas tree, ushered in with holiday carols and snow blowing at North Pole Plaza Friday night.
The festivities continue into December with the annual Weihnachts Parade, where shops
will once again stay open late as more than 100 lighted floats make their way down beautiful Main Street, and the community, along with guests from near and far, gather to take part in a tradition nearly 40 years in the making. Those looking for a more relaxed holiday vibe enjoy KinderFest, later in December, where kids can hunt for Santa or take part in a Cookie Crawl. A full schedule of events can be found at holidaysinboenre.com.
Once the decorations come down and the holidays come to a close, the excitement doesn't end in Boerne. The Historic Hill Country Mile is host to an amazing lineup of events all year round, though any day is perfect to escape to Boerne for a relaxing day, shopping trip, or a staycation weekend at The Kendall, an award-winning historic hotel just steps from Main Plaza. Just 25 minutes from San Antonio, you'll be surprised to find yourself in the heart of Hill Country hospitality—with more than 80 elevated shopping and dining options nestled in a colorful historic setting. Boerne's breweries, restaurants, and wine bars feature stages and plenty of space to play host to live music, special events like trivia, guest speakers, and even mahjong nights, and many welcome your small groups for meetings, girls' night out, and other get-togethers.
When the city lights get too bright and you're looking to slow things down a bit, head a few minutes northwest to Boerne, Texas, where the Hill Country Mile is waiting to sweep you off your feet. Learn more about what we have to offer at hillcountrymile.com and follow us on social @hillcountrymile.
