Today's Woman August 2016

AUGUST 2016

GET INSPIRED

BEST healthy BODIES

GET INTO THE BEST SHAPE OF YOUR LIFE — NO MATTER YOUR AGE

THE MUSCLES & THE MINDSET

oman

TODAY’SW AUGUST 2016 / CONTENTS

One Item She Can’t Lose p6

LLAMA LOVE p22

Color Away Stress p24

JUST ASK JOYCE

p10

GO BOHEMIAN p26

17

AMY WISOTSKY’S TURNING POINT p24

s Fitnes

! s e i Bod p30

A COOL SUMMER DRINK p10

24 PEOPLE

(AND THINGS)

WE LOVE p14 ALISON HUFF KICKS IT p28

JEANA DUNLAP’S SHOES p28 STEP INTO

HIGH HEELS = POWER p6

8 Tips for Success

p8

New Way to Feel Better p8

A LUXURIOUS HIDEAWAY p26

Try This Goal-Setting Idea p22

TODAY’S WOMAN / AUGUST 2016

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Fitness is

AUGUST 2016 • VOL. 26 / NO. 9

POWER

PUBLISHER Cathy S. Zion publisher@todayspublications.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Anita Oldham editor@todayspublications.com EDITOR Tiffany White tiffany@todayspublications.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Lucy M. Pritchett Miranda G. Popp miranda@todayspublications.com PHOTOGRAPHER/FOOD WRITER/ PHOTO EDITOR Melissa Donald melissa@todayspublications.com ASSISTANT EDITOR/DESIGNER Jessica Alyea jessica@todayspublications.com OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Amanda Peyton officeadmin@todayspublications.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Susan Allen susan@todayspublications.com

PHOTO: MELISSA DONALD

“F

itness is power.” This is the mantra I have often stated to my children. I believe it wholeheartedly, and while I have not always looked perfectly fit, I have always been actively seeking ways to work fitness into my life and my family’s life. When you have fitness, you are able to think better, create better, prevent injuries better, worry less, and be more positive. That was evident in our creation of this issue. We invited 17 women to a photoshoot at Mellwood Arts Center.

We have never met a more confident, enthusiastic, ready-to-do-anything group of women.

I hope you get inspired by these women of all ages no matter your level of fitness. What are you going to do to get more fit? (Lots of ideas on page 14.) I have been dragging myself out of bed for morning workouts with a friend (the best way to stay accountable — thanks, Steph!). Find a way to get fit and feel better!

— Anita Oldham

ON THE COVER:

“I can’t say enough about how inspirational my mom is to me in terms of exercise and making healthy choices,” says son Nate Stein, who nominated his mom, Debbie Stein, pictured above. “I am 22 years old, and my friends always comment, ‘I want your mom’s body.’

It goes to show how noticeably in shape she is.” (see more women on page 30).

For Amy Siegel, fitness has a dual role: she relies on it for building physical strength, but it has also become her solution for getting past obstacles and finding balance in her life. Find out what motivates her to keep pushing on page 30.

— Tiffany White Note: Photos of the women featured in our Best Bodies section have not been retouched.

Photo: Melissa Donald

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AUGUST 2016 / TODAY’S WOMAN

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Kaitlyn English kaitlyn@todayspublications.com Teri Hickerson teri@todayspublications.com Suzy Hillebrand suzy@todayspublications.com Joyce Inman joyce@todayspublications.com GRAPHIC DESIGNERS April H. Allman april@todayspublications.com Kathy Bolger kathyb@todayspublications.com STYLIST Alissa Hicks alissa@todayspublications.com CIRCULATION MANAGER W. Earl Zion EDITORIAL INTERN Corinne Peabody Today’s Woman is published monthly by: Zion Publications, LLC 9750 Ormsby Station Road, Suite 307 Louisville, KY 40223 Phone: 502.327.8855 todayswomannow.com The opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the position of the publisher. Today’s Woman magazine does not endorse or guarantee any advertiser’s product or service. Copyright 2016

by Zion Publications LLC, all rights reserved.

Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited without permission from Zion Publications LLC.

ADVERTISE: Call 502.327.8855 or email advertising@todayspublications.com.

REPRINTS: Call 502.327.8855 or email reprints@todayspublications.com.

SUBSCRIBE: Send $18 to the above address for 12 monthly issues.

BBB RATING

WHAT SHE WOULD SAVE IN A FIRE

By Lucy M. Pritchett Photos Patti Hartog

“M

y mother started me off with this charm bracelet when I was 10 years old. Each charm represents an interest in my life. The silver horse represents my love of horses and horseback riding. I played volleyball at Sacred Heart, I love to ice skate, and of course there is a little book because I love to read.

I have at least 25 charms. Some I bought for myself, but most have been given to me. I also started a charm bracelet for my daughter, Kathleen.

“There was one charm I didn’t put on my bracelet and instead wore on a chain around my neck.

Unfortunately, I lost it traveling.

It was a four-leaf clover that my parents had given me, and I liked wearing it as a necklace.

If I had to grab something from my house in case of fire, I would grab my photos and my charm bracelet.”

— Claire Alagia

Her Work Wardrobe

By Keri Foy Photo Sunni Wigginton While the office of Bambi Wiggins’ employer, FBC Mortgages, recommends business casual, Bambi shifts her style to the next level in her role as producing branch manager.

Heels are a must. If anything, they’re the foundation, Bambi says. Threeinch heels in all colors help Bambi build on her confidence to keep customers and loan officers happy throughout the day.

To top off her high-heel routine, Bambi loves pants from Express.

She makes a couple of shopping trips a year to Express to buy the latest season’s colors. For tops, she casts her net a bit wider, hitting up stores such as Dillard’s and H&M.

Claire Alagia spent 25 years with Bittner’s, an interior design firm helping people take their homes from fair to fabulous. She retired as CEO in 2011 and took five years off to care for her father during his illness. It is perhaps not so strange that she transitioned from the business of interiors to real estate and now is a realtor with Wakefield Reutlinger Realtors.

Although she wasn’t part of the design team at Bittner’s, she has seen the inside of many a Louisville home. Now she is seeing homes from a different vantage point.

SEARCH: Claire Alagia SEARCH: Bambi Wiggins

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AUGUST 2016 / TODAY’S WOMAN

TODAY’S WOMAN / AUGUST 2016

9

SURVIVAL SKILLS

HER SECRETS TO SUCCESS

A

By Marie Bradby Photo Melissa Donald

n avid gardener, Cheryl Susemichel would make a nearly two-hour drive to the old Smith & Hawken garden store in Cincinnati to buy tools she craved. She traveled 200 miles roundtrip to buy professional pruners, a European hoe, and authentic waterproof Wellies.

“Those are three things a gardener has to have,” Cheryl says. “If you don’t have the right tool when you go out in your yard, it’s frustrating.

“When I started the Secret Garden, there was no place in Louisville where you could buy high-quality tools,” she says.

“There weren’t many pieces of art to decorate your yard with, other than some little trinkets.”

I love Secret Garden. Cheryl offers such a wide variety of items from home accessories to the garden tools you always need. My husband is an avid gardener like Cheryl.

We can get almost everything we need from The Secret Garden. Great place to shop.

— Anonymous via TodaysWomanNow.com

What a wonderful store Cheryl has created at Secret Garden! She has so many great unique and different items to choose from. She enjoys trying to find the perfect items for her customers.

— Floyd Boy’s Mom via TodaysWomanNow.com

You can also read about her Organic Weed Killer recipe at TodaysWomanNow.com.

SEARCH: Organic Weed Killer

Cheryl started the Secret Garden in Crestwood and has moved four times as her business has grown. In February, she moved to Middletown and is now located in the Eastgate Shopping Center.

“Every time I moved, it’s been to a larger place,” she says. “This time, I nearly doubled the size I had at Westport Village from 2,500 square feet to 5,000.”

Cheryl’s keys to staying in business for 20 years: • Do constant research for products, otherwise, you won’t survive. I scoured magazines, especially Southern Living, to get ideas on what to buy to stock the store. I also quickly learned what to offer from customers. They would say: ‘Do you have buckets to gather clippings in that you

SEARCH: Secret Garden

can sit on?’ Customers helped me through the early years by asking for what they were looking for.

• Stay ahead of the competition. I stock things that are exclusive to me. If big box stores start carrying what you have, let it go.

• Be patient in economic downturns. I try to come up with ideas to keep people coming in. We teach classes. It doesn’t cost a lot of money. It helps my customers decorate their homes and take care of their gardens.

During times like the recession of 2008, you don’t pay yourself at all. You just have to say, ‘This is a tough time right now, and I’m going to get through it.’

• It’s important to pay your bills.

Pay your vendors and keep your credit good. When you call up that vendor to order, you will get your product.

• Cut back in tough months when bigger bills come in. I know people who haven’t made it because they got in way over their heads. They didn’t pay attention to what they were spending money on.

• Hire the right people. The wrong person in your store can totally ruin your business. Be willing to let go of the wrong ones. Never hire your friends.

• Your work is NEVER done!

Eight-hour days don’t exist for a shop owner.

• Make God your CEO.

Boost Naturally

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SEARCH: Debbie Murray

“I take two drops daily of a blend we have, called On Guard, which helps with boosting immunity. You can take the oils orally and there is a mix for everything! For example, mixing the peppermint, lemon, and lavender together in a shot of water helps tremendously with allergies,” says Debbie Murray, a wellness advocate for doTerra brand oils.

AUGUST 2016 / TODAY’S WOMAN

STRAWBERRY RHUBARB SUMMER SHRUB COCKTAILS Story and Photo by Paige Rhodes

S

Strawberry Rhubarb Summer Shrub Cocktails

hrub cocktails are having a bit of a moment right now, and for good reason. The tangy yet sweet flavor is a refreshing way to welcome summer’s warm and humid weather. If you’re unfamiliar, shrubs are a vinegar-based drink mixed with fruit syrup and often, liquor. If you’ve never tried them, what better way to experiment than with the seasonal gems of summer — strawberry and rhubarb? Make a trip to the farmers market to stock up on the goods, because you’re going to be drinking this cocktail all summer long.

Yield: 6 cocktails INGREDIENTS

4 cups rhubarb slices, sliced into 1-inch pieces ½ cup sugar 2 tbsp water 1 16-ounce package frozen sliced sweetened strawberries, thawed 1 cup apple cider vinegar Gin and club soda for serving INSTRUCTIONS

Combine strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, and water in heavy, medium saucepan. Bring just to boil.

Reduce heat, cover, and cook until fruit is tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve.

Discard the fruit solids (better yet, spoon them on top of ice cream) and add vinegar to the remaining juices. Cover and refrigerate the mixture overnight.

I absolutely loved trying this recipe! I loved the freshness it brought, and I even tried a sprig of mint instead of lime to garnish the drink. Sitting out by the pool on this past hot summer weekend, it was the absolute perfect drink!

Any good recipes for a Strawberry Margarita or Strawberry Sangria?

SEARCH: Strawberry Rhubarb Summer Shrub Cocktail

—B arbara Cook via TodaysWomanNow.com

To make the cocktail, mix 1½ ounces of gin and 2¼ ounces of strawberryrhubarb shrub syrup in an 8-ounce glass filled with ice. Top with club soda.

“I am not ready for parenthood…”

Q:

“We have been married four years, and my husband wants a baby. I’m not ready for parenthood. This is something we discussed at great length before we got engaged. I’m not ready to give up that part of my life, but tension is mounting.”

JOYCE: Allow me to address the glaring

By Joyce Oglesby

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AUGUST 2016 / TODAY’S WOMAN

obstacle — “I.” “I want, I want, I want.” The problem of you and your husband’s separate desires could possibly lie within the I-wants, which seem to be a common thread in your dilemma. I would encourage you to first examine the framing of the issue you presented. Without reining in your desires and creating the atmosphere of “our,” I feel

the two of you could be facing other conflicts in years to come, if not already.

Read more about how Joyce recommends this couple solve this particular problem by searching ‘My husband wants us to have SEARCH: kids now — I want to wait!.’

Just Ask Joyce Just Ask Joyce — ask questions at JustaskJoyce.com

4 Untangled Some of our fitness ladies said they were tired of having to stop their workouts to adjust their silly headphone cords. That’s why they switched to the newest in wireless earphones. Some of their favorites were: Jaybird X2 $120-$200 Bose Soundsport Wireless $120-$200 Powerbeats 2 Wireless $120-$200 Plantronics Backbeat Fit $80-$120

24 THINGS (Why 24? Because w

e 24 y

ld!)

Happenings, news, and tidbits that caught Today’s Woman’s eye this month

By Anita Oldham and Corinne Peabody

“I was given a second chance at life.

I went to nursing school as soon as I was in remission and worked as a floor nurse for 9 years. I recently gave that up because I know my heart is in the gym where I can still teach cancer survivors through the livestrong program the YMCA offers. I worked out almost the entire 365 days I was on chemotherapy being treated for melanoma. I knew at that moment there were bigger and better things in my life I was meant to do, and I have finally found all those things that make me happy.”

— Dana Atwell: metastatic Melanoma cancer survivor

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Using Fitness to Overcome Fitness photos Melissa Donald

Several of our women started fitness to overcome an ongoing illness or an accident. ee Schardein has made some personal marks in time to remind herself to appreciate her body’s abilities. “The (tattoo) on my right shoulder blade is a dancer with the lyrics ‘nothing’s gonna change my world.’ It’s from Across the Universe by John Lennon. I got it when I was 25, a month after I was in a serious car accident where I was hit by a drunk driver. I realized how short and precious life is, and how blessed I am to have an able body. The second (tattoo) is written in Sanskrit and translates to mean “yoga is to control the mind-stuff.” I got it shortly after completing my yoga teacher training. I like where it is on my arm because when I look at it it reminds me to breathe and stay calm throughout my day!”

L

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Since she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis two years ago, Meredith Walston started moving with a mission. “I’ve taken over 400 classes at BYou in less than two years. Setting goals along the way starting at 100, 250, and next 500.”

— Meredith Walston

7-11

5

24 THINGS

5 Ways to Track Fitness Almost all of the women we photographed for Best Bodies wore some type of fitness tracker. Instead of logging your miles, reps completed, and calories eaten by hand, you can keep track of it all at the touch of a button, literally. So which one best suits you? Check out these top wearable technology fitness bands: • Fitbit: Most Options.

• Garmin Vivosmart HR+: Best for Runners/Swimmers.

• Jawbone Up2: Most Simplistic.

• Bellabeat Leaf: Most Stylish.

• Apple Watch: Most High Tech.

“It is important to remember where you started and celebrate progress!” — Dixie Oxford

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What’s Jean Serving? e aren’t sure what keeps her in super health for 80 years, but Jean Knipp did share that her favorite meal to cook was this health-filled ratatouille.

W

RATATOUILLE Yields 4 servings Ingredients: 1 medium eggplant 2 small zucchini, sliced 1 green pepper, sliced in slivers 1 medium tomato, quartered or cut into eighths ¼ cup of olive oil 1 ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper 1 clove of garlic, minced Directions: Peel the eggplant and cube. Place in microwave dish with 2 tablespoons of water, cover, and microwave on high 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Drain the eggplant. Place all ingredients in skillet over medium heat about 15 minutes, until zucchini is tender. Serve with pasta and some good french bread, and of course a glass of wine.

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You Are Not Too Old Get inspired by how Jean’s fitness levels can rival that of a much younger woman. If you are over 65 and interested in starting a fitness program, check out Silver Sneakers (silversneakers.com).

Many who have a Medicare health plan are already a member (so it’s free!).

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AUGUST 2016 / TODAY’S WOMAN

Tech Fitness Tracy Green hasn’t always been a runner.

She started in college.

“I followed a Couch-to-5k training plan online and ran my first 5k in September 2006.

I ran my first marathon and qualified for Boston in December 2007. Since then I’ve run 11 full marathons.” Most Couch-to-5k plans require 3-4 days per week for 8 weeks.

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She Keeps Running Carol Carey Bond has run 40 races in the last 42 months, including her favorite, the Boston Marathon. She had to qualify by running a marathon under 4 hours (it varies by age and gender).

Her next start? The New York Marathon in November.

14 (Baby) Weight Lifting Several of our best bodies women have new babies — including crossfit competitor JoEllyn McAtee (pictured with 9-month-old WIlliam Sawyer) — but they find the determination to fit in a workout.

Go to louisville .fit4mom.com if you would lik e a class to take with your baby in tow.

Fit For Each Other

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Last May 1, Jamie Steinbock literally ran down the aisle!

With her son accompanying her, she ran two miles to meet her husband who biked up in Cherokee Park to meet her at the wedding alter. Their goal as a married couple: to run a race in all 50 states.

TODAY’S WOMAN / AUGUST 2016

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17-20

“I have an incredible group of friends at the gym who I love to exercise with. They challenge me to push a little harder and to keep exercise a regular part of my life.

I always look forward to going!”

— Rose Short

24 THINGS

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ARTS IMPACTOR

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Group Fitness!

So many women talked about the support, encouragement, and friendship found in their fitness classes, maybe you should try one of these:

“The artist process for me is about finding imagery and painting techniques that express a feeling of the fluidity of movement and the joy that comes with it: the joy of dancing, balancing, and breathing.”

• YMCA: POUND, a full-body cardio jam session, combining light resistance with drumming.

• Baptist East Milestone: H20 Cycling, cycle in the pool.

• Suspend: Aerial yoga using aerial slings.

• Workout Boutique: Hip Hop Spin Classes

Artist Jen Goodell

re about Read mo ge 42. p n her o a

SEARCH: Jen Goodell

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Karen Salisbury stays fit enough to do her day job of exercising horses.

AUGUST 2016 / TODAY’S WOMAN

SEARCH: Jodie Tingle-Willis

Yoga Neighbor Jodie Tingle-Willis decided to focus solely on yoga instructing in 2010.

Her husband suggested converting a couple of rooms in their Beechmont neighborhood home into a yoga studio.

“It was through this process that I fell head over heels for the people in [my] neighborhood,” Jodie says. The Beechmont neighborhood is a melting pot of young families, the elderly, and foreign refugees who are receiving aid from the nearby Americana Community Center, Inc., she says. — Brigid Morrissey In 2014, a married couple bought a space near Jodie’s neighborhood with the intent of filling it with a business that would benefit the community.

Photos Melissa Donald

TODAY’S WOMAN / AUGUST 2016

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Professional Connections presents

CALENDAR

Athena’s Sisters – For Military Women Every 2nd & 4th Mon. • 6-8pm 201 South Peterson Avenue Lindsay Gargotto 502.489.0956 info@athenassisters.us

League of Women Voters Every 3rd Mon. • 6pm Lang House, 115 S. Ewing Ave. Pat Murrell 502.895.5218 info@lwvlouisville.org

BPW- Business and Professional Women- New Albany Every 3rd Mon. • 5:30pm Contact for info & reservation.

Tuckers, 2441 State St. Nadine Wilkinson 502.523.1698

Legal Secretaries of Louisville Every 3rd Tues. • 11:30am Bristol Bar & Grille 614 West Main Street Angela Gibson 502.589.5980 AGibson@bsg-law.com legalseclou-ky.org

BPW - Business & Professional Women of River City Quarterly • 11:30am Networking Noon Meeting & Program The Bristol - Downtown 614 West Main Street bpwrc.org or bpwreserve@gmail.com to register

MLWPC - Metropolitan Louisville Women’s Political Caucus Every 4th Mon. • 5:30pm University Club -U of L Belknap Campus Virginia Woodward 502.361.4866 mlwpc2011@gmail.com

Bridge the Gap Professional Women Every 5th Sun. Heyburn Building 430 W. Muhammad Ali, Suite 24A Hazel Parrish, Chapter President 502.417.2566, hazelp17@gmail.com Call to reserve.

CBPW - Christian Business & Professional Women 2nd Thurs: May, July, Sept, Nov • 11:30am Hurstbourne Country Club 9000 Hurstbourne Club Lane Sharilyn Unthank 502.297.3508 cbpweast@gmail.com Distinctive Women, Entrepreneurial Women Making a Difference Every 1st Thurs • 6:30-8pm Email for meeting location Deleskia Butler 502.509.5521 distinctivewomen2013@gmail.com EWI - Executive Women International- Kentuckiana Every 3rd Tues. • 5:30pm Contact for information & reservation Christy Smallwood 502.595.7157 ewikentuckiana.com christy@arkhamexec.com

NAWBO - National Association of Women Business Owners Every 3rd Tues. admin@nawbolouisville.org 502.625.0248 nawbolouisville.org National Association of Women in Construction Every 2nd Mon. • 5:30pm Call for meeting location Patty Stewart 812.288.4208 #121 National Association of Women MBAs - Louisville Chapter Location & event vary. Details on website: mbawomen.org/chapter/ louisville-kentucky *MBA not required for membership National Council of Negro Women, Inc. - Louisville Section Every 4th Thurs. • 6pm Main Library, 301 York Street Cassandra Lasley 502.650.6602 lasley5514@twc.com NEW - Network of Entrepreneurial Women Every 2nd Wed. • 6-8pm Location varies. See nentw.com for details.

Networking and careerbuilding opportunities for women around town

Network Now Every 2nd Fri. • 11:30am Hurstbourne Country Club 9000 Hurstbourne Club Lane Lee Ann Lyle 502.836.1422 lee@lalcomputers.com

WIN- Women in Networking III Every 2nd Tues. • 11:30am Laura McClellan, president 502.709.3004 Louisvillewin3@gmail.com win3louisville.com

The Ninety-Nines, Inc International Assoc. of Women Pilots Kentucky Bluegrass Chapter July 16 • 11am Rough River Dam State Resort Park 450 Lodge Rd. Falls of Rough, KY 40119 Terri Donner 502.419.7938 Terri.donner@yahoo.com

WIN- Women in Networking IV Every 3rd Tues. • 11:30am Big Springs Country Club 5901 Dutchman’s Lane Gretchen Mahaffey 502.451.0600 gmahaffey@kfg.com

Savvy Women in Business Every 1st Wed. • 6:30pm Inverness at Hurstbourne Condos 1200 Club House Drive Brenda Daisey 502.742.4505 bdaisey@cruiseplanners.com Savvywomeninbusiness.com Southern Indiana Women’s Networking Group Every 3rd Wed. • 11:30am Holiday Inn-Lakeview 505 Marriott Drive, Clarksville info@soindwng.org

WIN - Women in Networking V Every 2nd Thurs. • 11:30am Roosters / $15 10430 Shelbyville Rd #7 win5networking.com Kim Hogle kim.hogle@proforma.com Women on the Front Line Every 5th Sat., 4-5:30pm Sponsored by Bridge the Gap Addiction and Mental Health Services 2629 Slevin Street, Louisville Hazel D. Parrish, Clinical Director 502.417.2566 Women’s Business Center of KY

Top Ladies of Distinction Inc. Every 2nd Tues. • 6:30pm Hotel Louisville, 120 W. Broadway, Suite 930 Mamie L Maxwell 502.767.4180 ms.maxwell@twc.com WIN - Women in Networking Every 2nd Wed. • 11:15am Oxmoor Country Club 9000 Limehouse Lane Laura Ridge 502.491.7877 lridge@oxmoorcountryclub.com WIN - Women in Networking II Every 3rd Wed. • 11:30am Wildwood Country Club 5000 Bardstown Rd Kim Fusting 502.267.7066 kimins@bellsouth.net, gowin2.com

funded in part by a cooperative agreement with the SBA

Every 4th Fri. Roundtable • 8:30am Location – TBA Johnetta Roberts, 502.566.6076 x 1033 jroberts@cvky.org cvky.org/womens-business-center Women’s Council of Realtors Every 3rd Thurs. • 11:30am Big Spring Country Club 5901 Dutchmans lane Elizabeth Monarch 502.551.1286

Elizabeth@elizabethmonarchgroup.com

ZONTA- Advancing The Status of Women Every 1st Thurs. • 6pm Holiday Inn –Crittenden Drive/ Farmington Ave. Joyce Seymour 502.553.9241 jespud@bellsouth.net

Listings are on per month basis. To list your meeting for free, email your meeting date, time, location, contact info and website to advertising@todayspublications.com or call 502.327.8855 ext. 14. Deadline for inclusion in next issue is 8/8.

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THE STORY OF DEBI SUE AND HER LLAMAS SEARCH: Llamas

By Alissa Hicks Photo Melissa Donald

SEARCH: Myra Rock

What Do I Need to Do Today To Get Closer to My Goals?

By Megan Seckman Photo Sunni Wigginton The moment you meet her, you like her. She’s friendly, down-to-earth, and perfectly put together. Professionally, she’s organized, driven, and loyal.

Myra Rock, 35, is the campus and academic director of the University of Phoenix Louisville Campus, mother of two middle-school-aged boys, participant in several Leadership Louisville programs, and she has consistently received a promotion every two years of her adult life.

“L

lamas are great animals — they are majestic. I also feel they are truly stress-relieving animals to be around. I think a lot of people give them a bad reputation about spitting and kicking, but that’s actually pretty rare. While most llamas will walk toward you initially, they are not overly affectionate right off the bat. However, they are really great to work with, and it is easy to gain their trust.”

Debi Sue Aven and her llamas visit nursing homes and schools every year. “We take the llamas to these places and talk about them, let the kids or older folks touch and be near them,” she says. “We visit rooms in the nursing home and teach the kids about animals. It’s great socialization for both the people and the llamas.”

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Myra’s key to success relies on a simple practice she does every day “before she goes” out into the world. “Every year, I type up my New Year’s resolutions and tape a copy to my bathroom mirror, hang one in my home office, and put a copy in my memories box,” says Myra, looking stylish and radiant in the afternoon sun at Garage Bar. “I have three categories: health and fitness, financial, and spiritual. When I look at this list in the morning, it gives me focus. I think, ‘What do I need to do today to get one step closer to my goals?’”

Debi Sue started a 4-H club in which children in kindergarten through grade 12 can interact with the llamas: Bailando Llama & Alpaca 4-H Club. Currently, she guides about 20 children who either lease or own their own llamas.

Debi Sue is amazing. Our daughter has been in Llama club for several years and loves the llamas and has built good relationships with all the club members and especially Debi Sue. We are grateful for Debi Sue’s love for the animals and the kids!! She is a blessing to everyone who knows her.

— Christy Vanderhoof via TodaysWomanNow.com

My son Johnathan just joined Debi Sue’s club this spring. We bought Hezekiah, a now 10-month-old cria from her and Johnathan is learning to show him. Debi is absolutely amazing with the kids. I cannot even begin to say how much I admire her hard work and kindness with the kids. She always has a smile on her face. She is a true blessing to our community.

— Angela Durbin via TodaysWomanNow.com

TODAY’S WOMAN / AUGUST 2016

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SEARCH: Side by Side Studio

Stop in and Color to Relieve Stress

By Carrie Vittitoe Photo Melissa Donald

TURNING POINT

SHE JOINED THE FBI

SEARCH: Amy Wisotksy

By Lucy M. Pritchett Photo Melissa Donald

N

ot every Turning Point leads from the classroom to crime. Crimesolving, that is.

Meet Amy Wisotsky, who thought she would become a teacher but ended up joining the FBI. “I was the first in my family to go to college,” Amy says. “I grew up in Brooklyn, and it was just understood that I would go to Brooklyn College.”

One of her classes was on deviant behavior and was taught by the first high-ranking female in the New York City Department of Corrections. “She was an amazing professor and progressive in her thinking,” Amy says. “The class was phenomenal.

My professor was a good mentor, and with her encouragement, I changed majors and enrolled in the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan.”

Amy graduated from Brooklyn College in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in

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AUGUST 2016 / TODAY’S WOMAN

criminal justice. She worked for the FBI in Manhattan in a clerical role her senior year, and once she got her degree, she became an FBI investigator in foreign counterintelligence in New York.

“I held that position for two to three years, and then I went through training at the FBI Academy on the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia.”

Amy graduated from Quantico as an FBI special agent, and she and her government-issued Smith and Wesson were assigned to the office in Louisville.

She was on the reactive crime squad and worked cases involving bank robberies, kidnapping, and racketeering.

“After two years in Louisville, I was reassigned to New York,” Amy says. “I didn’t want to go back there. I had to make a decision between the quality of life that I was enjoying in Louisville and leaving a career doing what I loved.”

Kim Frazier-Pirog, the owner of Side by Side Studio on Frankfort Avenue and a trained artist, found adult coloring difficult when she first tried it out. “As an artist, it was hard,” she says. “I was taught to think outside the lines, not color in them.” Despite her initial hesitation, she now finds adult coloring to be stress-relieving. Coloring can become almost meditative, she says, and a number of people who come to Side by Side’s Adult Coloring drop-ins have been encouraged to color by their therapists.

WENDY RECOMMENDS THIS VACATION!

By Torie Temple

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f you were being dropped off on a secluded island located 550 miles southeast of Miami, what is the one thing you would bring?

Apparently, the answer in Turks and Caicos is a picnic basket; especially if you are staying at the Alexandra Resort. This resort offers a boat ride to a reclusive island for hours of blissful

SEARCH: Turks and Caicos

isolation. This is just one of the many reasons Wendy Hanger chooses the Alexandra each visit.

“They take you out with a cooler full of beer, wine, snacks, and lunch along with umbrellas, and chairs,” says Wendy. “Then they leave you on this island from 10am to 5pm — it is peaceful and relaxing.”

The resort promises an escape from the crowds along with a taste of luxury with its beach restaurant, swim-up pool bar, barefoot dinner on the beach, and a daily grocery store shuttle service that may be a money saver since the restaurants on the islands can be pricey. “The tip for travelers is that you will want to find a place to stay that has a full kitchen,” suggests Wendy. “The restaurants are expensive and they add 12 percent to your total and that doesn’t include the tip.

It isn’t uncommon to go to lunch and have a salad, fish, and wine and spend $60 with your tip.”

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Wendy (left) and her friend Carmen Porter enjoy the view. Turks and Caicos is made up of 40 islands, eight of which are inhabited. Its average temperature is 80 to 90 degrees depending on the month and its crystal clear waters bring more than 200,000 tourists annually.

Bohemian Chic Look

By Alissa Hicks Photo Melissa Donald Layer up on clothes and jewelry. Keep it feminine by mixing oversized and tailored/fitted clothes. For example, if you’re wearing an oversized sweater or tunic top, add a pair of straight or slim-fit jeans to balance out the look.

Also, wearing a fitted top is best with loose-fitting boyfriend jeans. Be sure not to wear anything that is larger than your body frame. You want to look whimsical and comfortable but also stylish. Layer up on jewelry too.

Wear multiple necklaces both long and short, and pile on the bracelets for an “arm party” look.

SEARCH: Bohemian Chic

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SHE’S WATCHING THE PUBLIC PROPERTY

By Yelena Sapin Photo Melissa Donald

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or Jeana Dunlap, director of Louisville Metro Government’s Vacant & Public Property Administration, there’s no such thing as a typical workday. She’s just as likely to be found in the elevator of her downtown office building tracking down colleagues in other departments as she is to be at her desk or in a meeting.

She might be in a different part of the city altogether, lending her expertise on a panel of urban planning specialists, moderating a community meeting in a neighborhood under development, or speaking at a school career fair on a moment’s notice. Many of these events take place in the evenings and on weekends, so Jeana’s position is more like a 24/7 lifestyle than a job. Want to know the latest thing she is trying for her schedule?

She’s becoming a morning person. Jeana used to get into the office by 9am. This may not be considered late, but for many of Jeana’s coworkers, it’s well into their day. “A lot of my colleagues are up at 4 or 5 in the morning, and I know that because they send me emails at that time,” Jeana says. “I’m typically a night person, but the rest of the world is on a different schedule, so I’m trying to shift myself up by about two hours.”

SEARCH: Jeana Dunlap

Now, Jeana gets up around 5:30, checks her calendar for the day, catches the morning news, and gets into the office by 7am. “I kind of like the earlier start. It gives me time to organize my thoughts and ease into the day.

And I don’t feel as guilty not working through the weekend if I’ve put in a 7am-to-7pm day.

Whatever happens over the weekend will still be there on Monday.”

The flip side of becoming a morning person is that Jeana is exhausted by nighttime. But being tired can be a good thing when her mind is in overdrive.

“I’m always thinking about work, even on my personal time,” she says. “I’ve had nights when I’m still up at 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning, wrestling with a problem or coming up with ideas, but getting up earlier helps with that.”

Way to go, Jeana! Thank you, Today’s Woman for bringing attention to the best Louisville has to offer. It’s a great way for readers to engage in what’s happening around them in real time.

— Marsha Weobong via TodaysWomanNow.com

Fantastic Article! Jeana is Today’s Woman!

— Betsy Kelley via TodaysWomanNow.com

Jeana, you go, girl. Nice to have a fellow Today’s Women alum. People need to know the women who are out there “killing it” for Louisville.

—A nonymous via TodaysWomanNow.com

Way to go, Soror! It’s great learning about the movers and shakers in our hometown!

— Alison Huff, managing director at Walden Theater

(By Anna Patterson) AUGUST 2016 / TODAY’S WOMAN

—U nknown via TodaysWomanNow.com

Awesome article on a great Today’s Woman. Go Jeana!!

—S ha-Rese Moore via TodaysWomanNow.com

—S carlet1913 via TodaysWomanNow.com

For anyone considering a career in the nonprofit sector, Alison’s best advice is to volunteer. “Figure out where your passions are, then go and do that work,” Alison says. “Anywhere you go, but especially in Louisville, business networking is relationshipbased. So when you volunteer, you are making connections. Get out there. Do. See. Build.

Go meet the people you want to be like.”

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Wonderful article and person to highlight!

Alison Huff has played a leading role — pun intended — at Walden Theatre since 2006. As managing director, she oversees all business aspects of the nonprofit: planning, fundraising, financing, development, and the list goes on.

She is chair of the board of directors of ACA (Arts and Culture Alliance), a member-based network of more than 100 arts and culture organizations from across the Greater Louisville area.

SEARCH: Alison Huff

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WOW! WE ARE SO INSPIRED

BY THE WOMEN OF THIS CITY. WE FOUND STRONG, HEALTHY, CONFIDENT, FIT WOMEN OF ALL AGES AND BACKGROUNDS TO INSPIRE ALL OF US TO MOVE OUR BODIES A LITTLE — OR A LOT — MORE.

By Tiffany White & Anita Oldham Photos Melissa Donald Makeup Torie Payton and Denise Cardwell Blades Salon & Spa

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TRACY GREEN

AGE 31 JOB Director of Development for The Louisville Free Public Library Foundation; teaches at Baptist Health/ Milestone Wellness Center WORKOUT SPOT Baptist Health/ Milestone Wellness Center BREAKTHROUGH I followed a couch-to-5k training plan online and ran my first 5k in September 2006. I ran my first marathon and qualified for Boston in December 2007. Since then I’ve run 11 full marathons, qualifying for the Boston Marathon each time.

BIG WIN A new marathon personal best in April of 3:07:30, for fourth-place female at the Carmel Marathon (Indiana).

MOTIVATION My motivation is intrinsic. I have running goals I want to reach and those drive me to work hard. I do run with friends on occasion — and sometimes my husband — but a lot of my training is solo to accommodate my schedule and because I have specific distances and paces to accomplish.

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DIXIE OXFORD

AGE 34 JOB Neuroscience/Transplant, Surgical Critical Care RN, KentuckyOne Health; Louisville Athletic Club (Co-Director of Group Fitness/ Group Fitness Instructor); Fitness Inspirer, B.YOU (her modern fitness boutique), Northeast YMCA (Group Fitness Instructor) WORKOUT SPOT Louisville Athletic Club (all locations), B.YOU, & YMCA BIG WIN Regaining the muscle definition I had built prior to baby number two by her first birthday.

I revised my schedule to be more ideal and less restricting, started tracking my caloric intake on a fitness app, cleaned up my eating habits, tracked and increased my water intake, and focused on creating more realistic, healthy goals that included family fit time. MOTIVATION I am motivated by group fitness. Being an instructor is empowering and being in a place where I feel so empowered frees me up to truly empower others. I have the opportunity to help people feel secure and confident in who they are, and that has nothing to do with what they look like. PHILOSOPHY There are days that I want to quit, and my perspective has been in all the wrong places. In my moments of weakness, I try to shift everything in the right direction and keep going. Remembering my best is enough and the progress I’ve made keeps me from giving up.

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“THE ONLY TIME I SIT IS TO KNIT OR WATCH THE NEWS.”

JEAN KNIPP

AGE 80 JOB Retired from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary WORKOUT SPOT Home and tennis lessons at Bellarmine MOTIVATION Seeing people my age, and younger, who have become sedentary. The only time I sit is to knit or watch the news. STAYING STRONG I stay strong by walking, running stairs, housework, and gardening. I tried a Silver Sneakers yoga class but was bored. They SAT on chairs. I realize some could not physically do otherwise, but I’m up for a challenge. Maybe I should try Zumba! GOALS To keep on keeping on! Maybe to live 15 more years!

CHRISTINA GNADINGER

AGE 40 JOB Louisville Water Company in IT, YMCA of Greater Louisville, LA Fitness, and Louisville Athletic Club as a group fitness instructor WORKOUT SPOT Wherever she teaches BIG WIN Recovering from an ankle injury where I thought I’d never be able to run again. What I did was find patience that I did not think I had, gave it much needed recovery, and let it heal. I took a year off from running, expecting it was going to be forever, and found that time, and rest, had worked it’s magic. I ran the half marathon this spring, which I never expected I could do again.

PHILOSOPHY The people in my classes help push me through the tough spots. Group fitness is amazing. It’s a community of people who all share similar but different goals. We meet weekly and we all fight the same fight together. GOALS I want to train my dog to run races with me, run another marathon, add additional certifications in group fitness, and eventually go through the registered yoga teacher certification.

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DEBBIE NUTT STEIN

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AGE 53 JOB Physical education teacher at Saint Mary Academy WORKOUT SPOT Baptist East Milestone Fitness Center BIG WIN I most recently ran the Powered with Pride 5K through the hills of Cherokee Park. My year-round training regimen of weightlifting, tabata, and various cardio routines had me well prepared to achieve a personal best.

PHILOSOPHY Exercise, clean living, and a healthy diet have always been who I am. From an early age, I saw the benefit of adopting these practices, and to this day, they remain important to me. GOALS I would enjoy running a minimarathon, but what I would really like is to continue to have a positive influence on my students so they can achieve their own fitness goals.

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ROSE SHORT

AGE 44 JOB Administrative Assistant, Advance Team Partners WORKOUT SPOT Results by Design BREAKTHROUGH I started being active again and exercise became more of a priority 10 years ago when I ran my first Louisville Mini Marathon. After my third daughter was born, I found it difficult to fit in exercise and be physically fit but made the decision again about six years ago to make lifestyle changes that included two more mini marathons and a consistent exercise routine at my local gym. MOTIVATION I want to set a good example for my three daughters and husband about the importance of exercise, developing a strong body, and leading a healthy lifestyle. BIG WIN Winning my gym’s New Year New You Challenge 2016 with my teammates.

I also won the Individual Female Grand Champion for the greatest percentage of body mass change for New Year New You Challenge 2016. STAYING STRONG I build my physical strength by eating pretty clean along with strength training. My breakfast always includes protein such as eggs with spinach and turkey bacon, lunch and dinner I always have a protein and lots of veggies.

LYNN JONES

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AGE 48 JOB Book seller, barista at Barnes & Noble WORKOUT SPOT Southeast Sports & Fitness Center, home, Cherokee Park BIG WIN I just competed in my 8th NPC Physique competition and achieved my personal best in physique development receiving first place in the 40+ age group and 2nd in the 35+ group at Kentucky Muscle Derby show. MOTIVATION I’m motivated mainly by results that I see and feel each day from a fit lifestyle. Also, after completing my first six physique competitions on my own, I did seek out a training group and joined a group of remarkable women aptly named “Knockout Curves” that trains to compete in physique competitions. PHILOSOPHY I know from experience that persistently pursuing fitness works. I will pick up a fitness magazine, such as Fitness RX which is a favorite, and read up on the latest news on the benefits of exercise.

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JOELLYN MCATEE

AGE 30 JOB Co-Owner of CrossFit Bluegrass WORKOUT SPOT CrossFit Bluegrass BIG WIN I competed in the CrossFit Central East Regionals which is a high level CrossFit competition that you must qualify for through the CrossFit Open. I also qualified and competed at the American Open weightlifting meet in 2014. I had our first born, WIlliam Sawyer, about nine months ago which was probably the most challenging fitness experience but at the same time the most rewarding. BEST EXERCISE CrossFit hits all the components of fitness and it is also fun. Being a college track athlete, I thrived in a team atmosphere and CrossFit is just that. You have the team atmosphere, but each workout is still individualized to the needs of the athlete since it can all be scaled or modified. MOTIVATION I love my sport of fitness and want to continue to meet/ break my own personal records! There is always something to work on with CrossFit so there is always something new to strive for.

(Thanks to Derby City Cross Fit for photo space.)

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KAREN D. ZEGART

AGE 66 JOB Financial adviser at UBS Financial Services WORKOUT SPOT Body Quest BIG WIN My daughter got married four years ago. I ordered a dress that was too small, which prompted me to start training with Chris Tedesco three times a week. I lost seven inches overall the first month and by the wedding, I lost 12 inches overall. I easily slid into the dress I could not get past my thighs three months earlier. He tailored the training just for me combining cardio, weights, and other training. I loved it so much I still work out today two years later. BEST EXERCISE Circuit training and weights GOALS I want to keep training and feeling fit in old age.

AMY SIEGEL

(bottom left)

AGE 40 JOB Academic adviser, Bellarmine University WORKOUT SPOT Home gym, Baptist Milestone Wellness Center MOTIVATION I love to compete, and I love to challenge myself both mentally and physically.

It seems that all people face adversity in one form or another. For me, when life has challenged me, I have amped up my approach to fitness and well-being. I have used the rigor of physical fitness as a therapeutic tool to reshape my thoughts, emotions, and spirits. Life does not get easier, but with the right kind of motivation I can get better at life. PHILOSOPHY I treasure every moment that I have to live an active lifestyle. I also coach basketball at Assumption High School. I really believe that as a coach, I have to provide a good example for my players. GOALS My goals include helping the younger generation understand and experiment with the wonderful world of fitness. I want to stay fit and encourage everyone around me to choose health and fitness as a way of life.

KAREN SALISBURY

AGE 50 JOB exercise rider, Nafzger/Wilkes Training Stables WORKOUT SPOT Home with exercise DVDs MOTIVATION My job. Exercising racehorses can be physically demanding. It helps to be athletic and riding can be like a “dance” between you and the horse. There is nothing like it. PHILOSOPHY It’s easy to stay motivated when you are doing something you enjoy. I also know when my body needs some down time and rest. I try to alternate my workouts. I will follow a hard workout with a light workout the next time.

BEST EXERCISE Aerobic dance, yoga, pilates, and the balance ball. These exercises keep me from getting bored plus they challenge the body to change up the routine.

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MAGGIE HARLOW

AGE 47 JOB Owner, Signarama; YESCo Louisville; Cliffdivers; Human Momentum WORKOUT SPOT Baptist East Milestone Fitness BIG WIN I was very active and in shape until raising a family became a priority, and I lost track of that ‘fit version’ of myself. I began exercises again in December 2015. My biggest accomplishment is establishing a routine that fits into my life and getting active consistently four to five days a week. I feel like I have become myself again, recognizing this competitive, driven, and focused version of myself again! MOTIVATION I have friends I’ve made in my class, and we text each other regularly to be sure to save space for one another.

PHILOSOPHY I remind myself how much I love feeling the right kind of tired. Before I got back into shape, I was tired a lot — the wrong tired. Now I have plenty of energy, and I’m tired from pushing myself. I get to bed early and sleep really well.

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CAROL CAREY BOND

AGE 51 JOB Vice President BB&T Commercial Banking WORKOUT SPOT Run through neighborhoods, home gym, YMCA BIG WIN I’ve run in 40 races in the last 42 months. My favorite was the Boston Marathon. MOTIVATION My husband and I run together, which is very helpful. An upcoming race also helps with accountability and maintaining a healthy diet.

PHILOSOPHY I repeat ‘you can do it.’ GOALS My husband and I are running the New York Marathon in November 2016.

DANA ATWELL

AGE 40, JOB Independent consultant for Arbonne, personal trainer WORKOUT SPOT YMCA Northeast BIG WIN I recently took the course for the American College of Sports Academy to become personal training certified. I have always dreamed of helping others get their bodies to a level that makes them happy and healthy. MOTIVATION Being a metastatic Melanoma cancer survivor probably is my biggest motivator. I was given a second chance at life and I wanted to do something where I could give back. I went to nursing school as soon as I was in remission and worked as a floor nurse for 9 years. I recently gave that up because I know my heart is in the gym where I can still teach cancer survivors through the livestrong program the YMCA offers. I worked out almost the entire 365 days I was on chemotherapy being treated for Melanoma. PHILOSOPHY I am motivated by a simple compliment from a stranger or by seeing new muscles work in my body that I had not noticed before.

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MEREDITH WALSTON

AGE 32 JOB First Kentucky Trust Company, Assistant Trust Officer WORKOUT SPOT B. You BIG WIN I’ve taken over 400 classes at B You in less than 2 years. I’ve set goals along the way starting at 100, 250 and next 500. MOTIVATION The community of women I work out with have become some of my most important relationships. We hold each other accountable and push each other. PHILOSOPHY About two years ago following a health diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, it became critical to take care of myself. I think about how I felt before I started and know I don’t want to feel that way again. STAYING STRONG I stay consistent and mix up my classes each week. I include Barre, Tabatas, aerial fitness, and rebounding/trampoline cardio.

ELIZABETH REDDEN

AGE 33 JOB Stay-at-home mom WORKOUT SPOT Four Barrel Crossfit (New Albany) BREAKTHROUGH I started Crossfit three years ago with my husband when our children were pretty young. I tried it for a month and was hooked. The variety of workouts, movements, and challenges really made my body feel the work it was putting in, and I noticed changes in my body like I never had before. STAYING STRONG I do Crossfit and weightlifting 100 percent of the time. Last year I made a New Year’s resolution to try a different type of fitness each month and found out kickboxing is my second love, so I try to throw a class in once a month when able. PHILOSOPHY I look at my kids (ages 5 and 7) and remind myself they are not getting any younger or staying their age for much longer. I want to be able to continue to run, jump, and bike with them. Take them on adventures and show them what a strong, healthy lifestyle is like.

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LEE SCHARDEIN

AGE 30 JOB Principal school-based therapist, Seven Counties; instructor at Yoga on Baxter and YogaiaWORKOUT SPOT Yoga on Baxter and Yogaia MOTIVATION My main motivator is to regulate my own stress levels and provide myself with self-care. I notice a difference if I go two or three days without practicing.

When I feel low-energy, it does help to attend a class. I find motivation from practicing with others and the energy that is produced there.

BEST EXERCISE I swear by yoga. I was in a car accident in 2011 and yoga has helped me manage back pain. It helps build strength and flexibility and is low-impact. Yoga not only keeps me in shape, but I have also learned breathing techniques and meditation with the practice. STAYING STRONG I start most mornings and practices with sun salutations, which include planks and chaturanga pushups. I also practice different inversions like handstands regularly. I include a variety of core work in my practice and flows.

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