April 2024 UpClose Sugar Land Magazine

ends meet. Making

EAST FORT BEND HUMAN NEEDS MINISTRY, INC.

MAKING ENDS MEET

by Helping To Fill the Empty Bowls in Our Community

Food prices have risen steadily since 2020, making it hard for families to make ends meet. In 2023, local East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry (EFBHNM) assisted 18,748 adults and 16,841 children experiencing food insecurity in our community.

Development Director

Stacey Williams says, “At EFBHNM, we serve the basic human needs of families in our community in a temporary financial crisis. We see new families each week, and it’s often not who you would expect. Grocery store prices are rising, and many of our neighbors are affected by job loss, changes in family dynamics, and other unexpected situations that leave them in need of assistance.”

by Alisha McMillen

Empty Bowls is a grassroots effort by artists and craftspeople in cities and towns across the country to feed the hungry in their communities. Our local Fort Bend Empty Bowls benefits EFBHNM. Now in its 15th year, this year’s Empty Bowls will be held June 14, 2024 at Houston Marriott Sugar Land (a new location this year!). Dinner includes a simple meal of appetizers, delicious soups, and bread. Houston Marriott Sugar Land will provide the appetizers for the event, while local restaurants will provide the soup. “This year, we’re going back to soup from local restaurants which hasn’t happened since 2019 due to the global pandemic,” says Stacey. “We are excited about our new location, as our event outgrew other venues. This event started in a church with soup being served from crock pots.”

Empty Bowls title sponsor this year is Houston Methodist Sugar Land. “Our

hospital focuses on the health and wellness of the community – tied to the ability to provide complex care,” says Houston Methodist Sugar Land CEO Michael Garcia. “Nutrition is so important in

EMPTY BOWLS FEATURED RESTAURANTS

Alings Chinese Bistro

Avenida Brazil Churrascaria

B.B. Italia

Berryhill Baja Grill and Cantina

Fish City Grill

Lazy Dog

Texas Biergarten

Outback Steakhouse (Aliana)

Ramble Creek

Thai Cottage

Williams Smokehouse BBQ and Blues

health care, and EFBHNM’s mission aligns with ours in keeping our community healthy. That’s why we’re encouraging our staff to get involved this year, for them to have a personal stake in the programs we take pride in. We’re sponsoring employee drives to contribute to EFBHNM: quarter one is our Birthday Bag Drive, and quarter two is our Cereal Drive.” When EFBHNM provides a family with a Birthday Bag, it includes everything needed to host a party, including a gift for the child. The Cereal Drive contributes to EFBHNM’s Kids Sacks program…providing families with child-friendly meals and snacks.

Serving as Executive Director of EFBHNM since 2007, Vickie Coates has contributed to the Fort Bend County community for 20 years. Vickie has been instrumental in growing the size of the food pantry, including building and opening a larger food pantry to better serve their community. Vickie says, “Our goal is raising awareness about hunger in our county as

there is so much need right in our backyard. Thankfully, the attendance at Empty Bowls has increased each year and has become one of the best fundraisers in town! Because of this amazing support, we’ve, proudly, never had to close our pantry doors. Even during the global pandemic, our staff and volunteers forged a way! With a skeleton crew, we serviced our clients safely with drive-through service for three months until we could open our physical doors once again.”

After two decades of devotion to the people of Fort Bend County, Vickie will retire this year. Stacey says, “Vickie has done an extraordinary job establishing our pantry as an anchor in our community. She has grown the building and grown community awareness exponentially. We are so thankful for her years of service, and we will miss her. Her legacy will live on indefinitely.”

For more information, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.humanneeds.org or contact Stacey Williams: Stacey@humanneeds.org.

281-261-1006

435 Stafford Run, Stafford, Texas 77477

www.humanneeds.org

Friday, June 14, 2024

Tickets are $75 and include appetizers, delicious soups, and bread. Hand-painted bowls and pottery will be available for purchase, including some donated by local artist, Albert Goldreich. Silent, live, and dessert auctions, a bid board, and a wine and whiskey pull are all part of this fun evening out!

Live Music by Danny Ray and the Atlantic Street Band

Meet the McMillens

We’re John and Alisha McMillen, celebrating 25 years of marriage this year. We’re excited to be joining UpClose Magazine as a team in a variety of roles – John is helping with business development, Alisha is writing, and we’re both assisting the publisher with the behind-the-scenes tasks required to get a monthly magazine out the door.

With two college-aged daughters, we’re particularly excited to get involved amidst the production of one of UpClose Magazine’s most anticipated issues of the year: the May Women in Business issue. Our twins inspire us in everything we do. Our home is full of powerful

women! (Thankfully, John has one guy in the house to back him up –our dependable huge chocolate lab, Moose.),

Residents of Sugar Land for more than 20 years, our daughters attended school at local Fort Bend Christian Academy, and we love our city! John recently found the camaraderie of the Sugar Land Exchange Club and is enjoying attending their weekly breakfasts. Alisha is a member of the Women’s Council of Entrepreneurs and attends their monthly connections meetings.

We’ve been reading UpClose Magazine since we first received it in our mailbox 20 years ago, often frequenting the showcased businesses. We’re proud to be working with the publisher, Gina, who has been an integral part of the Fort Bend County community for 30 years. Gina’s goal of connecting local businesses with their clientele, and each other, is our goal too.

If you know or have a successful business that would like to be featured, please let us know. We’re ready to get to work!

“Dr. Faheem is Ahead of his Time.”

by Alisha McMillen

“In15 years, what Dr. Faheem is doing for dry eyes will be mainstream,” says Debbie Quinn, a patient of Dr. Faheem Inayatali, founder of Dry Eye & Wellness Center in Sugar Land. “I was so happy to find him now, when I needed him, right here in the Houston area.”

Debbie suffered with dry eye issues for more than 25 years. “My eyes burned, they were uncomfortable, swollen, and sore,” says Debbie. “One of my eyelids drooped. It was only open at half-mast! I tried mainstream treatments…I’ve used so many eye drops over the years. One solution was to spend almost $400 a month on special medication.”

“I compiled a huge stockpile of data.

I read every piece of research about dry eyes globally,” continues Debbie.

“I was prepared to go anywhere in the world to keep my eyes working properly. Luckily, I found Dr. Faheem and the Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatment nearby.”

IPL is an FDA-approved, quick, non-invasive, painfree therapy that uses special light waves to reduce inflammation (rosacea) while gently heating the skin to

unclog congested meibomian glands in the eyelids. The treatment encourages the glands to produce oils that lubricate the eyes and dramatically reduce symptoms such as redness, burning, excess watering, grittiness, and itchy eyes. This treatment gets to the root of the condition, rather than providing a temporary quick fix as with artificial tears. Depending on the underlying condition, IPL is just one of the many new technologies Dr. Faheem uses to treat dry eye disease.

Treatment started with a lid hygiene regimen to decrease swelling and help improve the function of the eyelids. Debbie followed up with a foam substance. “I have a little toothbrush for my eyelids to perfectly clean them every night to ensure no unwanted bacteria gets in. Dr. Faheem also taught me to drink half my body weight in water every day. When I don’t do that, I feel it in my eyes.”

“Over the last 27 years, I’ve seen a lot of doctors while seeking treatments for various eye issues. Dr. Faheem ranks at the very top of all of the doctors I’ve ever seen. His kindness shines through, and his office staff is amazing and attentive. It’s just been a great experience. I like doctors who really help people, and he definitely does. Go see him, and let him fix you.”

Dry Eye & Wellness Center is proud to be the only standalone dry eye clinic

Kennis Williams’ family has been nestled in Sugar Land for more than 75 years, making Sugar Land Town Square the perfect place to launch his BBQ and Blues restaurant. Serving traditional and non-traditional menu items, Williams Smokehouse also has live blues and R&B performers on Friday and Saturday nights.

“I don’t consider myself an ‘expert’ because I learn something new every day,” Kennis says. “But I have been cooking BBQ for at least 35 years, and those tried and true recipes are on my menu.

Cooking comes naturally to Kennis, whose mom was a cook at Colony Bend Elementary when he was a student there. “On my birthday, mom would bring homemade cinnamon rolls to my classroom to celebrate. My friends loved being in my class.”

“At Williams Smokehouse, we have a unique menu with lots of customer favorites,” Kennis says. “Our stuffed turkey legs are always crowd-

pleasers. We have one stuffed with dirty rice, shrimp, sausage, and drenched in an alfredo sauce, and another stuffed with our creamy mac and cheese. Another popular item is our brisket and cheese empanadas, while our ribs are the most popular traditional item on the menu. Our smoked armadillo eggs, which are only served on weekends (for now), are little

bundles of flavor – bacon and sausage wrapped around boudin and cheddar stuffed jalapenos, smoked to perfection. Our customers say they need to move to our daily menu.”

Kennis and his business partner of 27 years, Furrest Greenwood, first tried most of the menu items in their food truck, which they still run today. “After consulting on several concept restaurants, I saw myself in a BBQ food truck. But our following grew big and fast,” Kennis explains. “Then I became focused on a BBQ and blues restaurant, offering great music and great food. And we opened Williams Smokehouse BBQ & Blues in mid-March. The most rewarding part of this business is seeing people happy and hearing how satisfied they are with the food.”

by Alisha McMillen

“H

ow often do you use your mouth? To eat, drink, or speak? To smile?” asks Dr. Asha Patel of Smile Solutions. “Many patients often undervalue the importance of oral care and routine exams, which can result in oral cancer being overlooked.”

The American Cancer Society indicates more than 58,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer this year, with almost 12,000 deaths. “The death rate has decreased over the past 30 years, mainly due to general dentists taking an active approach to doing routine oral cancer evaluations,” explains Dr. Patel. “The decline can continue as long as patients are educated on the importance of coming in for routine visits.”

“A simple oral exam can lead to a diagnosis,” continues Dr. Patel. “I once had a new patient come in for a new patient exam stating that she had a sore on the side of her tongue that was not healing, and she noticed that it had gotten bigger over the course of two to three weeks. An immediate evaluation of the area showed a growth that was abnormal in size and color; the patient was sent immediately to a specialist for biopsy, and the results indicated that she had passed stage 3 and was entering stage 4 oral cancer. Due to the fact that it spread so quickly, immediate recourse was taken which included removing 75% of her tongue and undergoing aggressive chemo and radiation treatment that resulted in multiple teeth being affected and needing extraction. Despite the patient’s cancer being in advanced stages, the patient was grateful that she had come in for an evaluation of the area.”

New Carpet. New Pet. No Problems!

by Donna Reed

Amy Barta and her family couldn’t be happier with the service and new flooring provided by locally owned Lone Star Floors. “Mohamed Naser (one of the owners) was incredible,” says Amy. “He researched every carpet we were looking at, even getting samples from other stores when his store didn’t have it in stock. He was so warm and caring. Our two and fouryear-old kids were running around like crazy in the store. While we looked at samples, Mohamed had them measuring things with measuring tape. My daughters wanted to hug him every time they saw him!”

Lone Star Floors completed the Barta’s carpeting in one day. “And it was a lot of carpet!” says Amy. “A total of five rooms: four bedrooms, one upstairs gameroom, plus the stairs. They were an amazing crew. They started at 9am and were done by 4pm...just crazy fast!” After the carpet was installed, Amy decided to go ahead and replace the tile in her home as well. “The tile was also done in one day. There was minimal dust, and everything was super clean after installing tile in two full baths, one half bath and the laundry room.”

The origin of oral cancer, as with any cancer, can be multifactorial or even unknown. Studies show that tobacco and alcohol use can be contributing factors, as well as those individuals who are diagnosed with HPV. Certain strains of HPV have been shown to be correlated with different forms of oral cancer. If any individual is concerned with these factors, they should consult with their primary care provider for further testing and evaluation.

From a dental standpoint, at Smile Solutions, Dr. Patel takes the time to evaluate every patient’s gums and tongue to ensure there are no areas of concern. If such concerns do arise, she will take the necessary steps needed to ensure the patient is evaluated immediately. If you are overdue for a dental check-up, do not hesitate to give Smile Solutions a call and schedule your appointment today!

Smile Solutions

Dr. Asha Patel, DMD, FAGD

832-449-5442

7963 W. Grand Parkway S. Suite A, Richmond, TX 77407

The family is enjoying their new floors, and also a new addition to the family! “I belong to an animal rescue group, and only recently wanted to foster a dog. It went so well that I went from fostering her to adopting her in about five hours!” laughs Amy. Any worries about new carpeting and a new pet? “Our new pet Nori is more potty-trained than our twoyear-old! We’re not worried!”

Everything moves fast in the Barta home, from carpet installation to pet adoption. The fast

IIt’s official. Spring is here! New things are blooming, and change is all around us. Dr. Lance Campbell, founder of local Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy, says, “Our family has been serving Sugar Land since 2007…and much has changed since we opened. We have seen the area grow and welcome many new people and businesses. Sometimes change can be scary. Our pharmacy family has grown along with our community, and so much has changed over the years. However, change is necessary for progress to occur.”

This April will bring about another change for the Campbell family. Their oldest son, Cole Campbell, has decided to change his international eligibility to the United States from Iceland’s national soccer team. Cole currently plays in Germany for the professional club, Borussia Dortmund, and had previously represented his mother’s home country, Iceland. Cole decided to make the switch to the red, white and blue after they began pursuing him last year. He is honored to be chosen to represent the USA and is hopeful to wear the US jersey when the USA hosts the World Cup in 2026.

When asked why he decided to switch, Cole responded, “I was born in Houston and grew up playing soccer here in the Houston area. I started playing at Second Baptist Church and eventually for the Eclipse here in Sugar Land. Then my family moved to Atlanta where I played for Atlanta United Academy. Basically, I learned everything about the game here in the United States. My family moved to Dortmund when I was bought by BVB. To have their support means a lot to me. My family was again very supportive when I decided to play for the USA, and I am really looking forward to playing my first game against England.”

There have been many changes in the Campbell family over the years, but one thing has remained consistent. The importance of family! Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy has been serving the families of Sugar Land for 17 years. Their commitment to providing customized pharmaceutical care has remained unchanged…whether it be something as simple as removing an unwanted ingredient in your medication, or as complex as developing a medication that can bypass the stomach and be delivered through the skin. Whatever the challenge, Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy is up to the task!

Dr. Campbell says, “Our pharmacists and staff are here to make all of our customers feel like family. It has always been important to us that every patient feels welcome, and that we go the extra mile to help them. Customer service and patient happiness is really our primary goal, and that will NEVER CHANGE!”

BORN TO PLAY IN THE USA

Do yourself a favor and make a change this spring. Stop by Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy to see what their family can do for you. You might just be surprised with the positive impact Campbell’s can make in your health!

www.campbellscompounding.com

SKIN CANCER TREATMENT Without the Cut

by Alisha McMillen

Receiving a skin cancer diagnosis can be scary, especially when it’s on your face, ears, scalp, or another highly visible area you don’t want to scar.

“The Gentle Cure treatment (Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy or IGSRT) has a 99.3% success rate for non-Melanoma diagnoses in our offices,” says Pauline Lausser, BSRT(T), lead radiation therapist at Heights Dermatology–Rosenberg. “I love this treatment because it doesn’t require surgical intervention, so there are no surgical scars. After treatment, when you look in the mirror, your nose still looks like your nose, your face still looks like your face.”

Heights Dermatology has more than 20 locations across Texas. The Rosenberg location was the second office to use Gentle Cure. “We have a multidisciplinary team consisting of dermatologists and radiation oncologists who set protocols and determine the most effective treatment options. Gentle Cure is definitely a program that Heights Dermatology believes in for treatment of Basal Cell or Squamous Cell Carcinomas,” explains Pauline. “I see up to 15 patients a day for this treatment. That’s 15 people that I can help avoid getting cut and healing from a wound.”

The process requires 21 visits over a seven-week period. “It does require a time commitment from the patient, although most patients only spend about 10 minutes from the waiting room to checkout for each treatment,” explains Pauline.

“We realize the commitment does not fit everyone’s lifestyle, but we like to offer it as an option, in addition to more traditional treatments, like excision or MOHS surgery.”

Pauline has been a radiation therapist for 25 years and has never seen such a state-of-theart system before. “There are no needles in this room,” she says. “And our machine is so seamless –it does the calculations, completes the ultrasound and stores treatment and photos. It’s such a great machine. I’m so happy we have it right here in Rosenberg.”

Heights Dermatology–Rosenberg is a satellite location of the highly-esteemed Houston-area Heights Dermatology & Aesthetic Center. It is under the direction of board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Alpesh Desai. Appointments can be requested at www.heightsskin.com.

A Truck and A Dealership Here for The Long Haul

by Marie Page

The famous Classic slogan, “Relax, and enjoy the difference,” means everyone is treated like family. Tiffany and Jeff Sebastian bring this relaxed vibe to the Sugar Land/Houston area. Tiffany says, “We are so blessed to be part of the Classic family of dealers founded by the Texas Automobile Dealers Association’s 2023 Legends Award Winner.”

Texas is known as “Truck Country,” with Houston and Dallas leading the nation in pickup sales. Spring is the time for a truck, and Classic Elite Chevy Sugar Land, Classic Elite Chevy, and Classic Elite Buick, GMC are your local Texas truck specialists. They are here for the long haul and invite you to come by to visit with one of their many truck experts.

Jeff says, “Our lineup of trucks combines legendary strength and reliability with cutting-edge

technology…providing everything you’ve come to expect from a pickup truck. The Silverado Texas Edition, based on the LT trim, embodies the rugged spirit of the region while maintaining the truck’s fundamental qualities. This vehicle’s original workman purpose isn’t actually only for cowboys, roughnecks, or ranch hands…it’s also for lawyers, accountants, and bankers. Just look at our highways, byways, farm roads, city streets and parking garages. Here in “Truck Country,” they’re full of drivers who need versatility to haul bikes, trailers, boats, and more.”

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali is a fullsize pickup truck also known for its luxurious interior and powerful performance. Powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, this engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth shifting and quick

acceleration. The Denali also comes with a four-wheel drive system that provides excellent traction in all conditions.

Tiffany says, “The Denali comes standard with a variety of features that make it a comfortable and convenient place to work. These features include heated and cooled leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and a Bose audio system. It also comes with a large touchscreen infotainment system that is easy to use and provides access to a variety of features, including navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.”

Our local Classic Elite family of dealerships are NOT your typical dealerships. Whether you need your truck to haul your boat for your next fishing trip, or you need it to get you to work on time, the Classic Elite family of dealerships are here for the long haul!

Pictured here hauling an El Pescador 25’ Patron boat is one of our many capable trucks…the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali.

Backed Up Plumbing?

You May Need Tunneling

by Alisha McMillen

“The first symptoms of a pipe blockage under your home are clogs. Nothing is flushing…toilets, sinks, or the clothes washer are backing up,” says Master Plumber Luke Burkhalter of Alan’s Plumbing. “Our first step is to try to clear the clog with a long snake. If further attention is needed, we have specialized cameras to inspect the pipes and determine exactly where breaks have occurred.”

Luke has worked with his father, Alan, namesake and founder of well-respected Alan’s Plumbing, for 12 years. “With a sewer stoppage under the house, you may also see foundation movements,” continues Luke. “In Fort Bend County, many homes are 35 to 60 years old. This age of homes is notorious for foundation shifts, and when your foundation shifts, your plumbing moves with it, often resulting in pipe breakage.”

For big jobs like broken pipes under the home due to these foundation shifts or invading roots, Alan’s Plumbing may recommend a repair using tunneling. “Tunnels are all done outside the home, avoiding the need

to break holes through the slab to repair the problems from within the home. We first use our camera to pinpoint the location of the break, and then complete the tunnel work itself,” explains Luke.

“Don’t wait for the pipe to break. We recommend a full camera inspection before you start seeing symptoms. If tunneling is needed, we send the camera deep under your home to inspect the lines both upstream and downstream. Then we dig a tunnel to access the specific point in the pipe that needs repair. Pipes are supported with the slab instead of dirt because shifting dirt loses integrity. This helps ensure the strength and longevity of the repair.”

For nearly 30 years, Alan’s Plumbing has been the go-to, honest, licensed plumbing company here in Fort Bend. Back in the beginning, the team consisted of only Alan and his wife Jennifer. Jennifer answered the calls, and Alan provided service for those calls. Today, Alan’s brother Chris works alongside Alan’s two oldest sons, Beau and Luke, while their youngest son, Jake, does plumbing sales in

Houston. This dynamic team includes longtime plumbers Jaime, Christian, Anthony, and brothers Nick and Noah. Jennifer runs the back office and longtime family friend Katie and new team member Katy are the voices behind the phones.

“Homeowners should be aware that Sugar Land and many surrounding areas require city permits and inspections,” adds Luke. “It is important to use a licensed plumber that will pull the permit and follow the city’s requirements. At Alan’s Plumbing, we ensure that your project is completed successfully in a timely manner, while following all of the required rules.”

Next Stop...

SPRING

Treat Your with No Wait

Emergencies

by Alisha McMillen

As Medical Director at St. Michael’s Elite Hospital, Dr. Karen Richardson, MD has seen a little bit of everything, with springtime bringing on its own unique issues. “Physical activity increases in springtime. People are outside more, riding bikes, four-wheeling, swimming, and participating in other nice-weather activities,” she says. “We see more injuries in spring, like broken bones and lacerations. Our Emergency Room (ER) is the ideal place to come to treat these types of things. We are a hospital-based ER providing top-quality care, but without the wait.”

Most St. Michael’s patients are seen by a physician within 10 minutes of their arrival. The hospital has all of the equipment required to diagnose issues – 24/7 X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds, as well as cardiac echocardiograms – and is able to provide timely and personalized attention for every patient. Board-certified radiologists quickly read the scans for the doctors to make quick diagnoses.

“Spring also brings interesting allergy-related issues… reactions to airborne environmental contributors such as pollen and trees, insect bites or something ingested,” says Dr. Richardson. “In recent years, we’re seeing an uptick in allergic reactions. Most allergies and insect

bites can be treated at home. But if someone is having a serious response, such as a severe skin rash, trouble breathing, wheezing, or feeling weak and dizzy, they should come in for appropriate treatment.”

“We are patient-centered at St. Michael’s Elite Hospital. Our patient satisfaction scores surpass those of other local hospitals. We scored above 93% satisfaction among our patients,” Dr. Richardson explains. “We reach out to 100% of our patients after their visits because we want to know if they aren’t improving. Maybe they need a different treatment or a change in antibiotics, which is easy to do with our quick and efficient electronic prescribing program. Most of the time, patients aren’t required to come into the ER for a second assessment, we’re able to handle it with our follow-up call.”

Dr. Richardson alone has 23 years of experience working in an ER environment. Combined with the experience of her fellow 11 ER physicians, they have more than 170 total years of experience. “All of our ER physicians are board-certified,” she says. “We even have a dedicated Board-Certified Internal Medicine Hospitalist, Dr. Vijay Korimilli. Dr. Korimilli admits patients who require additional care in our hospital setting. And all of our nurses are RNs that are ACLS

281-980-HELP

Certified and PALs Certified.”

The hospital can also tap into their extensive network of resources that includes specialists in the community. “We are able to contact a specialist to have them quickly consult on specialized cases,” explains Dr. Richardson. “We’re all ears here. At St. Michael’s Elite Hospital, everyone is special.”

St. Michael’s Elite Hospital

16000 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479

281-980-HELP(4357)

www.24hrer.com

St. Michael’s is a CIHQ Certified Hospital that accepts Medicare and bills all insurances. Your insurance MUST pay in-network benefits at the ER of YOUR CHOICE whether the emergency room you choose is “in-network” or “out-of-network.”

Happy Kids Make For Happy Patients.

by Marie Page

Do you put the “pro” in procrastinate? Don’t feel bad—a lot of people do. And we’re especially good at putting off chores and errands we dread doing, like rounding up the kids, wrangling them into the car, and taking them to an appointment. Unless, of course, your kids’ dentist happens to be Dr. Faisal M. Khan, DDS, of Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental. Because the minute you say those exact words, as if by magic, all children stampede toward the car. How, you ask, is this possible?

“We go out of our way to make sure visiting the dentist is fun,” says Dr. Khan, whose own three kids constantly remind him of what “fun” actually looks like. “As a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist and Diplomat of Pediatric Dentistry, I’ve had two years of specialized study in child psychology. That’s why we work so hard to make your child’s experience of seeing a dentist as stress-free as possible. Happy kids make for happy patients. And it’s a lot easier to look inside a mouth that’s smiling than a mouth that’s yelling.”

In the spirit of kid-worthy fun (and who knows more about fun than your kids do?) the first thing you’ll see when you walk into Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental is a floor-to-ceiling undersea mural. Exam tables are never institutional or scary. Instead, they’re orange-and-white surfboards. Teeth cleanings happen beneath ceilingmounted TV screens and dental procedures are done in the “Turtle Hut” and “Dolphin Cove.” Toys and games are everywhere and no opportunity is overlooked to employ a delightful bit of kid-approved fun.

“An incredible amount of progress has been made in pediatric dentistry,” says Dr. Khan. “Not just in terms of silent drills and painless procedures, but the psychological component of making your kids feel relaxed and happy. And that means parents are happy too.”

Come see us! Your whole family will leave here with a smile.”

The Dreamers, the Doers, and the Entrepreneurs

by Alisha McMillen

talk a lot about our special culture at Keller Williams Southwest (KWSW),” says Productivity Coach Israel Flores. “It’s a culture of education/training, support, planning, and most importantly, a family environment.”

All of these come into play with KWSW’s Productivity Coaching (PC) Program, designed to get foundation-building agents up and running quickly and focusing on increasing new transactions. “It’s a unique program within our office. We always have a go-to person to help. The program helps us retain our agents because we give them tools to teach them how to be successful business owners,” says Israel.

The PC Program provides:

1. Education and training – laying the foundation for day-to-day success when dealing with sellers, buyers and contracts

2. Supporting guidance – providing a mentor to guide agents throughout the entire process

3. Business planning – teaching agents how to set attainable goals and grow their business

Designed for new, existing, and even dual-career agents, the PC Program offers something for everyone. Israel says, “We offer group coaching, in person and over

Zoom, and one-on-one meetings that occur weekly or bi-weekly. Weekend and weeknight workshops are available to everyone, but are especially helpful for dualcareer agents who may have a full-time job elsewhere. We also offer resources for agents with limited budgets – in-house items, like Canva Pro, marketing kits and lead generation tools.”

Verna Koleosho, KWSW’s Assistant Team Leader for Growth & Development, started as a dual-career agent, and says more agents are going this route. “We give them tools, technology, in-house marketing and support from a transaction coordinator…providing an accessible support system through the transaction and beyond. We help them reduce expenses and time, and increase potential income. A big challenge for agents is being able to withstand the pressure of the industry. Agents must have a business and growth mindset and must be able to have a business conversation. And, of course, the glue that holds everything together is a family vibe. KWSW’s culture is a huge differentiator between us and other brokerages.”

Verna helps recruit agents into the office. “We mirror and match new agents’ individual needs,” she says. “Even in a tricky market, there are many opportunities for those with good business skills. We recognize that for some agents, they don’t have an expense problem–most new agents have similar expenses...they have a revenue problem. We give them the tools to take action and fix that!”

Keller Williams Southwest continues to be the leader in real estate services in Fort Bend and surrounding counties since 1991. We operate on the premise that if a company focuses all its resources on its agents and building their businesses, the agents, in turn, will build the company beyond all expectations. KWSW is home to more than 500 agents. Find out more about joining our office by visiting KWSW.com/careers.

The “Berry” Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree FAMILY LAW

by Alisha McMillen

“Ithought I was on a different track, but as it turns out, I have a similar career as my mom!” says Courtney Berry, the newest associate attorney with local Bastine Law Group. “My mom was an amazing social worker in Chicago and then North Carolina. When I was young, I would go to court with her… I met judges and attorneys, sometimes even going into judge’s chambers with her. It just stuck with me.”

Courtney has been practicing family law since 2015 with a quick one-year stint on a different career path. She quickly realized that path wasn’t hers. In March, Courtney jumped back into what she now knows is her passion: family law with a family-friendly firm. “I was just married in October 2023, so I began looking for work/life balance in my career. I always wanted a career where I could help

people. But I feel strongly about this aspect: how could I help other families if I’m not taking care of my own family? It’s like the rules on an airplane. You have to put your oxygen mask on first, before you can help others.”

She enjoys making a difference for others by handling divorces, custody cases, and protective orders by day, while still clocking out early enough to make dinner and spend time with her husband. “At other firms, on good nights, I’d be home at 8pm, and on bad nights, not until after midnight.”

After receiving her undergraduate degree at Howard University in Washington, D.C., Courtney never thought she’d leave that area. “I had every intention of staying there for law school. But then I found Texas Southern University in Houston. My now-husband, who

I met at Howard, joined me in Houston…and the rest is history.”

With over 25 years experience in family law litigation, local Bastine Law Group is committed to helping you navigate legal matters both big and small. Schedule your consultation today.

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Back Door Transformation

by Alisha McMillen

Will Make the Neighbors Green with Envy This Summer

How do you make a beautiful home even more beautiful and welcoming? Just ask The Re-Modelista, Teri Gilberg, who recently added beauty and value to this Sugar Land-area home by installing a modern sliding glass door. It’s not just a regular sliding glass door though. “This awesome door brings the view inside. It’s a work of art,” says Teri.

“This home has an amazing backyard with a gorgeous pool and view of the lake beyond,” continues Teri. “We installed a new accordion-type door that opens up the entire area so the family can enjoy their backyard even more. The collapsible doors give the home a real summer look, something that the neighbors will be envious of. The goal was to open up the back of the house with modern doors, and we achieved that and more by maximizing the view using custom slide and stack glass doors made in Texas.”

These glass doors offer flexible panels that can be arranged in multiple positions, depending on the occasion. Slim panel frames ensure the amazing view is clear, even when the doors are closed. But when the doors are open? Wow! Teri says. “With a barely-noticeable thin floor track and easy slide doors that anyone can operate, the doors add a unique and upscale feature in this already-beautiful home. They are energy efficient with tempered safety glass and multiple locking options, making them a flexible choice for any home.”

Another striking addition in the main living area that overlooks the beautiful backyard: deep stained, modern wood accent pieces that provide a gorgeous framework to the already impressive space. “The accent wood gives the

room a contemporary style,” explains Teri. “The bold custom wood accents also upgrade the fireplace to a more modern style. When it comes to custom accents, the possibilities are truly endless. Custom accents will increase the value and overall beauty of your home. If you’re not sure where to start, I suggest taking advantage of the free three hours of professional design services that I include complimentary on every project. Our designer will come up with ideas you’re sure to love!”

Does your home take your (and your neighbors’) breath away? Contact Teri and become the envy of the neighborhood.

Did you know?

The Re-Modelista provides three hours of design services by a professional designer on every project at no charge!

Whether you’re struggling with design, or you have a great idea that you’re just not sure how to complete, complimentary design services will bring your remodel to life in a way you're sure to love

Expertise Matters When You

Need BACK AND NECK CARE

Specialists Serving Fort Bend County and Surrounding Areas

If you suffer from back and neck pain, you have options when it comes to treatment. At Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land, we offer comprehensive spine care ranging from nonsurgical and minimally invasive options to highly complex spine surgery. Whether you are experiencing everyday discomfort or severe pain from a significant condition or injury, our spine specialists provide advanced, personalized care — so you can get back to your active life.

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To schedule an appointment, scan the QR code, visit houstonmethodist.org/neuro-sl or call 281.205.4662.