Spend enough time around people building something of their own, and you start to notice a pattern. It rarely happens all at once. It’s built in early mornings, late nights, and quiet decisions to keep going when things feel uncertain. That kind of persistence is on full display in this issue.
Our Women in Business edition is a celebration of the women shaping Butte County—not just through what they do, but how they do it. These are leaders who show up for their clients, their teams, and their community with intention. Their paths are different, but they share a common thread: a willingness to take ownership of their work and create something meaningful from it.
As you move through these pages, you’ll find stories rooted in care, innovation, and connection. Whether it’s helping someone feel confident in their skin, guiding a major life decision, or advancing healthcare in our region, the impact is real and lasting. These businesses aren’t just operating— they’re building trust, strengthening relationships, and contributing to something bigger than themselves.
That’s especially evident in this month’s cover story featuring Healthy Rural California. The women leading this organization are doing critical work to expand access to care across our region, creating pathways for the next generation of medical professionals while addressing real gaps in our healthcare system. Their commitment goes beyond programs and initiatives—it’s about building a healthier, more resilient Butte County. What they’re doing matters, and the ripple effect of that work will be felt for years to come.
On a personal note, this issue carries an especially significant meaning for me.
My mom, Effie Khaki, has been my guiding light and my biggest supporter. Growing up, I had the opportunity to watch her build her business over time through consistency, care, and an unwavering commitment to her clients. I saw the pride she took in doing things the right way and the relationships she built while doing it. That example has shaped how I approach my own work, and I strive to someday meet the bar she set. Her encouragement has meant more to me than I could ever fully put into words.
To every woman featured in this issue—and to so many others building, leading, and showing up every day— thank you. Your work makes a difference, your presence strengthens this community, and your stories deserve to be told. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to do just that.
Aveed Khaki Owner/Publisher
AVEED KHAKI Owner/Publisher
JASON CORONA Sales Director
MICHAELA GULBRANSEN Writer and Account Executive
SHELLY BRANDON Writer
MELANIE WALSH PHOTOGRAPHY Cover Story Photographer
UPGRADED LIVING CONTRIBUTORS
DOUG LOVE Real Estate
JANAE FRUTOS Mother's Day
JILLIAN LAIRD Mother's Day
JARED KRAMER Mother's Day
DOLORES MITCHELL Art COURTNEY WERBLOW Mother's Day
KERRI RHYNE Mother's Day
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Supporting our community's women in business starts with intentional choices. Seek them out, learn their stories, and make a conscious effort to support their work—whether that means shopping local, booking their services, or recommending them to others. Visibility matters, so engage with their content, share their successes, and celebrate their milestones. Beyond that, show up. Attend events, connect in meaningful ways, and create opportunities for collaboration rather than competition. When we invest in women-led businesses, we’re investing in stronger families, a more vibrant local economy, and a community that values innovation, resilience, and leadership. Small, consistent actions add up—and collectively, they create lasting impact.
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Yasmin Hauenstein brings advanced clinical trials to Chico.
Elyse Andrews improves patient care through innovation and leadership.
Rejuvené's specialists provide skincare, treatments, and patientfocused expertise.
Anastacia Snyder leads Catalyst in supporting survivors and healing.
Denise Bjorn leads Fidelity National Title with care and expertise.
Jamie Withrow elevates resale fashion at Labelz Upscale Boutique.
Barbara Hanna expands home healthcare services across the Northstate.
Chico Art Festival turns a staycation into art, music, and joy.
Christina Burton grows Positive-I with heart, movement, and vision.
Kim Jones helps shape Butte College through leadership and grit.
Dezra Kemp helps families feel at home at Westmont of Chico.
Effie Khaki builds lasting relationships through care, trust, and communication.
Sherry Calbert turns her favorite pastime into a booming business.
Melissa Schuster pours passion into Burnt Barn Distilling Company.
North State Ballet develops dancers with confidence, discipline, and heart.
Butte Home Health & Hospice delivers compassionate care where home matters.
Culligan of Chico proves service still feels best when it's personal and focused on the family.
Dr. Loeta Robles looks beyond teeth to patients’ deeper health.
Amber Schneider and Julie Castellano built a sisterhood in aesthetics.
Shannon Sivadon and Erica Metzen grow acorns into thoughtful oaks.
Leann Powell builds The Peddler’s Closet with heart and hustle.
Drea Job guides businesses forward with practical, personalized consulting.
Mariah Atkin redefines beauty through wellness, insight, and innovation.
Chef Belle Sarmento shines as Chico’s rising culinary prodigy.
JayaMae Kaur helps riders find healing, growth, and home.
Dana and Tara Campbell help families plan with purpose.
Jodi Drysdale makes every CES event tell a story.
COVER STORY
Healthy Rural California empowers future providers, expands rural healthcare access, and builds lasting pathways to strengthen care across the Northstate.
Bringing
the Future of Eye Care to Chico
For Yasmin Hauenstein, healthcare has never been just a profession—it’s been a calling grounded in helping people reclaim their lives. From her early days studying physical therapy to her current role leading clinical trials at North Valley Eye Care, her journey has been defined by adaptability, resilience, and a deep belief in what’s possible when care and innovation come together.
Born in Puerto Rico and raised on the mainland, Yasmin built her foundation in Miami, where she pursued a career in physical therapy. Even in college, she knew healthcare was where she belonged. “I saw that in physical therapy, you could really work with patients to get them functional and back to life,” she says. “It felt like my calling, and I absolutely loved it.” That passion led her to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where she spent 12 years working closely with patients and eventually serving as
director of the rehabilitation department.
Life shifted in an unexpected—but welcome—direction when she met her husband, Jim. His career brought them to Chico in 2009, where he joined Enloe Medical Center. Yasmin soon connected with Dr. Barthelow and joined North Valley Eye Care, eventually becoming its director of surgery coordination, a role she held for five years.
During those years, Yasmin became deeply rooted in the community, building lasting relationships with patients and colleagues. After the devastation of the Camp Fire, she and her family relocated out of California. But the connection to Chico—and to the work she loved—never faded. When the opportunity arose to return in 2023, it felt like coming home.
“I truly believe in Dr. Barthelow’s vision and his deep love for patient care,”
Yasmin says. “His fearlessness to elevate and improve the quality of care is inspiring. When he shared his plans to offer something new and different for the community, I was excited to be part of it.”
That opportunity came in the form of the practice’s clinical trials program—an entirely new department Yasmin and the NVEC team have been building from scratch. As director of clinical trials, she is helping bring structured research studies to the region, giving patients access to emerging treatments and technologies, often long before they become widely available.
“This work allows us to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new treatments while offering patients opportunities they might not otherwise have access to,” she explains. “It’s about contributing to science, but it’s also about giving our community access to cuttingedge care.”
Clinical trials require careful oversight, patient screening, and strict adherence to privacy and safety protocols. Yasmin works closely with physicians and staff to identify eligible participants, guide them through the process, and ensure every patient feels informed and supported.
“I bring a commitment to building this program the right way,” she says. “It’s not easy starting from scratch, but we’re making progress—and that’s what matters.”
For Yasmin, the most rewarding part of her work hasn’t changed. It’s still about people.
“What I enjoy most is the direct interaction with patients and collaborating with such a knowledgeable, professional team,” she says. “There’s something special about helping patients understand they’re part of something bigger—that what they’re doing could help their family, their friends, and the community.”
To learn more about current and upcoming clinical trials and studies, visit www.NorthValleyEyeCare.com to explore opportunities and see how you can be part of advancing the future of eye care.
Building Better Care, One System at a Time
There’s something powerful about finding your path early—and even more powerful about choosing to come back to it. For Elyse Andrews, what began as a high school curiosity has grown into a career rooted in connection, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to patient care.
Born and raised in Chico, Elyse was still in high school when she first came across information about optometry and ophthalmology. She didn’t fully understand what an ophthalmologist did at the time, but having grown up wearing glasses and contacts, the work felt familiar. Encouraged by her parents to pursue a trade that could support her throughout her life, she began sending out applications. At just 17 years old, she was hired part-time by Dr. Stabel in 2005—an opportunity that would quietly shape the trajectory of her life.
What started as an entry-level role quickly evolved. After graduating from high
school, Elyse transitioned into full-time work, learning every layer of the practice. She moved from technician to scribe, eventually becoming the primary surgery coordinator. Along the way, something clicked. This wasn’t just a job—it was a field she genuinely loved.
Life took her in a new direction in 2011 when she married and moved to Kansas, where she continued working in ophthalmology at two different practices. But after a few years, she felt a pull to step outside of routine. Having previously traveled to Africa, she and her husband made the bold decision to return— spending seven months immersed in a completely different pace of life. It was there, in the quiet space away from her profession, that clarity arrived. She missed the work, the patients, and the purpose.
In 2016, Elyse returned to Chico and joined North Valley Eye Care (NVEC) as
a technician, starting fresh in what was then a much smaller operation. From the beginning, she was drawn to the practice’s forward-thinking approach.
“One of the things that attracted me to NVEC is that they really planned for the future,” she explains. “I interviewed at a few offices before being hired at NVEC, and I wanted to be somewhere that was advancing; NVEC definitely was.”
Her growth within the organization was both steady and significant. In 2017, when Dr. Barthelow’s longtime scribe retired, Elyse stepped into the role. It placed her at the center of clinical operations and gave her a front-row seat to his vision for the practice, commitment to innovation, and patient-centered care strategy. Over time, she became a trusted collaborator— helping translate big ideas into daily execution.
Recognizing a need for structure, Elyse helped build the practice’s scribe program. What began with just two scribes has grown into a team of 16, complete with training systems and clear protocols she helped develop.
Today, as director of clinical operations, Elyse plays a vital role in shaping the patient experience. From managing inventory and refining workflows to implementing new technologies and improving clinic systems, her work touches nearly every corner of the organization.
“In my position, I spend a lot of time looking at current processes and trying to find improvements,” she says. “I’m really motivated to reduce patient wait times and make the experience even better. It’s wonderful as it is, but I’m always asking how we can do more for our patients and support our doctors at an even higher level.”
Through it all, her purpose remains simple and clear. “My goal is to make each and every patient feel like a human, not just a number,” Elyse says. “That is one of my top priorities.”
If you have experienced changes in your vision, call North Valley Eye Care today at (530) 891-1900.
Originally from Willows, Megan began her career as a certified nursing assistant and completed Butte College’s EMT and RN programs, graduating in 2008. Driven by a passion for helping others, she worked full-time in a hospital before joining Rejuvené part-time, eventually transitioning into a full-time role in aesthetics. Since joining Rejuvené 13 years ago, she has attended advanced laser and aesthetic conferences to ensure patients receive the most upto-date treatments. Megan provides all laser services, along with Botox®, and especially enjoys performing Halo® treatments for their customizable, results-driven approach. She is committed to making every patient feel cared for from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. Building long-term relationships is one of her favorite parts of the job, and she takes pride in earning her patients’ trust.
Mallory Taylor, RN Aesthetic Laser Specialist
Mallory Taylor didn’t expect to find her calling in cosmetic nursing—but 12 years later, it’s clear she found exactly where she belongs. A registered nurse who began her career in a hospital setting, Mallory made the leap to Rejuvené with some uncertainty, unsure if she would feel the same sense of purpose. It didn’t take long to realize that helping people feel confident in their own skin is just as meaningful. From treating rosacea and acne scars to administering advanced laser services and Botox, Mallory’s work is rooted in both skill and sincerity. She’s known for her honesty, prioritizing what’s truly best for each patient while setting realistic expectations. For Mallory, the reward is simple: seeing someone return, glowing with confidence, and knowing she played a part in that transformation.
Chelsea West, BSN Aesthetic Laser Specialist
Chelsea West has always been drawn to the intersection of health, wellness, and human connection. A registered nurse with a BSN, she found early on that nursing offered the versatility she was looking for—a career rooted in service, with room to grow and evolve. At Rejuvené, Chelsea blends advanced aesthetic skill with a thoughtful, holistic approach. From laser resurfacing and hair removal to cosmetic injectables, her work is as much about listening as it is about technique. With a background in ER nursing and training in yoga and mindfulness, she brings a calming, whole-body perspective to every treatment plan. Chelsea’s favorite part of the work is the relationship-building—helping patients feel seen, supported, and confident in their skin. For her, the goal is simple: to help each person look and feel like their best.
Brianna Wakefield, BSN Aesthetic Laser Specialist
After graduating from California State University, Chico, Brianna Wakefield stepped into a role as a medical assistant in dermatology and quickly found her calling. That experience inspired her to pursue her BSN and ultimately become an aesthetic registered nurse. At Rejuvené, Brianna specializes in a range of advanced laser treatments alongside Botox, her personal favorite for its ability to deliver refreshed, natural-looking results with minimal downtime. Her approach is grounded in both skill and perspective, shaped by her journey through nearly every role within the practice—from front desk to provider. That well-rounded experience shows in her care. Brianna prioritizes honesty, education, and subtle, confidence-boosting outcomes that leave patients feeling like the best version of themselves.
Talya Tuohy Lead Aesthetician
Talya Tuohy didn’t set out to work in healthcare—but she always knew she belonged in the beauty industry. When she discovered esthetics as a career path, she leaned in fully, building a role that blends artistry, connection, and results-driven care. As lead aesthetician at Rejuvené, Talya specializes in HydraFacials, chemical peels, and customized facial treatments designed to meet each patient’s unique skin goals. Her approach is rooted in connection, taking time to understand not just what patients want, but how they want to feel in their skin. What sets Talya apart is her ability to bridge two worlds: delivering a high-end spa experience within a clinical, results-focused environment. She’s passionate about elevating both, continuing to grow the med spa offering while ensuring every patient leaves feeling cared for and renewed.
Mikenna Lavy Esthetician
For Mikenna Lavy, skincare is art—just expressed on a different canvas. Growing up with a love for drawing and painting, she was drawn to makeup as a creative outlet, fascinated by its ability to transform both appearance and confidence. But it was during her esthetics training that her perspective shifted. At Rejuvené, Mikenna offers HydraFacials, European facials, acne treatments, and brow services, blending technique with intention. Her philosophy is rooted in helping patients see their skin not as something to hide, but as something to care for and appreciate. What drives her most is the transformation she witnesses—when someone walks in feeling depleted and leaves refreshed, confident, and at ease. For Mikenna, it’s about more than results; it’s about helping people feel at home in their own skin.
Heather Goodman Patient Care Coordinator, Licensed Esthetician and Licensed Cosmetologist
Heather Goodman brings a rare blend of clinical knowledge and personal connection to her role at Rejuvené. As a patient care coordinator, licensed esthetician, and licensed cosmetologist, she draws on more than 15 years of experience to guide patients through results-driven treatments with clarity and care. Heather’s path into medical aesthetics grew from a natural desire to help people feel better about themselves. Today, she specializes in CoolSculpting and laser consultations, combining technical expertise with a deeply personalized approach. She takes pride in educating patients, ensuring they feel confident not just in their treatment plans, but in their understanding of their skin. For Heather, the most rewarding part of the work is watching confidence grow. As she continues her journey toward nursing, she remains focused on expanding her impact—both clinically and personally—within the Rejuvené community.
Amber Fox
Skin Care Boutique Manager
Amber Fox has built her career at the intersection of beauty, education, and leadership. Originally drawn to cosmetology, she refined her craft in salons and with MAC Cosmetics before discovering a deeper passion for teaching and client connection. That path ultimately led her to Rejuvené, where she’s spent more than 13 years helping shape the patient experience. As Rejuvené's skin care boutique manager, Amber specializes in personalized skincare guidance, pairing medical-grade products with each patient’s unique needs. Her approach is rooted in education, ensuring patients not only see results but understand how to maintain them. What sets Amber apart is her ability to blend product expertise with leadership, elevating both her team and the boutique experience.
Tifini Harris
Cosmetic Concierge
Tifini Harris is part of the front office team at Rejuvené, where she helps create a welcoming and organized experience for every patient. As a cosmetic concierge, she supports scheduling, patient communication, and day-to-day operations, ensuring each visit runs smoothly from start to finish. Raised in Hamilton City, Tifini brings a strong sense of community, structure, and care into her work. After serving in the Navy Reserves as a master-at-arms, she transitioned into healthcare, becoming a certified medical assistant and discovering her passion for patient care. Tifini enjoys being part of a team that helps patients feel confident and cared for, and she takes pride in contributing to a positive, supportive environment at Rejuvené.
Carmela Morales Cosmetic Concierge
Carmela Morales understands that first impressions matter—and she approaches each one with care. As the front desk concierge at Rejuvené, she’s often the first point of connection, creating a welcoming, supportive experience for every patient who walks through the door. Originally from Hollister, Carmela found her way to Chico and, over time, into a role where her natural empathy could shine. While she didn’t always have a defined path into healthcare, she always knew she wanted to help people feel seen and at ease. Fluent in Spanish, Carmela brings an added layer of connection for the community she serves. For her, it’s the small moments that matter most— watching someone arrive unsure and leave feeling wonderful.
Jennifer Thomson Practice Manager
Jennifer Thomson’s path to healthcare wasn’t planned—but it’s where her leadership naturally took shape. With a background in bookkeeping and office management, she first joined Rejuvené behind the scenes, bringing structure and financial expertise to the growing practice. Today, as Rejuvené's practice manager, Jennifer plays a central role in guiding both the team and the patient experience. Her strength lies in people—building a supportive, high-functioning environment where a talented staff can thrive. Paired with her operational and financial insight, she helps ensure the practice runs smoothly while maintaining a strong foundation for growth. For Jennifer, the most rewarding part of her work is the team itself. She takes pride in fostering a culture that prioritizes collaboration, consistency, and exceptional care, all with the shared goal of delivering the best possible experience for every patient.
Sophie Purser
Marketing Coordinator
Sophie Purser sits at the intersection of creativity and strategy, shaping how Rejuvené connects with its community. A Chico native, she returned after attending Colorado State University with a clear interest in storytelling, branding, and the evolving world of medical aesthetics. As Rejuvené's marketing coordinator, Sophie leads the practice’s voice across social media, digital campaigns, and print, ensuring every touchpoint reflects both education and an elevated patient experience. From event planning to content creation, her work blends creativity with intention, helping patients better understand the services available to them. What sets Sophie apart is her ability to translate trends into meaningful connection. With a background in journalism and media communications, she brings clarity, perspective, and a fresh lens to every campaign—keeping Rejuvené both relevant and thoughtfully aligned with the patients it serves.
Tee Time is
Golf Week magazine named The Links at Rolling Hills Casino and Resort as “Best Casino Golf Course” for many reasons. Our unique and scenic linksland course provides a fun challenge for every level of golfer. Don’t have time for a full round of golf? Sharpen your game at our all-natural turf driving range and short game practice facility. Drop by the Golf Shop and meet our friendly pros. Then unwind with a cold drink from our full bar or stay for a delicious lunch overlooking the course. Ready for some “me time?” Then you’re ready for The Links. Call The Links now to book your tee time: 530-528-4600
Kylie Jungling
Danielle Vogel | DK Web Design
Danielle Vogel has proudly called Chico home since she was a young girl. With two degrees in her field and over 15 years of experience, she launched DK Web Design in 2012 with a simple goal: to help businesses thrive online. Her team loves partnering with businesses of all sizes to deliver custom web design, SEO, and social media management services tailored to their unique goals. Beyond DK, Danielle serves as a director for BNI, where she helps manage two regions with over 600 members. She genuinely enjoys supporting business owners and fostering meaningful connections, a passion that carries into her work every day. Giving back has always been part of their business model. DK Web Design donates websites and other marketing services to nonprofit organizations to support the Chico community they love. Visit their website to learn more and schedule a free strategy session.
DKWebDesignChico
DKWebDesign
www.DKWebDesign.com
Sultry Silhouette Boutique & Studios
3209 Esplanade #130, Chico
(530) 809-4989
Mon-Fri 10am-5pm
Kylie Jungling is the brilliant photographer, artist, and owner behind Sultry Silhouette Boutique & Studios, where confidence, style, and self-love come alive. Nestled in the Almond Orchard Shopping Center, her studio and boutique are chic and welcoming, where intimate boudoir and lifestyle photography capture the real, unapologetic you. Kylie’s vibrant, goofy personality puts clients at ease, turning every session into a fun, memorable experience. Sultry Silhouette enhances every shoot with curated outfit selections, personalized bra fittings, size-inclusive lingerie collections, hair and makeup, exclusive boutique discounts, and online shopping, making it easy for clients to feel confident and radiant. No two sessions are ever alike, and Kylie’s love for her community shines through workshops, pop-ups, and events that uplift and connect women across Butte County. Whether it’s your first shoot or your fifth, Kylie makes every moment playful, empowering, and unforgettable, leaving you laughing, glowing, and falling in love with yourself all over again.
Tues: By appointment, Wed-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat 12pm-4pm
The Simplicity of Wellness
Amy White is the compassionate founder of Simplicity of Wellness, where holistic nutrition and lifestyle coaching help people take control of their health and wellness. Specializing in guiding women 40+ to reset metabolism, the program helps regulate hunger and achieve sustainable weight loss, proving that even through menopause, you can regain control. Amy’s deep empathy comes from her own journey: when conventional answers fell short for her daughter, and when she ran out of books to read, she went back to school to learn everything she could. Adventurous and dedicated, Amy has hiked Mount Everest Base Camp and brings the same determination to helping clients transform their health. She enjoys traveling, kayaking, and weightlifting. Her Hangry to Healthy™ program focuses on the “weight loss trifecta”: a healthier body, a balanced mind, and lasting habits. Doctors regularly refer clients to her, and her mission is to help you feel confident and energized. Visit her website to book a consultation today.
Amy White
Holding space for healing
For Anastacia Snyder, the path to leading Catalyst Domestic Violence Services did not begin with a plan to run a nonprofit or work on the front lines of crisis response. It began in a classroom.
Raised in Pleasanton, California, Anastacia attended St. Mary’s College before coming to Chico for graduate school, where she studied English with dreams of teaching the great works of Jane Austen. She taught briefly in the English department, including remedial writing courses for students who hadn’t passed their initial English requirement. It was there—reading student responses to writing prompts—that her trajectory quietly shifted.
Many of those essays weren’t about grammar or structure. They were about survival. One student wrote about living in a corrugated-metal shed on a farm as part of a migrant-worker family. Another described crossing the Mekong River. Again and again, students shared stories
of instability, trauma, and displacement. Anastacia realized that while she loved literature, she wanted to do more than grade papers—she wanted to help change outcomes. She applied to several organizations, including Catalyst, but didn’t get the job.
Instead of closing the door, Catalyst saw potential. When she received the call explaining she hadn’t been selected, she was also told that a future opportunity might exist—one focused on education, prevention, and outreach. Two months later, they called her back to talk about building that very program.
When Anastacia walked into Catalyst on her first day in 1996, the organization was small but determined. There were no individual offices beyond those of the executive director and the therapist. She was shown a desk and given a mission: build an education and prevention program from the ground up. She did just that.
Nearly 30 years later, that program remains a cornerstone of Catalyst’s work. What began with a single desk has grown into a department staffed by four prevention and education professionals serving the community—a continuity Anastacia says makes her deeply proud.
Over the years, Anastacia advanced to program director and, in 2001, became Catalyst’s executive director. The work, she says, has always been meaningful— and hard—while evolving alongside the community's changing needs.
Since 1977, Catalyst’s mission has remained clear: to prevent and respond to domestic violence through healingcentered services and community engagement. Central to that mission is a belief Anastacia repeats often—that this work cannot be done alone.
“This is inclusive work,” she says. “Ending interpersonal violence requires all of us to play a role.”
For decades, Catalyst served as the emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Over time, that work expanded to include transitional housing in 2010, followed by rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing programs. The organization operates from a housingfirst philosophy, recognizing that lack of safe, stable housing is one of the primary reasons survivors remain in abusive situations.
Flexible funding allows Catalyst to respond to real-life needs that don’t fit neatly into grant categories—rekeying a car, covering childcare so a survivor can attend appointments, or helping someone secure housing quickly and safely. These details, Anastacia notes, often make the difference between leaving and staying.
In October 2023, Catalyst became the recognized state provider of sexual assault services in the community. The need came directly from the community itself. After years of preparation, Catalyst was ready when funding became available.
The undertaking required coordination with hospitals for sexual assault exams
and the formalization of a sexual assault response team alongside law enforcement. Anastacia credits Associate Director Jackie Kent with helping make it a reality. Today, Catalyst works directly with Enloe Medical Center and the Chico Police Department to support survivors during their most vulnerable moments.
A key partner throughout Catalyst’s growth has been Golden Valley Bank, led by longtime supporter CEO Mark Francis. Anastacia first connected with Mark years ago while sharing Catalyst’s mission, leading to Catalyst becoming a Golden Valley Bank foundation partner. That relationship deepened when a board member shared that their sister had once received help from Catalyst.
Over time, the partnership strengthened. Mark has emceed Catalyst events, and Golden Valley Bank—along with its staff— has supported the organization financially while offering stewardship that extends beyond traditional banking. When state or federal funding stalled, Golden Valley Bank stepped in to provide lines of credit, ensuring Catalyst could continue operating.
“They look at us as a good investment,” Anastacia says. “That safety net has helped me breathe easier.”
Today, Golden Valley Bank’s Chief Credit Officer, Quinn Velasquez, serves as Catalyst’s board chair, having joined the board in 2019 through Golden Valley Bank. For Quinn, the connection was both professional and personal, shaped by having a family member who experienced domestic violence.
“People think it’s just a hotline, but it’s so much more,” Quinn says, pointing to therapy, housing support, financial guidance, and help navigating systems that abusive partners often control.
Catalyst serves survivors throughout Butte County and provides sexual assault services in Gridley as well—a critical piece of the community’s health and safety.
That commitment recently earned Catalyst recognition as a recipient of Golden Valley Bank’s 20 Years of Community, Leadership, & Giving Grant.
The unrestricted funds are already making a measurable impact, particularly within Catalyst’s therapy program.
“For the first time, our organization has five full-time therapists,” Anastacia says. Therapy helps survivors process trauma, reclaim self-worth, and create stability for themselves and their children.
Catalyst typically offers short-term therapy over eight to ten sessions, with pathways to longer-term care. With this investment, the organization will support approximately 25 additional individuals in therapy.
For Mark Francis, Catalyst’s work is irreplaceable. “If not Catalyst, then who?” he says, emphasizing that violence is never the survivor’s fault. When another rape crisis organization closed, Catalyst absorbed those services without hesitation.
Anastacia’s leadership, Mark says, is central to that success. “She’s easy to follow,” Quinn adds. “She sets the tone.”
Looking ahead, Anastacia balances hope with realism. Progress is built incrementally—through partnerships, persistence, and people willing to invest.
For those wondering how to help, Catalyst offers two clear paths: volunteering and giving. Volunteers complete a state-mandated 65-hour training and become an essential part of the organization’s capacity to respond. Financial supporters help ensure Catalyst can continue meeting survivors where they are—today, not someday.
“When people invest in our work,” Anastacia says, “we want to share that impact. This community makes the work possible.”
In Chico and beyond, Catalyst continues quietly holding space for healing—proving that when a community shows up, change follows.
Learn more at www.catalystdvsv.org. If you’re looking to work with a communityowned bank that invests in the safety and health of its community, visit www.GoldenValley.bank. MEMBER FDIC
Guiding transactions with care
At the heart of every successful real estate transaction is a team working diligently behind the scenes to ensure every detail is handled with care, accuracy, and integrity. Fidelity National Title stands as a trusted leader in this space, offering comprehensive title insurance, escrow, and closing services designed to protect property ownership and create a seamless experience for buyers, sellers, and industry professionals alike.
With a full suite of solutions from title underwriting and property research to funds disbursement and final recording, Fidelity National Title plays a critical role in safeguarding one of life’s most significant investments. Their team works alongside real estate agents, lenders, builders, and attorneys, providing a neutral, third-party presence that ensures each transaction is handled fairly and efficiently. Their mission is simple yet
powerful: to help every client reach the finish line with confidence.
Leading that mission locally is Vice President and County Manager Denise Bjorn, whose 29-year career in the industry is a testament to both passion and perseverance. Denise often shares that she accidentally found her way into title and escrow, but it didn’t take long for her to be hooked. Nearly three decades later, her depth of knowledge, leadership, and commitment to excellence have made her a respected figure in the industry and a powerful example of a woman thriving in business.
Under Denise’s leadership, the Butte County team is home to 18 dedicated professionals who operate in a culture rooted in collaboration, positivity, and client satisfaction. While no transaction is without its challenges, Denise emphasizes that when they don’t get it
right, they strive to make it right, and that is what truly defines satisfaction. The office is known for being fast, friendly, and efficient, but also for fostering an environment where kindness, encouragement, and teamwork are just as important as results.
Beyond the office, Denise is passionate about building strong connections. She enjoys planning team-building experiences from river rafting to axethrowing and creating opportunities for her team to bond and grow together. A proud wife and mother of four children, she also finds joy in spending time together, playing board games, reading, and hosting gatherings centered on food that bring people together.
Denise Bjorn exemplifies what it means to lead, proving that in business, especially as a woman, success is not just about closing deals but about building relationships that last. She is putting Fidelity National Title on the map as they continue to expand throughout Butte County. They currently have offices in both Chico and Oroville and hope to expand to Paradise next. Denise encourages customers just starting the process to call with any questions, as they are more than happy to provide guidance and support throughout this journey. They look forward to earning your business and supporting your clients.
You can reach Denise and her team by calling (530) 630-8180 or by visiting www.fntnorthstate.com. Fidelity National Title's offices can be found at 1263 Esplanade, Suite C, in Chico and 1453 Downer Street, Suite B, in Oroville.
Where Style Gets a Sequel
If you haven’t yet stepped into Labelz Upscale Boutique in Chico, you’re in for an unforgettable shopping experience. Owned and curated by the beautifully gifted and magnetic Jamie Withrow for the past six years, Labelz isn’t your average resale shop; it’s luxury thrifting elevated. From the moment you walk in, you’ll notice how welcoming and approachable Jamie makes everyone feel. Her energy is contagious, instantly putting shoppers at ease while making the hunt for your next favorite piece a true hospitality-filled experience.
What truly sets Labelz apart is its incredible selection of designer pieces you won’t find anywhere else in Chico. From Coach and Dooney & Burke to Gucci, Tory Burch, Eileen Fisher, Johnny Was, Anthropologie, Mother jeans, Vuori, and Lululemon, every item is thoughtfully hand-selected. Everything is three years old or newer, offering fresh, trend-forward styles that help you stand out. You’ll also discover rare accessories and standout handbags that elevate any look.
Jamie is a strong, experienced businesswoman with a background spanning sales, real estate, and grocery, and deep expertise as a successful eBay seller. She knows value, quality, and what people are searching for, and she brings that knowledge into every piece she chooses for the store. It’s like finding the best of Poshmark but better because, here, you can try everything on, touch and feel the quality, and leave confident in your purchase without the uncertainty of sizing or returns.
The store itself is a dream to explore, with an organized aesthetic that makes shopping feel effortless. Racks are thoughtfully arranged by color, season, and current local events, with displays showcasing the latest trends. From galas and graduation outfits to mother-of-thebride or groom ensembles, every detail feels intentional, elevated, and easy to shop, with shoes, boots, and accessories to complete every look.
Jamie stays connected with her shoppers
through social media, sharing exclusive sales, contests, and giveaways so customers always have first access to fresh finds and coveted pieces. Visiting Labelz is part shopping, part retail therapy, and all vibe. Everything feels intentional, elevated, and approachable—a hidden gem for fashion lovers.
It’s no wonder Labelz has won Best of Chico multiple times. With Jamie’s expertise, eye for style, and magnetic energy, every shopper leaves with pieces they love and the confidence to wear them well. For those who appreciate fashion, value, and a truly elevated experience, Labelz Upscale Boutique isn’t just shopping—it’s about discovering your next favorite pieces. Visit their website at www.ChicoLabelz.com, on instagram @Labelz_Chico, or in person at 974 Mangrove Ave in Chico
Healing at home
Home is the space we go to when we need to rest, recharge, and reset. It’s where we feel most ourselves because we are surrounded by our passions and our memories. It follows then that our home can also be a place to heal—a place where we are enveloped by calm, familiar surroundings.
Home and Health Care Management (HHCM) can give you the comfort and security of recuperating in your own
space. Barbara Hanna started the company over 46 years ago, and it has evolved into so much more than she could have anticipated.
Barbara moved to Chico to attend nursing school at Chico State. Following graduation, she began working as a floor nurse at Chico Community Hospital before it was acquired by Enloe Health. Later, she worked in the burn unit ICU, then as a mobile intensive care nurse on
fixed-wing aircraft, and in 1977, she began working at a dialysis center. She returned to UC Davis in 2011 to obtain her PhD in Nursing and Health Care Leadership.
Throughout these early years, Barbara experienced various shortages in nursing staff, and she says, “I thought to myself, ‘wouldn’t it be a great idea to have something like a Kelly Girl temp agency but for nurses instead of office workers?’” Through her connections at Chico State, she knew of many qualified nurses who weren’t working. At that time, nursing was only a full-time position, and they were interested in fewer hours. Barbara recognized a gap in care, identified a way to address it, and started her temporary nursing business.
It began with hospital staffing, but as her company grew, people began asking if her employees could watch their grandparents or aging parents for the weekend. In an effort to cover these services, she began hiring personal care attendants for her agency. By the 1980s, Barbara was writing grants for the Older Americans Act, which provides federal funding to home and community-based programs for individuals over the age of 60 with limited resources. She worked with Passages Adult Resource Center to develop and expand a program providing low-cost respite home care to the elderly in Butte and surrounding counties.
Barbara’s talent for identifying shortfalls and developing ways to address them continues with every endeavor she begins. She smiles as she describes herself as a “serial nurse entrepreneur.” While running her original company, she also established a medical equipment supply company early in her career. She was the founding board member for Innovative Health Care Services—now known as the Peg Taylor Center—in Chico. This adult daycare center operates in part thanks to Barbara’s initiative in securing funding through her grant writing.
In 1984, Home and Health Care Management cared for their first HIV patient, prompting Barbara to start a nonprofit called Caring Choices. This organization worked to provide low or no-cost health and wellness services to
disabled adults, seniors, those affected by cancer, and those living with HIV/AIDS. It also played a key role in recovery efforts after the Lightning Complex Fire and Camp Fire and helped those affected by other disasters or homelessness.
Barbara says Home and Health Care Management is focused on their patients. “We will often take complex patients that other agencies won’t because it’s not cost-effective, but to me, that is what I am supposed to be doing as a nurse— helping people to get better or maintain their health in their home.”
She saw her next challenge as adding intermittent home care to their offerings while becoming Medicare certified. Intermittent home care can provide skilled nursing and various physical, speech, and occupational therapy services to patients who have difficulty leaving their residences. This type of care is often covered by Medicare for those needing wound care, postoperative rehabilitation, or medication injections. These visits, in contrast to round-the-clock care, usually last only a few hours a day, a few days a week. Intermittent care is described as targeted, scheduled, and designed for stabilization or rehabilitation, rather than long-term care.
Home and Health Care Management is a complex entity with over 3,000 patients under their care. Barbara explains that they collaborate with various organizations throughout the Northstate to ensure that their patients, as well as the rest of the community, receive the care and support they need. She says, “If we don’t offer something, like hospice care for example, we will help them find that resource, not just say we don’t offer that.” She stresses, “I want us to be known not just for taking care of our people but also understanding the community and what local, state, and national resources are available.”
Whether you need intermittent care after surgery, assistance with daily living and household chores, or transitional care, you can find what you need with Home and Health Care Management. Visit their website www. homehealthcaremanagement.com or call 1-800-400-0727.
The art of the staycation
It’s spring, and a perfect time to recharge your imagination at the Chico Art Festival. The stimulating experiences we seek from costly travel—adventure, learning new things, immersion in beauty—are all available free at this festival.
The Chico Art Festival began in 2010 as "Art of the Matador” and sprang from Avenue 9 Gallery owner Maria Phillips’ desire to celebrate local creativity. In 2020, the COVID-19 shutdown interrupted the festival. When restrictions lifted, the newly named Chico Art Festival relocated to St. John’s Episcopal Church on Floral Avenue as the Matador Motel was occupied by Camp Fire survivors.
Imagine pulling into St. John’s parking lot, where you’ll be surrounded by redwood, eucalyptus, and pine trees—hearing bird songs rather than traffic noises. Pat Koszis of the festival’s planning committee says, “It’s such a peaceful setting, and people tend to linger for a long time. There are four acres to explore, a playground for kids, a taco truck when you get hungry, and our famous margaritas to sip—no wonder people like to hang out with us.”
40 booths create a major attraction, featuring one-of-a-kind paintings, photographs, ceramics, jewelry, glass, and
fiber arts that can be purchased directly from their makers, without middlemen. A selection committee keeps quality high, exemplified in virtuoso art glass by Nate Lowe, who combines his love of science fiction and sea creatures into borosilicate sculptures. Take your mother to the festival and let her choose her Mother’s Day gift. She'll always remember talking with the artist who made it.
The Chico Art Festival is as much about doing as it is about looking. The Mt. Shasta Weavers let you work a loom and turn a spinning wheel. Marion HunzikerLarsen will lead a bracelet-crocheting demo and then help you crochet a keychain attachment to keep. You can dance to live Latin music, scribble at the drawing station, and sing along with the Chico’s Children’s Choir. Need a break? Walk the labyrinth or hug a redwood!
On Saturday, May 9, artists of any age or skill can take part in a Plein Air sketching competition managed by Planning Committee Chair Cynthia Sexton. Come to the information booth at 11 with your drawing or painting tools, and pick up a 9” x 12” sheet of paper. The public can watch the sharp-angled Episcopal Church and other views materialize as artists work. Two big baskets of art supplies,
one for children and one for adults, are the ‘people’s choice’ prizes. During last year’s competition, a little girl was down on her hands and knees sketching when her mother asked if she’d like to stop for lunch. She replied, “Can’t, Mom, I want to win the prize!”
It’s the six women in this photo, plus the one taking it, who get the festival publicized; the bills paid; the visitors fed, entertained, and enlightened; and who arrange for security and cleanup. All unpaid volunteers, they base their operating decisions on personal experiences as exhibitors. Ceramist Nancy O’Neil says the event “is well organized from set up to break down, which makes it easier on the artists.”
The committee’s entertainment manager, jazz singer Susan Schrader, aims to appeal to a broad audience by including country, jazz, 60’s rock, and Mexican/
Chico Art Festival article presented by Oregrown
Latino dance music. Susan says, “It’s really joyous to see people of all ages get up and dance. There’ll also be traditional Mexican dancing with stunning handembroidered costumes.”
Pat Koszis comments, “A high point comes after the booths close at 8 pm on Friday night, and fire dancer Alaya Heather Crystal starts hurling comet-like balls of fire and skipping between flaming jump ropes. Marion Hunziker-Larson adds, “Fire Dancing is a wonderful end to the first night. It’s celebratory, primal, and an upbeat experience.”
Festival participation encourages camaraderie that can really help artists grow, as in Elaine Ellsworth’s case. “This will be my fourth Chico Art Festival. The first was a challenge since I’d only recently become a serious quilter and was working with simple geometric patterns. I’m a rather private person and couldn’t get myself to chat with visitors until my boisterous neighboring exhibitor started waving at people and yelling, ‘Come on over—you gotta see this gorgeous quilt!’ Everybody laughed, and I relaxed and started enjoying myself.”
Elaine recalls, “All the festival committee people were very supportive at a time when I was hesitant to even call myself an artist. Marion Hunziker-Larsen created my festival website page and spent two hours on the phone convincing me I could ask for any help I might need. Gradually, I became more inventive and organic. This year, I’ll show a king-sized quilt based on the Greek legend in which Penelope waters the Tree of Life with her tears upon her husband Odysseus’ return from
war. When the publicity position on the planning committee opened, I wanted to start giving back and volunteered for it.”
Susan Schrader comments, “Elaine jumped right in and got us to act goofy for our festival web page photos.”
Pat Koszis remarks, “Some of us have been on the planning committee ten years or more, and we’re ready to hand over running the festival to the Chico Art Center (CAC). I’m looking forward to spending more time at my ceramic wheel, traveling to Mexico, and taking a painting class. Of course, CAC can always call on us for advice. Chico Art Center’s Daniel Donnelly already sets up and manages our festival’s drawing station, and lots of CAC members display with us. I expect the transition will be easy.”
So, why might attending the Chico Art Festival do you as much good as a pricey vacation? Canadian doctors have been prescribing visits to the Vancouver Art Museum’s exhibition of Emily Carr landscapes, followed by a visit to a local nature area. This resulted from a collaboration between the museum and the BC Parks Foundation in recognition of “the healing power of art and nature in supporting psychological well-being.” Isn’t that exactly what the Chico Art Festival has always been about?
Visit ChiVVA.org for a schedule of festival offerings and a listing of artists. The 13th Annual Chico Art Festival will take place at 2341 Floral Avenue in Chico on Friday, May 8 from 4-8pm and Saturday, May 9 from 10am-4pm.
Chico Art Festival article presented by Oregrown
Strength, soul, & space to grow
For 15 years, Positive-I has been a much-needed staple in Paradise’s evolving wellness scene, rooted in positivity, movement, and heart-centered connection. Founded by Christina Burton, what began as a personal passion has grown into a deeply intentional space where healing, self-expression, and community intersect in meaningful ways, continuing to exceed expectations. Now, as Positive-I steps into an exciting new chapter, Christina’s vision is expanding into something even more impactful.
As part of the Paradise Glow Collective, Christina collaborates alongside Melissa Goble of Soul Sculpt and business partner Taline Dockendorf, owner of Paradise Fitness. While each woman leads her own business, together they are creating a cohesive and elevated experience, one that blends strength, recovery, movement, and connection under one roof. Christina has been instrumental in shaping the look and feel of the new space, pouring her energy, work ethic, and creativity into every detail to ensure it feels welcoming, empowering, and accessible to all ages, bodies, and experience levels.
This long-awaited dream building is
more than just a new location; it’s a reflection of years of dedication, growth, and unwavering belief in what wellness can and should be. Every inch has been designed with intention, creating an atmosphere that feels vibrant yet grounding, energizing yet safe. It’s a place where beginners feel comfortable, seasoned athletes feel challenged, and everyone feels seen.
Positive-I’s offerings include massage therapy, red light therapy, aerial yoga, hip hop dance, and barre classes for both kids and adults. New programming, workshops, camps, and community events are also on the horizon, along with curated retail that reflects the brand’s focus on self-love and mindful living. Each class and service is crafted as an experience that blends music, movement, breathwork, and energy into something far deeper than a workout.
Christina’s renowned retreats are another cornerstone of her work, offering immersive, transformative experiences that have become highly sought after. Her most recent retreat in Arizona was a powerful reflection of her ability to bring people together in authentic, healing
ways, and she’s already dreaming up what’s next.
Behind it all is a woman who leads with heart. Christina is a devoted mom, loving wife, and passionate community builder. She embodies the very message she shares: that feeling good is a practice, and everyone deserves access to it. As the doors open to this new space, one thing is clear: Positive-I isn’t just growing, it’s becoming a destination.
This is your invitation to step into something special. Whether you’re searching for strength, healing, connection, or simply a space that feels like it was made for you, they are ready to welcome you with open arms. Come experience the energy, explore the classes, meet the team, and see firsthand the care and intention poured into every detail. Be among the first to walk through the doors of this beautifully reimagined space and discover what’s possible when wellness is designed for everyone. Your next chapter starts here, don't miss it.
Positive-I is located at 677 Birch Street in Paradise. You can find them on Instagram @glo_withchristina
Raising Buildings and Breaking Barriers
Kim Jones, director of facilities planning and management at Butte College, is proof that the path to success is not always a straight line.
Jones did not begin her career in construction. In 1987, after earning a Certificate of Completion in Office Administration from Heald Business College, she enrolled at Butte College. While there, faculty encouraged her to apply for a facilities role on campus.
In 1994, she graduated with honors from Butte College with an Associate in Science in Business Computer Information Systems, Office Assistant, and has since completed training and certificate programs to strengthen her knowledge of the field.
Today, she oversees millions of dollars in projects and plays a role in shaping the college’s physical landscape. Her work includes managing construction efforts, renovations, and planning that impact student success.
“The students are what motivate me,” she said. “I feel a responsibility to create the best place possible for them to learn and for staff to teach.”
In 2016, Butte and Glenn County voters passed Measure J, providing Butte College with funding to build new spaces, including a science building. Jones had already been managing funds from Measure A, and together the two bond measures totaled $282 million.
“$282 million worth of construction is a lot for anyone to have on their résumé, especially a woman,” Jones said.
In an industry where women have historically been underrepresented, Jones has spent more than 35 years proving what is possible. Throughout her time at Butte College, she and her team have built 15 new buildings, completed more than 50 renovations, and finished three solar projects.
Positivity and encouragement are part of her leadership style. She believes in trusting her team, valuing expertise, and creating an environment where people feel respected and empowered.
“You have to support your people, and you have to understand where they’re coming from and allow them to be the experts within their own area,” she said.
For women navigating their own careers, especially in male-dominated industries, Jones’ advice is to stay open to learning and not accept the limitations other people set.
“Never take ‘no’ for an answer and challenge yourself even when you feel like you can’t do it,” she said. “I have to remind myself that I belong here.”
Her career proves that success does not always start with a clear roadmap. Sometimes, it begins with opportunity, support, and the determination to keep going.
heart meets home
Dezra Kemp has spent the past two years at Westmont of Chico, where she serves as its community relations director, bringing warmth, humor, and an unshakable sense of purpose to senior living. Coming from a background in medical sales, Dezra has always been passionate about helping families navigate life’s transitions. At Westmont of Chico, she acts as a conduit, helping families find the right fit among independent living, memory care, or assisted living, all while simplifying what can often feel like an overwhelming process.
Dezra’s approach is grounded in empathy. She meets people where they are emotionally, helping them feel confident and curious about planning their future. “It’s amazing what you don’t know, or think you already know, until you ask questions,” she says. Dezra strives to debunk the fear of senior living, showing that moving into a community like Westmont of Chico doesn’t mean giving up your favorite things; she honestly believes that by living there, you get to do more of them.
Residents enjoy the pampering, next-level care, and being responsibility-free from mundane tasks like grocery shopping, remembering to take medications, or tending to household chores, while retaining all the joy and fun in their lives. The longest-residing residents have lived at Westmont of Chico for a decade so far, which speaks volumes about their overall satisfaction. She encourages individuals to start planning in their 60s so they can move in at their peak in their 70s, financially and emotionally ready to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Outside of her professional focus, Dezra is a woman of contrasts: serious and business-minded on the surface, yet playful and unexpectedly funny in spirit. She thrives on connecting with residents, earning their trust, and treating them like family. Her favorite moments at Westmont include monthly “Birthday Night,” which she never misses, complete with beef tenderloin, shrimp scampi, champagne, and raffles. All of the holidays, for that matter, are grand, bringing residents with or without local family together for connection and a sense of childlike wonder. They recently had 300+ grand- and great-grandchildren attend their annual Easter “Egg-stravaganza” celebration.
Dezra grew up in Chico and graduated from Pleasant Valley High School before marrying and serving in the Army. While raising two children, she returned to school and earned her degree in organizational communications and marketing from Chico State. Her daughter, Lena May, is a budding artist studying at Butte College, and her son, Gino, is a thriving retail entrepreneur. Together, they share laughter, playful teasing, and a deep commitment to supporting Dezra in her work.
For Dezra, Westmont of Chico isn’t just a career, it’s a calling. “This industry fits me perfectly,” she says. “I never want to leave.” With a blend of professionalism, humor, and heartfelt care, she continues to make a lasting impact on the residents she serves and the families she guides.
To learn more about enjoying life at Westmont Of Chico, visit www.westmontliving.com to schedule your tour.
RECLAIMING REST
SLEEP FOR BETTER LIVING
JUNE 4, 2026 | 1:30 - 2:30PM
Join Passages Connections for an informative presentation about sleep and brain health. Guest speaker, Dr. Caterina Mosti, Ph.D., DBSM, Associate Clinical Professor from University California, San Francisco, will discuss brain biology and what is getting in the way of better sleep.
Where experience delivers results
For Effie Khaki, real estate started long before her first listing—it started at her father’s desk.
As a young girl, she would sit in his office, quietly observing as conversations unfolded around her. Clients talked about their families, their plans, and their next chapter. She remembers being drawn in, not by the properties themselves, but by what those homes represented in people’s lives.
“I didn’t fully understand it at the time, but I loved being around it,” Effie says. “I loved listening to people talk about where they were going next and why it mattered to them. Looking back, that’s where it all started for me.”
Decades later, after earning her finance degree from Chico State and raising her children, Effie stepped into real estate with a clear intention: to build something meaningful. There was no shortcut into the business. She started the way many agents did—knocking on doors,
introducing herself, and learning through experience.
“It was humbling in the beginning,” she says. “You have to put yourself out there, and only a few doors open, but I kept reminding myself why I was doing it. I wanted to build something I could be proud of, something that was truly mine.”
That persistence paid off early. One conversation turned into her first listing, and from there, momentum began to build. What started as a single opportunity quickly became a steady rhythm of hard work, relationships, and results. Effie wasn’t just finding success—she was laying the foundation for a business that would grow through trust.
Over the years, that foundation has held strong. With more than 1,000 transactions, her approach remains steady and intentional. She understands that every client comes with a different story, and she meets them where they are—whether they’re stepping into homeownership for
the first time or closing a chapter on a home filled with years of memories.
“Every situation is different, and that’s something I never take lightly,” Effie says. “Some people are celebrating, and others are navigating really emotional transitions. My job is to guide them through it with care and make sure they feel supported the entire way.”
That level of care is what defines her work. Effie is deeply involved in every step of the process, from preparing a home for market to negotiating on behalf of her clients and closing the deal. She pays attention to the details, communicates clearly, and approaches each transaction with the same level of commitment—regardless of price point.
“I’ve always believed if someone trusts you with something, you owe it to them to provide your absolute best,” she says. “It’s not about the transaction for me. It’s about doing right by people and making sure they feel confident in every decision they’re making.”
That philosophy has shaped not just her reputation but also the longevity of her career. In an industry where many agents come and go, Effie has remained a consistent presence—someone clients return to and recommend without hesitation. Her business has grown through relationships, referrals, and a reputation built over decades of showing up and following through. More than 37 years in, that hasn’t changed.
“There’s still nothing like handing someone the keys to their new home or property,” she says. “It never feels routine to me. It’s a big moment in someone’s life, and I feel incredibly grateful to be a part of it every single time.”
Because for Effie, success was never about volume or recognition. It was about building something lasting—one relationship, one home, and one client at a time.
If you’re considering buying or selling a home and want someone who will treat your goals with the same care she would her own, connect with Effie Khaki by calling (530) 514-3334.
"Effie was with me every step of the way, and I mean every step. She was always just a call away, answering my endless questions with patience and clarity, no matter how small they seemed. Her knowledge of our area? Unmatched. She’s not just an expert—she’s the expert, knowing every nook and cranny of the market like the back of her hand. Thanks to her savvy negotiating, she saved me a fortune. Her integrity, work ethic, and sheer skill put her in the top 0.1% of anyone I’ve ever worked with. She didn’t just help me buy a house—she made me feel like I was her only client, pouring her heart into every detail. I can’t recommend her highly enough, and I wouldn’t dream of working with anyone else."
- Dr. Isaac Barthelow, owner of North Valley Eye Care, Chico
Nested in a desirable cul-de-sac location near Bidwell Park, this light-filled home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and modern convenience. The open floorplan welcomes you with high ceilings, engineered wood flooring, and a spacious living room highlighted by large windows that invite in abundant natural light. Designed for both everyday living and entertaining, the kitchen opens seamlessly to the dining area and features Corian counters, a breakfast bar, pantry, pots-and-pans drawers, gas appliances and a refrigerator. The adjoining family room with a cozy fireplace creates a warm gathering space for relaxing evenings. The generously sized primary suite offers a spacious bedroom retreat and a well-appointed bathroom with tile counters, a separate soaking tub, walk-in shower, and dual vanities. Step outside to enjoy the private backyard, where a covered dining patio with skylight provides the perfect setting for outdoor meals and year-round entertaining. Additional highlights include a new roof, indoor laundry with washer/dryer, water purifier and softener, Tesla universal charger with two batteries, and a two-car garage, plus potential RV parking along the side yard add extra convenience and flexibility. Bed: 3 Bath: 2 SqFt: 1,853 Price: $589,900
Welcome to this beautifully maintained, nearly new home built in July 2025, located in Paradise, just minutes from Billie Park. Step inside to an inviting open floorplan where the living room seamlessly flows into the dining area and kitchen. The kitchen features granite countertops, an eating bar, pantry, refrigerator, electric stove/oven, and dishwasher—perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. Both bathrooms also showcase matching granite countertops for a cohesive, upscale feel. This home is truly move-in ready, equipped with all-electric appliances, indoor laundry with washer and dryer included, and efficient minisplit systems for heating and cooling. Additional upgrades include fully owned solar, a fire sprinkler system, and a beautifully landscaped yard complete with an automatic sprinkler system on a timer. The property is on Paradise Irrigation District water and is on septic. The property also offers a 2-car garage with automatic opener and convenient RV parking. As a delightful bonus, the owners are occasionally visited by adorable fawns and their parents, adding to the peaceful, natural setting. A wonderful opportunity to own a lightly lived-in, modern home in a serene location—don’t miss it! Bed: 3 Bath: 2 SqFt: 1,368 Price: $379,900
Welcome to this rare property offering timeless character, flexible living, and a park-like garden retreat on approximately .40 acres. The property features a charming vintage main home plus a separate private in-law residence—ideal for multi-generational living, rental income potential, or guests seeking comfort and privacy. The 1949 main home offers approximately 1,036 sq ft of light-filled space, with large picture windows, 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, wood flooring, and classic charm. A garden-view breakfast nook provides a peaceful spot for morning coffee. Updates include central heat and air, whole house fan, new roof (2023), new range, EV charging port, and an attached one-car garage. Privately set at the rear, the in-law unit (built 2004) has alley access, its own garage, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, full kitchen, and separate utilities—creating flexibility for extended family, long-term tenants, or private guest quarters. Outside, enjoy a beautifully landscaped garden with a pond, bridge, arbor, mature fruit trees, and ornamental plantings that provide color, shade, and year-round enjoyment in a serene, natural setting. This charming property combines charm, flexibility, and beauty in a desirable Avenues location. Bed: 5 Bath: 2 SqFt: 1,816 Price: $625,000
Built on conversations and trust
There’s a certain kind of person who seems destined to work with people—not just alongside them, but truly with them. For Sherry Calbert, that calling revealed itself early, long before she ever stepped into real estate.
Born in Decatur, Illinois, and raised in a family deeply rooted in tradition and hard work, Sherry grew up watching her father balance multiple roles—real estate agent, car salesman, and minister—all while providing for his family seven days a week. His parents had immigrated from Italy, and that legacy of resilience and commitment shaped everything. Even with a schedule that rarely slowed, he held Sundays sacred for his ministry, embodying both discipline and heart. From him, Sherry learned not only the value of work, but the importance of
connection—a lesson that would later define her career.
As a student, Sherry was known for two things: she talked constantly and still managed to stay on the honor roll. “I knew I talked a lot,” she recalls with a smile, “but I managed to excel at everything I set my mind to, whether in sports or academics. I knew I wanted to eventually work somewhere that encouraged my love for human connection.”
After spending time working in restaurants—including Casa Lupe, where she was part of the opening team— Sherry’s gift for conversation proved both a strength and a challenge. More than once, she was let go for talking too much. But it was a simple piece of advice from
her father over breakfast that changed everything: find a career where talking isn’t a liability but seen as an asset.
That advice came full circle when Sherry purchased her first home at just 21 years old, an experience that planted the seed for what would become a lifelong profession. Soon after, encouragement from mentors Julie and Dave Jeffries led her to pursue her real estate license. At the time, with young children at home, she imagined it as a part-time endeavor. It quickly materialized into so much more. Thirty-six years later, it’s clear that real estate was never going to be just a side pursuit.
Throughout her career, Sherry has remained steadfastly loyal, turning down opportunities to move between offices and instead building her business on long-term relationships. In many cases, those relationships have spanned generations—helping parents, then their children, and even extended family members find homes of their own.
While the industry has evolved dramatically over the decades, Sherry remains grounded in what she values most: the human connection. “What I love,” she says, “are the face-toface, eye-to-eye conversations.” In an era increasingly driven by digital communication, she continues to prioritize the personal side of real estate, ensuring her clients feel seen, heard, and understood.
Today, Sherry’s commitment hasn’t slowed. Real estate remains the only career she’s ever pursued full-time, often working 60–70 hours a week to deliver the best possible results for her clients. Outside of work, she embraces a full and joyful life—playing pickleball, traveling, and cherishing time with her children and four grandchildren, who eagerly gather each time she visits with a suitcase full of gifts in hand.
For Sherry, success has never been about transactions alone—it’s about relationships, conversations, and a lifetime spent doing exactly what she was meant to do. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, call Sherry at (530) 514-4855 and see what she can do for you.
Sherry was spot on every step of the way in purchasing this home for my 81 year old mom. Extremely knowledgeable and professional at every turn. Would recommend her to anybody looking to purchase or sell their home in Butte County.
Welcome to Your Private Lakeside Retreat! Experience the perfect balance of luxury, serenity, and seclusion with this extraordinary estate, just minutes from Chico yet worlds away from the everyday. Centered around a breathtaking 2-acre manmade lake, this one-of-a-kind property offers a truly unforgettable setting. Beyond custom security gates and across your private bridge, a residence of timeless Mediterranean elegance unfolds. Designed to capture the beauty of its surroundings, the home showcases stunning water views from nearly every room and a seamless connection to outdoor living spaces, including a sparkling pool and expansive patios ideal for both relaxation and entertaining. The grand living room features soaring windows that frame the lake, a custom fireplace, and an atmosphere of refined tranquility. The chef’s kitchen offers a cozy dining nook, sitting area with its own fireplace, and an impressive wine cellar—creating a warm and inviting gathering space. An elegant dining room opens to a charming courtyard, perfect for al fresco dining. The flexible layout includes a private office or den overlooking the pool, a nearby full bath, and a secluded downstairs bedroom with its own half bath—ideal for guests or extended living. The luxurious primary suite is a true retreat, featuring dual vanities, dual closets, and a spainspired shower. A private patio with hot tub invites you to unwind beneath the stars. Outdoors, the property shines with its tranquil lake, private dock, resort-style pool, and expansive grounds designed for privacy and beauty. A rare offering where elegance, nature, and privacy come together—your private retreat await.
Brand new laminate flooring downstairs, Newer HVAC system, newer appliances, even including the washer/dryer/refrigerator in the sale!! Did I mention the fireplace downstairs, the deck off the slider to sit and watch the wind go through the large and majestic redwood trees? Well, if that's not enough, the walking trails, lakes and places to hang out and have a picnic are at your fingertips! The attached garage is wonderful too with it's opener and it certainly gives you peace of mind to know that the HOA covers the exterior of the building including the roof and landscaping - so, go ahead and get rid of all those lawnmowers, etc. Bed: 2.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,103 Price: $280,000
This stunning 1930s/40s ranch, crafted with timeless elegance, offers a rare blend of comfort, space, and natural beauty. Imagine waking up to breathtaking sunrises and enjoying peaceful evenings on your sprawling 15-acre property, listening to the peaceful sounds of nature. With a remodeled kitchen and all new appliances, two water wells, a large pole barn, a rustic tack barn, and a tool shed, there’s room for all your hobbies and passions. There's also a small smoke house on the property. Discover your own slice of paradise with breathtaking sunsets. Convenient access to amenities, ensures you are never far from everything you need.
: 3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 2,030
: $475,000
A Toast to trailblazing
There is something infectious about Melissa Schuster’s enthusiasm. Spend even a few minutes with her inside Burnt Barn Distilling Company, and it becomes clear that this is far more than a business venture. For Melissa, it is a creative pursuit, a hospitality experience, and a heartfelt expression of pride in Paradise.
Inside the tasting room, Burnt Barn strikes a balance between polish and warmth. Melissa describes the look as industrial glam, but the real charm comes from the way she welcomes people in. She does not simply pour a drink and send guests on their way. She invites them into the story. She talks about grains, yeast, botanicals, barrels, and process with the kind of delight that makes even the most technical parts of distilling feel approachable. That sense of wonder is part of what makes Burnt Barn memorable. Visitors are not just sampling spirits; they are getting a glimpse into the passion behind them.
Melissa and her husband, Cliff, have built Burnt Barn as a true labor of love, with quality at the center of every decision.
Their vodka, made with Lundberg organic rice and Paradise water, reflects an almost obsessive attention to detail. Their rum has been flying off the shelves. Their Old Tom-style gin, now in its second run, reflects the beautiful variability of smallbatch distilling, where botanicals and subtle flavor notes can shift from batch to batch. Melissa embraces that reality rather than trying to tame it. Craft spirits, she knows, are living things in their own way, shaped by ingredients, environment, and time.
That philosophy is especially true when it comes to bourbon, which Melissa says is the spirit Burnt Barn has been building toward all along. If 2026 has a theme at the distillery, it is bourbon. This is the year Burnt Barn’s flagship spirit finally arrives.
Unlike vodka, which remains consistent through a meticulous multi-distilling process, bourbon demands patience. It cannot be rushed. To legally and stylistically become bourbon, it must rest in oak barrels and develop character over time. At Burnt Barn, that means roughly two and a half years of aging in charred
oak barrels, followed by additional time to rest after leaving the active barrel environment. The result is a spirit shaped not only by craftsmanship, but by restraint. Melissa understands that part of leadership in this business is knowing when something is ready and when it is not. Burnt Barn will not release anything that fails to meet its standards.
That long-awaited moment is set for June 26, when Burnt Barn Distilling Company hosts its first bourbon launch from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event will be ticketed, with roughly 200 to 300 bottles available on a first-come, first-served basis. Food trucks will be on site, Decades will be playing, and the celebration promises to mark a major milestone for the distillery.
For Melissa, it is also a celebration of what can be created here in Paradise. Wonderful spirits, thoughtful hospitality, and an experience people genuinely love have turned Burnt Barn into something special. For ticket details and updates, visit www.burntbarndistilling.com and sign up for their newsletter.
A New Chapter for Medi-Cal in the North Valley
Partnership HealthPlan of California opened a new regional office on February 17, 2026, to continue serving communities across Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Sutter, and Yuba counties. The Chico Regional Office is across from the Chico Airport Terminal at 1000 Fortress in Chico.
With a new hub in the heart of the North Valley, this office represents more than just a new location. It represents deeper collaboration, stronger relationships, and a renewed commitment to improving health outcomes for our Medi-Cal members.
Chico is a natural home for this work. Our location, midway between our Fairfield parent office and the Redding regional office, allows access to the providers in the five counties we serve. This local access allows us to stay close to the providers, community partners, and organizations who play a critical role in supporting our members.
Since expanding into this region in 2024, many of our Partnership staff have been working remotely. Now, with staff from Provider Relations, Member Services, Care Coordination, Quality Improvement,
and Population Health working side by side with Rebecca Stark, our regional director, and myself, the regional medical director, we are well positioned to care for our region’s members.
As a physician, I see firsthand how important strong local partnerships are to delivering high-quality care. Health care in the North Valley has always been shaped by resilience and innovation from its early agricultural and timber roots to today’s growing medical and educational institutions. Partnership’s presence here builds on that legacy by focusing on prevention, whole-person care, access to providers, and health equity.
This new office also strengthens our ability to listen. Being embedded in the community means we can more easily meet with providers, attend local events, and engage directly with the members we serve. Local health care works best when it is rooted in trust, communication, community, understanding, and collaboration.
Partnership now serves nearly 900,000 Medi-Cal members across 24 Northern California counties. While our reach is
broad, our approach remains local. We are committed to helping our members and the communities we serve be healthy.
The Chico regional office reflects that commitment. Partnership looks forward to working alongside our community partners to ensure every Medi-Cal member has meaningful access to the programs, services, and coordinated care they need to thrive in Northern California.
- Dr. Doug Matthews Regional Medical Director Partnership HealthPlan of California
Building the Future of Rural Health
In Northern California, access to healthcare has long been defined not by choice, but by geography. For many rural communities, finding a doctor can mean hours on the road, long wait times, and gaps in care. It’s a challenge that has persisted for decades, but today, a new model is taking shape—one focused not just on treating patients, but on building a sustainable future for healthcare itself.
At the center of that effort is Healthy Rural California (HRC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on improving public health, expanding the healthcare workforce, and addressing access-to-care challenges across the region. Through partnerships, the organization is working to strengthen the physician pipeline and ensure that every individual—regardless of zip code— has access to first-rate healthcare.
HRC was founded by physicians from the Butte Glenn Medical Society (now Northern California Rural Medical Association) who witnessed the growing strain on our region’s healthcare system. Even before the Camp Fire and the COVID-19 pandemic, Northern California faced a serious physician shortage—one that has only intensified. They knew that without long-term solutions, access to care would continue to decline.
Rather than rely on temporary fixes, they focused on building something
lasting: a system to train, recruit, and retain physicians in rural communities. That vision led to HRC’s accreditation as a Sponsoring Institution by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, allowing residency programs that train tomorrow’s physicians to take root locally.
The organization has since welcomed two classes of psychiatry residents and launched its family medicine residency program. What began as a grassroots response has evolved into a model designed to bring physicians into rural communities—and help them stay.
For CEO Emmie Johnson, stepping into this role is more than a career move—it is the culmination of everything she has worked toward. “When this opportunity came up, it felt like a full-circle moment,” she says. Raised by a biotech researcher and a hospital finance professional, Emmie developed an early understanding of how health policy, systems, and care intersect. After two decades in healthcare consulting and years working alongside physicians to ensure patients in underresourced communities could see a doctor when they needed one, she now leads an organization uniquely positioned to create meaningful change.
“We already had a massive physician shortage,” Emmie explains. “The Camp
Fire and pandemic made it worse, and current policies have only deepened the challenge.” In response, HRC is building solutions from the ground up—creating pathways that not only bring physicians to the region, but grow them from within.
“Every person, no matter where they live, deserves to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life,” she says. “Right now, our system makes that incredibly difficult in rural communities.” That belief has shaped an approach that goes beyond residency programs, investing in early pipeline efforts and higher education partnerships that inspire and support students from rural Northern California to pursue careers in medicine.
“We’re not just asking, ‘Can we bring doctors here?’” Emmie says. “We’re figuring out how to grow them here.” Through mentorship, education, and community partnerships, the organization is working to ensure that local students have the confidence, resources, and opportunity to succeed—and ultimately return to serve their own communities.
At its core, Emmie says, the work is about something deeper. “This is about equity and dignity. Where you’re from shouldn’t define where you get to go.” HRC’s vision is clear: a future in which students from rural communities become the physicians who care for them, closing access gaps and strengthening the fabric of care across the region.
And at the heart of that vision are the residency programs—where that future is already taking shape.
Rebuilding Mental Health from the Ground Up
In California, there are roughly 12 psychiatrists for every 100,000 people. In Butte County, that number drops to fewer than six. For those seeking care, it often means long wait times, limited options, or going without help altogether. And in a community still carrying the weight of trauma from the Camp Fire and pandemic, the need for accessible, high-quality mental health care has never been greater. That reality is exactly what Healthy Rural California set out to change.
Leading the charge is Dr. Rachel Mitchell, program director of the Healthy Rural California Psychiatry Residency Program. Board-certified in psychiatry, family medicine, and addiction medicine, Dr. Mitchell brings a uniquely integrated perspective to the work. But her commitment to rural healthcare didn’t begin in a classroom—it began in the field.
After earning a degree in zoology, she spent time in East Africa, where
she was asked to assist at a medical center. It was there that she first saw the realities of limited access to care. “That experience really opened my eyes to the needs in rural healthcare,” she says. It’s a perspective that would later shape her career—and ultimately bring her to Northern California.
Launched in 2024, the psychiatry residency was designed with a clear purpose: to train physicians who are not only clinically excellent but deeply committed to serving under-resourced communities.
“We’re not just looking for the highest test scores,” Dr. Mitchell explains. “We’re looking for people who want to serve communities that don’t always have access to care.”
That mission is reflected in every aspect of the program. Residents train across a range of settings—from hospitals and behavioral health centers to community
clinics—gaining experience in traumainformed care, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology. Just as importantly, they build continuity of care with patients over time, developing relationships that reflect the realities of practicing in a rural community.
The need for that kind of care is significant. In the aftermath of the Camp Fire, many individuals continue to experience post-traumatic stress, compounded by broader challenges including addiction and limited access to services. “Practices have seen a huge influx of people needing trauma-informed care,” Dr. Mitchell says. “But there aren’t enough psychiatrists in the area to treat them. That’s why we’re here.”
Already, the program is beginning to change the landscape. The presence of a residency has attracted additional psychiatrists to the region, many of whom are drawn by the opportunity to teach and practice in an academic setting. Partnerships with Enloe Medical Center, Butte County Behavioral Health, and other community providers are expanding access by growing clinical capacity.
Looking ahead, plans are underway to develop a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship to help address one of the most critical gaps in care. A new youth psychiatric hospital opening in Gridley will further strengthen the region’s ability to serve younger populations. And with addiction continuing to impact communities across Northern California, the program is exploring additional training pathways to better address substance use disorders.
“We want people to feel comfortable seeking care,” Dr. Mitchell says. “We want them to refer friends and family members who are in need—to be that bridge.”
In a place where access has long been limited, the goal is not just to meet demand—it’s to transform what care looks like entirely. While the psychiatry residency is already reshaping access to mental health care, it’s just one part of a broader effort—one that continues to expand through programs like family medicine, where the foundation of wholeperson care begins.
Partnering
for your pediatric neurosurgery referral needs
Marike Zwienenberg, M.D.
Enhanced referrals, closer to home
The UC Davis Pediatric Neurosurgery program is proud to offer minimally invasive and endoscopic interventions for disorders of the brain and peripheral nervous system. Our level I Children’s Surgery Center is equipped with image-guided surgical navigation, brain mapping and intraoperative imaging to ensure optimal outcomes, and is among few fetal treatment centers nationwide to perform in utero repair of spina bifida.
Your referred patients and their families benefit from the academic expertise of nationally ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital, plus the convenience of care closer to home and lodging on our Sacramento campus.
Our physician referral liaisons are here to help navigate referrals and:
■ Facilitate access to our secure EMR system, PhysicianConnect
■ Assist with UC Davis Health clinical trials and telemedicine
■ Keep you abreast of new services, providers and research programs
■ Arrange meetings, webinars, and share details about CME and events
Connect with your local Physician Referral Liaison: Felicity Arain 916-882-1606 fcarain@health.ucdavis.edu
Care That Starts—and Stays—Close to Home
For many patients in rural Butte County, their primary care provider is the only doctor they'll see all year. A shortage of primary care physicians in the region means those appointments can be booked out months in advance. Patients with complex conditions or multiple chronic diseases can’t afford to wait. That's the gap Healthy Rural California's Family Medicine Residency was built to close.
Dr. Natalie Ladine is the program director of the Healthy Rural California Family Medicine Residency Program. She has delivered babies in rural Guatemala and seen patients at Butte County Jail. Family medicine took her there because that's what family medicine does: it goes where the need is.
“I wanted to be able to take care of the widest variety of problems that people face,” she says. “And family medicine is what’s most needed in so many areas.”
Originally from Sacramento, Dr. Ladine trained in Ventura County, where fullscope care was emphasized—everything from delivering babies to managing chronic disease—preparing physicians
to practice in complex, resource-limited settings. She relocated to Chico in 2017 and began working with patients at Butte County Jail, providing hospital coverage in Gridley, and later stepped into a leadership role as chief medical officer at a critical access hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic—recruiting physicians and helping stabilize care during an unprecedented time. It was through that experience that the importance of building a sustainable physician pipeline became clear.
“I knew this was something I wanted to be part of,” she says of joining HRC’s residency efforts.
Based at Enloe Health, the family medicine residency is designed to train physicians who can do it all—caring for patients across inpatient and outpatient settings, managing a wide range of conditions, and building long-term relationships within the community. Residents spend three years embedded in the region, gaining not only clinical expertise but a deep understanding of the people they serve. That sense of connection is already taking hold as one resident has already purchased their
home here, and that’s the point.
“We want them to feel like this is home,” Dr. Ladine says, “not just a place they train—but a place they stay.”
Partnerships are central to the resident experience. Residents train alongside physicians at Enloe Health, Orthopedic Associates, Chico State’s WellCat Health Center, and Northern Valley Indian Health, among others. In many cases, these organizations don’t typically intersect—but through the residency, they are working together to create a more integrated and effective system of care.
“It’s been incredible to see that level of collaboration,” Dr. Ladine says. “Everyone is coming together for the same goal.”
The residents don’t just train here. Through outreach efforts and partnerships with local schools and CSU Chico, residents are helping introduce younger students to careers in medicine—offering mentorship, exposure, and a tangible path toward their own medical careers.
Growing the Next Generation from Within
A physician’s journey into medicine begins long before they ever step into an exam room—perhaps it was a visit with a particularly empathetic doctor, words of encouragement from a teacher, or a conversation with a mentor. At some point, every future doctor has a moment when they can see themselves wearing a white coat. For HRC, that moment isn’t left to chance—it’s cultivated.
Through a growing collection of programs designed to reach students at key stages, HRC is building a pipeline that starts in high school classrooms across rural Northern California and continues through more than a decade of postsecondary medical training.
For Emma Newton, that mission is personal. As a pre-med program coordinator with a degree in cell and molecular biology, she’s walking the path she now helps others navigate. Originally from Susanville, Emma saw the realities of rural healthcare firsthand while working as an EMT during the pandemic.
“In some areas, it could take 45 minutes to an hour for an ambulance to respond,” she says. “That was a huge eye-opener.”
Now preparing to take the MCAT and pursue a career in family medicine, she hopes to return and serve communities like her own. In the meantime, she’s focused on making the path clearer for the students who will come after.
“There are a lot of resources for students pursuing PhDs or master’s programs,” she explains. “But not as much support for pre-med students. We’re trying to build what we wish we had.”
Through partnerships with Chico State’s Pre-Med Association, HRC is helping to develop shadowing programs, speaker series, mentorship opportunities, and test-preparation resources—giving students both the exposure and the tools needed to move forward with confidence.
MedEd Program Coordinator Maya Teso is helping bring healthcare education directly into K–12 classrooms across the region. A Chico State public health
student who began her journey with HRC as an intern, Maya found her calling in education and prevention—helping others understand and improve their health before challenges arise.
“Public health is about meeting people where they are,” she says, “and helping them understand what’s possible.”
Through MedEd Clubs, students connect with healthcare professionals across a wide range of fields—from physicians and nurses to respiratory therapists and medical assistants—gaining firsthand insight into careers they might have never otherwise encountered. Guest speakers, hands-on activities, and field trips to institutions like UC Davis, Touro University, and Butte College help bring those possibilities to life.
“We ask students what they want to learn,” Maya says. “Some want to be CNAs, and others want to be surgeons. We want to meet them wherever their interests are.”
That accessibility is critical, particularly in rural communities where exposure to healthcare careers can be limited. By embedding these programs directly into schools, HRC is helping students build awareness and confidence early on— planting the seeds for long-term success.
For those ready to take the next step, the Healthcare Professions Pathways Program (HPPP) offers a bridge between education and real-world experience.
Through paid summer internships, participants are placed in communitybased healthcare settings, where they gain hands-on experience and explore careers in medicine, public health, and allied health fields. It’s an experience designed not only to educate, but to empower—removing financial barriers while reinforcing the idea that a future in healthcare is both attainable and needed.
And for many of these students, that journey is just beginning—leading them toward opportunities to step into clinical training, deepen their skills, and ultimately become the next generation of providers shaping care in their own communities.
Guiding the next step forward
For students pursuing a career in medicine, the transition from classroom learning to clinical experience is a defining moment. It’s where knowledge meets reality—where future physicians begin to understand not only how to practice medicine, but where they want to practice it. At HRC, that experience is carefully shaped—and often begins with someone like Erika Gutierrez.
Since joining HRC as a medical student coordinator in 2024, Erika has helped coordinate medical student rotations, manage schedules, review applications, and build relationships with students throughout the region.
“I really love getting to know the students,” she says. “I want them to feel welcomed and know they’re part of the community—not just here for a rotation.”
That sense of belonging is intentional. Students rotate through both psychiatry and family medicine settings, gaining handson experience in inpatient and outpatient care while working with rural populations. They learn to navigate limited-resourced environments, build continuity with patients, and develop the clinical judgment that defines strong physicians. But just as important as the clinical training is the connection to place. Erika makes it a priority to introduce students to the broader Chico community—connecting them with local
events, small businesses, and the rhythm of life outside the hospital or clinic. It’s a subtle but powerful part of the experience, one that often shapes how students see their future.
“Where students do their rotations, especially in their third year of medical school, is a strong indicator of where they will practice,” HRC’s Designated Institutional Officer Dannielle Harwood, M.D., explains. “That’s when students are making decisions about how they will rank residency programs they’re interested in.”
That insight is driving one of HRC’s next major initiatives: expanding opportunities for third-year medical students. Through partnerships with institutions such as UC Davis and Touro University, the goal is to offer a full year of clinical training in the region across psychiatry, family medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and internal medicine. It’s a strategic move designed to deepen the connection between students and community, increasing the likelihood that they will return to train and practice in rural Northern California. At its core, the work is about building a bridge—one that carries students from interest to experience, and ultimately, to a career here.
Healthy Rural California
Where the Future Takes Root
For every medical student, the fourth year of medical school defines the transition from education to practice. For months, future physicians interview, apply, and audition for the residency programs where they will train and, often, begin building their lives as physicians. The process culminates in Match Day, held every year in March.
“This is the moment where everything comes together,” says HRC Designated Institutional Officer Dannielle Harwood, MD. “You get to see who you’ll be working with, who’s coming into the community, and who’s choosing to be here.”
Through a national process, all fourth-year medical students rank the specialty and location of residencies they want to pursue. Simultaneously, programs like HRC rank applicants they’ve interviewed based on their level of interest, background, and fit with the program's mission. A national organization then matches residents with the residency programs, with all announcements made simultaneously nationwide.
This year, 10 new residents—four in psychiatry and six in family medicine—were welcomed to HRC. This class of residents reflects a deliberate effort to recruit highly capable physicians whose career aspirations align with the needs of rural North State communities.
“We’re really intentional about who we rank,” Tracy Liston, HRC’s graduate medical education director, explains. “We’re looking for people who want to serve medically underserved areas, who have a connection to Northern California, and who see themselves building a life here.”
As a doctor’s wife and parent
navigating care for her children with ADHD and autism, she has experienced the challenges of accessing specialized services in a rural setting firsthand—often relying on telehealth to bridge the gap. She hopes her efforts will change that reality for others.
Already, the presence of HRC’s residency programs is shifting the culture in the region—bringing more physicians into teaching roles, strengthening partnerships, and expanding access to care. With the addition of this year’s class, HRC will have 22 residents training in the community.
Beginning this year, psychiatry residents will complete all four years of training in Chico, further deepening their connection to the region and expanding behavioral health capacity at Enloe Health.
“Programs like this don’t just bring in residents—they change the entire system,” Tracy says.
The long-term vision is clear: a healthcare network where access is no longer limited by geography, and where patients can receive timely, high-quality care close to home. But that transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It builds year by year, class by class, as residents train, connect, and ultimately choose to stay— and research supports it. More than half of physicians remain in the communities where they complete their training. For HRC, that statistic is the foundation of a strategy designed to rebuild healthcare from within.
While Match Day marks a new chapter for physicians, it also signals something larger—a commitment and choice to be part of a community. For our region, it’s a powerful step toward a healthier future—one made possible by programs, partnerships, and the collective support of a community invested in making it all happen.
An Evening That Fuels the Future
Over the course of HRC’s story, one theme has remained constant: building a stronger healthcare system for rural Northern California takes moxie, relentlessness, determination, innovation, and humility. From medical education pathways to residency programs, HRC's work is reshaping what access to care can look like—not just today, but for decades to come. None of it happens in isolation, though; it takes a community.
On October 2nd, that community will come together for the Harvest Moon Black Tie Benefit, an evening dedicated to celebrating progress and accelerating it. Held at the CARD Creekside Rose Garden, the event marks the second black-tie gala in support of HRC and its mission to expand healthcare access across the region.
Like HRC, the Black Tie Benefit was born of the Butte Glenn Medical Society (BGMS) to solve the doctor shortage in the region by investing in medical pathways and residency programs, with physicians taking the lead.
BGMS, now known as the Northern California Rural Medical Association (NCRMA), held its first dinner years ago to provide resources to create HRC. With NCRMA’s support, HRC has continued to expand its vision. The dinner, organized by HRC in partnership with NCRMA, honors that vision with a broader reach, bringing together supporters from multiple counties who share a common goal: strengthening rural healthcare through collective action.
Set against the backdrop of the fall harvest season, the evening carries a symbolism
that feels especially fitting. The harvest moon has long represented growth, resilience, and the rewards of sustained effort—qualities that mirror the work being done by HRC.
Guests will gather alongside the physician community for a champagne reception, followed by dinner, dancing, cocktails, and a silent auction. But beyond the elegance of the evening, the purpose remains clear: to raise awareness of the unique challenges rural communities face and to invest in solutions that are already making a measurable difference. The impact of this work is visible in the residents choosing to train and invest in our region. It’s visible in the students discovering a path into healthcare for the first time; in the growing network of providers working together to deliver connected, community-based care; and in the patients who can increasingly find the support they need closer to home. The Harvest Moon Black Tie Benefit is a moment to ensure that progress continues.
Building a new healthcare system requires more than vision. It requires people who believe in it, invest in it, and support it. On this night, that collective effort comes into focus—reminding us that the future of rural healthcare isn’t just being imagined; it’s being built, together.
Purchase tickets or learn about sponsorship opportunities by scanning the
Developing more than dancers
At North State Ballet, the mission extends far beyond perfect pirouettes or polished performances. Under the leadership of Laurel Tennant, Gabrielle Chaplin, and Heather Wysong, the studio is redefining what dance education can—and should—be: a space where young people grow into confident, capable, and compassionate humans.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, North State Ballet has earned a reputation for premier training, but its true distinction lies in its philosophy. Rooted in the belief to “be the change,” the studio was built with intention. For Laurel, that intention is deeply personal. Having grown up in a rigid, often discouraging dance environment, she experienced firsthand the pressures that could diminish confidence rather than build it. “We were told it was preparing us for the real world,” she recalls, “but it didn’t have to be that way.”
The three set out to create something different—an environment grounded in positivity, respect, and encouragement without sacrificing excellence. The result is a program that proves discipline and kindness are not mutually exclusive. Instead, they work in tandem to produce dancers who are not only technically strong but also emotionally resilient.
That philosophy comes to life across all of North State Ballet’s offerings. From foundational ballet training to contemporary, jazz, lyrical, and acrobatic dance, students receive well-rounded instruction from a highly credentialed faculty. The studio also offers preballet programs for its youngest dancers, competition teams, and performance opportunities through original productions, ensuring every student—regardless of level—has a place to grow.
While ballet remains the
cornerstone, providing the strength and structure needed to excel in all styles, the broader curriculum reflects the realities of today’s dance world. Versatility matters, and North State Ballet prepares its students accordingly, equipping them with the technical and artistic tools to thrive in any direction they choose.
But perhaps the most meaningful outcome isn’t measured in titles or stage time. Laurel is candid about the bigger picture: only a small percentage of dancers will pursue professional careers. So why do it? At North State Ballet, the answer is clear. Dance is a vehicle for life skills—teaching discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and the ability to navigate discomfort with confidence.
Students are encouraged to feel, to work through challenges, and to trust themselves. They learn that strength isn’t about perfection, but about growth. They discover how to support one another, celebrate progress, and carry themselves with both confidence and humility.
It’s a culture that families feel the moment they walk through the doors. Longtime students return with siblings, and new faces are welcomed into a community that values connection as much as achievement. Performances may showcase their talent, but it’s the character built behind the scenes that leaves a lasting impression.
For Laurel, the goal has always been simple: “We’re here to create beautiful humans.” And after a decade of impact, it’s clear North State Ballet is doing exactly that—shaping not just dancers, but individuals who will go on to positively influence the communities they become part of.
Learn more about North State Ballet and how to enroll at their website: www.NorthStateBallet.com.
Investing in Women Who Invest in Our Community
Care that honors life at home
Since 1976, Butte Home Health & Hospice has stood as a pillar of compassionate, high-quality care in the North State, built not only on clinical excellence but also on an unwavering commitment to the patients and families it serves. Their mission is simple: to help individuals maintain independence, dignity, and quality of life where they feel safest—at home. At its core, their work focuses on preserving independence, preventing unnecessary hospitalizations, and empowering patients to take an active role in their own care.
Behind that mission is a remarkable team of women whose expertise and empathy shape every patient experience. They are advocates, educators, and steady hands guiding families through some of life's most vulnerable moments, ensuring that no one feels alone in the process.
For physical therapist Sequoia Stephens, a Chico native and mother of four, the work is both personal and purposeful. She values the flexibility her role provides, but even more, the impact she can make in patients' daily lives.
For Sequoia, everything starts with one principle: meeting patients exactly where they are, literally and figuratively.
With 10 years of in-home care experience and six months at Butte Home Health & Hospice, she specializes in patients aged 65 and older, designing therapy plans that are effective, realistic, and grounded in real-life experience. By combining clinical expertise with creative problemsolving, she helps patients rebuild strength, confidence, and independence in a way that truly lasts.
"In a clinical setting, patients often rely on equipment they won't have access to at home," she explains. "At home, we build their strength using what's already around them. That creates real-life success."
Her work demands creativity. Every home presents different challenges, and every patient has unique mobility needs. By tailoring therapy to each space, Sequoia not only improves outcomes but restores autonomy, allowing patients to actively participate in their progress. That sense of empowerment is what transforms care
into something meaningful.
"Everyone here truly loves what they do," she says. "There's a shared dedication to helping people live safely and fully, and that's something you feel every day."
That collaborative spirit extends across the organization. Nurses, therapists, and social workers work in tandem, coordinating care plans and focusing on shared goals. This integrated approach allows teams to identify risks early, streamline care, and help patients progress efficiently while building both physical strength and emotional confidence.
At the intersection of care and community stands Erica Petersen, Director of Community Education and Strategic Partnerships. With 13 years at the organization, Erica's journey reflects both dedication and deep institutional knowledge. From intern to leadership, she has experienced nearly every layer of the organization and now uses that perspective to educate, connect, and advocate.
A graduate of Chico State and a busy mom of two young boys, Erica is deeply rooted in the community she serves. Whether attending her children's sporting events, participating in her book club, or spending time with extended family, she is constantly connecting with people and embracing opportunities to educate and support.
"I'm never really off the clock," she admits. "If someone has a question about care options, I want to help them understand what's available."
In her role, Erica expands access to information and strengthens partnerships across the region. She meets one-on-one with skilled nursing staff, provides in-depth education on services, and conducts hospice evaluations. Her work also includes regular hospital visits, collaborating with social workers, and offering guidance as families make critical care decisions. Through initiatives like open houses and expanded outreach, Erica continues to build trust and ensure Butte Home Health & Hospice remains a trusted resource for generations to come.
When it comes to life's most tender transitions, Courtney Adams guides families with compassion, clarity, and purpose. "Let's figure this out together," she says. "Whatever you need, we'll find a way to make it happen." A former ICU nurse who moved into hospice care in 2016, Courtney now leads hospice admissions, nursing, and clinical education, helping patients and families truly understand what hospice offers.
From initial conversations to care plan development, Courtney provides ongoing education that breaks down misconceptions and replaces fear with understanding. One of the most important truths she shares is that hospice is not giving up. She often points to former President Jimmy Carter, who utilized hospice care for over two years while continuing to live meaningfully with support and comfort.
"Hospice doesn't hasten death," Courtney emphasizes. "It supports life physically, emotionally, and spiritually, so families can focus on being together."
That support extends far beyond medical care. With a physician-led, team-based approach that includes nurses, social workers, therapists, aides, chaplains, and volunteers, the organization addresses not only symptoms but the full scope of the human experience. Volunteers offer companionship to patients and respite to caregivers, helping ease the daily burdens families face. With on-call nurses available 24 hours a day, patients and families are never without support.
Accessibility remains a key priority. No referral is required, and services are typically covered by Medicare, Medi-Cal, and most private insurance plans, making this care both attainable and invaluable.
At the heart of that mission are women like Sequoia, Erica, and Courtney—leaders who bring not only skill and experience, but compassion, creativity, and an unwavering belief in the power of human connection. Their work is not just about extending life; it's about enriching it, ensuring that every individual can live fully, safely, and supported in the place they call home.
For more information on their services or to become a volunteer, visit Butte Home Health and Hospice online at www.ButteHomeHealth.com They can also be reached by phone at (530) 895-0462.
Sequoia Stephens
Erica Petersen
Courtney Adams
Culligan means service
Step into the office at Culligan of Chico, and you’re bound to run into Jacklyn, Jenn, or Anna. Each one fills a particular niche at the business, but they all share a similar ‘you’re part of the family’ vibe that makes every contact point at Culligan warm and friendly.
Office Manager Jacklyn Farrell began working at the business five years ago, when her husband, Clay, was considering co-purchasing the franchise. Clay realized they would need someone to assist them in running the office after the transition, and Jacklyn was the perfect fit. Today, she is proud of the family-oriented atmosphere they’ve created. She explains that her background in management provided an excellent pool of experience to draw on in developing such a cohesive team.
Sales and Service Support Coordinator Jenn Moore joined Culligan two years ago, and Anna Arbogast began working in sales just last month. Jacklyn explains that Culligan’s dedication to service, both to their customers and to the
community as a whole, is their biggest commitment. She says, “Our service is hands-on. We are just a call away, and our technicians are always ready to get out there and help the customers.” Anna agrees, saying, “There’s so much value in face-to-face service. The sales process is very personable, and I look forward to achieving customer satisfaction in real time.” Jenn explains that her previous jobs were all centered around customer service, “Caring for customers and being able to provide things like purified water at events is right up my alley—making sure everyone is taken care of.”
Those local community events are where Jacklyn and Jenn really shine. They both enjoy attending and helping bring cold, purified water to their Butte family. Culligan donates water bottles to area schools, which they then use to raise money for sports teams and other school organizations. They also support CARD events throughout the spring and summer, like the recent Festival of Friends and Kite Day, a Chico favorite. Jacklyn shares that they’ve just finalized plans
to be part of the Thursday Night Market, where they’ll have their jockey box set up to dispense ice-cold purified water along with a cooling station complete with misters. Jenn says, “I love how Chico is so sustainable. We all have our Kleen Kanteens ready to fill, and everyone is so surprised to find out we’re offering the water for free.” Both she and Jacklyn explain that they enjoy being involved in events like these because they give them an opportunity to chat and connect with the community as they come up to use the water taps.
Wherever there’s a need for water, Culligan is there to meet it. “Being part of the community is big for us,” Jenn says. “Water is always a necessity. The knowledge and education we can give to the community regarding water is so important, and we’re glad to be there.”
If you’d like more information on Culligan, head on over to their website at www.culliganofchico.com or stop by their office to see Jacklyn, Anna, or Jenn at 2377 Ivy St. in Chico.
Linda Jaunarena | The Roost
Linda Juanarena continues to build on the success of The Roost Cafe with a simple promise: real food, real butter, and real good home cooking. Since opening in 2004, the beloved Chico staple has earned a loyal following for its standout eggs Benedict and crowd-pleasing breakfast and lunch menu. Now in its larger Downtown Chico location, Linda is elevating the experience even further, introducing new early bird specials on a number of customer favorites, Monday-Friday, and launching DoorDash service soon. Her dedication to quality and consistency keeps guests returning each week, building lasting community connections and welcoming both longtime locals and first-time visitors through its doors.
The Roost Cafe TheRoostCafeChico www.RoostCafeChico.com
Amy Waltz | Amy Waltz Designs
Since 2011, Amy Waltz Designs has embodied artistry and self-expression. What began at home, during her homeschooling era, handstamping upcycled coordinate belts, quickly grew into a top-selling Etsy brand. Now supported by a team of 20, no two pieces are alike; each design carries its own story. Collections like "Hello Gorgeous" and "Keep Your Wild" celebrate growth and individuality. Every piece includes a hand-made, collectible art card. Featured in Vogue and Lucky magazines, Amy remains devoted to authentic, non mass-produced personalized jewelry that reflects how you show up in the world.
113 W 2nd Street, Chico | (530) 774-0774
Tue-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-3pm AmyWaltzDesigns AmyWaltzDesigns www.AmyWaltz.com
Root causes Outside the tooth
Sitting in the warm and homey waiting area, I feel more relaxed than you’d expect at a dentist’s office. There’s something about the comfortable chairs, dark wood tones, and welcoming staff that’s very calming. I’m greeted by Dr. Loeta Robles’ genuine, eye-reaching smile as she hurries in and apologizes for being late, explaining she had just finished up with an unscheduled patient who had called in with a broken tooth.
Isn’t that what you want in a dentist—someone who is there and ready to help in an emergency, who focuses on her patients while doing everything she can to make sure they’re seen and cared for? My Chico Dentist is just that: a place where the staff builds connections with their patients and truly works to understand their needs.
Dr. Loeta Robles began her journey at My Chico Dentist in high school after responding to an ad in the Pleasant Valley newsletter. That brief time spent working in the file room sparked her interest in dentistry, and her mentor, Dr. Beckett, encouraged her to attend dental school. However, she was set on becoming a hygienist.
She attended UCSF and then returned to Chico to work as a hygienist at the same office for the next 14 years. Dr. Robles shares that one day, while seven months pregnant with her second daughter, she thought, “I think I want more.” She says, “I wanted more responsibility, more clinical skills, and I guess a broader reach.” She enrolled in dental school while she and her husband raised their three- and five-year-old daughters, commuting from Chico to San Francisco for the next four years.
Dr. Robles smiles and shares how important the support from the Chico community was to her family, as her husband cared for their young girls without her during the week. Being there in return for her community and her patients is pivotal for Dr. Robles. She explains that when someone calls in with a broken tooth or another emergency, her staff knows to have them come right down to the office for care. She stresses, “I would not even think about putting it off. To help someone like that—it's the best part of my day.”
When she was younger, Dr. Robles thought she wanted to be a teacher like her mom, signing up as a teacher’s aid whenever she had the chance. That’s initially why she went into dental hygiene. She shares, “I didn’t want to be that person who fixes things; I wanted to be the person who teaches people how to care for their teeth and work on prevention.” At one point, she realized she could do both, and that’s really the basis of her practice. She looks at root causes, works on preventing breakage or decay, and studies the whole body. She says, “It’s not just about saying you have a cavity, let’s fix it. Instead, let's fix it and figure out why you’re getting these.” That’s part of the reason she and her Oral Myofunctional Therapist, Brooke Edgar, opened Somnia as a shared space in My Chico Dentist. Understanding and addressing how oral development and breathing patterns affect dental and overall health is an integral part of her holistic dentistry practice.
Discover more about Dr. Robles and the incredible work she’s doing by visiting www.mychicodentist.com or by visiting their office located at 101 Raley Blvd, Suite 104, in Chico. You can schedule an appointment online, text or call the office at (530) 893-8913. You can also find out more about Somnia at www.somniachico.com, by texting or by calling (530) 389-0087.
Geralyn Sheridan Designs
Geralyn Sheridan collected gems as a kid and frequently visited the gem and mineral show in her hometown of Denver. She would pick up a thing or two each year, and the experience only furthered her fascination with gemology. She worked at Gabrielle Ferrar in the 90s and fell in love with customers who were always happy—there to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings. She took a metalsmithing class in 2001 and hasn’t looked back since. Now the owner of Geralyn Sheridan Designs, she is a gemologist and multi-award-winning jewelry designer focused on using eco-friendly and sustainable metals and gems. Her pieces are custom and created right here at her studio in Chico to be as unique as the clients they’re for. She sculpts her jewelry to be timeless, using manufacturing techniques that emphasize quality and longevity, even offering the option to recycle old jewelry into something new and meaningful. Visit her website below, subscribe to her newsletter, and see how she’s preserving memories for generations to come.
geralynsheridandesigns
GeralynSheridan www.geralynsheridan.com
1334 Mangrove Ave, Chico (530) 519-4367
By Appointment and Seasonal Hours
Babette Maiss, CMF, CLF, CMT
Babette Maiss, CMF, CLT, CMT, is a Certified Mastectomy Fitter and Certified Lymphedema Therapist dedicated to supporting individuals through recovery and healing. Serving the Chico community, Babette specializes in helping clients manage lymphedema and navigate life after breast cancer treatment. With nearly 30 years of experience in therapeutic and medical-based bodywork, she has spent more than a decade focusing on advanced lymphatic therapy. Babette provides complete decongestive therapy (CDT), manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, and custom garment fitting to support lymphatic health and improve quality of life. As a Certified Mastectomy Fitter, she also works closely with clients to find comfortable, properly fitted breast forms, bras, and post-surgical garments—helping restore balance, comfort, and confidence during an important stage of recovery.
Dr. Dina Rabo, D.C., founder of Rabo Health & Wellness, transformed her journey from collegiate triathlete to patient into a lifelong passion for helping others heal. After experiencing the powerful impact of chiropractic care firsthand, she dedicated her career to results-driven, whole-body wellness. For over 20 years, Dr. Rabo has combined advanced, patented therapies, like red and violet light, alongside electro-regenerative therapy, with personalized chiropractic and nutrition plans to go beyond pain relief and support lasting wellness. Her innovative approach helps injured cells heal faster, expediting recovery from back and neck pain and from new and chronic injuries, while offering safe alternatives to medication or surgery. Rooted in listening, caring, and achieving real results, her gentle, non-invasive methods restore function, energy, and vitality. With the addition of Dr. Robert Moore and his 30 years of experience in sports chiropractic, Rabo Health & Wellness is fully-suited to managed any of your chiropractic needs.
RaboHealth
RaboHealth www.RaboChiropracticCenter.com
670 Rio Lindo Ave #600, Chico (530) 846-6262
Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm and by appointment
13Williamsburg Lane, Chico (530) 321-5668
A Sisterhood in aesthetics
Amber Schneider, RN, BSN, is originally from Orange County. She recalls being drawn to aesthetics from an early age, saying, “Growing up in Southern California, I was always interested in the beauty side of things.” She attended Chico State, where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in 2004. She began working at Enloe Health as a cardiac nurse, where she remained for over 18 years before moving on to Enloe Employee Health, where she remains to this day. Her 22 years of experience have built a strong clinical foundation.
Her introduction to aesthetics came in 2006 at Chico Skin and Body, where she met Julie Castellano. What began as a professional collaboration quickly developed into a lasting friendship, one rooted in shared interests and mutual respect.
Julie Castellano, RN, BSN, also a Chico State Alum, connected with Amber immediately over their shared experience in critical care, where she has over 25 years of experience. During her career, Julie had fallen in love with medical aesthetics and was instrumental in establishing one of the area’s earliest laserequipped spas—an experience she shared directly with her new friend. Julie’s passion for the field and the work she was doing left an indelible mark on Amber. Through it, she found her childhood passion for aesthetics reignited and decided to pursue it further alongside Julie.
Their professional and personal paths have remained intertwined over the years, with Julie often acting as both collaborator and friend. Perhaps more importantly, the two have cultivated a meaningful bond in which they consider each other sisters rather than just friends or peers. Amber’s career has been shaped not only by her clinical expertise but also by her work alongside Julie. Together, they explored the evolving field of aesthetics, supporting one another as they learned new techniques and technologies. Amber became certified in multiple laser modalities and values the intersection of science and artistry, but it’s her collaboration with Julie that continues to inspire her. “I love that blend of healthcare and beauty,” Amber explains,
a perspective that has been reinforced through years of working side by side with someone who shares that same vision.
When Julie and Amber joined Privvy Modern Health in Chico, it felt like a natural continuation of the work and values they had cultivated together. “Dr. Prieto’s vision aligned with ours,” Julie says, noting how important it was to be part of a practice that integrates health, prevention, and regenerative medicine. Unsurprisingly, Amber feels the same.
Today, that shared philosophy is something Amber and Julie bring to every patient interaction. Julie has the Lead RN role at Chico State Student Health, continues to work in cardiac care and sees clients at Privvy in the evenings and on weekends, often coordinating closely with Amber to ensure continuity of care. Their communication is seamless, built on years of trust and understanding. Together, they focus on educating patients about laser treatments and overall wellness, while delivering treatments with precision and care. They emphasize that successful outcomes require more than a single procedure or injection. “that is only one facet of beauty,” Julie explains, a belief that both she and Amber reinforce in their daily work.
Outside the clinic, their sisterhood and love for one another continue to thrive. Amber and Julie both love their community and the opportunity to travel together. They prioritize self-care, often sharing tips and routines along the way; whether it’s Amber reminding Julie to stay consistent with sunscreen and hydration, or Julie introducing Amber to calming rituals like sound bowl therapy and nourishing face masks, their bond naturally extends into their personal lives. These shared experiences strengthen not only their friendship but also the trust they bring to their professional environment. Patients benefit not just from clinical expertise, but from the collaborative, supportive dynamic between Amber and Julie—two of the most capable nurses in town who share a love for the work they do. To learn more about their approach and the business they have helped build together, visit www.privvyhealth.com
Happy Mother's Day, Moms!
Behind every strong family, thriving business, and connected community, there is a woman giving her all, often without recognition. This Mother’s Day, we pause to celebrate the moms and remarkable women who lead with heart, show up authentically, and inspire everyone around them.
My mom, Ronda, is kind, genuine, and goes the extra mile even when she doesn’t need to. She treats every person the same and moms everyone at the cafe, no matter the age. She says, “When you’re here, you’re part of the Lofi Family,” and she means it. Lofi Mom not only cares, she shares wisdom, knowledge, and advice you may not want, but definitely need! That’s why our family and the community love her. You can count on her to be empathetic and a champion for your next great endeavor. From her kids and community, WE LOVE Lofi Mom. -Jared Kramer
My mom, Lynda, is “mothering” personified. She embodies the true essence of nurturing. She’s inclined to raise her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews with steadfast dedication and love. She is beautiful, tough, and tireless. She shows a selfless dedication to serving her family, prioritizing our needs before her own, and provides unwavering support, without the expectation of recognition or reward. For Mother’s Day, I would like to recognize her love, dedication, and example. She has shown us all that “mothering” is a verb. -Kerri Rhyne
My mom, Michelle, is one of those people who shows up, and she shows up every single time. She's thoughtful, selfless, and always finds the good in people, no matter what. As "Mima," she is absolutely everything to my kids, even carrying on my dad's spirit with occasional early-morning surprise donut drop-offs. From the moment I became a mom, she has been with me every step of the way, supporting me in ways I can't express. I love you, Mom. Our entire family is so blessed to have you. -Courtney Werblow
When Brian and I were newly married, and I had my first miscarriage, all I needed was my mom. She and my mother-in-law showed up right away. Motherhood might not always be glamorous or restful, but we show up—always. Our babies know we will, and twenty years from now, we will, too, because that’s what moms do. I could list a million reasons I love my mom and mother-in-law, but it comes down to this: when I need them, they are there with their presence, calm, and support. Walking through motherhood with them cheering me on is a true blessing. -Jillian Laird
My mom, Elaine, is one of a kind. We are each other’s biggest fans. I’ve always known I can count on her. She shows up, she stands strong, and she never wavers when it comes to having my back. She is beautiful inside and out, funny, fearless, and incredibly tough, yet grounded in kindness and humility. She speaks the truth with honesty, but always leads with compassion, choosing to see the good in people. Her resilience is unmatched, and it’s something I admire more than I can put into words. Some of my favorite moments in life are simply the ones spent laughing alongside her. She is my closest confidante and my greatest support. Thank you for everything, Mama! -Janae Frutos
where little acorns grow strong roots
For busy parents seeking a childcare solution that blends structure, trust, and genuine heart, Acorns to Oaks Preschool & Daycare is redefining what it means to feel confident leaving your child in someone else’s care. Since opening in March 2023, this women-owned business has grown from a single location into three thriving campuses. They are currently enrolling and filling spaces across all sites while maintaining a growing waitlist, a clear reflection of their reputation in the community.
At the front lines are co-owners Shannon Sivadon and Erica Metzen, lifelong friends of 28 years who have built their business on a deeply rooted philosophy: take care of yourself first—physically and mentally— support your family and community fully, and then bring your best self to work. It’s a mindset that not only defines their leadership style but also sets the tone for their entire team. With 36 employees, many of whom are Chico State graduates, Acorns to Oaks maintains high hiring standards and an impressively low turnover rate, which parents immediately recognize and value.
Shannon, a 24-year veteran of the childcare industry, is known for forming lasting bonds that extend far beyond the classroom, often showing up for her students’ milestones years later. Outside of work, she enjoys life with her significant other, George, cheering on her beloved New York Yankees, and spending
time with Hank, her five-year-old French bulldog. Erica, a passionate community builder, is equally hands-on, whether mentoring others, organizing fundraisers, or participating in local events like the Children’s Faire. She and her husband, Dan, stay active with their two young boys, often enjoying family time in Tahoe. Otherwise, she loves squeezing in a workout at OrangeTheory.
Together, they’ve created more than a preschool; they’ve built a supportive ecosystem for children and families alike. Serving infants through transitional kindergarten, the program is intentionally structured with age-based classrooms and a thoughtfully designed curriculum by credentialed teachers aligned with local educational standards. Children benefit from predictable routines, hands-on learning, and the freedom to develop at their own pace, an approach widely supported in early childhood
development as critical for long-term success.
For working parents, the details matter. Acorns to Oaks offers full-day care Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; provides nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and three daily snacks; and utilizes the ProCare app for real-time updates and communication. Cleanliness, safety, and consistency are top priorities, while accepting multiple tuition options and various programs, including tribal and military assistance programs that make quality care more accessible.
With beautifully updated classrooms, a passionate team, and openings now available across all three locations, Acorns to Oaks is not just meeting the needs of modern families; it’s exceeding them. Visit www.atochico.com or call (530) 715-7315 today to schedule a tour and get on their waiting list. They are currently enrolling for 2027, with limited spots available for 2026.
WRITTEN
MICHAELA GULBRANSEN
Built by hand, heart, and hustle
For Leann Powell, entrepreneurship didn’t begin with a storefront; it began with a vision, a handshake, and $200 exchanged in the Redwood Forest. From those humble beginnings, The Peddler’s Closet has grown into a Chico favorite, known for eclectic, high-quality, and one-of-a-kind style. But it’s more than a boutique; it’s a reflection of womanhood, resilience, and the entrepreneurial spirit that creates a legacy.
Leann’s journey is lived, learned, and earned. From selling artisan tie-dye out of the back of her ‘74 VW Thing, to a home boutique, then a charming 30-foot vintage trailer, and finally a brick-and-mortar space, she built her business step by step, organically and purposefully. The Peddler’s Closet feels less like a store and more like an escape, a place where customers come not just to shop but to explore, connect, or even play the baby grand piano.
Inside, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated mix of vintage and modern attire: flowing linens, elevated basics, and statement pieces that embody effortless elegance. Beyond clothing, the shop features rocks, crystals, artisan jewelry, and unique accessories, all selected with Leann’s signature eye for quality, individuality, and timeless style.
Perhaps Leann’s greatest creation isn’t what hangs on the racks, though; it’s what she’s inspired in her daughters.
Cherstyn Powell brings artistry, confidence, and creativity to life through Brimmed Beauties. What began as personal experimentation with hats quickly grew into custom, statement-making pieces shipped across the U.S., each uniquely crafted using techniques such as burning, torching, and embellishing. Inside The Peddler’s Closet, Cherstyn’s work comes alive through interactive hatmaking parties and events that blend fashion, creativity, and connection. Her reach also extends into the Beauty Bar Suites community, where
she offers elevated spa-like services in a private, luxurious setting.
Annika Powell followed her own path into beauty, offering sought-after services like lashes, waxing, and teeth whitening. What began as a nudge from her sister evolved into a client-centered passion, showing that entrepreneurship is as much about heart and dedication as it is about skill. Together, the sisters represent the next generation of leaders inspired by their mother’s example.
For Leann and her husband, who started two businesses of his own, Classic Granite & Marble and Classic Cleaning, Chico isn’t just home; it’s 36 years of community, vision, and unwavering dedication to hard work. These Chico State graduates have built businesses, supported one another’s ventures, and raised children who thrive, including their son, Ethan, who’s now an engineer in Sacramento.
Leann hasn’t just built a boutique— she’s modeled what it means to figure it out, to take risks, fail forward, trust your instincts, and keep going. The Peddler’s Closet is a space where women can reconnect with themselves, rediscover their style, and Leann is ready and willing to step in, inspire, empower, and curate, whether through a quiet, by-appointment session or a lively gathering with friends. The experience is personal, creative, and empowering.
Step inside The Peddler’s Closet to explore, create, and discover your next favorite find, and maybe even leave with your very own customized hat.
The Peddlers Closet is located at 127 Main Street in Downtown Chico. View them online on Facebook, Instagram, www.ThePeddlersCloset.com, or reach them at (530) 518-8883. Find Brimmed Beauties and Beauty Bar Suites on IG @Brimmed.Beauties and @BeautyBarsuites
Jondea Erisman | Erisman Law
Jondea Erisman is the founder and attorney behind Erisman Law, an estate planning and probate firm serving Oroville, Chico, and surrounding communities. As a woman in business, she has built her practice with intention, where professionalism meets empathy and clients feel informed and empowered to make confident decisions about their future. Her path reflects what many women know well: balancing ambition, family, and life’s unexpected moments. In her final year of law school, she welcomed her son while completing her education, as her community faced significant loss, shaping her belief in preparation and protection. Jondea focuses on estate planning, trust administration, and probate; the court process after death without a plan, often time-consuming and public. She helps clients avoid or navigate it with clarity. Through Erisman Law, Jondea helps ensure your legacy is handled with intention on your own terms. Contact Erisman Law to get started today.
Erisman-law
Erisman.law
www.ErismanLaw.com
Kim and Cydney Colombo | 3 Seas
Celebrating almost a decade in business, 3 Seas is a coastalinspired brick-and-mortar boutique rooted in style and intentional living. Run by Kim Colombo and her daughter Cydney, who has been immersed in the business since childhood, the shop reflects years of hands-on experience and passion. Together, they love traveling, researching trends, and spending time at the beach, soaking up the “vitamin sea,” inspiring their ever-evolving collections. Open seven days a week, 3 Seas offers women’s and men’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, gifts, home goods, and swimsuits, each piece handpicked, from vintage finds to coastal cowgirl vibes. Featuring brands like Pendleton, Rip Curl, Rollas Jeans, April Cornell, and Niki Biki, there’s always something new. Come in to shop or check out their website to see what’s trending, and take advantage of same-day online order pickup and a convenient loading zone; they’ll even run your order out to you.
Shop3seas
Shop3seas www.Shop3seas.com
334 Broadway Street, Chico (530) 809-1673
Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm
1933 Montgomery Street, Oroville (530) 531-7702
jerisman@erismanlaw.com
Ashley (Williams) Juhl-Darlington
| BAPA's Market
Ashley (Williams) Juhl-Darlington is the proud owner of Bapa’s Market, a woman-owned bodega in Chico that began 1.5 years ago. Through construction, advocacy, and the navigation of a brand-new business, it has quickly grown into a vibrant, welcoming space that’s impossible not to love. Bapa’s offers everyday staples, grab-and-go items, skincare, baked goods, and gluten-free options, making it far more than just a place to pick up essentials. Ashley knows nearly every customer by name and even provides kid shopping carts, creating a fun, family atmosphere. Married with two children and three step-children, Ashley balances family life and outdoor adventures while bringing her former healthcare experience to retail with a passion for shaping the Meriam Park community. While currently supporting 20+ local vendors and a member of the Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA), she keeps prices competitive and accessible and accepts EBT. With its gorgeous curb appeal and thoughtfully curated gift baskets, BAPA's Market is a neighborhood staple you simply can’t miss.
bapasmarket bapasmarket www.BapasMarket.com
1920 Market Pl Suite 120, Chico (530) 303-9371 Mon-Sat 9am-7p, Sun 9am-6pm
Guidance when it matters most
Imagine you’re dropped off on a deserted island and left to figure out how to survive. What should you do first? Where do you find food, water, and shelter? Your mind’s awhirl with worries and questions you don’t even know to ask yet. But what if there was someone to guide you, walk you through what you needed, and help you determine how to accomplish it? You’d feel less lost, more confident, and more empowered. While we’re not on an island here, starting and running a business can still feel isolating and overwhelming. Drea Job of ALJ Consulting is ready to guide you as you make your way through it.
It’s difficult to distill exactly what Drea can offer because each business is different, with its own unique set of questions, concerns, and goals. Some may need help with accounting duties, others with human resources or time management, and still others aren’t even sure yet what they need. This is where Drea excels. As a consultant, she’s able to sit down, listen to what’s going on in the business, and help formulate a plan, complete with referrals and manpower, to achieve the business goal. The broad spectrum of experience she’s gained over the years gives her a strong knowledge base to draw from in her recommendations.
Drea grew up on a rice farm in Richvale, California, as the oldest of five. She says, “I have worked since I could mow a lawn or clean a house and lift a shovel.” She went on to farm over 100 acres of rice on her own until her business took off. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Management and worked for Knife River Construction for 20 years. It was during her time there that she determined she needed something different. She says, “I realized what I really love to do. I love to help people and wanted to figure out how I could do that as a career.”
Drea wanted to create a business that would enable her to spend quality time with her daughter while fulfilling her passion for empowering others to succeed and find the same work-life balance. She shares, “I have had too many people in my life pass too young and have seen so many close to me work so hard and not be able to be a part of all the things.”
One client, Chris Daniels from Kirk’s Jewelry and ERA Jewelry, shares, “Andrea has been an invaluable partner in strengthening our operations, supporting everything from payroll management to strategic planning for our small business in Downtown Chico. Her hands-on approach and deep understanding of small business needs have allowed me to step back from the day-to-day tasks and focus on working on the business rather than just in it. That shift has made a meaningful difference in how we grow, plan, and operate moving forward.”
Drea’s passion for helping other small businesses like her parents’ farm is what drives her. She explains that she wants to provide them with the service and attention they deserve, so the community can truly appreciate all they do. Her team of employees works to ensure that each business gets what it needs, and if Drea’s company doesn’t offer a particular service, she has a pool of trusted professionals she can refer them to. Drea shares, “Every client has their own unique dynamics, and my team and I are in the business of helping them accomplish things with their desires in mind, not our own.”
So, what would you like to accomplish this year? If you would like more information on how ALJ Consulting can help you achieve your goals, give Drea a call at (530) 592-3187 or email andrea@aljconsulting-chico.com
Talented Tammie — The Handy Woman & Team
Tammie Harvey, of Talented Tammie, brings 25 years of hands-on remodeling and repair experience, delivering quality, reliability, and value to Butte County. She has built a trusted reputation for her can-do, fix-it attitude, with her awardwinning work honored in Best of Chico for the past 2 years. Tammie is a mom of 3 and loves animals. She specializes in painting, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, fencing & more, and her passion shines through in every project. View her work portfolio on Facebook and schedule an appointment through her website or by text.
Serving Chico and the surrounding areas. www.Facebook.com/TalentedTammie (530) 580-8266 | info@talentedtammie.com | www.TalentedTammie.com
Erica Couturer | Bacio Catering
Rooted in seasonal, locally farmed, organic ingredients and elevated farm-to-table dining, this intimate eatery offers exceptional flavor, thoughtful hospitality, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. With over 20 years of culinary experience, the chef brings both passion and expertise to every dish. From beautifully prepared dine-in meals and convenient carryout to stunning catered events and private dining experiences, every offering reflects artistry, freshness, and a true connection to the community. Deeply involved in the local soccer community, you can find Erica on the field while away from the restaurant.
In a world where women are often told “everything looks normal” while feeling anything but, Mariah Atkin is building something radically different— something honest, empowering, and deeply needed. At Bubble Bar Spa, beauty is no longer just skin deep; it’s cellular.
Mariah’s story is one of resilience, evolution, and extraordinary drive. A Chico local, mother of four, and full-time nursing student, she is simultaneously running a thriving business while stepping boldly into the future of the medspa industry. Her ability to balance motherhood—including recently welcoming her fourth baby while in the midst of academics and entrepreneurship—is nothing short of remarkable. It speaks to the heart of who she is: focused, disciplined, and deeply committed to helping others feel their best. But what truly sets Mariah apart is why she’s evolving.
After years of navigating autoimmune challenges, chronic inflammation, and ultimately breast-implant illness, she experienced firsthand the frustration so many women face, being told everything is “normal” while feeling anything but. That disconnect lit a fire in her. Instead of settling, she leaned in, diving deep into functional medicine, advanced lab testing, and whole-body healing. Now, she’s bringing that knowledge directly to her clients.
Bubble Bar Spa is expanding beyond elevated esthetics into a results-driven medspa model that blends beauty with internal wellness. While clients still love the luxurious facials, lash services, and cutting-edge treatments like the Glo2Facial, Mariah is introducing something even more impactful: answers.
Through functional lab testing like DUTCH hormone panels and GI mapping, she’s helping women understand their bodies more deeply, focusing not just on “ranges” but on optimal health. Her approach prioritizes root causes over symptom management, empowering clients with real insight into hormones, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and detox pathways. And she’s not stopping there.
Mariah is also leading the way in responsibly integrating doctor-prescribed peptide therapies that support recovery, metabolism, and overall wellness, while guiding clients with personalized plans for nutrition, movement, and sustainable habits. It’s not about quick fixes; it’s about equipping women with tools that actually work.
What makes this next chapter so compelling is that it enhances everything Bubble Bar already does so well. With the addition of couples services, a salt therapy room, and a continued commitment to high-performance skincare, the space is becoming a destination for both results and restoration.
Mariah Atkin represents a new era of women in business, one where lived experience fuels innovation, where strength and softness coexist, and where success is measured not just by growth but by impact.
If you’ve ever felt overlooked, unheard, or stuck in your own body, this is your sign. Step inside Bubble Bar Spa and experience what’s next. Because this isn’t just self-care, it’s self-advocacy, redefined.
Bubble Bar Spa is located at 1074 East Ave, Suite U in Chico. They can be found online at www.BubbleBarSpa.com and can be reached by phone at (530) 966-7292
Chico's culinary prodigy
At just 21 years old, Chef Belle Sarmento is taking Chico by surprise as executive chef of The Grill inside Hotel Diamond, a role many reach only after decades in the industry. Originally from San Luis Obispo County, she began her culinary journey at just 15, washing dishes in a small Italian mom-and-pop restaurant. Eager to learn, she moved through a variety of kitchen roles. It was there that she was mentored by the owners and learned her craft.
Her passion, however, began much earlier. Belle recalls time spent cutting bell peppers at just seven years old, wearing a neon pink cast under the guidance of her mother, whose gift for hospitality and unwavering support continue to shape her, alongside the influence of her uncle, the family’s gifted chef. Those early moments sparked confidence and curiosity that guided her to culinary school in Vancouver, Washington, before ultimately choosing Chico for its vibrant food scene, a university woven into the heart of downtown, and its small-town charm.
Belle is an anomaly in the best sense: driven, focused, and fearless in her ambition, yet deeply expressive through her food. She views cooking as a love language, crafting dishes meant to linger in memory long after the last bite. Her philosophy centers on elevating classic cuisine while exploring a range of flavors, with a clear strength in coastal seafood and an affinity for Mediterranean and Asian influences. Standout dishes include her current favorite: a bright, citrusy sea bass, alongside delicate halibut and thoughtfully composed seafood plates that highlight balance, freshness, and restraint.
As a leader, Belle is just as intentional with her team as she is with her dishes. She mentors her chefs, sharing techniques to elevate their skills and deliver a refined dining experience. Her kitchen is a space of creativity, encouragement, and collaboration, no theatrics, no yelling, just a team inspired to cook and grow together. She wants her chefs excited to come to work and to thrive alongside her.
At The Grill, Belle ensures every guest’s experience is both refined and approachable. Dinner is served Tuesday through Saturday, 4–9 p.m., featuring a curated menu with what many consider Chico’s best clam chowder, plus gluten-free options. They host a bustling brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., pairing entrées with $1 mimosas and fresh juices. A bar bites menu and happy hour round out the offerings, inviting guests to return and explore more.
When she isn’t enchanting a kitchen, Belle draws inspiration from art, books, and experimenting with new flavor combinations. Her quiet moments have purpose, often recharging with her cat, Sprout, or envisioning what’s next with her boyfriend, Davin. Focused and driven, she keeps her head down, continually refining her skills and pushing beyond expectations. With a blend of natural talent, creativity, and relentless determination, Chef Belle is carving out her path while elevating and reshaping the culinary experience in Chico.
Visit Chef Belle at The Grill inside Hotel Diamond at 220 W. 4th Street in Downtown Chico. More information can be found at www.TheGrillChico.com.
Sicilian Cafe
Carli Van Houtte, REALTOR®
Built by a woman who means business. Carli Van Houtte grew up enthralled with home design and construction. As a child, she and her mom would visit open houses together, and her dad would take her to Barnes & Noble, where she’d sit in the aisle, flipping through magazines on houses and floor plans. Her love for the field led her to study interior design and architecture, along with business, at Chico State and decided to get her real estate license. She began working as an agent in 2018 and quickly experienced the rollercoaster of real estate in the years that followed through the Camp Fire and pandemic. Proud to have persevered through it and come out stronger, Carli has built a successful career in real estate that blends her passion for design, real estate, and five-star customer service. Loved by her clients and peers alike, she is a shining example of the bright future of real estate in Chico.
CarliVsellsRE
CarliVsellsRE www.parkwayrec.com
Since opening in 1984, Sicilian Cafe has become known not only for its Italian-inspired cuisine, but for the women who bring it to life every day. Warm, vibrant, and deeply personable, the team has a remarkable way of making guests feel like family—greeting longtime patrons by name and welcoming new faces with the same genuine care. That spirit of connection is what sets Sicilian Cafe apart. Each woman brings her own unique personality, energy, and experience to the table, creating an atmosphere that feels both lively and comforting. It’s service rooted in authenticity. Now, 43 years in, the restaurant continues to evolve. A new spring cocktail menu, featuring playful options like the Pom Fire Fizz, joins seasonal dishes including Farmers' market food and drink special every Thursday. Heading into summer, expect to find lighter fare with refreshing new salads and small plates gracing the menu. Even after all these years, co-owner Misti Taylor and the team still delight in seeing familiar faces—and meeting new ones every single day.
168 E. 3rd Ave, Chico (530) 514-6898 DRE #02051815
LO Designs is a full-service design studio led by Lauren O’Donnell, bringing over 16 years of experience. Originally on the path to becoming a lawyer, Lauren followed her creative calling into design with a detailoriented approach. Since launching her business in 2018, she has built a reputation for creating elevated spaces that reflect how families live and grow. Her approach blends aesthetics with functionality, guiding clients from styling to remodels and new construction. Lauren helps clients avoid costly mistakes while maximizing their investment. She offers tailored consultations that give clarity and confidence at any stage. Known for her eye for color and spatial flow, she collaborates with trusted contractors and partners. Lauren draws inspiration from motherhood, travel, and continued education, designing homes that feel timeless and personal. Visit her studio in Downtown Chico, and follow Lodesigns on Instagram to explore her work, connect for inspiration, and view upcoming pop-up events.
lodesigns www.lodesignstudio.co
830 Broadway Street, Chico (530) 965-5970
Monday-Friday, By Appointment
Finding home in the saddle
For JayaMae Kaur, horsemanship is a way of life and a path of deep personal growth. She has spent decades shaping both horses and humans with intention, patience, and heart. Her journey reflects resilience and reinvention after losing her home in the Camp Fire and facing partial loss once again during the Park Fire. In the wake of it all, she set out on a 13-week, 26-state journey in exploration of a new place to call home. Instead, she gained a deeper understanding of herself, her purpose, and what it truly means to rebuild and come home.
It was upon her return to Northern California, standing beneath the aweinspiring presence of Mount Shasta, that clarity struck. In that profound, almost spiritual moment, she realized that this wasn’t just another location; it was her home. “No matter where I go, this is where I am meant to be,” JayaMae reflects. It’s here that she knew she could make the greatest impact by creating a thriving horse community where riders of all ages could learn, grow, and connect with both their horses and themselves.
Lightfoot Horse Farm, located just 12 miles north of Chico, spans 10.5 acres. They offer full-time horse programs, trail
lessons, retreats, and endurance riding. Students of all ages learn everything from groundwork and liberty-training to horse care, emergency response, and how to truly communicate with a 1,000-pound animal. JayaMae’s unique approach includes rhythm and cadence instruction, teaching riders to count beats at the walk, trot, and canter, fostering connection, mindfulness, and presence. She loves sharing her expertise with students, whether guiding a nervous beginner on a trail and working through their fears or coaching advanced riders. Her holistic, intentional approach ensures every lesson is as deeply personalized as it is about horsemanship.
For those seeking adventure and lasting memories, the Lightfoot Horse Farm summer camp at Point Reyes National Seashore is unforgettable. Campers ride along beaches, through coastal forests, and backcountry trails while learning essential skills. The four-day, three-night experience includes guided rides, arts and crafts, sound healing, campfire song circles, and hands-on instruction with JayaMae herself. It’s not just a camp; it’s a full immersion into horse-human connection and confidence-building.
JayaMae Kaur, a three-time Tevis Cup finisher and accomplished endurance rider, balances her extraordinary equestrian achievements with life as a previous birth doula and current dedicated labor and delivery nurse at Oroville Hospital. Deeply proud of her Indian heritage, she delights in cooking traditional dishes for her four children, a practice that connects her to her late father and keeps his memory alive in her family’s daily life. An avid trail rider and writer, JayaMae often covers 50 miles in a single ride, embracing the challenge and freedom that come with it. Through her journey, she exemplifies resilience, perseverance, and the power of rebuilding stronger. At Lightfoot Horse Farm, she has created more than just a stable; it’s a vibrant space of learning, where horses become teachers, and students build lasting confidence.
To learn more about programs, summer camps, or private lessons, email lightfoothorsefarm@gmail.com or call (530) 762-8955. Step into Lightfoot Horse Farm and discover a world where connection, growth, and adventure await on horseback and beyond.
WRITTEN BY MICHAELA GULBRANSEN
PHOTO BY KRISTI CARLSON
PHOTO BY ALICIA BERARDI
Renewed Strength: Practical Steps
Torward Emotional Wellness
Difficult experiences don’t always stay in the past. Trauma, loss, sudden change, or overwhelming events can continue to affect how we feel, think, and respondeven years later.
Join licensed therapist, Denise Cangiano, LMFT for an informative and supportive presentation focused on understanding trauma and learning practical tools for emotional well-being.
Limited spaces. RSVP now!
Wed, May 6 2026 th, 6-8pm
175 Estates Drive, Chico, CA 95928
Planning with purpose
Dana and Tara Campbell are changing the conversation around what it means to prepare for the future, bringing creativity, compassion, and care to the legal process. Currently operating as Dana L. Campbell, Attorney at Law (www. DanaCampbellLaw.com), the firm will officially become Campbell & Campbell, Attorneys at Law this August, marking a new milestone for this mother-daughter legal team. Together, they are building more than a practice.
Specializing in estate planning, probate, conservatorships, and highly nuanced areas such as special needs trusts and Medi-Cal planning, Dana and Tara bring a rare depth of expertise, helping families not only protect assets but navigate life with greater peace of mind.
What sets them apart is not just their legal knowledge, but how they deliver it. Clients consistently describe their approach as refreshingly clear, translating complex legal systems into plain language so families can make informed decisions without confusion or becoming overwhelmed.
Their partnership is built on both professional excellence and lived experience. Dana, a CPA and former
nonprofit CFO, discovered her path to law after serving on a jury and being encouraged by a local district attorney to pursue legal studies. She attended Cal Northern School of Law in Chico. Six years later, Tara followed in her footsteps, having studied with her mother and served as a nonprofit CFO before fully stepping into law. Remarkably, both passed the bar exam on their first attempt.
Together, they also serve as educators at Chico State’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) and as professors at Cal Northern School of Law, where they continue to shape and mentor future legal professionals.
Additionally, their practice is strengthened by a deeply experienced team, including longtime legal assistants June and Brian, who bring decades of combined courtroom and administrative experience to support clients.
Even their personal lives reflect the balance they bring to their profession. Dana is an avid strength trainer, lifting heavy with discipline and focus. Tara has spent over 20 years editing subtitles for Crunchyroll anime, ensuring language, timing, and humor translate seamlessly
across cultures; an unexpected hobby but a fitting extension of her precision and attention to detail.
At the heart of their philosophy is what they call “Murphy’s Law planning”: the belief that the best time to prepare for uncertainty is long before it arrives. While many assume estate planning is something for later in life, Dana and Tara emphasize that the most critical window is often between ages 30 and 50, when families, assets, and responsibilities are actively growing.
Their work is especially vital in areas many firms overlook, including disability law and special needs planning; fields they have spent years mastering due to both technical complexity and deep personal commitment.
But perhaps what clients remember most is not just their expertise; it’s how they make people feel. Warm, approachable, and deeply attentive, Dana and Tara have a rare ability to make even the most difficult conversations feel safe.
At Campbell & Campbell, legal planning isn’t just about documents; it’s about protecting families, preserving dignity, and building a future with intention. Visit www.DanaCampbellLaw.com for more information or call to schedule an appointment.
Alisha Fickert, REALTOR®
Alisha Fickert is a dynamic, results-driven REALTOR® celebrating 20 years in the industry, known for her consistency, heart, and hands-on approach. Alongside her husband, Keith, she leads a small-but-mighty team serving 60–80 clients annually, built on connection and a true commitment to people, not just transactions. Alisha stands out for her “hand-holding” philosophy, guiding clients through every step with clarity, communication, and care, making even complex situations feel manageable. Efficiency, competitiveness, and connection drive Alisha’s success. She loves being a mom to two children and traveling together. They have explored five of the seven continents as a family, so far. Deeply rooted in community and giving back, Alisha hosts five familyfocused events each year and lovingly supports her mother-in-law’s Adopt-a-Family toy drive in California Park. Recognized as a top agent in 2026, Alisha’s passion for mentoring, education, and addressing professional burnout through her newsletter makes her a REALTOR® that clients trust and admire.
FickertRealEstate
TheFickertTeam
https://thefickertteam.kw.com
Kasey Reynolds Shubert's Ice Cream & Candy
For 88 years, Shubert’s Ice Cream & Candy has stood as a testament to the power of women in business, thriving across multiple generations. Kasey Reynolds, longtime owner and Chico’s current mayor, leads with expertise, a deep respect for tradition, and duplicatable mentorship, guiding the next generation while preserving the family legacy. As shopping habits change, Shubert’s continues to evolve without compromising its made-in-house quality products, multiple gift options, and signature hospitality. From their famous Chico Mint ice cream to the return of fresh, locally grown boysenberry sundaes, housemade melt-in-your-mouth caramels, and craveworthy thin peanut brittle, every bite is tradition. More than a shop, Shuberts is a gathering place where life’s milestones are celebrated on the iconic bench out front. Come celebrate their 88th anniversary together on May 28 with a special party. Stay connected on Facebook for updates. Kasey encourages everyone, “Don’t stop coming downtown; Shubert’s is here, waiting for you!”
178 E 7th St, Chico (530) 342-7163 10am-10pm, 7 days a week!
alisha@alishafickert.com
(530) 214-0656
Lic #01764899
Soul House Energy Healing
As Soul House celebrates one year in its new location, owner Maddie Stone reflects on the profound connections forged through healing. The EESystem remains the heart of everything, but it's the Friday night sound healings that have become something truly magical. What started as an intuitive offering quickly revealed itself as exactly what people were desperately seeking. When Jodi's crystal bowls blend with the sacred vocal harmonies of Yana and Maddie, all within the EESystem's biophotonic field, something indescribable happens. This is where measurable science meets unmeasurable soul. Sound vibrations actively rewire neural pathways, reducing cortisol and activating your body's natural healing cascade. The EESystem's frequencies work at the cellular level, optimizing energy production while the vocal tones penetrate emotional blocks stored in tissue. Clients don't just relax—they recalibrate. Chronic conditions shift. Old patterns dissolve. People remember what wellness actually feels like. Your logical mind might resist, but your body knows the truth when it experiences it.
For Jodi Drysdale, event planning is far more than timelines, logistics, and checklists; it’s about creating meaningful experiences that leave a lasting impact on those she serves. As the owner of CES Weddings & Events, Jodi has built a highly respected, in-demand company known for seamless execution and for turning vision into something unforgettable. While weddings make up about 60% of her work, it’s the remaining 40% rooted in non-profit and corporate events, and community collaboration, where her deeper purpose and passion truly come to life.
CES is the force behind some of the region’s most well-executed gatherings. From the Honey Run Covered Bridge Pancake Breakfast to events for the Butte County Sheriff‘s Office, Jodi and her team are known for creating experiences that bring people together with purpose and care. They are also a trusted partner of the Chico Chamber of Commerce, planning their key membership events.
“Once the bridge was rebuilt and we were ready to share it with the community, we knew CES was the one
to do it,” shared Board Member Lindsay Steinberg. That trust is echoed across every partnership. “Her professionalism allows us to stay focused on our mission, knowing every detail is in capable hands,” said Sheriff Kory Honea.
Looking ahead, they will play a leading role in the donor celebration for the opening of the highly anticipated Enloe Cancer Center, designing an experience centered on hope, compassion, and celebration. “Jodi and her team bring a level of professionalism and deep vendor relationships. I trust her to ensure our organization is well represented at important donor and community events,” said Jolene Francis, CDO at Enloe Health.
CES thrives on precision, communication, and elevated execution. Jodi’s ability to transform complex visions into cohesive, beautifully run events makes her an invaluable partner. “Working with Jodi never feels transactional,” shared Amber Abney-Bass, CEO of The Jesus Center. “She genuinely cares about our mission and the people we serve.”
As a proud mother of two teenagers,
Jodi actively involves her children in her work and community events whenever possible. They serve alongside her annually during the Run for Food, learning firsthand the importance of giving back and participating in their community.
Raised in a large-scale, family-owned event planning business in Southern California, Jodi’s path to the industry was second nature. Event production isn’t just what she does; it’s in her blood. As a proud Wildcat Alumni, Jodi built CES around a mission of connection, impact, and meaningful community engagement. Her work has been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, and The Today Show, reflecting a reputation built on excellence, heart, and execution at the highest level.
If you’re looking for a partner who will not only deliver your vision but elevate it, CES is the team to call. Follow CES on Instagram @cesweddingsandevents for inspiration and behind-the-scenes magic. Explore their work or get in touch via their website at cesweddingsandevents.com
