SB Magazine October 2022 - Top Doctors

Your Standards Are High. Ours Are, Too.

We are committed to helping seniors, individuals with disabilities, and their families to make informed choices with their long term care. We offer our clients sound legal advice and work with each family to develop an individualized plan to protect their assets from potentially devastating nursing home costs. Whether you are planning for the future or already in the nursing home, we can help your family.

Does Medicare or Medicaid pay for Assisted Living or Nursing Home care?

Medicare does not pay for Assisted Living, and only pays for up to 100 days of skilled nursing care and rehabilitation within a nursing home environment. Medicaid will pay for nursing home custodial care if you have a condition where you are no longer able to live in your home requiring substantial assistance with your activities of daily living. There are different resource thresholds that you have to meet if you are married or single. Medicaid does not pay for Assisted Living in Louisiana.

Can the government take my house if I need nursing home care?

In Louisiana, Medicaid does not force you to sell your house if you enter a nursing home for your care. The house is an exempt asset as long as you intend to return to it to live should your health improve, or if your spouse or dependent lives in the house. Once both spouses have died, Medicaid may try to recover the expenses they paid for you or your spouse from your estate. You can plan ahead to avoid estate recovery.

Does Medicaid still have a “look-back” period for transferring property before going into a nursing home?

Medicaid has a five year look-back period. If you apply for Medicaid while in the nursing home, you have to report any gifts or transfers of your assets within the five years preceding your Medicaid application. If you gifted or transferred any money or property during the look back period, you will have a period of ineligibility where Medicaid will not pay for your care at the nursing home, unless the transfer meets one of the exemptions allowed by Medicaid. The key to successful planning is to find qualified professionals to assist you and to start planning well in advance of needing long-term care. However, it is never too late to get advice about your particular family’s situation so that you can make the best decisions for your family.

EDITOR

Otctober is our annual Top Doctors and Dentists issue, which we hope will be a fantastic resource for SB readers!

The Top Doctors, Dentists, and Health Care Professionals listed inside were selected by a vote of their peers. The physicians on our cover were selected from this list. We added a People’s Choice award last year, and voting was open to everyone on sbmag.net. Congratulations to all!

In keeping with this medical theme, this issue is full of stories on health and wellness and nutrition.

Tubbs Hardware is celebrating 100 years, Wendell Riley is leading the Robinson Film Center, and Seva May is getting ready for a onewoman musical show at the Shreveport Little Theatre. Read all about it here!

As we get ready for the holidays you must read all about what and how the angels at Holy Angels are making creations we can buy for our homes and for gifts to support their mission. I highly recommend the lasagna from the culinary artists!

We have a story about keeping your pets safe on Halloween, one on the history of the tradition, and a special page just for Halloween events. Check out the rest of the calendar too and get the details on the upcoming Loyola Style Show.

SB Magazine appreciates all of our advertisers! When you can, please support these businesses and our local economy. Enjoy the fall and Happy Halloween!

Elizabeth Beard Deal Executive Editor

PUBLISHER

G. Byron May

OWNERS

G. Byron May

Seva May

Noble Feldman

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Elizabeth Beard Deal

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Hailey Lawson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Teddy Allen Scott “Scooter” Anderson

Adam Bailey

Ursula Brantley

Courtney Hammons Butts

Jon Paule Calcote

LaWenica Evans

Hailey Lawson

Ellen Nicholson

Cindy Payton

PHOTOGRAPHY

Hailey Lawson

Debbie Henry

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Ryan Watson

SALES MANAGER

Keyle Cavalier

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Stephanie Pringle

Laura Prissy Scott

EDITORIAL INTERN

Zoie Swint

HOW TO REACH US

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Shreveport, LA 71101

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Copyright © 2022 SB Magazine, Inc.

Volume 23, Issue 9

ON THE COVER

FIRST ROW:

Joseph A. Bocchini, Jr., M.D., is a Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist at Willis-Knighton Children's Health Specialists. He attended medical school at St. Louis University School of Medicine and completed his internship and residency at the University of Connecticut Health Center. He then completed a fellowship studying Pediatric Infectious Diseases at John Hopkins University. He came to Louisiana in 1977 and joined the faculty at LSU Health Sciences Center – Shreveport as Chief of the Infectious Diseases Section. He later became acting chair, as well as Director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory and director of the residency program. In 1991, he became Associate Director of the Cystic Fibrosis Center. In 1996, he became Medical Director of the Children’s Hospital of LSU Health Sciences Center - Shreveport. He then transferred to Willis-Knighton in 2019. Dr. Bocchini is board certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics. He served as the chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases. He has lectured worldwide on topics related to children’s health. He has written over 90 articles and materials for multiple textbooks and participated in clinical trials and research grants investigating children’s health topics. He is a member of more than a dozen professional societies and organizations, many of which have recognized him for his work in the field of pediatrics and is currently serving as president of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. In 2017, he was awarded the Childhood Immunization Champion Award for Louisiana from the Centers for Disease Control Foundation. Recently, he was elected to The Gold Humanism Honor Society of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation and was selected as a Master Pediatrician by the Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

MIDDLE ROW:

Ellie O’Brien Hudnall, M.D., is a Family Medicine Specialist and Primary Care Physician at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport – Spring Lake. She was born and raised in Shreveport. She received a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Upon graduation, Dr. Hudnall returned home, achieved her medical doctorate from LSU Health Sciences Center – Shreveport, and became the first recipient of the Ike Muslow Award in Primary Care. She completed her internship with Internal Medicine at Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans, followed by residency in Family Medicine at LSU Health Sciences Center – Shreveport. Following her graduation, she served as an Assistant Professor and Clinical Instructor in the Department of Family Medicine at LSU Health for one year and was honored with the Resident Teaching Award in 2011. Dr. Hudnall has worked as a board-certified physician in Shreveport for the past decade.

R. Keith White, M.D., FACS, is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Surgery for LSU Health – Shreveport and holds the John C. McDonald, M.D., Endowed Chair of Surgery. He specializes in cardiothoracic and vascular surgery. He obtained both his undergraduate and postgraduate medical degree from Louisiana State University. He completed his surgical internship at the University of Missouri Health Sciences Center in Columbia and completed surgical training at LSU Health – Shreveport. He worked at the Artificial Heart Research Laboratory in Salt Lake City, Utah before training in cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center. He then joined LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport as Assistant Professor of Surgery and later as Associate Clinical Professor specializing in cardiac transplantation and complex aortic reconstructive surgery. He organized a new cardiothoracic and vascular program and later served as President and Chairman of the Board for a large multispecialty medical group. He then returned to LSU Health Shreveport and took over as Director and Chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery before becoming Chairman of the Department of Surgery. Dr. White has also served on numerous medical and governmental advisory committees.

THIRD ROW:

Bharat Guthikonda, M.D., FACS, FAANS, is the Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, with over 10 years of neurosurgical experience. He received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Cornell University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and in the top three percent of his class. He completed medical school at SUNY Syracuse Upstate Medical University, then completed his internship and residency at Baylor College of Medicine. He completed the Skull Base Fellowship and served as an instructor at the Mayfield Clinic at the University of Cincinnati. He has presented on more than 250 occasions and published more than 100 medical works and is renowned for his extensive research in the use of radioactive substances in research, diagnosis, and treatment of brain tumors. In addition to his role at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, he also serves as the Chair of the Medico-Legal Committee of the Council of State Neurosurgical Societies, a member of the Executive Committee of the Council of State Neurosurgical Societies, a Diplomate of the American Board of Neurological Surgery, among multiple other committees.

Janay E. McKie, M.D., joined the surgical team at Shriners Children's Shreveport in 2014 as an Orthopedic Surgery and Pediatrics Specialist at Shriners Children’s Shreveport. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, to parents who immigrated to the United States from Jamaica, West Indies. She earned her medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine and received her residency training at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. She completed her fellowship in Pediatric Orthopedics at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital

Taste– A Festival of Food and Art benefitting Holy Angels

EYE ON SB

TASTE- a Festival of Food and Art, benefiting Holy Angels, was held at the Bossier Civic Center. The 41st annual TASTE fundraiser offered an art auction from community artists as well as art from resident Holy Angel Artists who created over 200 items for the auction. TASTE also included live music from Windstorm, performances by Holy Angels Choir and by the Holy Angels Talent Show winner

Foodie Experience offered beverage tasting, and culinary delights from over 30 of our area’s finest restaurants. Holy Angels relies on community support to help provide residential training, education, applied behavioral analysis,

Holy Angels

the Carwash.”

program activities and services

individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Highland

&

CHURCH BUILDING

TO SHINE CAR WASH

Christy

Shiner’s

100 Year Celebration Shriners Hospitals for Children held a Celebratory Gala “It’s a Grand Affair” at the Horseshoe Riverdome to mark the 100th anniversary of the world’s first Shriners Hospital. In 1922, Shreveport Shriner and businessman James Rowland placed the cornerstone of the world’s first Shriners Hospital. What began in Shreveport as a single hospital became a world-renowned healthcare system. Shriners celebrate 100 years of providing pediatric specialty care that has helped thousands of children live their best lives. Guest speaker Bobbi Jo Wright, a patient of Shriners Hospital, was the inspiration behind the “helping hand” statue and logo for the Shriners. The Gala also included a formal dinner, silent auction and entertainment by Windstorm. For 100 years, Shriners Children’s Hospitals have been providing innovative high quality comprehensive care to hundreds of thousands of children and it all started right here in Shreveport.

1. Robert and Lisa Folsom 2. Dr. Tom and Tracy Pressly 3. Barbara Christian with Ms. Bobbi Jo Wright, Guest Speaker and inspiration for the Shriners logo. 4. Stuart Sullivan, Chief Development Officer of Shriners Hospitals for Children with International Board of Trustees for Shriners Hospitals for Children Chuck Pittman and Gail Pittman 5. Shriner Potentate of Hawaii Michael Lopez with Maria and Wilson Camagan, Past Grand Master of Hawaii 6. Michael and Susan Moffit Henson with Lori Allen and Clare Nelson 7. Kim Green, Administrator/CEO Shriners Hospitals for Children, Steve Caskey, Chairman of the Board of Governors at the Shriners Hospital Shreveport, and Kenneth R. Trichel, El Karubah Shrine Potentate

Pat Beaird Awards

The Greater Shreveport Chamber held their annual J. Pat Beaird Industry of the Year Awards Luncheon at Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino. Sponsored by the J. Pat Beaird Memorial Fund and Regions Bank, the J. Pat Beaird Industry of the Year Award recognizes a corporate business from the Greater Shreveport area for their outstanding business achievements. 1. Greater Shreveport Chamber President Timothy J. Magner with Carly Koen and Merrill Wautlet 2. Guest Speaker Stephen E. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge (Retired) Drug Enforcement Administration and author of best seller “Man Hunters: How We Took Down Pablo Escobar” with Mitchell Marshall, Executive Director Market Director of Banking J.P. Morgan Chase 3. Greater Shreveport Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Brumley with Ellie Ward, Director of Special Progress & Events 4. Brookshire’s Grocery won the prestigious J. Pat Beaird Industry of the Year Award

Bossier Chamber Ribbon Cutting

The Bossier Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting at The Reserve of Bossier City for their grand re-opening after completing a multimillion-dollar renovation. Bossier Chamber Diplomats, city officials and dignitaries including John Barr of Senator Kennedy’s office came out to show support. KBB, an affiliate of Keep Louisiana Beautiful honored The Reserve of Bossier City with a beautification award. 1. John Barr of Senator Kennedy’s Office, Beth Waldrop and Charlotte Moczygemba, Bossier Chamber Business Development Director 2. Reserve of Bossier Manager Ashley Porter with Heritage Properties VP Operations Kevin Hodges and Heritage Properties Asset Manager Laura Polk 3. Ribbon Cutting for The Reserve of Bossier 4. Bossier Chamber Diplomat Pat Presley with Talitha Carter 5. Engine 3 Benton Fire District #4 Captain J. S. Monceaux, Firefighter/Operator EMTs Koy Collier, and Darrell McLemore

CATERING AVAILABLE

Wiener Dog Races at Louisiana Downs

Harrah’s Louisiana Downs annual Wiener Dog Race was pawsitively entertaining. Dozens of Dachshunds wiggled their way down the racetrack to the finish line and into their owners’ arms. Justin Sundquist’s pup “Elton” won the 1st Place trophy beating the other wiener dogs by a tail’s length. Another dachshund was in the lead but decided to take a U-turn to play with another dog. 1. Jay Whatley interviews 1st Place winner “Elton” with his owners Justin and Kaycee Sundquist 2. Jacob and Katie Oglee with 2nd Place winner “Graham” 3. Ginger Faulkner with “Daisy” and Scott Duay with “Roxie” who won 1st Place in her Heat Competition 4. Darius, Isaiah and DJ Lindsey with Braylon Harding who was all smiles at the Harrah’s Louisiana Down annual Wiener Dog Races.

Louisiana Soul Food Festival 2022

The 2nd annual Louisiana Soul Food Festival was three days of amazing Southern Cuisine, live music, and culinary excellence. The festival, held at Shreveport’s Downtown Festival Plaza also included a Vendor’s Village, Chef Competition, a Judged Soul Food Cooking Competition, Pelican Bike & Car Show, an Adventure Fun Zone for the kids, Healthy Heart & Soul demonstrations, VIP Soul Food Experience, and book signing by Celebrity Top Chef Chris Scott from New York, Chef Sonya Dorsey, and Chef Maurice Randal. 1. Celebrity Chef Chris Scott with Louisiana Soul Food Festival Shreveport Founder and Director Tammy T. Wright 2. Miss Louisiana Soul Food Queen Taylor Sims 3. Louisiana Soul Food Competition Judges 4. Chef Greta Taylor wins the Louisiana Soul Food Chef Cook Off for the second year in a row 5. Title Sponsor Tony Chachere’s Joey Bergeron served up some amazing jambalaya and dirty rice.

BOSS Beauty

BY JON PAULE CALCOTE

Accessories are the ultimate way to change the look of any outfit. Whether you are dressing up or trying to look a little more understated, the same outfit can be completely transformed just by changing out accessories. Since it’s fall y’all, we will take a look at the boots, bags, hats, scarves, jewelry, and hair accessories that are trending this fabulous fall season.

Bags

1. Oversized Bag/Tote This is your fabulous, never-full, get-it-all-in-there-and-go bag, and should be a staple piece in any bag collection.

2. Backpacks Embrace those fall time back-to-school vibes. Backpacks are always cute and trendy and there’s just something nostalgic about carrying a backpack this time of year.

3. Mini Purse This is one of the more quirky trends being seen but, HEY, it’s fun, playful, and cute. It’s like a full-size bag shrunk into a mini version.

Boots

4. Knee High Boots Here is a fall favorite that never seems to go out of style. If you want to purchase a pair, I’d say start with neutrals. Find a good brown, black or even gray as this style boot can be worn with just about anything.

5. Rain Boots Rain Boots aren’t just for wet dreary days, they are being worn as a fashion shoe this fall season. Designers have taken notice, producing some really cute variations of the classic rain boot.

6. Platform Bootie/Boots Whether ankle cut, mid-calf, or knee high, no matter what boot height you prefer, there’s something retro and cool about them. Wear with pants or skirts!

Scarves

7. Bold, chunky, heavy knit scarves You probably won’t wear these too frequently in our climate, but on the rare occasion you do, go all in with a larger knit with lots of volume and texture to really embrace this trend.

8. Silky scarves Lightweight and airy, this style scarf will help you achieve the look of the season without being too warm. This scarf can be worn many ways. Look online for some fun innovative ways to tie and style your scarf.

9. Bold Print scarves The larger or louder the print of your scarf, the better. Wear with a more neutral outfit to make it a seasonal statement piece.

Hats

10. The Felt Fedora This bold statement hat is perfect for this time of year. The felt will give you all the rich warm vibes of fall. Another great thing about this accessory is it can be dressed up or down and if styled correctly can be worn to any occasion.

11. Floppy Panama Hat Fun and flirty, this style of hat will add a fun carefree touch to any fabulous fall outfit. This is one of the biggest trends in hats this season.

Jewelry

12. Pearls Pearls have always been thought of as a more formal piece of jewelry, but not this season! They are so popular that we’re seeing even garments and footwear embellished in pearls. They’re being worn with just about anything from casual t-shirts and blue jeans to full out formal gowns. So, try a pearl necklace, bracelet, or earrings, just not all at once as it can tend to be a bit much.

13. Gold The rich warm tones of gold jewelry are perfect this fall. Stack multiple gold bracelets on one wrist.

Hair Accessories

14. Headbands, embellished clips, bobby pins, or even a light weight scarf tied up in your hair will add a little something extra to your everyday hair style and keep you seasonable and right on trend for Fall 2022.

Jon

PREMIER HOLIDAY SHOPPING

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17 - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Les Boutiques de Noel is the premier holiday shopping event in Northwest Louisiana! Attendees are able to shop specialty vendors from all over the region.

Every year, the event attracts thousands of shoppers and boasts merchants and shops from across the United States, offering a wide variety of merchandise.

This year’s event will take place from Thursday, November 17, through Saturday, November 19, 2022, at the Shreveport Convention Center.

Not only is Les Boutiques de Noel the area’s signature shopping event, it is the major fundraiser for the Shreveport Opera, where all of the event’s proceeds are dedicated. Shreveport is one of a few U.S. cities that host a Resident Artist Program, the Shreveport Opera Express (SOX Singers), selecting four young singers and a pianist at a competitive New York City audition. They perform in our main stage performances and travel throughout the region into schools, assisted living centers, and community theaters bringing opera to those who may not be able to experience live performances. This support allows the SOX Singers the ability to conduct nearly 100 educational performances every year for over 50,000 school children in Bossier, Caddo, DeSoto, and Webster Parishes. Many of these schools who benefit from the award winning children’s program, SOX, have little or no music program.

There will be several special performances throughout the shopping days:

• Childrens’ choirs

• Fashion shows

• Childrens’ dance performances

SPECIAL EVENTS

Friday, November 18: Jingle and Mingle with the Molly Ringwalds

• Door open at 6:30pm

• Private shopping will remain open until 8:00pm, when the band will start.

• The Molly Ringwalds is an iconic 80s band that you do not want to miss!

• 80s attire encouraged

• VIP TICKETS - access to The Denton Harrison Patron VIP section, which includes open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

• Regular Jingle and Mingle with the Molly Ringwalds ticket holders will have a cash bar and concession stand available.

• Tickets and more information: lesboutiquesdenoel.com or by visiting the “Opera Guild” page at ShreveportOpera.org

Saturday, November 19 at 9:30am - KIDS EVENT WITH SANTA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SCI PORT DISCOVERY CENTER

• $20/child, which includes a oneday adult shopping pass for Les Boutiques de Noel

• Peppermint ice cream, donuts and hot chocolate

• Fun kids activity

• Santa will be there and available for photos with your child

• Tickets and more information: lesboutiquesdenoel.com or by visiting the “Opera Guild” page at ShreveportOpera.org

We are excited to feature a great turnout of local and regional vendors. Many crowd favorites will be returning, as will new vendors. More Vendor Information will be promoted on the Les Boutiques de Noel Facebook & Instagram pages as we get closer to the event: @boutiquesdenoel.

SHOPPING HOURS

Shop with unique merchants from all over the region!

Buffet style lunch available for purchase every day

11:30am-1:30pm. Concession stand also open

the shopping hours.

Purchase tickets:

tickets

Free Parking in the Shreveport Convention Center parking garage.

photo credit Henrietta Wildsmith at the Shreveport Times

2022 Les Boutiques de Noel Steering Committee left to right: Maggie Malone, Nicole George, Nancy McCarter, Elizabeth Glassell, Adrienne Frierson. Not pictured: Elizabeth Comegys, Karen Hardtner, Michele Hardtner, Kathryn Smitherman, and Casey Cipoletti

ELIZABETH

the emcee, a fitting role for the former Miss Georgia. (Yes, she sang “My Man” again and took home the talent and title.) He was taken by the way she handled the audience.

“After I sang, she said ‘you remind me of me.’ I never forgot meeting her at the age of 16,” says Maddox.

Fast forward to age 28 when he was looking for a hobby and tried theatre and ended up performing with her. “I had seen Seva in shows. She has more fun out there. She is just amazing. This woman is like a star. She gives everything she has to the audience. People just have a great time when she’s on stage,” he said. Even after her hip surgery she jumped right in and taught him how to do the tango. He played opposite her in The Addams Family. “I never thought I’d be the leading man with Seva May. It was such an honor,” says Maddox. He enjoyed working with her from another perspective – when he was directing.

When Darrow was a theatre major at Centenary, Seva joined a class midsemester. “She was fresh off the circuit having been Miss Georgia and I’ll never forget, Seva entered the room wearing some Jackie-O sunglasses and just looked like a movie star. And we were so lucky to have her.” He has performed in numerous roles opposite Seva.

York; her father, not so much. Seva has a passion for performing. People remember the first time they saw her perform.

SEVA MAY Leading Lady

F or over 45 years, Shreveport has had the good fortune to have the talented Seva May right in our midst, a central figure of the theatre industry, charming audiences and delivering outstanding performances in a long list of musicals with theatre groups all over town. She is an outstanding singer and award-winning performer, director, teacher, mentor, and inspiration to those who watch her and work with her alike.

A woman with the talent to perform on the Broadway stage, came to live in Shreveport through an interesting path that began with her singing talent and ended with love. Her mother actually wanted her to go to New

“I’ve been an eyewitness to Seva’s career. She’s just a tremendous talent. There are performers who cross your path and, once in a while, I can call somebody Broadway quality and Seva is one of those. I’ve seen hundreds of Broadway shows. And Seva could easily be up on a Broadway stage.

That’s how talented she is,” says Robert Darrow, Managing and Artist Director of the Shreveport Little Theatre.

Seva Day May grew up in a small town, Thomasville, Georgia, and had a voice teacher with a degree from the prestigious Julliard School of Music. Seva, wanting to attend college but needing funds, took his advice when he suggested she enter the Miss Thomasville pageant for a $500 prize.

Never having been in a pageant before, she showed up, sang “My Man,” and won the talent competition—and the crown.

Performer and director Rocky Maddox met Seva at, of all places, a high school pageant where he was invited to sing and she was

Seva credits actor, costume designer, and director Patric McWilliams, Shreveport native and New Yorker, with teaching her how to act. They worked together on her very first theatre production, Applause. When she came to audition, “it was extremely clear she was an amazingly talented person. She could sing the roof off of the building. But she didn’t have background and theatre training and all of that,” says McWilliams. From her perspective, she would listen to how he spoke lines and then repeat it back. He was teaching her the techniques of acting, like how to break a character down, how to approach lines, pacing and timing and more. “She was what we call a ‘quick study,’” says McWilliams.

“Seva has a perfect, musical theatre voice that has a powerful belt to it. Much color in her voice that she could adapt to fit the specific character. Her voice is very supple, and she really just learned how to use it in the various roles that she’s done,” he adds. Over the years they worked opposite each other in leading roles in many shows.

As Seva says, there is no saying “cut” during a live performance; you never know what unexpected occurrences or problems might appear, but as they say, “the show must go on.” According to McWilliams, “It was always a joy to be on stage with her because you knew she was solid and knew her stuff. And so it gave me a sense of security, and the back and forth between

us we felt safe with each other on stage. And not all actors provide that. But she did in truckloads.”

What would feeling “unsafe” be?

“Being with someone on stage when something goes wrong. And they don’t think quickly. And there’s that horrible dead silence. Seva could very quickly ad-lib. She could sense something was wrong at any given moment if something was off course,” says McWilliams.

Seva May truly is a Leading Lady, in more ways than one. Seva is known for playing a variety of very different interesting women, from the Spanish dictator Eva Peron, The Baker’s Wife, Mame, Morticia Addams, and more, each fully and forcefully. “When I have a part in a show, I immerse myself in the character,” says Seva.

According to Darrow, an actor has to memorize to playwright’s words and then interpret them. They have to be very familiar with the playwright’s intent, and Seva is always prepared in that sense. “Seva’s dedication to any production is unparalleled. She comes to rehearsals prepared. She’s done her homework. And usually she’s playing the leading role. So of course, she wants to set a good example. And she does. She is a wonderful performer and cast members love to work with her because she’s prepared.”

“When Seva goes out there, the audience just immediately comes to life. They really respond to how Seva is onstage and how she emotes in the way she sings her songs and just the presence that she brings,” says actress and choreographer Anna Maria Sparke. At the age of 15, Sparke was cast in her first show Hello Dolly where Seva was the leading lady. Sparke had never sung on stage before, and describes Seva as having a “gift,” and being kind, giving, and helpful. Seva is the one who taught Sparke how to do her makeup! “Seva was just the person that you aspire to be. She was professional. She was an amazing performer. She had the audience in her hand. And at that point, I kind of wanted to become like her if I could become like somebody. That’s what I wanted to do because she really set the bar high.”

Sparke added that Seva really seems to have a heart for working

with children. Seva is currently the drama teacher at Providence Classical School, guiding and directing the next generation of performers.

Recently Darrow wanted to find the right vehicle to feature Seva’s talent. He and Seva came up with a two-act autobiographical one-woman musical, Seva May: On My Own, to be performed at the end of October at the Shreveport Little Theatre. As soon as Shreveport native and New Yorker playwright, director, and screenwriter Eric Champney heard about this idea, he offered to direct the show. Champney first saw Seva in Man of La Mancha, and vividly remembers a specific point in time during the show. “There was such an intensity and such a magic to her to be so completely committed to that moment and all she was doing was being present in the moment. And that’s what made me think ‘I’m gonna do this for the rest of my life.’”

Champney and Seva worked together to come up with the idea of telling the story of her life, to develop the script and determine what songs to use and what shows to highlight. “It’s all very interwoven in a meticulous way so that when a song appears, it’s relevant to what she’s talking about,” says Champney. The production will be full of stories and songs and visuals from her past performances. “When Seva puts herself out there, it’s always inside of a character, which she’s really great at doing, but it’s never been her story. Now we’re doing a one woman musical about her and she’s playing herself.”

At the show, you will hear who influenced her along the way. You will hear how she balanced career and family. You will hear how she felt when she ended up in the Miss America pageant. You will hear what happens backstage and even sometimes on stage. You will hear how long it took Shreveporter Byron May to call Miss Georgia for a blind date! And you will hear her SING!

It’s impossible to translate the magnificence of her voice and the charisma of her performance onto paper. Those who have seen her in action, know. Seva May: On My Own is a must-see performance!

Professional

A Little Night Music

Desiree

Stepping Out Mavis

The Women Crystal

And the World Goes Round Ensemble

Dirty Blonde Mae West

My Fair Lady Mrs. Higgins

Regional Nine Carla

Sweet Charity Charity

Funny Girl Fannie Brice

Mame Mame Dennis

Chicago Velma

Cabaret Sally Bowles

Evita Eva Peron

Into the Woods Baker's Wife

Grand Hotel Raphael

Jerry's Girls Musical Review

Little Mermaid Ursula

Little Mermaid II Morgana

Nunsense Mary Regina

The Gingerbread Lady Toby

The Dixie Swim Club Dinah Godspell Ensemble Some Enchanted Evening Ensemble

The Sound of Music Elsa

My Way Ensemble

Taffeta Memories Cheryl Company Joanne

Always Patsy Cline Patsy Cline

The Addams Family Morticia Sister Act Mother Superior Auntie Mame Vera Picnic Rosemary

Hello Dolly! Dolly Levi Mamma Mia! Tanja Annie Ms. Hannigan

Academic - Centenary College of Louisiana

Birds of Paradise Hope

Noises Off Brenda Man of La Mancha Aldonza

Pride's Crossing Eve Nunsense II Margaret Anne Blood Brothers Mrs. Johnstone

Hello Dolly! Mrs. Mallory Smile Brenda Annie Ensemble

SEVA MAY:

STUNNING FRENCH COUNTRY HOME WITH A MODERN TWIST

A contemporary, transitional floor plan meets a French country influence in this elegant country home. The perfect combination of neutrals, textures and patterns add the right amount of contrast and interest to create a cozy and homey space. The craftsmanship is exquisite!

BY ADAM BAILEY

Haughton, LA. In 2013, Trey and Samantha McGee built a 3 bedroom, 2 bath house in Haughton’s Spring Creek neighborhood. As newlyweds, it was the perfect starter home. Fast forward to 2019 years—and three kids later—they knew the needed something bigger.

“We wanted a place that was open and airy, yet cozy and felt like a home,” admitted Trey McGee, owner and manager of Henson Carpet One Floor & Home. So, after acquiring land, and drawing up house plans, they decided to build.

Completed in June of 2022, this transitional French country home was designed by architect Bennett Sabatier of Sabatier Architecture in collaboration with homebuilder Ryan Smith Builders and interiors Kady Beth Designs. Encompassing 5,400 square feet of living space (7,400 under roof) on a fiveacre lot, this home boasts five bedrooms and eight bathrooms.

Upon entry, the custom craftsmanship is immediately apparent in unique wainscoting and a door casing leading to the formal dining room. A traditional dining suite sits under a custom metal chandelier. The chic and polished farmhouse flare of this room is elevated by the intricate details of the millwork, and the doorways into the great room create a feeling of grandiosity. “We decided the dining room needed something to define that space,” said Trey. “We got with Brown’s Glass in Minden to fabricate the perfect transition of metal and glass transoms and columns.”

The adjacent living room is another beautiful example of the custom craftsmanship found throughout the home. The room’s obvious personality is the accent floor-to-ceiling fireplace wall—an eye-catching centerpiece—made of

limestone and flanked by recessed white oak custom-built bookcases, which are unbelievably beautiful. When one steps back, and looks at the whole room, the view of those

bookcases is very impactful! And their low-gloss finish ties in nicely with the white oak flooring (which can be found throughout the house, minus the wet areas). “Being in the

flooring industry there are many great alternatives to hardwood floors that may even be more suitable to three kids and a dog— but I sure love the warmth and feel

underfoot of hardwood floors,” proclaims Trey!

The black chandelier portrays the more rustic nature of the wood for added visual interest. Similarly, it is these simple elements that play a major role in setting the tone for the McGee’s custom, contemporarily rustic French styling found throughout the home. All of the colors chosen, the unique light fixtures, and French country elements are superbly placed and equally pleasing to the eye.

From the living room you can see into the kitchen. It’s crisp, clean, and a beautiful mix of materials—complete with granite countertops, copper fittings, and natural wood finishes—and has many features that beautifully complement the hood, as well as the ornate built-ins of the living room. The oversized

kitchen island anchors the open plan kitchen with utility and stylishness. The spacious in-formal dining area, just beyond the kitchen island, provides plenty of seating for the McGee’s three children to sit while someone prepares food.

SHREVEPORT,

Barton

BOSSIER CITY,

FINANCING

TESTIMONIALS

Beyond the open common spaces, the McGee’s master bedroom is a modern and minimal retreat. “Knowing this house was mainly built with the

kids in mind, we did spend a lot of time designing the master suite and making sure it was a space we could enjoy with each other,” Trey explains.

Instead of making a traditional ‘large’ master bedroom, the McGee’s choose to put more square footage in both closets along with an attached sitting room that can be closed with sliding doors. This allows the bedroom to be free of dressers or chest of drawers. The sitting room is small in footprint, but with three large windows on its adjacent walls makes for a beautiful spot to sit and read. For the master bath, Trey was given free-reign to design.

“Showers have always intrigued me and I’ve always enjoyed helping design them. Our shower was one of the areas that my wife and the decorator gave me complete control over and I had a blast coming up with the design and layout. It isn’t the largest

Coburn’s is a proud supplier of appliances, fixtures and more for this month’s SB Magazine featured home. The McGee home features a selection of bold, exceptional appliances by Thermador

shower we’ve ever done but I love the flow, having two entrances on either side of the tub, tall ceilings with a large format tile laid on a diagonal herringbone.”

There is a long linear niche mirrored by a floating quartz bench underneath, and an accent pony wall with a built-in fireplace and cascading waterfall tub faucet

really highlights the space. The bathtub is from Coburns and is a freestanding concrete/stone tub. But for all the custom craftsmanship and the unique features that were so

thoughtfully placed inside the home, Trey says that one area the family has enjoyed the most is the back porch and pool area—to entertain and play with the kids.

Situated on beautiful acreage, naturally the home has to have a large outdoor living area. The back porch is spacious enough to host two multiple seating areas and a long dining table in between them. The same natural French country elements are continued here and blend well with the natural setting’s vibrant green backdrop.

Shreveport’s Quality Shades and Shutters installed six builtin screens that allow the McGee’s to close it off the space or open it up to the outside elements. Watching the television, roasting s’mores in the fireplace, and just spending time together as a family has been one of their favorite things to do in the inviting outdoor area.

“We have a cozy sitting area with a double-sided fireplace along with a long table next to the outdoor cooking area for casual outside dining. We used a 24x24 porcelain stone-look with coordinating pool coping to tie in the pool and spa with the back porch.”

In an attempt to cut down on grass and mud in the pool, as well as giving the kids somewhere to play after it rains, Trey installed a turfed area that doubles as a putting green. “I will

admit I am a hopeless golfer but man do we have fun putting around,” jokes Trey!

When it does rain, and the McGee’s are forced to go inside, the theatre room is prefect for watching a movie. “Having three kids under the age of seven, it can be difficult to plan movie dates, so we decided to go a little wild in the theatre room,” says Trey.

Sound Minds installed the speakers and a projector that truly feels like you’re really at the movies. An added bonus, as well as visual affect, according to Trey, are the three rows of electric movie theatre chairs, allowing for a full audience of twelve to see. What if there are more than twelve people who want to watch a movie? “An oversized beanbag chair that was gifted to us after moving in that the kids love to pile up on.”

Not that being on the floor would be that bad. This is the only area in the house with carpet; installed by Stanton Carpet that is a silk and synthetic fiber blend.

There is also a special space set aside for homeschooling, complete with a built-in desk for three.

All the floors, tile, carpet, turf, hardware, and light fixtures came from Henson’s Carpet One and Henson’s Lighting. The product is a house that is tastefully stylish but does not shy away from making a statement. And even though it was completed this year, there is already a timeless quality about it. “Every house should be full of things you love, things that make you smile,” says Trey.

Indeed they should.

PREMIER QUALITY CUSTOM HOME BUILDS

“My business carries my name to show how committed I am to quality. Every custom build is a signature.” – Ryan Smith

HALLOWEEN HALLOWEEN THINGS YOU (PROBABLY) DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT

BY ADAM BAILEY

very October 31st, people all over the world (or at least in most parts of Europe, North America, and Latin America) celebrate the ancient holiday of Halloween, also known as All Hallows’ Eve. Although today it features costumes, trick-or-treating, haunted houses and ghost stories, it wasn’t always that way. Here are some things

it

Halloween is More Irish than St. Patrick’s Day Whereas St. Patrick’s Day was invented in America by Irish-Americans, Halloween’s origins likely evolved from the ancient Celts. The celebration of Samhain—which in very ancient days was a ritualistic festival that honored the pagan gods of the harvest—was a time when the wall between our world and the paranormal world was porous and spirits could get through. Because of this belief, it was common for the Celts to wear costumes and masks during the festival to ward off or befuddle any evil spirits.

Many people enjoy embracing the spooky spirit of Halloween, but for some, the fear is not all in good fun. , according to

Halloween is the second-most commercial American

holiday after Christmas.

According to History.com, approximately 8 billion dollars is spent annually, with over 2.6 billion dollars being spent on costumes alone (with plenty more being shelled out for trick-or-treat candy and decorations). 330 million dollars will be spent on pet costumes.

Candy, Candy, and More Candy Did you know that more sweets are sold on October 28th than any other day? It’s true! Reports show that supermarkets sell more sweets and confectionery three days before Halloween than any other day of the year. What’s the number one candy of choice? According to CandyStore.com, the top candy last year was Skittles, followed by Reese’s Cups and Starburst. What’s the least favorite? You guessed it, Candy Corn.

Candy Corn was Originally Known as “Chicken Feed”

Invented by George Renninger, a candy maker at the Wunderle Candy Company of Philadelphia in the 1880s, Candy Corn was originally called “butter cream candies” and “chicken feed” since back then, corn was commonly used as food for livestock. They even had a rooster on the candy boxes. It had no association with Halloween or fall, and was sold seasonally from March to November. After World War II, advertisers began marketing it as a special Halloween treat due to its colors and ties to the fall harvest.

The Candy Industry Supposedly Influenced Daylight Savings Time According to the book, Spring Forward: The Annual Madness of Daylight Savings Time, the candy industry played a major role in changing the length of Daylight Savings. Candy makers supposedly lobbied to extend daylight savings time into the beginning of November to get an extra hour of daylight so children could collect even more candy (thus forcing

people to purchase more candy to meet the demand).

Fears of Poisoned Halloween Candy are Unfounded

One of parents’ biggest fears is that their child’s Halloween candy is poisoned or contains razor blades.

In reality, this fear is almost entirely unfounded. There are only two known cases of poisoning, and both involved relatives, according to LiveScience. In 1970, a boy died of a heroin overdose. The investigators found it on his candy, but in a twist they later discovered the boy had accidentally consumed some of his uncle’s heroin stash, and the family had sprinkled some on the candy to cover up the incident.

demand). had incident.

Even more horrifically, in 1974 Timothy O’Bryan died after eating a Pixy Stix his father had laced with cyanide to collect on the insurance money, according to Smithsonian Magazine.

Pixy had

Seeing a Spider on Halloween is Actually a Good Thing

According to legend, if you see a spider on Halloween, it’s actually the spirit of a loved one watching over you. That is part of why spiders appear so often in Halloween media and decorations. That and the fact that they look creepy and scare people. You can’t help but to question why, of all the signs your ancestor could send from beyond the

grave, they would choose an eight-legged creepy-crawly.

Trick-or-Treating is from Celtic Tradition

In the UK, trick-or-treating is known as ‘guising’—a historic word meaning to dress up or wear a disguise. The origins of the Halloween tradition actually stem from the Celtic festival of Samhain that coincides with Halloween. During the festival, people would put out food to appease the spirits that roamed the streets during the night. Guising comes from this idea with the guisers taking on the role of the spirits and traveling from door to door searching for treats. In Great Britain, this tradition dates back to the 16th century whilst in North America, it was first recorded in 1911 in Ontario, Canada.

Trick-Or-Treating, as We Know it, Was Re-Popularized by Cartoons

Trick-or-treating was brought to America by the Irish and became popular during the early 20th century, but died out during WWII when sugar was rationed. After the rationing ended in 1947, children’s magazine “Jack and Jill,” radio program “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet,” and the “Peanuts” comic strip all helped to re-popularize the tradition of dressing up in costumes and asking for candy from door-to-door.

By 1952, trick-or-treating was hugely popular again.

they roamed comes the up popular

A Full Moon on Halloween is Quite Rare

Though a common trope in horror movies and Halloween decorations with witches flying across the full moon, an actual full moon occurring on Halloween is not a common occurrence.

The reality though is that, despite the supposed mysticism surrounding the full moon, it is unlikely to see one on Halloween itself. When will it happen again? You might want to plan accordingly because the next full moon on Halloween won’t occur until 2039.

Jack-O-Lanterns are Named After a Man Named Stingy Jack

The origin of Jack-O’-Lanterns comes from a Celtic folk tale of a stingy farmer named Jack who would constantly play tricks on the devil. The devil responded by forcing him to wander purgatory with only a burning lump of coal from hell. Jack took the coal and made a lantern from a turnip, using it to guide his lost soul.

The myth was brought over by Irish families fleeing the potato famine in the 1800s, and since turnips were hard to come by in the U.S., America’s pumpkins were used as a substitute to guide lost souls and keep evil spirits like “Jack of the Lantern” away.

Pumpkins are Not Always Orange

Every time you see a Jack-O’-Lantern either in real life or on TV, they are always carved from an orange pumpkin. This is likely because the color orange has always been associated with Halloween. However, pumpkins actually come in a range of colors! They can be grey, white, red, or even green. Recently, white pumpkins have become more popular. Why not try carving a different colored pumpkin this year? It will make your Jack-O’-Lantern stand out!

New Hampshire Holds the Record of the Most Jack-O-Lanterns on Display

On October 19, 2013, Keene, New Hampshire, U.S., set a new record on the lighting the highest number of JackO’-Lanterns in one place. According to Guinness World Records, 30,581 lanterns were lit on display at Keene Pumpkin Festival organized by the “Let it Shine” group. Central Square’s tower was the event’s central attraction, while jack-o’-lanterns were displayed on Main Street.

Some Places Have Halloween Laws Halloween is supposed to be a fun day where you can put on a costume and eat sweets—but some places have strict

rules about that fun. In Alabama, it is illegal to dress up as a priest. That includes all those tacky store-bought costumes.

Meanwhile, in Hollywood, there is a $1000 fine for anyone who uses silly string between 12:00am on October 31st to 12:00pm on November 1st. Any other day of the year, it is perfectly okay to use silly string. Do it on Halloween, however, and it will be the most expensive trick-or-treating you have ever done.

What’s in a Name?

Halloween has been called a number of things throughout the years including Hallowe’en, Allhalloween, All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Eve, Lamswool, Samhain, Summer’s End, and Snap-Apple Night.

You’re Probably Spelling It Wrong

The correct spelling of Halloween is actually Hallowe’en, a con traction of All Hallows’ Eve.

Join our basketball-focused fitness club and experience the luxury of organized and officiated pickup basketball! Youth and adults officiated pickup games are running consistently! We offer world-class gyms, expert trainers, and one-ofa-kind programs. 100% customized one-on-one expert basketball training with results-based and proven methods to substantially increase your skill set. Improve your basketball skills, get ripped into shape, and have fun! We also have a fully-equipped state-of-the art fitness area.

Reading Begins in the Brain...

Reading Begins in the Brain...

Reading Begins in the Brain...

. ..not the classroom.

. ..not the classroom.

. ..not the classroom.

For the child who cannot read well, “practicing” reading will not necessarily help them with their challenges. Reading is more than just putting letters together and memorizing words. It takes 7 cognitive skills all working together to read efficiently. If you or your child are at your wit's end, we want you to know there's a science solution to reading intervention.

For the child who cannot read well, “practicing” reading will not necessarily help them with their challenges. Reading is more than just putting letters together and memorizing words. It takes 7 cognitive skills all working together to read efficiently. If you or your child are at your wit's end, we want you to know there's a science solution to reading intervention.

For the child who cannot read well, “practicing” reading will not necessarily help them with their challenges. Reading is more than just putting letters together and memorizing words. It takes 7 cognitive skills all working together to read efficiently. If you or your child are at your wit's end, we want you to know there's a science solution to reading intervention.

structured literacy program based on

Front of the brain deals with speech and lights up during speech

Front of the brain deals with speech and lights up during speech

Front of the brain deals with speech and lights up during speech

Unique Method of Instruction

Unique Method of Instruction

Unique Method of Instruction

Our instructional methods align with the principles of structured literacy recommended by the International Dyslexia Association1 but go a step further. A certified trainer works one-on-one with each LearningRx student, taking them through a customized set of fun, hands-on, challenging mental exercises that target reading and cognitive skills. In addition to providing students with explicit instruction and systematic introduction of concepts that follow a planned scope and sequence, trainers provide responsive and immediate feedback throughout a cumulative cycle of repetition and practice. The drills are multi-sensory by combining speaking, listening, writing, reading, gesturing, and manipulating objects.

Our instructional methods align with the principles of structured literacy recommended by the International Dyslexia Association1 but go a step further. A certified trainer works one-on-one with each LearningRx student, taking them through a customized set of fun, hands-on, challenging mental exercises that target reading and cognitive skills. In addition to providing students with explicit instruction and systematic introduction of concepts that follow a planned scope and sequence, trainers provide responsive and immediate feedback throughout a cumulative cycle of repetition and practice. The drills are multi-sensory by combining speaking, listening, writing, reading, gesturing, and manipulating objects.

Our instructional methods align with the principles of structured literacy recommended by the International Dyslexia Association1 but go a step further. A certified trainer works one-on-one with each LearningRx student, taking them through a customized set of fun, hands-on, challenging mental exercises that target reading and cognitive skills. In addition to providing students with explicit instruction and systematic introduction of concepts that follow a planned scope and sequence, trainers provide responsive and immediate feedback throughout a cumulative cycle of repetition and practice. The drills are multi-sensory by combining speaking, listening, writing, reading, gesturing, and manipulating objects.

ing xperience they need to become proficient readers!

learning experience they need to become proficient readers!

ing xperience they need to become proficient readers!

Other reading programs address many of the components of literacy but miss the opportunity to strengthen the necessary cognitive skills needed for proficient reading. It’s the unique combination of reading instruction along with brain training that sets LearningRx apart and might explain how our previous students have gained an average of 6.3 years in phonological awareness skills and 3.5 years in Word Attack skills after 24-32 weeks of training.3 And while we don’t guarantee your child will have the same results, it’s a strong pattern of success among our nearly 10,000 reading program graduates.

Other reading programs address many of the components of literacy but miss the opportunity to strengthen the necessary cognitive skills needed for proficient reading. It’s the unique combination of reading instruction along with brain training that sets LearningRx apart and might explain how our previous students have gained an average of 6.3 years in phonological awareness skills and 3.5 years in Word Attack skills after 24-32 weeks of training.3 And while we don’t guarantee your child will have the same results, it’s a strong pattern of success among our nearly 10,000 reading program graduates.

Other reading programs address many of the components of literacy but miss the opportunity to strengthen the necessary cognitive skills needed for proficient reading. It’s the unique combination of reading instruction along with brain training that sets LearningRx apart and might explain how our previous students have gained an average of 6.3 years in phonological awareness skills and 3.5 years in Word Attack skills after 24-32 weeks of training.3 And while we don’t guarantee your child will have the same results, it’s a strong pattern of success among our nearly 10,000 reading program graduates.

of your child.

DR # D,

LA 71115

797-8523

1 International Dyslexia Association, Structured Literacy: Effective Instruction for Students with Dyslexia and Related Reading Difficulties. https://dyslexiaida.org/ structured-literacy-effective-instruction-forstudents-with-dyslexia-and-related-readingdifficulties/

1 International Dyslexia Association, Structured Literacy: Effective Instruction for Students with Dyslexia and Related Reading Difficulties. https://dyslexiaida.org/ structured-literacy-effective-instruction-forstudents-with-dyslexia-and-related-readingdifficulties/

1 International Dyslexia Association, Structured Literacy: Effective Instruction for Students with Dyslexia and Related Reading Difficulties. https://dyslexiaida.org/ structured-literacy-effective-instruction-forstudents-with-dyslexia-and-related-readingdifficulties/

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letterletter you

Fall Home Décor

Gregor Ghali John Pickens Clothiers

Stander Olsan John Pickens Clothiers

Hope Ghali The Paper Tulip

Minou Olsan M.

Loyola College Prep’s Class of 2023 for …LCP!” Joe Cool Snoopy and our 94 Seniors will rock ‘n’ roll down the runway while modeling totally tubular fashions from local clothiers.

The Loyola Style Show, sponsored by the Loyola Parents’ Association, is chaired this year by Hope Ghali and Minou Olsan.

The Style Show has a lasting history at LCP dating back to 1952, a rite of passage for graduating Seniors.

“We are seriously stoked about this year’s Style Show,” said Ghali. “We want our Seniors to have a radical time and feel celebrated. There was no other option than to go BIG with our gnarly, 80s theme. It’s going to be a schweet time!”

During the show, Loyola Seniors will take the stage in groups “modeling” outfits from gracious local stores. In addition there is always a Senior Walk spotlighting each and every graduate. And as if that were not enough, a time honored tradition is the Alumni Walk where Seniors join their parents and/or grandparents who were graduates of the following institutions—St. John’s, Jesuit, Loyola, Notre Dame, and St. Vincent Academy in Shreveport—for a special stroll.

All Flyer Alumni and Family, as well as Future Flyers, are invited to join in this bodacious bash! With special seating available for each of these groups, the Style Show is a great way to reconnect with long lost pals and meet some new dudes too!

Shaver’s Catering will serve a radical meal which is included in the admission price.

Baskets valued from $1500 - $5000

– Available for purchase day of the show,

events, Venmo @LCP-LPA

Sisters’ Boutique, John Pickens Clothiers, Pretenses, Simply Chic, Sportspectrum, Squires Formalwear, Vertage Clothing, Isadora, JAC Clothing, Branded Boutique, Nichols, and Pattons.

Friends are one of the most important parts of a fulfilling life—so why do so many men find themselves without any real ones? Hollywood and pop culture portray male friendships as effortless bromances built on downing beers, watching football games, and picking up chicks. But in reality, many of these connections go about as deep as a puddle during a drought. Having beer buddies, football pals, and a workout companion is nice—but at the end of the day do they have what it takes when you need them the most? Here’s everything you need to know to forge a friendship that survives all of life’s challenges.

1. Great Male Friendships Don’t Just Run Shoulder-To-Shoulder, But Also Face-To-Face

Many men mistake “activity buddies” for genuine friends. Most of our friendships revolve around doing something together. Watching football, going fishing, or hitting the gym. But if you want to build a genuine connection, you need to be together once in a while. Instead of focusing on the activity, focus on each other. Talk. Share. Ask questions. Don’t distract yourself from the conversation.

2. Great Male Friendships Provide A Space To Share Without Judgment

For a lot of men, opening up is harder than getting your girlfriend to decide where she wants to eat. Men often lack the space to talk about their struggles, and the toxic culture of “real men don’t cry” only encourages us to stuff down our feelings.

BY ADAM BAILEY

This isn’t healthy. If you never vent about the stress at work, the fight with your girlfriend, or your difficult relationship with your parents—it will eat you up from the inside. There’s only so much a man can take before he breaks.

Great friends encourage you to share. They know that sometimes you need support even if you don’t ask and don’t think any lesser of you for it. They just hold the space. Care for them, listen without judgment, and give your thoughts and share your experiences where appropriate.

3. Great Male Friendships Value Brutal Honesty, Even If It Hurts

Sometimes, the best thing a friend can do is to say what you don’t want to hear, but need to hear.

The truth is most people aren’t completely honest with you. Their social conditioning and natural tendency to

avoid conflict make them sugarcoat their words. While this makes you feel better, it doesn’t get you anywhere.

Whether you’ve got a substance abuse problem, got stuck in the wrong relationship, or are otherwise going full speed on the ruin-your-life-highway, good friends will tell you what you need to hear.

True, your friends are old enough to make their own decisions, but the least you can do is be honest with them. Try to save them from their dumbest mistakes, just like they would do for you.

4. Great Male Friends Are There For Each Other When It Counts Nothing is worse than a friend who is never there when you need them. If you’ve ever been down and in dire need of a supporting shoulder, but all you heard was the sound of crickets, you know what I’m talking about.

Often, it doesn’t even take much. A quick text. One beer together after work. A genuine hug. An invite to hang out. That’s all it takes to make a guy feel that he’s not alone.

5. They Encourage Each Other The wrong people will pull you down, the right ones will help you rise above. If you want to become the best man you can be, you have to build the right tribe. To put it simply, great friends will always encourage you to become the best man you can be, regardless of where they stand.

Wendell Riley executive director of the Robinson Film Center

wendell Riley is settling into his new office as executive director of the Robinson Film Center. The whiteboard behind his desk is filled with scribbled notes and reminders. Baby Yoda is perched on that whiteboard, looking over Riley’s shoulder as he looks to the Robinson’s future.

“My mission and my charge to everyone here is to spread our wings further,” he said. “RFC has an amazing legacy. I said when I started that I was joining a winning team. There is nothing we have done we need to scrap and start over.”

Collectively, the mission at Robinson Film Center is to “educate, enrich and entertain this region through the medium of film,” Riley said. Personally, it is an opportunity for him to merge two lifelong passions.

“Education is the first step,” Riley said. “I have the ability to do the thing that I love, which is being near to the film industry and participate in the film industry, but also to help other people through film literacy for the community.”

For Riley, serving as the executive director of Robinson Film Center is the dream job he didn’t know existed as a child growing up in Trinidad and Tobago. “When I was a kid, I had a passion for the arts and humanities,” he said. “But I couldn’t see a pathway for me as a young person to have a viable career in the entertainment industry, where I am successful and able to take care of my family.”

He is committed to showing that path to young people in Shreveport and Bossier City. “There are many kids in ShreveportBossier who don’t have those pathways,” he said. “Maybe if we provided those pathways, we may be able to put our arms around some kids who otherwise would ultimately get thrown to the wayside or end up in unfulfilling careers or jobs.”

Riley was raised by his single mother in Port of Spain, the capital city of the small, Caribbean island nation. Instead of going to a large, multi-screen cineplex, Riley had access to about 10 intimate movie houses within walking distance of his house. What he discovered in those movie houses shaped his world view.

“It just felt completely random, but perfect,” he said. “Each cinema house had a different theme. One would show A movies, one would show B movies, one would show older films, one would show martial arts films, one would

surrounded by international cinema. That informed a lot of the things that I am hands on. Film unlocked his creativity. said. “In the British system, which we subjects very early on in life. You pick I wanted to do literature and art. My

of corporate America — working in jobs

I was not really happy in. I am someone who, if I am not passionate about something, it’s really hard to motivate myself, even if I have an aptitude for it. I was probably a terrible employee back then.”

Riley earned an MBA in his late 20s. That’s when he arrived in Shreveport, still unsure of his future. “I sort of stumbled into Moonbot Studios,” Riley said. “They actually hired me to help them with their HR. They were a growing studio at that time. They had just won the Oscar. They were staffing up to do more productions. I came on and said I could do HR. That was mostly true.”

the beginning of my journey in film and entertainment.”

He had found the place where his vocation became his avocation. “I remember my first couple of months there,” he said. “The Oscar statue was sitting there on a big desk. So, you’d walk by it every time you went to the kitchen. I wanted to touch it, but I had this image in my mind that these bars would drop, and alarms would go off. That’s how much it meant to me as a young nerd who found the place that suddenly made sense.

graduating with my marketing degree, there were 200,000 other marketing

Riley helped Moonbot recruit animators to Shreveport, “versus going to Hollywood, or New York, or Montreal — terrible cities like that.” As the studio grew, so did his opportunity to advance. “We lost one of our production managers,” he recalls. “At the time, I basically walked into my boss’s office and said, ‘I think I could probably do this job.’ He looked at me and said, ‘I think you can as well. Let me think about it, and I will get back to you tomorrow.’ The next day I went in, and he said, ‘I am going to give you a shot.’ That was sort of

“I was terrified that they would send me home. I was more scared somebody would pull me in their office and say, ‘You can’t come back tomorrow.’ That’s how much it meant all of a sudden. It changed the trajectory of my life.”

The curtain ultimately fell on that chapter of his life when Moonbot Studios went out of business. Riley considered following some of his co-workers to Dallas, where they were starting another animation studio. But at that point he was co-parenting a daughter with his ex-wife. Staying in Shreveport became more important, “even though it meant putting that part of my career on pause,” he said.

me because we were talking about issues

position. “Wendell has been a Prize brother and a Rational Middle brother,” Kallenberg said. “We have fought a lot on the front lines together. Wendell burns bright. He is a bright spirit who is incredibly important to our community. I can’t think of a better, more forthright person to walk alongside than Wendell.

The RFC is one of the most important entities in north Louisiana. The fact they have found Wendell is something that is incredibly exciting to me.”

After Rational Middle, Riley became media and external relations director at LSU Shreveport. There, he got to combine his creativity with his business acumen in support of another of his passions — education. “I am a firm believer in the value of education,” says Riley. According to LSUS Chancellor Larry Clark, “Wendell was vital in elevating LSU Shreveport in this community. His unique background made him an asset to me and the University.”

“When RFC eventually came calling, it slowly kind of dawned on me that this role would allow me to seamlessly blend the two,” said Riley. As the executive

director of the Robinson Film Center, Riley wants to play a role in recruiting, fostering and growing filmmakers and the film industry in Shreveport. As a movie lover, he wants to inspire the appreciation for cinema that has fueled him since childhood. “There is something about film that is the thing for me,” Riley said. “It’s the combination of so many other art forms. Even bad movies are still fulfilling for me.

“I want that for everyone. However you engage with film. Whether you like going to the movies as a collective experience, where you go with your friends and have a great time. You like watching movies with big audiences where everybody’s reacting and yelling at the screen and laughing when you’re supposed to. Or if you are like me, who prefers a matinee where I can sit in the very middle of the theater with very few people in there. Man, there’s nothing like it. It’s magical thing.”

When the first customers walked through the doors of Sibley Hardware in ‘old’

Bossier City a century ago, little did they know how much the world would change in the next 100 years?

Don Tubbs—the current owner of Tubbs Hardware—has always had the drive to succeed in business. As a 12-year-old, he mindfully did anything and everything he could at the Holmes Hardware Store—from stocking the shelves to sweeping the floors to threading pipe. Just to make a dollar.

“I grew up poor,” admits Tubbs. “If there was something I wanted—like a new pair of jeans or a new pair of shoes—I had to work hard in order to get it. Working at the Holmes Hardware Store gave me that opportunity. One that has flourished to this day.”

After graduating from Bossier High School, he joined the Bossier City Fire Department. But, on his days off, he continued to work at Holmes Hardware as his side job.

In 1979, Mr. Julian Holmes had Holmes Hardware up for sale. According to Tubbs, “Mr. Holmes and his wife were very ill and in their early 80s. Their only daughter had no interest in running a hardware store. He approached me and said that I had always told him I wanted to buy the place. If I wanted it, I could buy it.”

CELEBRATES 100 YEARS IN NORTHWEST LOUISIANA

BY ADAM BAILEY

After all, Tubbs, having practically grown up in the store, understood the hardware business and believed he could succeed.

“So many people believe that my dad owned the hardware store. That simply is not the case. My father died when I was a teenager and, unfortunately, he never knew I would one day own a hardware

store. When I told Mr. Holmes I wanted to purchase his store, he owner-financed it to me. That’s how I got my start in the hardware business. For that, I am eternally grateful.”

The rest—as they often say—is history. Or should we say history was in the making?

Shortly after acquiring Holmes Hardware, Tubbs bought the business next door— Teekell Brothers Department Store— enlarging his real-estate footprint in Old Bossier. In 1983, he bought Graham Hardware on Highway 80 at Benton Road and decided to merge the two stores to reduce overhead. From there, his business simply grew, and grew, and grew. According to Tubbs, “I was simply doing what God wanted me to do.”

Today, Tubbs Hardware offers lawn mowers, parts, services, outdoor cooking, rentals, and Cajun gifts. It’s a unique Louisiana business that not only offers the latest in hardware supplies, but unique, one-of-a-kind Louisiana souvenirs like Cajun spices, culinary products, fleur-delis decorations, and—most importantly— Mardi Gras accessories. “Tourism,” notes Tubbs “is a fun part of our Bossier City location.” And it shows—especially when it comes to their King Cakes.

The ‘Tubbs King Cake’ is baked from a recipe that’s a secret in the Tubbs family. Tubbs created the recipe over 20 years ago and has a large production house that bakes his cakes for his store.

Each year, Tubbs goes to the production house to make sure the right ingredients are in place—which is a lot of filling and rich texture.

As famous as his King Cakes are, Don is a country boy at heart, and in 1989, after having children, he moved his family to Benton where they could enjoy the “country life and go to school.” Falling in love with the area, it felt only fitting to build a second location. So, in 2003, Tubbs opened the ‘country location’ in Benton—which

specializes in Toro/Exmark mowers, STIHL outdoor power equipment, utility trailers, porch furniture, and Ventrac tractors.

Today, with two stores, and thousands of loyal customers, Tubbs puts an emphasis on customer service within the hardware community. That’s the one thing he says has kept him in business. “Someone will come in and say they need a new faucet and I will ask, ‘What is wrong with the old one?’” Tubbs claims.

“If the faucet is dripping, it is possible a couple of 29-cent washers will work. It could save the cus tomer from purchasing a $130 new kitchen faucet. I would rather them buy that 29-cent washer a thousand times than that $130 faucet just once.”

The philosophy also makes the job easier for the family and staff. “How would you rather spend your day?” Tubbs said. “Selling hardware or help ing people?”

Tubbs has seen booms and drops in the building market. He’s seen technology change the 0course of the hardware business. “To be honest, the smart phone is the best thing that ever happened to me. Customers will come in, search for an item, and find that not only do I offer cheaper prices, I often offer better products.

He’s even multigenerational when it comes to his sales acumen and longevity. From buying the equipment he sells, to being trained on how to use it, he has sold to fathers, sons, and now grandsons. His employees have become his family, and the customers have become his friends. “In the end,” says Tubbs “it all boils down to vigilance in keep ing up with the marketplace and competition. You got to do it every day. Because in this business, ev erything happens so fast.”

“But I wouldn’t change a thing,” Tubbs said. “I could retire. I could sit at home. But these are life long friends and if I stopped I wouldn’t see them. I’m not ready for that. Until I am, I will continue to walk the aisles to meet the individual needs of my customers.”

Service after the sale is also critical to the Tubbs brand, and Tubbs has it. “I give God the credit for providing me with wonderful people to help run my business. Curtis Harvey is my right hand man at the Bossier store, and is very knowledgeable and customer-service minded. I am also extremely blessed that that my son, after working for Halli burton for 11 years, chose to come and work in the family business. He brought all his leadership ex perience in the oil fields and runs my country store in Benton. I thank God every day for my commit ted staff and loyal Ark-La-Tex customers.”

One thing that has stayed the same is the stores re main closed on Sundays. The idea started with Mr. Holmes so that he could go to church, Tubbs said. That’s one of many traditions that has continued to remain in place. Tubbs Hardware is open six days a week and closed on Sundays —to give his employees time to spend with their families or at tend church.

“After all—where would I be without my family and friends.”

“I grew up poor, if there was something I wanted — I had to work hard in order to get it.”

Laveer Wealth Management

What’s New in the World of Cosmetic Injections?

BY DR. LINDSEY PENNINGTON

The world of cosmetic injections is rapidly growing year after year. As technology advances, it can be difficult to know the difference between a marketing ploy or fad, and what is truly an innovative advancement. With the growth of social media and the increase in general acceptance of noninvasive procedures, many patients are well versed; however, there are still large areas of information missed when scrolling through Instagram.

As a patient there should always be discussions about what your goals are with injections, the look you are going for, how subtle you would like results, and how long you would like them to last. It is so common for patients to be worried about looking “done” or overfilled. When performed correctly by a licensed trained cosmetic physician, after a physical exam, medical history, and full informed consent are obtained, results can be a great way to refine appearances in a very natural way.

Cosmetic injections are commonly thought to consist of neurotoxin and or filler. It is amazing what a good skincare regimen and a neurotoxin routine can do to help age delay the skin’s aging process.

Basics of Neurotoxins

Botox Cosmetic is the original neurotoxin with the most studies done on safety over the longest periods of time. It works by blocking certain nerve signals that make muscles contract. When muscles can’t contract, the movement in the area treated stops, causing less lines and wrinkles in that area. Botox is best used to treat “dynamic” lines, those that happen when moving. If a line or wrinkle is there at rest, the best option for treatment will likely not be neurotoxin but filler instead.

Botox usually takes about 4-7 days to start working and 2 weeks for full effect. Results can last on average 3-4 months. Botox has been on the market the longest, has been studied the most, and is very reliable. It can be placed very precisely in small muscles to get very specific results. In the hands of an expert injector this can make a very big difference!

Other Neurotoxin Brand Options

Dysport is a neurotoxin like Botox that blocks specific nerve signals to prevent muscle contraction in the specific area that it is placed. Dysport usually starts working a little faster than Botox (about 48 hours) but can still take up to 2 weeks for full effect. Results last on average 3-4 months. A recent study showed some Dysport users who received treatment every 6 months were satisfied with the overall results and effect on anti-aging. If your goal is prevention more than the reversal of aging, treating with smaller amounts or treating less often is very reasonable. Dysport has a “greater area of effect” so when treating a larger area like the forehead, a smaller amount can be used to achieve a more cohesive result.

Xeomin and Jeuveau are other neurotoxins on the market with slight differences in the specific proteins that make them up. Both tend to kick in a little faster like Dysport, but don’t seem to last quite as long. Duration tends to be about 2-2.5 months.

What’s New in Neurotoxins

A new neurotoxin coming to market early next year called Daxxify and is unique as it will last longer than any other toxin currently on the market: on average 6 months. Our own Dr. Skylar Souyoul, Board Certified Dermatologist, participated in the FDA clinical trial to get Daxxify approved. She knows firsthand what a game changer this product will be for patients who want to get longer lasting results from their established neurotoxin routine.

Basics of Filler

There are a wide range of options in fillers, which can be overwhelming. But it’s not your job to know what you need or where. It’s best to ask questions and discuss your areas of concern and make sure your physician injector has the same treatment goals as you. Fillers can be used in most areas on the face, most commonly in the nasolabial folds, cheeks, and lips, but can also be used in temples, jawline, chin, glabella, lateral brow, nose and more. Certain anatomical locations, such as the nose, are considered higher risk and should only be performed by an experienced advanced injector physician.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers

HA fillers are the most known and asked about fillers. Brand names such as Juvederm and Restylane have been on the market the longest with the most safety studies performed. Other brands have come along in the last few years with Versa and RHA making the most headway.

Hyaluronic acid is found naturally throughout the body with highest concentrations in joints, eyes, and skin. HA naturally attracts and retains water in the skin which helps the skin become more hydrated. As we age, the amount of HA we have decreases in addition to overall volume loss leading to fine lines, wrinkles, folds, along with appearing dehydrated and sallow. When HA is synthetically made in the form of dermal fillers it is temporary and will break down like natural hyaluronic acid in our bodies does. When injected it can help areas appear more hydrated, plump, while smoothing lines and wrinkles. They break down slowly over time and the area goes back to how it was before anything was injected.

The fact that fillers are temporary is great, because it helps patients feel safe trying them and knowing that they aren’t committing to anything permanent. There is a chemical enzyme (Hyaluronidase) that can be used to quickly dissolve hyaluronic acid fillers in the case of a complication or unsatisfactory result. It is very important for your safety to make sure your physician has this enzyme in their office at the time of your injection.

As fillers gain popularity, more people are trying to be involved in providing this service. It is key that the person injecting your filler is a board-certified core physician: a facial plastic surgeon, general plastic surgeon or dermatologist trained in cosmetics. These physicians undergo years of training that address anatomy, physiology and techniques that can ensure safe, consistent results.

The Juvederm family of fillers includes Ultra, Ultra Plus, Vollure, Volbella, and Voluma (the longest lasting HA filler - 24 months). The difference among these is the firmness of the product, its affinity for water, and the longevity. What’s new: Volux, the first and only HA filler to receive FDA approval for improving jawline definition is set to be released this fall or

early next year. As a trainer for Allergan, I will have first access to this product and I can’t wait to get my hands on it!

The Restylane family of fillers includes Silk, Restylane, Lyft, Defyne, Refyne, and Kysse.

The difference among these is firmness, cohesively (how well it sticks together when pressure applied), affinity for water, and longevity. What’s new: Contour, the only cheek filler with XpresHAn Technology™, restores your natural contour, frees dynamic expression, and refreshes your look. This is my favorite new product on the market. Traditionally cheek fillers have been firm to recreate the appearance of bone and structure to help lift the midface. Contour is softer and more dynamic, and the technology helps it move with dynamic facial expression and keeps natural looking facial expressions and smiles. Results last around 12 months.

RHA: 1,2,3,4

What’s new: RHA Redensity is the newest product on the market to treat perioral wrinkles (lip lines). As we age, we lose volume in our lips causing fine lines to set in around our mouth. This filler is specially designed to smooth and eliminate them. The results look natural and last up to a year. Pair this filler with microneedling with platelet rich plasma (PRP) and TNA+ Advanced Serum for improved results.

Non-HA Fillers

Sculptra

Poly-L-lactic acid is a biocompatible (safe to use in the body), biodegradable synthetic substance, which has been used for many years in medical devices, such as dissolvable stitches. Poly-L-lactic acid products are called biostimulants because they stimulate your own collagen production. Their main mechanism to smooth fine lines is by helping your skin rebuild its own natural collagen—the filler gel itself dissipates a few days after treatment, and then your body builds its own natural collagen over the next

6-12 weeks. Poly-L-lactic acid is typically used to treat deep facial wrinkles, and results can last more than 2 years. The effect is subtle and natural, helping with global facial rejuvenation while softening overall appearance. (I personally have Sculptra injected about once a year to help overcome the loss of collagen that happens yearly with aging.) Sculptra can also be used above the knees and the buttocks to decrease crepey skin and improve tone.

Radiesse

Calcium hydroxylapatite is a naturally occurring substance found primarily in our bones. When used in a filler, the calcium particles are nearly microscopic and suspended in a smooth gel. The consistency of a CaHA filler is typically thicker than that of a hyaluronic acid filler and typically lasts longer, about 12-24 months. CaHA is also reported to help stimulate natural collagen production as well. Radiesse injected in the jawline helps increase definition and smooth the skin. It gives instant results due to the gel consistency but lasts longer due to its biostimulatory effects.

Fat Injections

When patients are not getting the results they once did from injections or want something with less maintenance, autologous fat injections are a great option. Fat is harvested from elsewhere on the body, most commonly the abdomen or inner or outer thighs, via liposuction, and then processed and injected under sterile conditions into areas of your face. The fat is permanent and the injection has growth factor concentrations even higher than platelet rich plasma (PRP) and help to improve skin quality. It can take more than one session, but the results are long lasting. Overall, office injections are a great way to get quick, easy results that can help prevent, maintain or reverse signs of aging. It’s important to ask questions and have discussions with your physician to come up with your customized treatment plan to help you get the best results for your goals!

Dr. Pennington is a double boardcertified facial plastic surgeon in Shreveport, LA. She is a national speaker and injection trainer for Allergan, the maker of Juvederm and Botox, as well as Galderma, the maker of Restylane and Dysport.

Occupational Therapy & ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Have you ever left the house and forgotten your wallet, your glasses, your phone, or all the above? You may have walked into a room to retrieve something only to forget what you wanted. Memory may decline a bit as we age, but it is usually occasional and causes only minor inconveniences.

Have you ever left the house and forgotten your wallet, your glasses, your phone, or all the above? You may have walked into a room to retrieve something only to forget what you wanted. Memory may decline a bit as we age, but it is usually occasional and causes only minor inconveniences. However, memory loss that interferes with a person’s ability to perform everyday activities is not an expected part of aging. This may be the first sign of Alzheimer’s disease, one of many types of dementia, which causes loss of memory and problems with thinking and reasoning.

BY LAWENICA EVANS, DROT, LOTR, & AND CINDY PAYTON, LOTR, MHS, C/NDT

In 2020, it was estimated that there were 92,000 people in Louisiana diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease with an expectation of 110,000 people diagnosed by 2025 (Alz.org). People who have been diagnosed often continue to live at home with a caregiver or at a loved one’s home who provides care.

Individuals with dementia may benefit from having an Occupational Therapist (OT), a licensed professional trained in helping people maintain their highest level of function for as long as possible. When working with clients with dementia and their caregivers, the goal of occupational

therapy is to improve the quality of life for both the client and caregiver.

During an initial visit, the OT assesses many areas including a client’s physical function, ability to walk and move themselves safely, cognitive skills, ability to perform self-care tasks such as feeding, dressing, bathing, and grooming, bowel and bladder incontinence, and safety awareness. Hearing and vision assessments may be recommended as well. The OT will also interview the caregiver about their concerns, needs and goals related to providing care to the client.

After evaluating the client, the therapist creates goals that are individualized and meaningful to the client and the caregiver. Treatment may focus on simplifying daily activities, managing behaviors, modifying the home environment, establishing daily routines and good sleep patterns, communication strategies, and caregiver education. Ensuring the client’s safety in the home is a primary focus of occupational therapy.

In the early stages of dementia, a client may be able to learn to use memory aids such as calendars, memory journals, cell phone reminders, and medication planners. The OT may recommend modifying the home environment by organizing most frequently used items, reducing visual and physical clutter, labeling cabinets, and reducing stimulation caused by electronic appliances such as a radio or television. People with dementia often develop difficulty with decision making, so an OT may recommend limiting choices by having a caregiver offer only two options. For example, “Would you like to wear the red shirt or the blue shirt?”

Safety and behavior issues may present challenges when caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. Wandering is a common behavior that can be addressed in various ways. Often, signage is enough to deter someone from exiting the home such as placing a “STOP” or “Employees Only” sign on the outer doors. The OT may also recommend installing slide locks at the top of the door, door chimes, or motion sensors as a tool to alert caregivers. Medical identification bracelets with the client’s name and caregiver contact information are an additional safety measure.

Maintaining schedules and routines typically helps people with dementia stay calm and lessen their frustration. This can include having a set bed and wake time, eating meals in the same chair at the same time each day, and keeping daily routines as consistent as possible. An advance warning of visitors, doctor’s appointments, or anything out of the ordinary routine may also be helpful to a person with Alzheimer’s disease.

It can be frustrating when a person exhibits behaviors like refusing a request to get dressed or take a bath. Often, leaving the room, returning five minutes later, and asking the question again will result in a different response. OTs may educate caregivers on communication strategies such as speaking in soft tones, being aware of non-verbal cues like fidgeting, giving instructions and information in small pieces and allowing extra time to respond, making eye contact with the person before speaking, not engaging in arguing, and being patient with answering the same question many, many times.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, however, support is available. Contact your physician to request an occupational therapy referral. For more information and resources, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website, www.alz.org, or call the local Alzheimer’s Association Louisiana Chapter at (318) 666-8400.

Evans, DrOT, LOTR, and Cindy Payton, LOTR, MHS, c/NDT, are Instructors of Occupational Therapy at LSU Health Shreveport School of Allied Health Professions.

The Bridge Alzheimer’s

PHYSICIANS

Addiction Medicine

Kathryn Kennedy

James Patterson Patrick Sewell Lee Stevens

Addiction Psychiatrist

Nadejda Alekseeva Jason Broussard

Olufemi Ogundeji

Allergist

Sami Bahna Peter Boggs

Caroline V. Caperton Lori R. Johnson David Kaufman

Gonsalo Alvarez del Real Steven Whited

Anesthesiologist

Larry M. Allen Chris Baker

Jordan A. Brice

Debbie Chandler Brian Crenshaw

Lynnell Daniel David Deas Treniece Eubanks Charles Fox, III Colleen Fuller Sonja Gennuso Gary Gill Lex Hubbard Richard Kestenn Andrew Larson Gary Madden George Mychaskiw Hector Negron Franklin Noles Paul Norton Barron O’Neal Jr. Alpesh I. Patel Rathmony Rama Scott Reed David Renda Adam Samuel

Vijay Singh John Singleterry Max Taylor Dana Wheeler

Bariatric Surgeon

James Barnes

Kamel Brakta James Burke Daryl Marx George Merriman

Cardiologist

Steven Bailey

Ralph Baucum, III (Trey)

Jagan M. Beedupalli Narendra Buddyala

Anil Chhabra Paul Cole

Jerome Danzell

Jonathan M. Davis Paul “Corky” Davis

Paari Dominic William Britt Eaves

Russell Fileccia

Joseph L. Fredi Elizabeth Mora Garzon Michael Gooszen William Haynie, Jr. Sanders Hearne Tarek Helmy Jeff Holt

Ryan Jones

Basel Kasabali Pavan Katikaneni Ernest Kiel

Albert Krause Michael Langiulli Boshra F. Louka Robert T. Martin Ryan G. Master Kalgi Modi

Aristotelis Papayannis E. Rodney Reeves Phillip Rozeman Iqbal Singh James F. Smith Ray Smith Rick Stafford Ajaya Tummala Michael G. Walton Frederick White

Cardiovascular Surgeon Amornpol Anuwatword Timothy Danish John Evans Magda Mora Garzon David P. Hamm Larry Hiller Mary Mancini Syed Mehmood David H. Mull Aris Papayannis David Pennywell Curtis Prejean Vyas Rao Keith White

Colon and Rectal Medicine Specialist Arielle Dubose William Reid Grimes Michael D. Stratton Andrew M. Werner

Critical Care Medicine Specialist Cal Alexander Dayanand N. Bagdure Randy Bryn Steven Conrad Himanshu Desai Giao Do Jonathan Eaton David Green Rebecca Green Laurie Grier Robert Holladay Scott Howard Joseph Dedrick Jordan Richard Kamm

Kevin M. Langlois Cory M. Markham Richard L. Morrison Nasim Motayar Rhagu Nathan Pediatric Critical Care Gerardo San Pedro Matthew C. Raley Keith Scott Minh Tran Christopher J. Trosclair Robert E. Walter

Dermatology

Sarah G. Baker Anne Bryan Patrick Carrington David Clemons Elizabeth Clemons

Josephine M. Futrell Sarah E. Glorioso Christopher Haas Laura Haynie Cooper Heard Donald I. Posner Jason Romero Skylar Souyoul

Diagnostic Radiology Octavio De Jesus Arevalo Espejo Brent Boudreaux John Braud Aaron Burgin Jason L. Campbell Jessica Caraway Alberto Carbo Meghna Chadha Cliff Coffman Brian Dupree John R. Hebert, II Travis Henley Bruce Hennigan Wayne Homza Patrick Leopard Joseph Milner Monsour Mirfakhraee Luis De Alba Padilla Tyler Plauche Carlos Previgliano Paul Price

Hugo Cuellar Saenz Guillermo P. Sangster Manash Sarcar Alberto Simoncini Robert Stewart R. Webster Stewart Kelly E. White

Emergency Medicine Specialists

Craig Andrews Thomas Arnold Jacqueline Bowers Bryant Boyd Avery Callahan Brian Caskey John Chandler James Cotter Randy Davis Sean Denham Brian T. Dillon Mary Edens

Joseph A. Farquhar, Jr.

Jeffrey Giddens

Travis Headley Stacy Henderson Richard Jacobson

Brian Martin

Jeannie Ruth McCartney

Jason Mook

Justin Moore

John Kevin Netterville

Jerel Raney

Brandon P. Smith Mike Sullivan

James Patrick Taylor

Todd Thoma Christopher Wolcott John Woods

Endocrinologist

Melissa Albritton

Kamal Bhusal

Michele Chico

Neslihan Gungor

Laura E. Kimball-Ravari

Steven Levine

Joshua Maier

Robert McVie Lyubov Olenina Binod Pokhrel Donna Rushing David Scarborough Rajini Yatavelli

Family Medicine Specialist

Jennifer Angelo Michael Angelo Wayne Barksdale Thomas Bernard Carter Boyd Bruce Brouillette Lindsey Brown Jode Burgin Shane Carr Kevin Carter Marion Cash Jody Chance Marc Chaudoir Allen Cox Mandy Crow Larry Daniels John Danzell, Jr. Ricky G. Davidson Patrick Deere Mary Eskander Larry Flake Jeffery German Ross Hamic Jan Hood

David Hudson Ellie O. Hudnall

Ammar Husan Michael Kitchell Katie Kerr

Lauren Ann Landry

Natalia Luraguiz Allan S. Matriono-Lim Walker May Nicole McCommon

Marius McFarland Kevin McGann Sherin Mercer

Jason K. Milligan Wendy Moses Jennifer O’Neal April Palmer Scott Patton Daniel Payne Cara Permenter Daniel Piotter John Pope Danielle Raley Theresa Rinderle Robert Saucier Peter Seidenberg Sanjay Shah Catherine Sharpe Robert C. Smith, II Stephen G. Taylor Thanh Vo Karen Walker Ted Warren Clint N. Wilson

Gastroenterologist

Humberto Aguilar John N. Bienvenu Moheb Boktor Qiang Cai

David Dies

James C. Hobley Sathya N. Jaganmohan Webster Johnson Paul Jordan Nicolas LaBarre Abby D. Linzay Kenneth Manas James Morris Charles Otu-Nyarko T. Ryan Palmer Sudha Pandit

Loannis Papayannis David Philips Arthur Poch Mark Provenza Douglas Rimmer David Scott

Geriatric Medicine Specialist Lawrence Drexler Thomas Reilly Robert Savory

Gynecologist Oncologist Destin Black K. Leslie Dean

Hand Surgeon Karl K. Bilderback Marjorie Chelly Ellis O. Cooper Marian Milstead Diego A. Miranda Margaret Olmedo

Head and Neck Surgeon

Ameya Asarkar

Michael Beal

Paige Bundrick

Jason Calligas

Bharat Guthikonda

Henry Hollier

D. David Kim

Patrick Lavo

Kevin Moore

Cherie-Ann Nathan

John Pang

Robert Thornton William Watkins

Jennifer E. Woerner

Michael Yim

Hematologist

Karl Bilderback Scott Boniol Gary Burton

Neelima Chintapalli Manish Dhawan

Joyce Feagan

Majed Jeroudi Mindie Kavanaugh Kirtan Koticha

Tyler Lash Richard Mansour Robert Massingill Samip Master Glenn Mills

Maxwell “Chip” McDonald Maxwell “Chip” McDonald, III Prakash Peddi Ben Quinney

Anil Veluvolu Elizabeth Wadhwa

Hepatologist

Humberto I. Aguilar

David Dies

James Morris

Hospitalist

Jamie Agandi

Humberto Aguilar Mohammad-Hesam Akbarian-Tefaghi Michael Aura Royal Becker Shahzeem Bhayani

Beth Blair

Tarcariyunn “Tee” Caldwell Kelly Carlisle Craig Chu Anna Craig

David Dies

Ken Fitzgerald Tharwat Ghattas

Paul Guidry Mitchell Hudson Diane E. Jamison-Blair Kamlesh Jani

Wen Lui

Prakash Manapragada Stephen Maxwell Jaya McSharma Derek R. Munoz

Jason Nelson Vinh Ngyuen

Paras Patel

Jennifer Prime Peyman Roohani

Hrishikesh Samant Mike Sewell

Elliot J. Sorrell

Wanda Thomas Sharon Tran Steen Trawick

Sarah E. Wheat Peimin Zhu

Hyperbaric Medicine

Victoria L. Everton Steven Kitchings Gary Mazzanti

Infectious Disease Specialist

Halim Abou-Faycal

Mohammad Alam Joseph A. Bocchini, Jr. Hector Brunet-Rodriguez Raymond Coghlan Meredith Dewitt

J. Michel El-Hayek Kirk Grantham Susan Kemp Alexandre E. Malek Gerardo J. Negron Guillermo O. Padilla Pineda John Todd John A. Vanchiere

Internist

David Abdehou Attila Z. Balogh Lauren Beal Shaahzeem Bhayani Pierre Blanchard Mark Allen Brown Deanna Donley Roan Flenniken John Harris Richard Haynie Robert Hernandez James M. Jackson Joseph Jones Jennifer Kelley Susan Kemp Huan Q. Le Diana M. Lim Kennedy K. Lim Cheynita Metoyer Rick Michael Craig Miller Jina Miller Jason Milligan Wendy Moses Venerando R. Del Mundo Vinh Nguyen Timothy Nicholls Lillian Nelson Ugorji Okorie Maurie Patterson-Rosen Paul Rushing Leslie Sewell Michael Sewell Eric Smith Melanie Smith Anthony J. Stuart

Cody Tingle

Bipin Turakhia Russell Tynes Wendall Wall

Interventional Cardiologist

Steven Bailey

Ralph “Trey” Baucum, III Anil Chhabra Paul Cole

Jerome Danzell Paul Davis

Paari Dominic Russell Fileccia Joe Fredi Michael Gooszen William Haynie Sanders Hearne Tarek Helmly Jeffrey Holt Pavan Katikaneni Robert Martin Ryan Master Kalgi Modi Phillip Rozeman James Smith Ray Smith Rick Stafford Ajaya Tummala Wenwu Zhang

Medical Oncologist Kavitha Beedupalli Scott Boniol Gary Burton Neelima Chintapalli Joyce Feagin Alan Grosbad Majed Jeroudi Mindie Kavanaugh Kirtan Koticha Tyler Lash Richard Mansour Bob Massingill Samip Master

Maxwell “Chip” McDonald, III Glenn Mills Prakash Peddi Christopher Snead Anil Veluvolu Elizabeth Wadhwa Donna Walker Tamna Wangjam

Neonatologist

Ramachandra Bhat Bharti Manchandia Arun Pramanik Lea Penales Sarah Serio Surinder Tank Brent Whitton

Nephrologist

Kenneth Abreo Sreedhara B. Alla Zulqarnain Anwar Abro Arnold Barz

Mary Buffington Sabeen Habib Marwan O. Kaskas

John Kilpatrick

Melissa L. Lynn Sylvia Noble Stephen Patton Mike Rokaw

Bharat Sachdeva Adrian Sequeira Neeraj Singh Karina Sulaiman Peter Van

Randy White

Raja I. Zabaneh

Neurologist

Dmitri Aleksenko Eric Bicknell Erik Burton Debra Davis Meghan K. Harris Vijayakumar Javalkar Dedrick Jordan Roger Kelley Suresh Kumar Alan Little Alireza Minagar Benjamin Nguyen Arvin Parvathaneni Rosario Riel-Romero Irene Scaltsas Gurleen Sikand Sanjeevi Tivakaran Brian Willis Richard Zweig

Neurosurgeon Peter Campbell David Cavanaugh Bharat Guthikonda Matthew Hefner Christina Notarianni John D. Reeves Anthony Sin Sanjeevi Tivakaran Jamie Toms

Philip Utter Rishi Wadhwa

Nucleur Med Zhiyun Yang

Obstetrician/Gynecologist

Rodney Armand L. Gregory Blanton M. Cecilia Bellmann Karen Berken Christian Briery Mila Shah-Bruce Amanda Bunton Russell D. Burlison Caitlin Busada John Carter Erin Kate Cassiere Debra Cline Bradley C. Colvin Danielle Cooper Ashley Davis Marsha Friedrich Beth Geneux Gina M. Gomez Erin Gullatt John Haynes Jeff Hebert, III

Ashley Hirsch Lise Huddleston

Frederick J. Kinder, Jr. Jacque T. LaBarre David Lewis

Daryl W. Mitchell Cynthia G. Montgomery Kristi Michael

Gregory M. Phillips Antonio Pizarro Benny Popwell E.B. Robinson Darrell Sandifer Sarah Scotto Mila Shah-Bruce Stephanie Sockrider Saimah Talukder Stephen Taylor Kerry Wade Tynes LaTashia Upton Catherine Vanderloos David Vandermolen Kristy Waltman John Waterfallen Warren West Amanda A. Williams Emily Womack

Occupational Medicine John Goddard Ravindra Goel Leigh Henderson William Jeffrey Till

Ophthalmologist Wilson Baber Ellen Berg John Brinkley David Bryan Clay Bundrick William Byrd John B. Carmody Carol Clemons Mary Catherine Clemons Wyche T. Coleman, III Geoff Garrett Jeffrey Gosslee Holly Guy John Hinrichson Arthur Kavanaugh Chanping Liang Bryon Lusk Jeffrey Lusk Charles Lyon Wally Nawas Russell Van Norman Thomas Planchard Thomas Redens Alan B. Richards Chris Shelby Paul Swearingen Norman Zaffater Bryan Vekovius Ashley Wheat-Sipes

Oral Surgeon Andrew Banker

David Clark Colten Ducote Caroline Sikes Garcia Ghali Ghali Walter James

D. David Kim

Jason Lustig

Andrew Meram

Wendell Neeley II Celso Palmieri

Stavan Patel

Jay Sikes

Brian Smith William Watkins

Jennifer Woerner

Orthopedic Surgeon Michael Acurio Edward Anglin

Steve Atchison

Shane Barton Powell Britain Auer David Berken

Harold Ryan Bicknell Scott Bicknell George W. Byram, III Mark C. Callanan Vik Chatrath Brad Chauvin

Ellis Neal Cooper Stephen Cox John Ferrell

John Fox Philip Gates

J. David Googe

Richard Harrell Marshall Haynie Michael Haynie Carlton G. Houtz Val Irion Jason Kinkartz Jim Lillich John T. Mays Janay McKie Gordon Mead Marion Milstead Ed Morgan Andrew J. Moritz Jeff Pearson Patrick Powell Cambize Shahrdar Craig Springmeyer Timothy W. Talbert

Otolarygologist/ENT Michael J. Beal

J. Houston Bosley

Jason Calligas Keith Christy Anil Gungor

David Hilton Henry Hollier

Chuka V. Ifeanyi Brett Koder

John Patrick Lavo Gauri Mankekar Kevin Moore

Cherie-Ann Nathan William Parker David Pou

Clifford H. Rice, Jr. James Sikes Robert Thorton

Blakely N. Thornton William Watkins Paul Weinberger Linda Gage-White Michael Yim

Pain Management

Specialists

Jefferey Adair Steven Atchison Randall Brewer David Hirsch

Rama Letchuman Kathleen Majors

Matthew Mosura Ross Nelson

John G. Noles

Russell T. Stuermann William Whyte, II

Psychiatrist Larry Allen Guy Brannon

Jason M. Broussard, D.O. Greg Brown Mark Brown

Devanshi K. Jani Kathryn Kennedy Kimberly Law Olefumi Ogundeji James Patterson

Jasjit (Rimi) Singh Jennifer Sewell Singh

Pathologist

Fleurette Abreo Jill Ferguson Ashley Flowers Xin Gu Ken Harrison Steve Heard Vivek Khare Bernadette McLaren Louis Sardenga Susan Diane Veillon Greg Wellman William A. Wesche

Pediatrician Kim Burris

Abbey M. Carroll Virginia Carter Neera Chhabra Jennifer Cockrell

Margaret M. Crittell Angela Cush-John Quynh Dang Megan Gardner Marie Harper Monica Haynes Amanda Haynie Robert Haynie Emily Hobson Lynne Holladay Frank Hughes Jennifer Kelley Terry Kendrick Thomas Latiolais Marco Quispe Leveau Gene Mack, Jr. Rhett McLaren Cheynita Metoyer Richard Michael Lauren Milner

Mackey S. Quinlan David Pace William Parker Gretchen Petterway

Bruce Pistorius

Scott Ritch

Z. Galen Sanders Shalinee Singh Melanie Smith Stacey Sparks Wanda Thomas Clifton Vaughan Randall White

Pediatric Surgeon Kevin N. Boykin Mark F. Brown Donald L. Sorrells

Perinatologist

Christian Briery Clint Cormier Maroun Mhanna

Plastic Surgeon McIntyre Bridges Paige Bundrick Marjorie Chelly Paul M. Davis Mary Kim Dan Knight Barron O’Neal Lindsey Pennington Kenneth Sanders Bryan Vekovius Forest Wall Holly Casey Wall Simeon Wall Simeon Wall, Jr. Psychiatrist Jason M. Broussard Greg Brown Daniel Feeney Janice Hollier Devanshi K. Jani Anshuman Jyoti Kathryn Kennedy Kimberly Law Pam McPherson Aja Menard Olufemi Ogundeji Jeffrey Overdyke Swathi Parvataneni James Patterson Suresh Sabbenahalli Manish Saran Jasjit (Rimi) Singh Katherine Smith Lee Stevens Mary Beth Valiulis John Wagner Ruchika Yusufji

Pulmonologist

Calvin Alexander Randy D. Bryn David Chambers Prangthip Charoenpong Himanshu Desai David Green Neerja Gulati Robert Holladay Scott Howard Kim Jones Richard Kamm

Sasikumar Kilaikode

Shreedhar Kullkami

Kamal Masri

Richard L. Morrison

Raghu Nathan Gerry San Pedro Matthew Raley

James Smith

Robert Taylor Ahmed Virani Robert Walter

Radiation Oncologist

Roscoe Chan

Jeffery Chen Michael L. Durci Sergio Jaramillo Sanford Katz Lane Rosen C. Jake Wang

Radiologist

Federico Ampil Octavio De Jesus Arevalo Espejo Heather Bracey John Braud Kary Burgin Jason L. Campbell Horacio D’Agostino John Hebert Travis Henley Bruce Hennigan Wayne Homza Leonard Mastrodomenico Joseph Milner Mansour Mirfakhraee Luis De Alba Padilla Carlos Previgliano Paul Price Hugo Cuellar Saenz Guillermo P. Sangster Manash Sarcar Justin Skweres Alberto Simoncini Almas Syed Kelly E. White Ramin Zamani

Reproductive Endocrinologist

Preston Parry David Vandermolen

Rheumatologist

Aaron W. Broadwell Larry K. Broadwell Robert E. Goodman

Samina Hayat Kurt Kampert Mamatha Katikaneni Kyla Lokitz Frankie K. Pedigo Thomas Pressly Mansi Shah Sarwat Umer Katie Walton Mary Walton

Sleep Disorder Specialist

Oleg Chernyshev Andrew Chesson, Jr. David Green Nabil Moufarrej Samreena Sara Mary Beth Valiulis

Spine Surgeon Specialist Britain Auer Powell Auer Peter Campbell David Cavanaugh Carl G. Goodman Bharat Guthikonda Eubulus Kerr Oner Khera Milan G. Mody Pierce Nunley John Reeves Anthony Sin Anthony Utter Rishi Wadhwa

Sports Medicine Specialist Edward Anglin Powell Britain Auer Shane Barton Mark Callanan John Googe Richard Harrell Carlton Houtz Val Irion

Jason Kinkartz Patrick Massey Andrew Moritz Craig Springmeyer Timothy Talbert

Surgeon

Donnie Aultman Michael A. Banda James Barnes Charles Black Kamel Brakta Marie Brown James Burke Charles R. Byrd Julie Cupp Brian L. Dockendorf Dean Griffen James Howell Charles Knight, Jr. Chris Knight Mark R. Mainous Mary Mancini Kevin C. Marler

Daryl Marx Robert W. McMillan George Merriman Cary Mielke

Julie Mook

David Pennywell Vyas Rao Kathryn Richardson Ramon Antonio L. Romero

Larry Sasaki

Amos Sit

Kevin Sittig

Chris Sockrider

Keith White

Stephen White

Gazi Zibari

Cardiothoracic Surgeon

David Hamm

Syed Mehmood

David Mull

Curt Prejean

Keith White

Trauma Surgeon Brad Chauvin Sanaz Leilabadi Navdeep Samra

Urologist

Ashley Baker Stewart Bundrick, Jr. Mark Callaway Kevin J. Cline

Donald A. Elmajian Alexander Gomelsky Elizabeth Harrel Jonathan Henderson Tommy Henderson Gerard Henry Nazih Khater

John Mata

Jared Moss

James R. Noble Jeremy Norwood Thomas Palmer Thomas Siskron Stanley Smith Alison Spann Adam Stage Chris M. Wilson

Urological Surgeon

Ashley Baker

W. Stewart Bundrick, Jr. Kevin Cline Donald Elmajian Alexander Gomelsky Elizabeth Harrel Gerard Henry Nazih Khater John Mata James R. Noble Chris M. Wilson

Vascular Surgeon Muzammil Aziz

Robert Barrett

Fred Knight

Charles Knight, Jr. Miles A Sugar II Chiranjiv Virk Stephen White

DENTISTRY

Dentist

David Austin Brian Basinger Ben Beach Katie Beach

Johnny L. Black William Borders Jared Boyd

McKenzy Boyd Jeremy Brown Gregory Burns Blaine Callahan Gary Caskey Caroline Cobb Jennifer R. Cooper Adam Cormier Jana Cormier

Kyle Cotton Ronald Crawford Misty Crump Ross H. Dies Jason Dupree Laura Earnest Lester Ewing Kelly Milstead Fair Maureen Sheridan Fenton Ricky Fox Jason Gamble Emile Geneux Carlee Gilley William Hall Larry Hand Anna Hastings Michael Haydel Caroline Haynie Marlon Henderson Ronald Hermes Matt Hollis McKenzie Holloway Steve Hooper Isaac House Raymond Jarvis Darrell Jobe Jeffrey Kerst James Lowder Candace Marshall Lisa Matthews Daniel Shane McPherson Chris Mott Richard “Reed” Moore Kenneth Mouser Quyen Nguyen Robert Palmer Mario Pary Meredith Patton Stephanie Phan Andrew Porter Robert Price Shelly Rabalais Larry Robinson Shreveport Bossier Family Dental Jeffrey Scruggs Andrew Simpson Bryan Stewart Jon-Christian Stewart Douglas Talley Timothy Tate Scott Taylor Ryan Walker

Suzanne Windham

David Wischoff

Michael Woolbert Christoper Wright

Dentist, Pediatrics Shannon Backofen Jeremy Brown Susan Chidlow Corey Cloud

Holly Cook Daniel Crawford Jason Gambill Monika Kumar Emily Neeley Bryan Stewart

Pediatric Dental Partners Pediatric Dentistry of Shreveport-Bossier Lauren Wallace

Orthodontist

Chris Cosse Ben Foster Ben Foster, Jr. Sanders Graf Allison Haynie Morgan Lang Peter Nasser Jeff Silmon

Endodontist Kayla R. Byrne Blaine G. Calahan John Gilmer Borders Spiel Jerald F. Turner Paul Wood

HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONERS

Chiropractor

Louie Ballis John Barrington Ryan Bates Diamond Brown Rodney Crews William Duncan Mark Guice Chad Havard Paul Johnston Jason Maggio Gregory Mayfield Richard Sanders Meghan Sanders Grady Stimits Jenna Watson Brandon Venden Robert Zahn Ross Zahn Zahn Chiropractic

Occupational Therapist

Jennie Bange Kaitlyn Edwards Tim Jones Holly Mangin David McHaffrey Julianne Yost

Optometrist

Charles Adams

Deana Clifton

Amy Coburn

Alicia Crooks

D.L. Jordan

Aris Kelly

Stephen Lewis

Christina Pastilong

Sam Silverblatt

Don Walker

Paramedic/EMT

Michael Cook

Bobby Hawn

Joey Presley Caimen Ward

Pharmacist

Doug Boudreaux Jennifer Boudreaux David Burch Ashley Cathcart Randall Caudle Mike Cook, Sr. Heidi Cram Emily Evans Jeff Evans Raheed Haasan Melanie Howard Mallory Howell Clay Jones

Medic Pharmacy Jacqueline Mccray Jeremy Moffett Lance Parker Laith Quaisi Fred Sanders Shomichael Stephens Stephen Stricklin Chris Thiels Kelsey Trimble C.K. Van

Physical Therapist

Justin Boyd Brewer PT Adam Brewer Amanda Brewer Marshall Cowley Emily Cristler Kacie Dove Terry Eberhardt Key Fincher Megan Flavin Chris Fultz

Function First Nicholas Hackaby Emily Hall Elizabeth Hansen Julie Ann Harris Tony Henley Seth Holloway Brad Johnson Rob Kenney Timothy Lazarus Scott LeBlanc Johanna Lough Chris Mangin Caleb McEntire Diana Merendino Marie Morgan

Stan Powell Gregory Redmond James Rhoades

Lee Rielly

Caitie Salter

Studio P3 Suzanne Tensley Richard Tubre Elizabeth Walls Tim Wheelahan

Podiatrist

William Andress Gregory Bryan Blair Drummond David Drummond Stephen Ertz Gentry Haughton Richard Havens Henry Hilario J.E. Toups, Jr.

Psychologist

Steven Abney

Mark Cogburn Lisa Harper Laura Harris Todd Lobrano Bruce McCormick George Park Jennifer Russell Webb Sentell Linda Watts Mark Vigen Shelley Visconte Michelle Yetman

Respiratory Therapist

Lloyd Dunning

Audiologist

Pooja Basnet Sydney Caskey April Daniel Lee Day Andrea Dean Misty Littleton Leigh Anne Norman William Parker Courtney Ross Sarah Smith Laura Steinagel Mallory Stovall Nazifa Sultana Glen Wagunbach

Speech-Language Pathologist

Emily Digiacomo

Abby Howell Janey Macey Melissa Olivier Chelsea Parker Courtney Pickett Ariana Seidman Emily Watkins Jessica Whitten Dana Jeter Williams

ARKLATEX ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

ArkLaTex Oral & Maxillofacial surgery offers quality oral and maxillofacial surgery in Shreveport, Bossier City, and Natchitoches, Louisiana. After graduation from dental school, oral and maxillofacial surgery requires additional years of hospital-based surgical and anesthesia training, and our surgeons received six additional years and medical degrees. As board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Dr. Lustig, Dr. Banker, and Dr. Ducote manage various mouth, teeth, and face problems. Our doctors practice a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery, particularly in dentoalveolar surgery (such as third molar removal), dental implantology, and outpatient anesthesia. Our advanced techniques and utilization of state-of-the-art technology minimize post-operative discomfort and decrease recovery times. Our primary goal for each patient is to provide solutions to their oral

surgery needs in a caring, comfortable, welcoming environment. We strive to offer an unmatched surgical experience through patient education, state-of-the-art technology and techniques, and exceptional patient care. Let us introduce you to the ArkLaTex Experience!

JASON H. LUSTIG, DDS, MD

Dr. Lustig has been in practice for 19 years and is a graduate of Baylor University and the Baylor College of Dentistry. He received a medical degree and specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. Dr. Lustig wanted to be a dentist from 5 years old, and no one could explain where that desire came from. Through elementary, middle school, high school, and college, that desire never wavered. While in dental school, Dr. Lustig found oral surgery interesting and was fortunate to have an aptitude for

the procedures. In this dentistry area, he was best able to express himself and help people. Dr. Lustig’s clinical interests span the scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with a special focus on dental implantology, orthognathic surgery, and outpatient anesthesia. Dr. Lustig enjoys sailing, mountain biking, and spearfishing outside of the office.

ANDREW R. BANKER, DDS, MD

Dr. Banker has been in practice for 11 years and is a graduate of Marquette University’s School of Dentistry, with further specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. He has always had a natural curiosity for the sciences, which led him in the general direction of dentistry and medicine. While in dental school, Dr. Banker discovered oral and maxillofacial surgery and was immediately attracted to it as it sort of straddles both worlds. Before joining ArkLaTex Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, he was an Assistant Professor at the Health Sciences Center. Dr. Banker’s clinical interests span the scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery, with a special focus on dental implantology, dentoalveolar surgery, orthognathic surgery, and outpatient anesthesia. Dr. Banker enjoys

tennis, pickleball, freediving, spearfishing, sailing, and traveling when out of the office.

COLTEN DUCOTE, DDS, MD

Dr. Colten Ducote has been in practice for two years and is a graduate of Louisiana State University School of Dentistry. He completed his medical degree at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, and specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. During residency, Dr. Ducote had the opportunity to publish research in national journals, present at numerous conferences, and was part of a craniofacial team on a medical mission to Neiva, Colombia. During his first month of dental school, Dr. Ducote had the opportunity to go to the OR with the oral surgery team. It was an 8-hour facial trauma case. He knew right then and there that’s what he wanted to do. The OMS specialty encompasses many different aspects of head and neck surgery, and there are patients with complex medical histories. That’s what initially drew Dr. Ducote to the specialty and the reason he truly enjoys his job today! Dr. Ducote practices broad-scope oral and maxillofacial surgery with a special focus on dental implantology, bone grafting, orthognathic surgery, TMJ surgery, and

outpatient anesthesia. Outside of the office, Dr. Ducote enjoys hunting, fishing, and training hunting dogs.

WENDELL NEELEY, DDS, MD

Dr. Wendell Neeley has been in practice for 12 years and attended the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. He finished with High Honors prior to completing medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Dr. Neely trained in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics and finished his residency in that specialty at UT Health in 2008. After that, he held a private practice in San Antonio for seven years, Mission Orthodontics, before switching specialties entirely to complete a residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the LSU Health Science Center in Shreveport. Once completing residency, Dr. Neeley served as the staff Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and

Chief of the Dental Service at the Overton Brooks VA Hospital. Dr. Neely enjoys his specialty because the practice field is so broad. He can treat many types of patients, from children to the elderly, and many sorts of problems, such as dental issues, placing dental implants, jaw surgery to correct growth issues, pathology, and temporomandibular joint problems. He has always enjoyed helping people. By first attending dental school and then medical school, Dr. Neely has greatly increased his ability to provide highquality care for all his patients. Dr. Neeley’s wife, Dr. Emily Neeley, is a pediatric dentist with Ochsner-LSU Health. Outside the office, Dr. Wendell enjoys spending time with his family, camping, hiking, playing board games, and traveling.

Expertise, Experience & Excellence

Experience

Expertise

minimally invasive

rhythms, aneurysmal repair, valvular heart disease and heart failure.

Excellence

Cardiologists with educational experience from premier cardiology programs from across the country.

Easy Access

Ten office locations in northwest Louisiana, including Willis-Knighton Heart & Vascular Institute (North), WK Pierremont Health Center, WK Bossier Health Center, WillisKnighton South & the Center for Women’s Health, as well as locations in Minden, Ruston, Homer, Natchitoches, Vivian and Springhill.

History of Innovation

The physicians and staff of WillisKnighton Cardiology, have a longstanding tradition of leadership and innovation in the field of

All Areas of Cardiology & Vascular Disease

cardiology. Their commitment to fostering the state-ofthe art in cardiovascular care has resulted in the practice and its members achieving numerous “firsts” in cardiology for the Ark-La-Tex. The following is a partial listing of the achievements credited to our team:

Implantation of first dual-chamber pacemaker device

Performance of first intracoronary balloon and stent procedure

of first

of first TAVR

without

aortic

WK ENDOCRINE & THYROID SPECIALISTS ENDOCRINE & THYROID

Dr. Laura Kimball-Ravari, FACE is in her eighteenth year at WillisKnighton Bossier practicing general endocrinology. She is a clinical instructor at LSUHSC, Shreveport, in the Department of Endocrinology and is a current member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, The Endocrine Society, American Medical Association, Louisiana State Medical Association and Shreveport Medical Association. In 2015, Dr. Kimball-Ravari was inducted by The American College of Endocrinology (ACE), the educational and scientific arm of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), as a Fellow (FACE). She also serves as Subspecialty Core Faculty and Subspecialty Education Coordinator

(SEC) for Endocrinology for the Willis Knighton Internal Medicine Residency Program.

Dr. Kimball-Ravari received her undergraduate degrees in biology and psychology at the University of Houston. She attended the American University of the Caribbean Medical School in St. Maarten, West Indies. She completed her internal medicine internship, residency, and fellowship in adult endocrinology at the LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. Dr. Kimball-Ravari is also board certified in Endocrinology & Metabolism, and Internal Medicine. She and her husband, Sia, are the proud parents of two children, Ary and Arman.

Dr. Melissa Albritton joined the practice in 2010. A native of Farmerville, Dr. Albritton is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a degree in chemical engineering. She received her medical degree from LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport and completed an internship and residency at the same school. She also completed a fellowship in endocrinology at LSUHSCS. Dr. Albritton is an Associate Program Director for the Willis Knighton Internal Medicine Residency Program and is a member of the American Medical Association, American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, and the Endocrine Society. She resides in Bossier City with her husband and two cats, Smutt and Sweet Kitty.

Sammi Smith, APRN, MSN, ACNPBC joined the practice in January 2007. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees of science in nursing from Northwest State University and is a member of the Endocrine Nurses Society. She is board-certified by the

American Nursing Credentialing Center. She and her husband, Tim, are the proud parents of their daughter, Grace.

Vickey Burnett, APRN, MSN, FNP-C joined the practice in April 2013. She is a family nurse practitioner and is board-certified by the American Nursing Credentialing Center.

Vickey is a member of the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Heather Roan, MPAS, PA-C joined the practice in 2016. She is a graduate of Louisiana Tech with a degree in biology and Masters from LSU School of Allied Health. She is board certified with the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Heather is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and Louisiana Academy of Physician Assistants. She and her husband, Andrew, are the proud parents of their daughter, Erin.

Collette Brown, APRN, MSN, AGPCNP-C, CDCES joined the

practice in October 2020.  She is a graduate of Northwestern State University, where she received her Master of Science in Nursing degree.  She is a nurse practitioner, certified with the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board.  Collette is also a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (formerly Certified Diabetes Educator).  Collette has specialized in diabetes care since 2010.  She resides in Shreveport with her husband and three daughters.

Dr. Dakota Boston joined the practice in July 2022. He was born and raised in Shreveport and has remained local throughout his education and training. Dr. Boston graduated from LSUShreveport with a degree in chemistry and obtained his medical degree from LSU Health Shreveport. After Dr. Boston completed his internship and Internal Medicine residency from LSU Health Shreveport, he began practicing as a primary care

physician at Willis Knighton. As a primary care physician, Dr. Boston observed a dire need for more endocrinologists in this region. Seeing this need, Dr. Boston gave up his primary care practice and elected to go back to LSU Health Shreveport for a fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism. He is a member of the American Diabetes Association, Endocrine Society, and the American Academy of Clinical Endocrinology. He is also board certified in Obesity Medicine. He resides in Shreveport with his wife, Dr. Theresa Boston, who is in training to become a pediatrician.

2449 HOSPITAL DR #400

BOSSIER CITY, LA 71111 (318) 212-7902

ENDOCRINE AND THYROID SPECIALISTS - PIERREMONT

1811 E BERT KOUNS

INDUSTRIAL LOOP #480

SHREVEPORT, LA 71105 (318) 212-2810

NWLA. At Graf our patients, their families, and our love what we do. We enjoy watching our on Krewe of Rolling Elvi. Also, he is a

With four full time orthodontists able to ensure that our patients have

dental

surrounding

attractive

this high-

Stephen Hooper, DDS Dr. Stephen Hooper is a dentist with 35 years of experience who is motivated to make an impact on peoples’ lives through dentistry and also spirituality. His motto is “Eternal excellence.” He takes pride in his practice because the atmosphere speaks for itself, and so do his patients who comment on knowing they have found a skilled and capable dentist who offers a stress-free and even relaxing atmosphere at Hooper Family Dentistry. Dr. Hooper enjoys time with his family, hunting, fishing, and camping, and he loves his LSU Tigers and New Orleans Saints.

Stephen Tyer, DDS Dr. Tyer chose a career in dentistry because he always wanted to be in the medical field to help people in any way he could. Dr. Tyer’s daily motivation is to provide for his family and improve others’ lives through dentistry. Dr. Tyer was born and raised in Bossier City, where he graduated from Airline High School and started dating his wife, Rebekah Stevens. He and his wife have a son, Patrick. A fun fact about Tyer is that he was an All-District basketball player at Airline during his senior year. He went on to LSU for undergrad; then LSU School of Dentistry. Dr. Tyer is inspired by his father, who is a CRNA at Willis Knighton, and by the ability

of great dentists who can relieve people’s pain and bring on the smile.

“I love being able to put a smile on somebody’s face, whether it’s transforming somebody’s smile, getting them out of pain, or just doing a simple filling. I want people to feel comfortable when they come to the dentist and leave with a smile that they are proud of.

Christopher Hooper, DDS

Dr. Christopher Hooper is Dr. Stephen Hooper’s son and resides in Shreveport, Louisiana. A fun fact about Hooper is he an officer in the Louisiana National Guard. He will be taking leadership over the office of Hooper Family Dentistry, Too. There he will be able to take care of all your dental needs from extractions and bridges, to root canals and implants. He is looking forward to continuing Hooper Family Dentistry’s philosophy of giving their patients the best quality dentistry possible

in a relaxing and caring atmosphere where lifelong friendships and relationships are made. “I love to talk to people and make them laugh, and I treat everyone as I would expect to be treated.”

HOOPER FAMILY DENTISTRY TREATS PATIENTS LIKE FAMILY AND WITH THE UTMOST RESPECT. YOU WILL BE KNOWN BY YOUR NAME, NOT A NUMBER.

Shreveport’s

of

FAMILY’S 40YEAR LEGACY

With a steeped family history in Houston, Texas, establishing a world-class ophthalmology practice in Shreveport was never really part of the ‘vision’ for James E. Lusk, MD and his family.

Even though he completed Medical School at Tulane School of Medicine in New Orleans, his original plan was to complete his Ophthalmology Residency, a Corneal Fellowship and then settle in Houston to practice where he and his brothers and sisters grew up.

And then an opportunity in Shreveport opened up…and the rest is a ’40-year history.’

Today, the Lusk family is proud to call Shreveport home. After establishing Lusk Eye Specialists in 1981, Dr. Lusk quickly began to establish a reputation for eye excellence as he introduced advanced new techniques for performing cataract and refractive surgery. But what made Lusk Eye Specialists unique was Dr. Lusk’s dedication to combining nextgeneration technology and advanced surgical techniques with a personal commitment to treating every patient…like family.

Dr. Lusk was also instrumental in opening the ARK-LA-TEX’s first outpatient surgery center dedicated entirely to ophthalmology. Not only was his new method of outpatient surgery considered safer and more convenient for patients, it was also more affordable for both patients and the insurance industry. Patients quickly learned to appreciate all the added benefits of having their surgical procedure performed in a dedicated ambulatory surgical center staffed by a team of eye care specialists. Thanks to these early efforts, outpatient cataract surgery has become the standard of care for most patients undergoing cataract surgery.

As more patients throughout the ARK-LA-TEX continued to look to Lusk Eye Specialists for the latest breakthroughs in ophthalmology, Dr. Lusk soon found himself needing additional surgeons to help continue his tradition of eye excellence in the region. Fortunately, his two sons had seen the tremendous impact their father had made in the community and with patients while they were growing up in Shreveport. His influence and the manner in which he treated patients inspired his two sons – Jeffrey & Bryan – to attend medical school and eventually become Fellowship-trained ophthalmologists.

Dr. Bryan Lusk pursued his Fellowship in Corneal & External Disease while Dr. Jeffrey Lusk

the three Lusk surgeons have more

pursued his Fellowship training in Glaucoma management. Today, they are held in the same high regard as their father and are noted as two of the ARK-LA-TEX’s leading cataract & refractive surgeons. Together, the three Lusk surgeons have more combined cataract & refractive surgical experience than any other family of surgeons in the region.

Having watched their father ‘Treat Patients Like Family’ for decades before they joined the practice, it hasn’t taken Dr. Bryan and Dr. Jeffrey long to embrace the same patient-focused care regime at Lusk Eye Specialists. There are obviously a number of reasons why more patients choose Lusk Eye Specialists to restore their vision and renew their lives. But the opportunity to be ‘Treated Like Family – By Family’ is why generations of families in the ARKLA-TEX trust the two generations of Lusk family surgeons for something as precious as their vision.

If you ask ‘Shreveport’s Man of patients like family…by family.

If you ask ‘Shreveport’s Man of Vision’ about his 40-year legacy of eye excellence, he’ll simply say that his FOCUS has always been on treating

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY OF SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER DENTISTRY

Pediatric Dentistry of ShreveportBossier is changing the way children think about a visit to the dentist.

WE THINK GOING TO THE DENTIST SHOULD BE FUN FOR EVERYONE!

Our Doctors, Jason Gambill, Corey Could, Nancy Ly, Thomas Sanchez, and Srivarsha Ponna believe children can look forward to a visit to their offices as an adventure that’s fun, informative, and as pleasant as possible.

Our top docs and team are passionate about preparing your children for a lifetime of healthy and happy smiles! And with six convenient locations in Shreveport, Bossier City, Natchitoches, Minden, Ruston, and Alexandria, it is now easier than ever to come check us out and see what makes our offices so great!

PREPARING YOUR KIDS FOR

A LIFETIME OF HEALTHY AND HAPPY SMILES ISN’T JUST OUR JOB, IT IS SOMETHING WE HAVE FUN DOING!

Whether your child needs a routine check-up, a specialized treatment, or emergency dental aid, Pediatric Dentistry of Shreveport-Bossier is equipped and prepared to assist your smile needs.

Our entire team is specially trained to care for the needs of children and unique challenges of their growing smiles. Whether your child is 1 year old and needing their very first dental exam or your child is 18 and wants a quick cleaning while home from college, we have the skills needed and the training necessary to ensure their growing smiles receive the care they need.

WE OFFER DENTAL CARE IN AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE IT IS OKAY TO BE A KID AND HAVING FUN IS ENCOURAGED!

The team at Pediatric Dentistry of Shreveport Bossier encourages kids to have fun. We love to see them smile! One way we encourage excitement within the community is with regular visits from Twinkle, our very own Tooth Fairy! Twinkle loves to visit local schools and teach kids of all ages the importance of oral health and helping them learn to care for their smiles in a way that is informative and fun.

COME EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE!

Our doctors are excited to welcome you to our dental family, and proud to be able to provide your children with the best dental care around! Dr. Jason Gambill, certified by the American Board of Pediatric

Dentistry is the leader of the group. Dr. Gambill is dedicated to excellence and as such has teamed up with other pediatric dental specialists who share this commitment. Dr. Corey Cloud is also board certified while Drs. Ly, Sanchez, and Ponna are board eligible, having completed the requirements and waiting for their designations as certified.

Is your child ready to visit the dentist? Our doctors, along with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, strongly encourage parents to bring their young children in for their first visit by the child’s first birthday. Early dental visits help parents and children begin good oral hygiene habits BEFORE any major problems arise.

These early visits help ensure your child’s smile is receiving the care it needs to grow and develop while allowing your kids to grow up with a dental home, where they can learn to enjoy their dental visits and look forward to a lifetime of healthy and happy smiles.

PREPARING FOR YOUR FIRST VISIT

You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive for your child! Be sure your child is informed of the visit before they arrive. Tell them that the dentist and will explain all everything they do and answer any questions the child might have. Explain to them that the dentist is a fun, enjoyable place to visit, not a scary one.

You are welcomed and encouraged to accompany your child during the dental visit! We have found that having parents present through the entirety of the child’s visit helps keep the child calm and sooth the parent’s nerves as well. We do understand that some children may have heightened anxiety during their dental visits. For these young patients, we do offer relaxing agents to help minimize unnecessary stress.

INSURANCE OPTIONS

Pediatric Dentistry of Shreveport-Bossier is in network with Aetna, Cigna, Delta, Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, United Concordia, Tricare and Sunlife. We proudly support our troops by honoring military dental insurance.

2285 BENTON RD, #100 BOSSIER CITY, LA 318.742.9333

940 KEYSER AVENUE NATCHITOCHES, LA 71457

2025 FARMERVILLE HWY RUSTON, LA 71270

„

6930 FERN AVENUE

SUITE 200 SHREVEPORT, LA 71105

116 HOMER ROAD MINDEN, LA 71055

616 MACARTHUR DR. UNIT B ALEXANDRIA, LA 71303

Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence

Dr. Sanders is known as the place to go for your face in our area; in fact, he is in the exclusive group of physicians known as the “Top 500” within Allergan - the makers of Botox and Juvéderm facial injectables. He has been an instructor for Allergan for many years and routinely travels to speak and teach other physicians and medical professionals about facial aesthetic treatments.

Dr. Sanders is a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon who specializes in facial rejuvenation surgery (facelifting), rhinoplasty (nose shaping), hair restoration surgery and all facial injectables. He has been in practice for 20 years and is an Associate Professor of LSU Health Shreveport for training of the Facial Plastic Surgeon Fellows.

He is most excited with the non-invasive and minimally invasive technologies he has available in his practice. Non-surgical fat removal on almost any part of the body with the CoolSculpting Elite device, his CoolSculpting specialist can help remove those trouble spots on women and men who desire a “no downtime” option. His Facetite, Bodytite and Morpheus 8 devices offer minimally invasive skin tightening and fat sculpting to the jowl, neck, cheeks, and body areas such as abdomen, thighs and buttocks.

When it comes to surgical intervention for the aging face, Dr. Sanders’ unique techniques will achieve a natural appearance. “Someone asking for facial rejuvenation surgery wants to look like a younger version of him or herself, not like a different person” states Sanders.

Hair restoration is another love of Dr. Sanders. He is the only physician performing this procedure within a 200 miles and his results rival those of any hair transplant surgeon anywhere. Dr. Sanders uses the micro-graft technique, producing a completely invisible end result without any “doll hair” or “corn rows” as is seen with older techniques.

SHREVEPORT BOSSIER FAMILY DENTAL CARE DENTISTRY

For over 35 years, Shreveport

Bossier Family Dental Care has been a dental office like no other. They’ve pushed boundaries with innovation and technology and shaped the smiles of the Shreveport-Bossier City community with their expertise.

Many of their talented, cutting edge dentists have special niches that ensure patients get a quality experience each visit. They’re constantly learning from each other to become better dentists and clinicians. Seminars and continuing education courses are the norm, and new information learned is shared between colleagues.

Each patient is provided an individualized dental plan that ensures comfort, trust, and relaxation while in the dental chair. Patients are made to feel at ease and at home during office visits — just like they are part of the family. Painless, worry-free appointments are the goal. Relationships are important

— and so are beautiful, healthy smiles.

With 5 locations across the Shreveport Bossier area and open 6 days a week, they can cater to the patient’s schedule or desired location. They not only routinely exceed patients’ expectations, but also go above and beyond to give everyone the best dental experience possible.

A wide range of insurance is accepted, and financial assistance is given to patients who need it. There is also a loyalty program available to make dental care affordable for patients without insurance benefits.

In 2014, they founded Trading Smiles, a free dental day in the spring, to service the needs of uninsured citizens in the community. Patients are able to trade two canned goods for a dental service such as a cleaning, extraction, or filling. The items are then donated to the NWLA Food Bank.

3 Miles for Free Smiles, a 5K race and

fundraiser that supports local oral and maxillofacial surgery teams, was founded in 2016. $13,000 has been raised for children at Shriner’s Hospital Shreveport and the LSU Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Teams for the repair of cleft lips and palates.

supports breathing

The staff provides services from routine cleanings, fillings, and cosmetics to full mouth reconstruction, dental implants, Invisalign, sleep related breathing disorder solutions, and Botulinum toxin and Dermal Fillers for facial esthetics and myofascial pain. Sedation dentistry is offered to patients for a more relaxing experience.

All twelve doctors participate in donated dental services. They’ve been able to donate over 1,312 hours of skill and give over $547,000 to those that need it most. They feel everyone should have the opportunity for a beautiful, healthy smile.

2119 AIRLINE DRIVE, #700 BOSSIER CITY, LA 71111

910 W. BERT KOUNS

INDUSTRIAL LOOP SHREVEPORT, LA 71118

4955 N. MARKET ST., #500 SHREVEPORT, LA 71107

3412 BARKSDALE BLVD., SUITE 400 BOSSIER CITY, LA 71112

8510 LINE AVE SUITE A SHREVEPORT, LA 71106 318.686.7470

BOSSIER FAMILY DENTAL CARE FOR KIDS DENTISTRY

Shreveport Bossier Family Dental Care for Kids dentist, Bryan Stewart loves working with children every day and making their dental visits as comfortable as possible.

“When I was a child, my local dentist was awesome and inspired me to become one,” said Stewart, a Shreveport native who has been practicing for 27 years. “I love helping a child go from fearing a dentist visit to making it the best visit he or she has ever had.”

Stewart enjoys what he does, and can’t see himself doing anything else. He provides dentistry for infants, toddlers, and adolescents in a kidfriendly environment, and focuses on comprehensive care that will give kids a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.

Services offered include cleanings, fillings, crowns, extractions, and laser lip and tongue tip removal. All forms of sedation dentistry are available.

Compassion and the desire to help are prerequisites to be a dentist, and Stewart has those qualities covered. He can best be described as jovial, and this trait has helped him relate to children and be more emphatic to parents and their situations.

“I love everyone at our office,” said Stewart. “There’s no ‘I’ in team, and everyone who works here tries to make each child’s visit pleasant.”

“We understand it can be difficult to get your kids to cooperate at the dentist,” Stewart said. “We do all we can to make them comfortable, and we have tools and techniques to do just that. Our mission is to help your child have an out-of-thisworld experience in an office that’s all about them!”

Stewart has been married to his high school sweetheart, Paige, since 1993. He has three daughters. His interests include hunting, fishing, and cooking, as well as spending time with his family.

BARKSDALE BLVD., SUITE 100 BOSSIER CITY, LA 71112 318-213-4693

JOSEPHINE M. FUTRELL, MD, PHD • SARAH E. GLORIOSO, MD • SARAH G. BAKER, MD • ELIZABETH CLEMONS, MD

ARK-LA-TEX DERMATOLOGY DERMATOLOGY

Because your skin care needs change throughout your life, you’ll want a dermatologist who is skilled in medical, surgical, and aesthetic dermatology. Doctors Josephine Futrell, Sarah Glorioso, Sarah Baker, and Elizabeth Clemons are all certified dermatologists by the American Board of Dermatology and each has extensive experience in the medical and surgical care of adults, children, and teens as well as aesthetic dermatology. The doctors offer free cosmetic consultations to assure that the correct skincare products and/or procedures are selected.

There are two different offices, one in Shreveport and one in Bossier City, that have full-time aestheticians who offer appointments Monday – Friday 8:00am –5:00pm. Each offices features spa services including facials, waxing, chemical peels, spray tans, and more. They also offer numerous top of the line skin care products and makeup to help you look your best.

Ark-La-Tex Dermatology offers the area’s most innovative and efficient laser options. They have lasers that can help with acne scars, wrinkles, fine lines, pigment abnormalities, hair removal, and unwanted tattoos.

Cosmetic Services

• Injectables such as Botox, Juvederm, Restylane, Dysport, and Radiesse.

• CoolSculpting Elite – The only FDA cleared non-surgical fat-reduction treatment that uses controlled cooling to eliminate stubborn fat that resists diet and exercise

• Morpheus 8 - This treatment uses radiofrequency energy to remodel skin, fat and tissue to address signs of aging, irregularities, and pigmentation on the face and neck. The body treatment uses radiofrequency energy to coagulate fat, tone muscles, remodel skin and address cellulite.

• Fraxel Laser Treatment – This treatment improves tone, texture and radiance for

aging, sun-damaged or scarred skin. This treatment is for people who want to look younger without dramatic changes or extended downtime.

• Splendor X Laser Hair Removal – This state-of-the-art machine makes laser hair removal less painful, messy and is highly effective. It is ideal for all skin types with faster and fewer sessions.

• Chemical Peels / Hydrafacial – treat skin conditions such as acne, unwanted pigment and fine lines

Ark-La-Tex Dermatology offers different specials and discounts on products and procedures throughout the month. Check the website often for these deals or join our e-mail list so you will never miss a special promotion! You can also follow us on Facebook @Ark-La-Tex Dermatology or Instagram @arklatexdermatology

BOSSIER CITY

SHREVEPORT

WK ARKLATEX ENT OTOLARYNGOLOGY

Ark-La-Tex ENT, Allergy and Hearing Center strives to provide superior and compassionate care for patients with disorders of the ears, nose, and throat. We are proud to offer the full scope of ENT services to the Shreveport community. All our adult and pediatric patients are treated with respect, courtesy, and empathy, using evidence-based medicine and the most advanced equipment and techniques while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

McCole work with a dedicated staff to exceed our patient’s expectations and improve their health and quality of life. In addition to the full scope of ENT services, we are proud to provide allergy testing and treatment for allergy sufferers ten years of age and up. Advancement in testing and treatment methods now allows us to specifically test for 40 of the most common inhalant allergens in the Shreveport/Bossier region. Testing is done on the arm, reducing or eliminating pain while obtaining fast, accurate results.

digital hearing aid technology and multiple custom listening products. Hearing loss can significantly impact a person’s relationships, independence, mental health, and overall quality of life. Dr. Stovall and Dr. McCole work with patients and their families to rehabilitate each patient’s ability to communicate effectively and improve their overall well-being. Caring for our community’s ear, nose, throat, allergy, and hearing needs is an honor. We couldn’t be happier to be part of each patient’s journey to better health.

Not a patient yet? Experience the difference our high-quality care can make in your life. Call us at (318) 2123960 to schedule an appointment.

Otolaryngologists

Dr. Michael Beal and Dr. Brett Koder, physician assistant Farzana Farishta and audiologists Dr. Mallory Stovall and Dr. Shannon

Our hearing center provides comprehensive evaluation and management of hearing loss for adults and children and offers the latest

WHY CHOOSE ARKLATEX FERTILITY CENTER?

ArkLaTex Fertility Center was founded by Dr. Vandermolen to provide personalized and innovative care, including an onsite Embryology and Andrology laboratory. The fertility center is uniquely positioned to serve couples and individuals in Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana.

CONVENIENT

We believe you shouldn’t have to travel far to find fertility care, so our conveniently located clinic serves patients from East Texas, North Louisiana and South Arkansas.

COMPREHENSIVE

There isn’t just one cause of infertility, so our team offers the full range of treatment options. From ovulation induction to IVF, you can find the treatments you need.

COMFORTABLE

Your comfort is important to us as we guide you on the path to parenthood. Count on Dr. Vandermolen and his team to put you at ease and your needs first.

Innovative Orthopaedic Surgeons

Dr. David Berken is a Fellowship

Trained Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon. He offers patients a personalized approach to solving their foot and ankle injuries.

David Berken, MD

& Ankle Surgeon

Dr George Byram is a Fellow

Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon in Sp Medicine and Arthroscopy. Dr. Byra a leader in innovative robotic assis joint replacement procedures, offe patients quicker and easier recover

COSSE & SILMON ORTHODONTICS

ORTHODONTICS

Dr. Chris Cosse and Dr. Jeff Silmon are creating beautiful smiles in Shreveport-Bossier and surrounding areas using emerging technologies and progressive techniques. They are known as the “Smile Artists,” a title they have earned by creating wide, aesthetically pleasing smiles for their patients. They are also considered leaders in the field of orthodontics. Their four convenient office locations boast the latest orthodontic technologies available, and their award-winning staff delivers un-matched customer service.

ONE QUESTION WE HEAR QUITE OFTEN IS: DO I HAVE TO COME INTO THE OFFICE TO HAVE MY SMILE EVALUATED?

It is no longer necessary to go to the orthodontic office for your initial orthodontic consultation. You can do a Virtual Consultation from the comfort of your own home. Cosse and Silmon Orthodontics has taken full advantage of the advances in tele-dentistry, allowing patients to receive feedback regarding their bites and smiles without having to come in to the office. We will evaluate 21 points of your bite and smile and send you a customized report for free—usually within 24-48 hours!

Also, by completing a Virtual Consultation we can monitor your child’s growth and

development in order to give you an idea of the best timing to get started with treatment.

Go to OrthoScreening.com and type in the code CAQN92 to start your free smile screening today! It’s as easy as Smile. Snap.Send™.

SHREVEPORT

230 CARROLL ST, STE 1 SHREVEPORT, LA 71105 318.869.1248

BOSSIER CITY

4001 VIKING DRIVE

STE A BOSSIER CITY, LA 71111 318.213.5437

STONEWALL 4974 LA-3276, STE G STONEWALL, LA 71078 318.869.1248

MINDEN

164 COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE STE A MINDEN, LA 71055 318.869.1248

DOCTORS FOR WOMEN, LLC

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

Congratulations to Jacque T. LaBarre, M.D., M. Cecilia Bellmann, M.D. and Erin Kate Cassiere, M.D., owners of Doctors for Women, LLC for being named Top Doctors in Obstetrics and Gynecology 2022. All of our physicians are board certified by the American Board of Obstrics and Gynecology.

Doctors for Women is the leading independent OB/GYN group at WillisKnighton Pierremont performing the majority of deliveries and gyn surgeries for the past 22 years. We accept Health Plus, Blue Cross, United Healthcare and all major health plans. All three physicians are accepting new patients.

We are looking forward to a bright 2023 with the complete renovation of the new “Nest” birthing suites at Willis-Knighton Pierremont. The new OB Delivery suites

will feature a Spa-like atmosphere and comfortable living space for our moms, babies and family. All of this combined with the latest technology to assure healthy deliveries and a great experience. We will also continue to deliver patients at the near-by Christus Highland Birth Place. Our doctors are excited to offer both family centered birthing suite locations and will be happy to help choose the right location for you.

Doctors for Women clinic remains devoted to Moms-to-be by providing thorough attentive care to both high risk and normal pregnancies. Obstetric patients are seen by their personal physician on each prenatal visit. We are also offering Clinical SNEAK PEEK first trimester Gender Identity. A happy childbirth is our goal.

Doctors for Women Physicians are the most experienced and advanced trained robotic surgeons as well, offering minimally invasive Da Vinci Robotic Surgery for their patients who seek shorter hospital stays, quick healing and return to their normal life in a matter of days following major surgery. In fact, most patients can be discharged the same day as surgery. Hysterectomy, uterine fibroids, endometriosis and ovarian tumors and cysts are examples of conditions that benefit from this advanced sate of the art surgery.

We offer preconception counseling, infertility services and a full range of preventive medical healthcare including pap smears, contraception needs and vaccinations.

If you are behind on pap smears or mamograms, please call us for a safe and comfortable appointment experience.

JACQUE T. LABARRE, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. • M. CECILIA BELLMANN, M.D. (FLUENT EN ESPANOL) ERIN KATE CASSIERE, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

WK EYE INSTITUTE OPHTHALMOLOGY / OPTOMETRY

The WK Eye Institute, which has three locations, provides cuttingedge eye care for everyone, from children to adults. The Institute includes both ophthalmologists and optometrists to perform primary eye care and surgery. Eye surgery is offered at the WK Eye Surgery Center and the WK Refractive Surgery Center to provide patients with the most advanced eye technology in the region, including SMILE – a 3rd Generation Laser Vision Correction.

Dr. Shelby and Dr. Coleman have several years of experience focusing on laser cataract and LASIK surgery as well as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE).

Dr. Christopher L. Shelby “Collectively, we’ve put great thought and effort into building eye care practices we are proud to call our work home; WK Eye Institute North, South, and Pierremont. We love our patients and share their desires for the best medical care possible. Our patients want and deserve nothing short of superior eye care. To us, this

means easily accessible locations, advanced diagnostic equipment, and a compassionate, highly skilled staff. Dr. Ashley Wheat Sipes specializes in eyelid procedures, such as blepharoplasty to treat droopy eyelids. She also provides therapeutic Botox injections.”

All of the physicians offer comprehensive eye examinations and medical management of eye diseases. In addition, the optometrists support medical management of patients following their surgery.

Dr. Karen Ezelle

“Being a new doctor at WK Eye Institute South is rewarding. I trained under Dr. Lewis at WK Eye Insitute North during optometry school. While there, I was introduced to medical as well as pre- and post-operative surgery cases. Training at WK Eye Insitute additionally allowed me to see and treat advanced eye diseases while utilizing the most advanced technology available in eye care, but the most rewarding part was witnessing the patient’s outcomes following treatment and surgery. Experiences such as this are why I was honored for the opportunity

when it came my time to find a work home, WK Eye Institute South.”

What types of care do the doctors offer most?

• Laser Cataract Surgery

• Refractive Surgery, such as LASIK

• General Eye Exams

• Corneal Cross-Linking

• Glasses & Contact Lenses

• Treatment of Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration

• iStent for Glaucoma

• Emergency Eye Care

While these services are typical, the doctors are there to address whatever eye issues a patient may have, always focusing on compassionate care that is personalized to each patient’s needs.

WK EYE INSTITUTE PIERREMONT

7607 YOUREE DRIVE SHREVEPORT, LA 71105 318-212-3937

WK EYE INSTITUTE NORTH

2611 GREENWOOD RD SHREVEPORT, LA 71103 318-212-2020

WK EYE INSTITUTE SOUTH

2530 BERT KOUNS INDUSTRIAL LOOP, SUITE 116 SHREVEPORT, LA 71118 318-212-5901

FOSTER ORTHODONTICS ORTHODONTICS

Foster Orthodontics is proud to have Dr. Allison Haynie Kerst practicing orthodontics alongside Dr. Ben E. Foster and his son. Dr. Benjamin C. Foster. Dr. Allison, a Shreveport native, returned to her hometown and joined Foster Orthodontics in 2020. She is the 11th “Dr. Haynie” of her family to practice in the Shreveport/Bossier City area in medicine or dentistry. After graduating first in her dental school class, she completed her orthodontic residency in Houston, Texas. Orthodontics is about more than just teeth, according to Dr. Benjamin Foster of Foster Orthodontics. It’s about improving self-confidence and appearance. It’s for people missing teeth, with jaw problems or other facial issues that prevent the proper function of the teeth. To correct a wide range of orthodontic issues, Foster Orthodontics specializes in the Damon System (clear and metal braces) along with clear aligner therapy.

“I like to see patients initially about the age of seven. You can catch small problems early with easy solutions that prevent big problems down the road.

Anyone that has healthy teeth and supporting structure is a candidate for orthodontics. Age has no bearing on it. I have a 95-year-old lady I saw this morning,” said Dr. Foster. Patients have come to depend on Foster Orthodontics for generations. Last month, they treated the great grandchild of a patient.

“There is an art and a science to orthodontics,” he said, and that’s what drew him to follow in his father’s footsteps. It’s really a family affair since his mom, Pam Foster, is the office manager. But there’s also a lot of orthodontic experience in the office, according to Dr. Foster, who joined his parents a little over eight years ago.

“My dad has been doing it for 38 years. Combined, the staff has over 300 years of orthodontic experience. Three of our assistants have 25 years, four have 20 years of experience,” he said.

The trademark Pac Man machines that have been in the waiting area since the 70th St. office opened over 30 years ago add a homey feel to the environment.

There’s a coffee and juice bar and areas for younger children to play.

“Advances in technology have revolutionized orthodontics.” said Dr. Allison. “With digital applications in orthodontics, we are able to scan our patient’s teeth and virtually plan their treatment. We use in-house 3D printers to fabricate our own clear aligners, maintaining complete control instead of using a third party provider. We also use this technology to precisely position brackets and improve patient experience through a technique called ‘indirect bonding.’”

“It is all about our patients. We love getting to know each one, and customer service is huge for us,” said Dr. Foster. “My dad told me when I first came into practice, ‘You treat every single one of these patients like they are your child, your mother, your sister, your wife and you’ll be fine.’ I stand by that. And I sleep very well at night.”

DR.

E. FOSTER, DR. ALLISON HAYNIE, DR. BENJAMIN C. FOSTER

OCHSNER LSU HEALTH VIKING DRIVE, MULTISPECIALTY CENTER ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY AND SPORTS MEDICINE

Atthe newest location on Viking Drive in Bossier City, Ochsner LSU Health offers comprehensive care for all surgical and nonsurgical Orthopedic and Sports Medicine needs.

Drs. Harrel and Barton, with their full orthopedic and sports medicine team at Ochsner LSU Health, provide outstanding surgical and nonsurgical care by using the latest and most innovative technology and techniques. Dedicated to comprehensive care, their team works with patients every step of the way, from diagnosis and treatment through follow-up appointments.

R. Shane Barton, MD, is a native of East Texas who received his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University. He then worked as a computer engineer with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. At NASA, he was awarded multiple research honors for his work in robotic vision and image processing. He then attended medical school at Baylor College of Medicine. He later went to Harvard Medical School Massachusetts General Hospital where he finished his fellowship training in Shoulder and Sports Medicine in 2005. Training future physicians, Dr. Barton has also been on staff at LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine since 2005. He is the Chief of the Shoulder, Elbow and Sports Medicine Division at Ochsner LSU Health. Dr. Barton specializes in the treatment of pediatric and adult sports-related injuries, as well as complex shoulder, elbow and knee joint reconstruction procedures.

Richard Harrell, MD, is a board-certified Orthopedic Sports Medicine surgeon. He received his medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in 1987. He completed his residency at the University of Missouri in Kansas City with a focus in sports medicine. Dr. Harrell settled in Northwest Louisiana, and has been offering comprehensive orthopedic and sports medicine care to North Louisiana for more than 35 years. His focus is not

only the treatment of sports injuries but also injury prevention. Dr. Harrell is committed to the belief that the same quality care available to professional and collegiate athletes should be available to athletes of every skill level and age.

4481 VIKING DRIVE

CITY, LA 71111 318-626-2593

DENTISTRY LLC GENERAL DENTISTRY

AtHenderson Dentistry

LLC, Dr. Marlon D. Henderson provides state of the art, comprehensive oral health care in a comfortable, friendly, and professional setting. The latest technology in digital radiography and imaging is being utilized to help meet the individual dental needs and desires of Shreveport-Bossier City and surrounding communities.

Dr. Marlon D. Henderson is a native of Shreveport, Louisiana. He is a graduate of Northwood High School, where he was Class Valedictorian. Dr. Henderson graduated from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge with a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology (minor in chemistry). He received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Dentistry in New Orleans. Dr. Marlon D. Henderson then completed a General Practice Residency at the Medical Center of Louisiana (Charity Hospital) in New Orleans, where he served as Chief Resident.

Dr. Marlon D. Henderson presently serves as President-Elect of the National Dental Association. He will serve as the 99th President of the NDA in 2023. His presidential theme is “Bridging the Generational Gap: Back to the Future of Advancing Oral Health Equity, Student Mentorship, and Raising Our Profile.” Dr. Henderson is a current member and a past President of the Pelican State Dental Association. He is a recent graduate of the ADA’s Institute for Diversity in Leadership Program. Additionally, Dr. Henderson is the current Chairman of the Medical and Health Initiatives Committee for the Ninth District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. And, he is the local Dr. Charles R. Drew Blood Drive Chairman for the Rho Omega Chapter.

In his spare time, Dr. Henderson enjoys traveling, all things LSU, and family time with his wife Nikki and son Maxwell. Come

Celebrate and Support Dr. Marlon D. Henderson as the 99th NDA President on November 19th at the NDA’s Presidential Inauguration and Scholarship Gala in Shreveport, Louisiana!

JETER THERAPY GROUP SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

Jeter Therapy Group is a locally owned multidisciplinary clinic that specializes in Speech, Occupational and Physical therapy. For nearly ten years, we have offered proactive, quality healthcare in a safe and comfortable environment. Our mission is to provide evidenced-based assessment and treatment to pediatric and adult populations.

We develop and implement patient specific plans and educate/train caregivers to carryover those plans. We provide services in our clinic, home environment via Early Steps, school settings and within the community. We currently have two locations: Shreveport and Haughton!

Speech Therapy

Our professional team is highly trained to evaluate and treat speech/language disorders, swallowing/feeding, voice disorders, cognitive/memory disorders, social pragmatics and orofacial myofunctional disorders.

Occupational Therapy

Specialized care for fine and gross motor skills development, handwriting, feeding, activities of daily living, sensory, self-care, early intervention, Orthopedic rehabilitation including progressive range of motion, strengthening exercises, and splint fabrication, visual perceptual training.

Physical Therapy

Offering personalized care for pediatric developmental/ambulation training, strength/range of motion, balance and coordination, flexibility to increase range of motion, pain management, adaptive play, transfer and adaptive equipment assessments.

Jeter Therapy

- Shreveport

Jeter Therapy Group - Haughton Location

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

Form affects function. Orofacial myofunctional therapy focuses on the muscles of the mouth and face in order to re-educate or retrain clients how to swallow, breathe, speak and proper tongue posture. Orofacial Myofunctional disorders affect all ages.

Jeter Therapy Group Owner, Dana Jeter Williams, became a speech language pathologist after one of her daughters was born deaf. “I wanted to understand how to help her, and that led me to help others,” said Williams, a Zwolle native whose passionate and determined personality fits her profession perfectly. She opened her clinics to fulfill the need for quality therapy services in the Shreveport-Bossier area. Additionally, Jeter Therapy Group is contracted by local home health providers and

clinicians provide services in the home.

“We provide many services within the patient’s natural environment when possible to facilitate carryover in activities of daily living,” said Williams.

“Many of our clinicians have specialized training and the company provides financial assistance for therapists to continue educational opportunities.”

“We are honored to be recognized in this year’s edition of Top Doctors for the Shreveport Bossier community!” - Dana Jeter Williams

1950 E. 70TH ST. SUITE A SHREVEPORT, LA 71105 966 US-80 HAUGHTON, LA 711037 (318) 219-6064

JOHN C. MCDONALD REGIONAL TRANSPLANT CENTER TRANSPLANTS

The John C. McDonald Regional Transplant Center has performed transplants since 1977, with more than 2,100 organs transplanted since our inception. We have also provided numerous services for complex hepato-biliary as well as endocrine and vascular access.

We are passionate about our community and strive to offer topnotch care to our patients and partnership providers.

With Willis-Knighton Health System as our home, be assured that all aspects of transplant care are handled with respect and with attention to quality.

Our team of diverse providers come from different backgrounds and utilize their individual skills to create customized plans for each recipient, assisting them through every phase of the process. We know that transplant is a complicated, intimidating treatment option, so our multidisciplinary team is available to make it easier. No problem is too small. No question is unimportant. From social workers to dietitians and from financial coordinators to pharmacists, we are all here for our patients, their families, and our community.

Message from our Medical Director, Gazi,

Zibari, MD: “I have practiced medicine for over 30 years and am involved in multiple humanitarian and community outreach programs. My hope for all transplant patients is that, as they seek care from our compassionate, devoted team, the quality of life amongst organ recipients will continue to grow and improve.”

On behalf of our team, we wish to express our thanks to donors and their families. Our program and patients are indebted to their selfless act of donation.

Please contact us if you are interested in setting up an educational visit or if you have questions about our program. We are here for you.

2751 ALBERT BICKNELL DRIV

RANDY DAVIS, MD CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

WHY CHOOSE LINCOLN NOVA VITAL

most drug and alcohol

both

and

GONZALES,

MELISSA LYNN, MD NEPHROLOGY

Melissa L. Lynn received her Doctor of Medicine from the LSU School of Medicine in 1989. She completed an internal medicine residency in 1992 and a nephrology fellowship at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in 1994. She then completed a second fellowship in 1996 in transplant nephrology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. From 1996 to 2001, she was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at LSU Health Shreveport as a transplant nephrologist. She is on the medical staff at Christus Schumpert, Highland, Promise Hospital, Cornerstone Hospital, and is

a consultant at Specialists Hospital. Dr. Lynn is also a diplomat in the American Board of Internal Medicine, nephrology subspecialty, a member of the American College of Physicians, American Society of Nephrology, Renal Physicians of America and Louisiana, and Shreveport Medical Societies.

Dr. Lynn attributes her successful practice to excellent training and clinical experience, her partners who are all equally outstanding in the field of nephrology, and to her dedicated, highly skilled, and supportive staff who share her philosophy of giving their patients respect, kindness, and encouragement,

as well as the best possible medical care. Her unique style of patient care is not just limited to nephrology. Her patients know they can trust her to take the time to listen to all their problems and help them find a solution. Her patient care is a team approach. She is blessed to have Bertresea and Constance as her team partners. Together they care for their patients with the best they have to give. Dr. Lynn actively supports the Symphony Guild, Goodwill Industries, multiple humane societies, and her childhood church. When she’s not in Shreveport, you will find her in Wyoming photographing the wonders of the West. CoCo, Dr. Lynn’s Chocolate Lab sidekick, is also a frequent and welcome visitor to the long-term acute care facilities.

2751

LA (318) 212-0810

CONSTANCE EASTERLING, CCMA, CCHT

BERTRESEA EVANS, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

MELISSA L. LYNN, M.D.

MID CITY PEDIATRICS

PEDIATRICS

Mid City Pediatrics has a history of providing outstanding patient care for children in ShreveportBossier City and surrounding communities for over 30 years. With a combined clinical experience of more than 100 years of caring for children in our area, the doctors at Mid City Pediatrics strive to provide excellent care to children of all ages.

Mid City Pediatrics is conveniently and centrally located near the intersection of I-20 and I-49. The office offers numerous amenities, including separate sick and well entrances and waiting areas, a certified lab, and on-site x-ray services. You will always find a cheerful atmosphere, kid-friendly exam rooms, and free wi-fi service offered for parents’ convenience.

Mid City Pediatrics is open 6 days a week, and one of the five physicians is always on call after hours. They offer same-day appointments along with walk-in visits. The physicians at Mid City Pediatrics feel that offering same-day sick walk-in visits are a necessary part of a pediatric practice. As parents themselves, they know that you cannot schedule when your child becomes ill and needs prompt pediatric care.

Mid City Pediatrics has been a front runner in innovating and adapting to better serve its patients and their families. In 2020, they were the first pediatric practice in the area to offer a drive-through flu vaccine clinic. The practice offers an informational website as well as an active Facebook and Instagram page to keep parents informed on relevant topics. Mid City Pediatrics

also offers a convenient check-in process in which patients simply scan a QR code in the parking lot. This allows families the option of remaining in their vehicle for the duration of their wait, or they may choose to come inside to wait in one of the two waiting rooms. Once inside, patients are cared for by knowledgeable, caring staff trained in pediatric care.

The physicians make newborn hospital rounds at all private, community hospitals in the Shreveport and Bossier City areas, allowing more flexibility to patients. Mid City Pediatrics accepts most major insurance plans.

Mid City Pediatrics takes pride in being a completely independent practice, allowing them to stay progressive in a time of constant change.

2225 LINE AVE.

LA 318.221.2225

LEFT TO RIGHT: SCOTT RITCH, M.D., JENNIFER COCKRELL, M.D., ANGELA CUSH-JOHN, M.D.,

OCHSNER LSU HEALTH

SPECIALISTS & WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTER

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

Ochsner LSU Health is proud to deliver exceptional and compassionate care to women in our community. Offering both routine and specialty care, the OB/GYN physicians and specialists at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport are recognized throughout the region for their unique expertise. Committed to providing an excellent experience, from annual well-woman exams and preventive screenings to birth control options, Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport has the care you need for all stages of life. Located on the newly renovated St. Mary Medical Center campus in the heart of Shreveport, their physicians and patient care teams provide expert and compassionate care in a comfortable setting with new, state-of-the-art equipment.

A FULL TEAM OF OB/GYNS TO SERVE YOU. With more than 20 OB/GYN physicians and advanced practice providers dedicated to its patients, the newly renovated Women’s Health Center, Center for Perinatal Medicine and OB/ GYN Specialists clinics on the St. Mary

Medical Center campus create a strong team to care for you.

GYNECOLOGIC SERVICES INCLUDE:

• Annual well-woman exams and preventive screenings

• Weight management and nutrition

• Birth control options

• Gynecologic surgery

• Infertility diagnosis, testing and management

• Pap testing: cervical cancer screening

• STD screenings

• State-of-the-art operating rooms

• Robotic surgery

• Urogynecology for pelvic floor disorders and incontinence

OBSTETRIC/MATERNITY SERVICES INCLUDE:

• Private, spacious labor and delivery suites designed for a comfortable, calming birth experience

• Beautiful new postpartum suites

• OB/GYNs and anesthesiologists on-site 24 hours a day

• Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

• Level II Nursery with expert

providers to care for newborns

• Breastfeeding and lactation support with International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants

• Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists for high-risk pregnancies

• Pediatric and Neonatal Specialists

• Special chef-prepared meal after delivery

• Childbirth education classes

• Gorgeously remodeled clinics

• Quick and convenient appointment scheduling through MyOchsner

OCHSNER LSU HEALTH SHREVEPORTWOMEN’S HEALTH CENTER

1801 FAIRFIELD AVENUE, SUITE 106 SHREVEPORT, LA 71101 318-626-0469

OCHSNER LSU HEALTH SHREVEPORTCENTER FOR PERINATAL MEDICINE

1801 FAIRFIELD AVENUE, SUITE 307 SHREVEPORT, LA 71101 318-626-0388

OCHSNER LSU HEALTH SHREVEPORTOB/GYN SPECIALISTS

ONE ST. MARY PLACE, SUITE 160 SHREVEPORT, LA 71101 318-626-280

OCHSNER LSU HEALTH SHREVEPORTST. MARY MEDICAL CENTER

911 MARGARET PLACE SHREVEPORT, LA 71101 318-626-4300

„ OCHSNERLSUHS.ORG

TOP ROW L TO R: DARRELL SANDIFER, MD, JOHN HAYNES, MD, PERRY S. BARRILLEAUX, MD, CLAUDE LOCKHARD, MD BOTTOM ROW L TO R: CAITLIN BUSADA, MD, DANIELLE COOPER, MD, KRISTI MICHAEL, MD, BETH GENEUX, MD, KRISTY WALTMAN, MD, MILA SHAH-BRUCE, MD, STEPHANIE SOCKRIDER, MD. NOT PICTURED: DANI ZOOROB, MD, C. ERIC MCCATHRAN, MD, LATASHIA UPTON, MD, DAVID F. LEWIS JR., MD

Surgery Associates provides a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgical treatment options. With locations in Shreveport, Bossier, and Ruston, they have served North Louisiana, East Texas and Southern Arkansas for over thirty years. Expertise includes removal of wisdom teeth, correc tive jaw surgery, dental implants, as well as the diagnosis and treat ment of many conditions of the mouth, face, and jaws.

David Clark graduated from C.E. Byrd High School in 1997 and received his under-graduate from Louisiana Tech.

After attending dental school at NYU College of Dentistry, he received training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Washington Hospital Center. Following his residency, Dr. Clark moved back to Shreveport and joined Oral Surgery Associates in 2011. He is a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Louisiana Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and Northwest Louisiana Dental Association. He enjoys golf and spending time with his wife, Katie, and their two daughters, London and Everleigh.

WK PIERREMONT OB/GYN SPECIALISTS OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

Personal attention is what women want and deserve from their obstetrician or gynecologist and that is what we offer at WK Pierremont OB-GYN Specialists. We provide healthcare to women throughout all seasons of life, from adolescence to childbirth through menopause and beyond. We specialize in all areas of general OB-GYN care including management of low risk and high risk pregnancies. All of our physicians are trained in minimally invasive gynecologic surgical techniques including robotic surgery.

Willis-Knighton has recently introduced a new and innovative obstetrics program and we are excited to be part of the launch here at WK Pierremont Health Center. The Nest, which is now open, provides a comprehensive approach to pregnancy, delivery, and your parenting experience. Unique features of The Nest include spacious all-in-one

rooms designed for labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery, luxurious private bathrooms with spa-like amenities, and a gourmet celebration meal too.

Innovation is important, and we’re pleased to now be the exclusive provider of an in-office procedure for stress urinary incontinence. Bulkamid® is a soft, smooth hydrogel consisting of urethral bulking agents injected into the urethral wall to help with the treatment of urinary incontinence. Bulking agents provide better control of urine when you cough, laugh, exercise or change positions. It’s a short procedure (about 10 to 15 minutes) with no downtime. All of our physicians are also certified in placement of a single incision sling for treatment of urinary incontinence.

We invite you to come to us for prompt appointments and a friendly, welcoming environment. We pledge courteous oneon-one time for listening and access to leading-edge care and technology. Each of our providers have strong ties to the Shreveport/Bossier community and are honored to have the opportunity to serve the women of Northwest Louisiana.

BACK ROW: RICKY PAUL, MD; ERIN M. GULLATT, MD; MARTY MAYFIELD, NP; JEFFERY HEBERT, III, MD FRONT ROW: HOLLIE B. MCCART, MD; LISE M. HUDDLESTON, MD; LAUREN E. MCCALMONT,

POSITIVE STEPS FERTILITY FERTILITY SPECIALISTS

Dr. John Preston “Pres” Parry is an internationally recognized fertility and surgical expert. He tripled majored at Cornell, did his graduate work at Columbia, and medical school at New York Medical College. This was followed by OB/GYN residency at Tufts and reproductive endocrinology and infertility fellowship at the U. of Louisville. He has published in the New England Journal of Medicine, is President of the Society of Reproductive Surgeons, and is on the editorial board for Fertility and Sterility (the primary U.S. fertility medical journal). Finally, he has been involved in multiple patents and is the inventor of the “Parryscope® technique” for comprehensive single visit fertility testing.

WHAT IS THE TOP QUESTION FOR COUPLES WITH INFERTILITY?

“Will I get pregnant?” is clearly the number one question. If most women

under 35 have a 40% chance of being pregnant in three months with low-cost, low-tech solutions, there is a lot of hope. The key thing is making sure they have the right diagnosis, as I routinely see women who have blocked tubes, polyps, low egg counts, and other factors that have been missed, and they’ve been putting their energy and hope into the wrong things.

HOW CAN A WOMAN UNDERSTAND HER FERTILITY?

The Parryscope® technique is part of a broader approach, fusing ultrasound and office hysteroscopy to understand the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and uterus in a single visit. It gives women accurate, gentle, fast, and safe care with immediate results that they want.

IS FERTILITY CARE AFFORDABLE?

Insurance often does a bait and switch with patients where they often have very

different expenses than what they think. We’re very upfront about our prices, where currently it is $150 for a consult, $75 for a semen analysis, and $1000 total for fertility testing for most women. Also, for oral medication, an ultrasound, and insemination, it is about $550 a month, and IVF (in vitro fertilization) is closer to $13-14,000 plus medications.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE?

Though capable and experienced, couples want to know how much you care before they care how much you know. We fuse excellence, empathy, and efficiency in a way that gets results. Finally, coming to Positive Steps Fertility is a lot like joining a family—we’re with you every step of the way and share in the tears and laughter. We can’t wait to help everyone have the children of their dreams!

RIVER CONSULTANTS

For over 40 years, Red River Consultants has been serving Northwest Louisiana through its affiliation with the Willis Knighton Health System. RRC’s radiologists take their time to focus on providing the highest quality service for each individual patient and their physicians. Through exceptional quality and service, the radiologists of RRC have earned the trust and confidence of a vast portion of the Northwestern Louisiana medical community.

• Brent Boudreaux, MD

• Bruce Hennigan, MD

• Wayne Homza, MD

• Ramin Zamani, MD

• Sijo Joseph, MD

• Heather Bracey, MD

• Aaron Burgin, MD

• Korey Burgin, MD

• Clifton Coffman, MD

• Michael Colter Gates, MD

• Almas Syad, MD

• Donald Majeste, MD

• Mansour Mirfakhraee, MD

• Sam Oats, MD

• James Paul Price, MD

• Justin Skweres, MD

• Travis Henley, MD

RRC recruits only radiologists with superior skills and expertise in the ever-changing multi-disciplinary field of modern diagnostic and interventional radiology. RRC has multiple fellowship trained radiologists representing the full range of subspecialties including: body imaging, breast imaging, cardiac imaging including cardiac MRI, emergency radiology, neuroradiology, molecular imaging including PET scan interpretation, musculoskeletal imaging, pediatric radiology and vascular and interventional radiology. RRC services the high-risk breast imaging center of Willis Knighton with dedicated mammography certified radiologists as well as clinic based outpatient breast biopsy using different modalities including MRI guided breast biopsy.

RRC radiologists with MRI expertise have unprecedented skills in cardiac imaging, joint and musculoskeletal imaging, body imaging, and in conjunction with urologists, prostate imaging and cancer risk assessment with fusion technology aiding in the ultrasound guided biopsies performed by urologists. Every RRC radiologist

is board certified by American College of Radiology in their individual subspecialties.

1925 EAST 70TH SHREVEPORT, LA 71105 318-212-3550

WWW.REDRIVERRADS.COM

SPECTRUM NEUROSURGERY NEUROSURGERY

John D. Reeves, MD, FAANS, is certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and has been practicing neurosurgery since 1992. A Shreveport native, Dr. Reeves graduated from Captain Shreve High School and LSU in Baton Rouge with a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry.

He earned his medical degree and completed his residency at LSU School of Medicine New Orleans. Following his medical education, he moved to Switzerland to work with the premier cerebrovascular and brain tumor neurosurgeon in the world.

Dr. Reeves is a careful, prudent physician and surgeon who applies his neurosurgical skills when necessary, declines surgery when appropriate, and willingly refers patients to other colleagues when the case demands another type of expertise.

SERVICES AND TREATMENTS

As the name suggests, Spectrum Neurosurgery treats a broad spectrum of neurological related health conditions of the brain, spine and peripheral nerve. While our practice focuses on surgical management of neurologic disorders, we recognize that surgery is not the right answer for every patient and pride ourselves in taking a more conservative approach to surgery.

• Brain Tumor

• Subdural hematoma

• Epidural hematoma

• Stereotactic biopsy

• Brain abscess

• Chiari 2 malformation

• Herniated Disc Removal –cervical, thoracic, lumbar

• Lumbar fusion – posterior, anterior, lateral

• Thoracic fusion

• Cervical fusion – anterior, posterior

• Cervical disc replacement

• Kyphoplasty / vertebroplasty

• Vertebral biopsy

• Spine tumor

• Spine abscess

• Cervical stenosis and lumbar stenosis

• Cervical myelopathy

• Cervical radiculopathy

• Lumbar radiculopathy

• Sciatica

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Ulnar nerve entrapment

• Radial / posterior interosseous nerve

• Neurogenic thoracic outlet

• Cervical rib resection

• Brachial plexus exploration

• Peroneal nerve entrapment

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Dr. Reeves provides neurosurgery consultations at the WillisKnighton’s North and Pierremont locations.

NORTH OFFICE

2800 HEARNE AVENUE (318) 212-8115

PIERREMONT OFFICE

8001 YOUREE DRIVE, SUITE 500 (318) 212-8115

JAMES B. BURKE, MD, FACS

GENERAL SURGERY, WK ADVANCED LAPAROSCOPIC & ROBOTIC SURGERY

board certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery. He completed medical school at LSU school of Medicine in Shreveport and his internship and residency at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC.

amel Brakta, MD, FACS

James B. Burke, MD, FACS is board certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery. He completed medical school at LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans and his internship and residency at LSU Shreveport. He completed a laparoscopic minimally invasive fellowship at Willis Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport.

NAVDEEP SAMRA, MD, FACS GENERAL SURGERY

Dr. Navdeep Samra, Medical Director of Trauma at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, and the Chief of Trauma, Tenured Professor of Surgery and Program Director for the General Surgery Residency Program at LSU Health Shreveport (LSUHS). He was born in New Delhi, India, where he graduated high school as valedictorian. Dr. Samra received his medical degree with salutatorian honors from Christian Medical College in Ludhiana, Punjab, India, in 1998 and completed a junior general surgery residency from Government Medical College, Patiala, Punjab, India, in 2001. Dr. Samra was a resident surgeon in the Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Department at Fortis Heart Institute, Mohali in India, from 2002 till April 2004, where he pursued his research and scholarly activities apart from clinical work in cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgery.

Dr. Samra moved to the United States in 2004, where he began his general surgery internship at LSU Health Shreveport in 2006 and graduated from the program in 2011. He then completed a surgical critical care fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2012. Dr. Samra is doubleboard certified in general surgery and surgical critical care. As a faculty member at LSU Health Shreveport, he was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Medical Honor Society in 2013 and was awarded the Best Teaching Faculty award by surgical residents in 2016, 2017, and 2019. Dr. Samra is a passionate academic surgeon scientist, with more than 60 scholarly publications as a co-author.

Dr. Samra currently serves as the holder of the Charles D. Knight, Sr. M.D., Endowed Professorship in General Surgery and practices Trauma Surgery, Acute Care Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport. He has also served as the 2015-2016 President of the John C. McDonald Surgical Society. From 2011-2021, Dr. Samra was honored six times at the LSUHS Foundation’s Evening for Healers for taking care of critically ill trauma patients. In 2019, he was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society, and in February 2020, he was inducted into the prestigious Society of University Surgeons (SUS). Dr. Samra was honored with Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Provider of the Month in October 2020.

SCRUGGS FAMILY DENTISTRY DENTISTRY

Scruggs Family Dentistry couldn’t be more proud to hear we’ve been voted one of the top-ranked practices in the Shreveport-Bossier community for two years running. Since our feature in SB Magazine last year, we’ve grown exponentially, and moved our practice to better serve our patients! Come see our brand new office located at 7030 Youree Drive in Shreveport, which now boasts eight incredible operating suites, a more luxurious waiting room, and meet our incredible pair of dentists, Dr. Jeffrey Scruggs and Dr. Rae Scruggs, who pride themselves on a painless experience every time.

Our office is pleased to offer gentle care for the entire family, from children to adults of all ages, with the most advanced technology available in the field. We also proudly offer emergency services, same-day treatments, cosmetic services, and stay up to date with industry leading

technologies with the addition of Invisalign Clear Aligners and Implant Surgery procedures.

We’re passionate about our patients, and we’re focused on top-quality results. We hope you feel welcome in our new office, and we can’t wait to grow with your family too!

“I was looking to change dentist because of a bad experience and googled “best dentist in Shreveport.” Dr. Scruggs name appeared and I phoned for an appointment. His office staff was very pleasant and got me right in. Dr. Scruggs took great care of me. He has great bed side manners and I’m pleased to say I’ve found my new dentist. Great work and very reasonably priced. I would recommend his services if you’re needing a great dentist.”

“Dr. Scruggs and Staff are highly professional, friendly and extremely organized. I felt such a positive

atmosphere and was offered a blanket, neck pillow and sunglasses to use while I had a root canal. I was so relaxed and comfortable through the whole procedure that I nodded off twice and never felt any pain! They truly CARE about their patients!”

“I was brushing my teeth this morning and my crown popped off. I panicked! Called one dentist, couldn’t get an appointment for 2 weeks. I called Dr Scruggs clinic and got in in 3 hours. They reset my crown perfectly and I now have a new dentist!”

“The Scruggs family are at the gold standard for dental care and treatment. They are the kindest and most professional care givers. They gave me my confidence back and I will use them forever and would recommend any and every one. I wish I could give them 20 stars.”

SHRINERS CHILDREN’S SHREVEPORT PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDICS, CLEFT LIP/PALATE

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS IN SHREVEPORT!

AtShriners Children’s Shreveport, our team of pediatric orthopedic and cleft lip/palate professionals offers outstanding medical care for kids, no matter how minor or complex the condition. We research, we innovate, we do whatever it takes to treat your child’s condition, while helping inspire kids to live a great life.

Founded in 1922, Shriners Children’s Shreveport was the first facility established in the Shriners Children’s system. Originally designed to care for children with polio and congenital orthopedic conditions, the facility has continually adapted and evolved over decades of service to encompass the full range of pediatric orthopedic conditions, orthopedic injuries, sports medicine, and cleft lip and palate. The mission that began in a modest downtown Shreveport physician’s office has provided world-class

care to a global population of tens of thousands of children, regardless of a family’s ability to pay or insurance status.

Our pediatric orthopedic specialists are uniquely skilled to provide insight into both routine and complicated orthopedic conditions, from clubfoot and intoeing issues to cerebral palsy and spine conditions. The same doctors who innovate treatments for the most complicated orthopedic issues will help to ensure your child is growing and developing properly. Minimally invasive methodologies such as our EOS low radiation imaging system and our Schroth Barcelona-based treatment for moderate scoliosis help protect our kids and reduce the need for surgeries.

With programs geared toward sports medicine and orthopedic injuries, our physicians and other healthcare professionals help kids prevent and recover from mild to complex orthopedic injuries. When injuries do occur, our fracture team offers the insight necessary to address the physiology of a developing child, helping kids safely and confidently return to the field.

Our oral and maxillofacial program involves a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, dental specialists, care managers and therapists in providing education and care to children with cleft and craniofacial conditions. Children with low to moderate craniofacial conditions receive comprehensive care from our team of specialists, who work closely with our families to foster and maximize the social, physical, and psychological development of our kids.

Leaders in research. Developers of advanced procedures. Innovators of modern orthopedic and cleft lip/palate care. One hundred years of expertise and love, all directed into providing outstanding care for kids then, now, and for generations to come. Shriners Children’s Shreveport: The Most Amazing Care Anywhere.

TO SCHEDULE YOUR CHILD FOR AN APPOINTMENT AT SHRINERS

ANTHONY SIN, MD, SPINE SURGEON • PHILIP E. GATES, MD, PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDIST • PATRICK POWELL, MD, PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

PATRICK MASSEY, MD, SPORTS MEDICINE • JANAY E. MCKIE, MD, PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON JENNIFER E. WOERNER, DMD, MD, ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON • CARY H. MIELKE, MD, CHIEF OF STAFF, PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

FAITH • FAMILY • COMMUNITY

THANK YOU FOR VOTING CARLEE GILLEY, RICHARD “REED” MOORE, AND JAMES LOWDER TOP DOCTORS FOR SB MAGAZINE!

Southern Roots Dentistry is founded on the three core values of Faith, Family, and Community. We are proud to serve our COMMUNITY at our two newest locations in Ashley Ridge and Bossier City! Our doctors are committed to provide our patients the best care with state of the art technology and patient-centered care. Thank you for five great years! We look forward to many more!

WK SPINE & PAIN SPECIALISTS

PAIN MANAGEMENT

AtSpine & Pain Specialists, our physicians focus on using comprehensive, state-of-the-art treatments for back pain, neck pain as well as other chronic pain syndromes. Our goal is to treat low back and neck pain as early as possible to prevent it from becoming a chronic and lifelong problem. Dr. John Noles, Dr. David Hirsch, and Dr. Russell Stuermann are double board certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Management. Dr. Germany brings a multi-specialty approach to the practice offering Botox injections as well as acupuncture. We use the latest technology available to safely and effectively treat our patients. All treatments offered at Spine & Pain

Specialists are minimally invasive and most are nonsurgical. Our approach is to first identify the source of a patient’s pain so that we can create a treatment plan best suited for each patient. Each treatment plan is designed to improve quality of life as well as overall function. We offer a comprehensive array of treatments including nonnarcotic medications and injection therapy. One of our primary goals for our patients is to decrease or eliminate opioid (narcotic) medications. Our treatment plan only uses narcotic pain medication when all other options have been exhausted.

Our team of doctors, physician extenders, nurses, medical assistants, and administrative staff at Spine & Pain Specialists recognizes that coping with pain is very difficult and

burdensome for the patient as well as their family members and friends. We treat each patient with the same care and compassion we would want for our family members.

Visit John Noles M.D., David Hirsch

M.D., MBA, Russell Stuermann, M.D., Nancy Germany M.D., Bridget Whittington PA-C, Samerrial Malone

FNP, Carmen Schaumburg PA-C, Emily LeBlanc PA-C and Tyra Brown PA-C, at one of their offices in Shreveport and Bossier City.

BOSSIER OFFICE

2449 HOSPITAL DRIVE, SUITE 300

BOSSIER CITY, LA 71111 (318) 212-7960

PIERREMONT OFFICE

1811 E BERT KOUNS IND LOOP

SUITE 300

SHREVEPORT, LA 71105 (318) 212-7960

JOHN NOLES, MD, DAVID HIRSCH, MD, MBA, RUSSELL STUERMANN, MD, NANCY GERMANY, MD, BRIDGET WHITTINGTON, PA, SAMERRIAL MALONE, NP, CARMEN SCHAUMBURG, PA, EMILY LEBLANC, PA, TYRA BROWN, PA

DENTAL DENTISTRY

Dr. Geneux is a born-and-raised Shreveport native who graduated from Captain Shreve High School in 1998.

For college, he attended Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Biology. In the year 2007, he continued his education and went on to graduate from the LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans.

As a child, Dr. Geneux spent a lot of time in hospitals and was often in and out of cancer wards. From a very young age, he knew that the medical field would be his future. He craved connecting with people and improving the lives of others, and with dentistry, he was able to accomplish that. Since then, he has committed to excellence and continues strengthening his skills as a dentist, husband, and father.

When not in the office, Dr. Geneux loves spending time with his wife and four daughters. He also enjoys playing tennis, fishing, and cheering on his alma mater, the LSU Tigers.

At Sterling Dental Center, our mission is to provide a high level of convenience, comfort and customer service. We proudly offer dental care to patients of all ages, including children, adults, and seniors. From general dentistry to restorative dentistry and more, you can count on us to get the personalized dental care you need and deserve. Dr. Geneux provides Cosmetic, General, Restorative, and Sedation Dentistry. Some of the cosmetic dentistry services are veneers, teeth whitening, and Invisalign. Patients without dental insurance can join our membership club and take care of preventative care with a monthly subscription, all while saving money. There are three membership packages to choose from.

Learn how we can provide exceptional dental care for you and your family. Schedule your consultation by calling today.

Ifyou need orthopedic care

physicians and surgeons at The Orthopaedic

to help you. Their expert team practices in

convenient location in southeast Shreveport in the WK Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center at WK Portico Center. They offer patients excellent care using the most advanced techniques available. Orthopedists focus on the diagnosis, correction, prevention, and treatment of patients with musculoskeletal system problems.

J. Scott Bicknell, MD, specializes in general orthopedics, trauma and joint replacement. He earned his medical degree and completed his internship and residency at the LSU Medical Center in Shreveport.

Sports medicine is the specialty of Mark C. Callanan, Jr., MD. He attended medical school at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the Harvard Combined Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program.

John J. Ferrell, MD, specializes in general orthopedics and shoulder and knee surgery. He attended the University of Notre Dame and earned his medical degree at Tulane University School of Medicine.

Henry Hilario, DPM, is a podiatrist who specializes in surgery of the foot and ankle. He received his podiatric medical training in Chicago, Illinois, and completed residency at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, with a focus on reconstructive and ankle surgery.

Jason Kinkartz, MD, also specializes in sports medicine. He attended medical school at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in East Lansing, Michigan, and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Cincinnati.

Diego Miranda, MD, works on hand and upper extremity problems. He received his medical degree from Universidad del Salvador in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Milan G. Mody, MD, is a spine surgery specialist. He attended the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and completed his residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch Hospitals. Dr. Mody specializes in both neck surgery and minimally invasive back surgery.

Edward Morgan, MD, is a sports medicine and joint replacement guru. He completed medical school and served his surgery residency at Vanderbilt University.

Cambize Shahrdar, MD, focuses on knees and hip and knee replacements. He earned his undergraduate degree and medical degree at the University of Miami.

SHREVEPORT EYE SPECIALISTS RUSSELL VAN NORMAN, M.D. RACHEL MEYER-BOREL, O.D.

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Dr. Russ Van Norman first arrived in Shreveport in 1994 to begin his medical education. After graduating from medical school in 1998, he went on to complete his internship and ophthalmology residency at LSUHSC. Wanting to further his training, Dr. Van Norman embarked on a two-year fellowship in Cornea/External Disease and Refractive surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern. This extra education was critical in learning and implementing advanced techniques in corneal transplantation, cataract surgery, refractive procedures (LASIK), and also makes him the most highly trained corneal specialist in the area.

Upon completion of his fellowship and board certification in 2004, Dr. Van Norman returned to the Shreveport area and began his medical practice. To date, he has performed over 16,500 ophthalmic procedures including cataract removal, laser cataract surgery, premium IOL’s, LASIK, Advanced Surface Ablations, full thickness and partial thickness cornea transplants, and sophisticated anterior segment procedures. Dr. Van Norman also has an extensive glaucoma practice that includes performing laser glaucoma surgery and minimally invasive glaucoma procedures.

Dr. Rachel Meyer-Borel joined SES in July of 2017. She is board certified in optometry

with a degree from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma. She brings seven years of ophthalmic experience to the practice and specializes in diabetic eye exams and hard to fit contacts.

degree Eye

As Shreveport Eye Specialists enters it’s fifth year in business, they continue to be humbled humbled by the continued support from their referring medical professionals, and their wonderful patient base. Everyone at Shreveport Eye Specialists is focused on giving their patients the highest ophthalmic care with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. They truly understand that the happy patient is the most important aspect of their growing practice. Come experience Shreveport Eye Specialists where Your Vision Is Our Focus.

their important growing

8445 LINE AVENUE, SUITE 200 SHREVEPORT, LA 71106 318.703.5655

BRYAN VEKOVIUS, M.D.

SURGERY / NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY

One of the great rewards in practicing medicine for Dr. Bryan Vekovius is helping patients feel better and look better. It’s an added bonus for patients with vision problems who receive treatment. In addition, they love what they see when they look in the mirror.

An experienced oculoplastic surgeon who has performed over 20,000 eyelid procedures, Dr. Vekovius is an expert in aesthetics and the treatment of diseases and syndromes involving the eye and eyelid, tearing system and the optic nerve. He is an expert in blepharoplasty, a surgery which reduces bagginess and droopiness in the eyelids, which can be to improve appearance but also vision. Excess skin on the upper eyelid, for example, can cause peripheral vision loss. He performs dozens of these surgeries each week, helping all types of patients, even those who have lost muscle function in the eyelid.

“I strive each day to be a physician who is committed to quality, compassionate care, superior patient satisfaction,

and excellence in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery,” he said.

Dr. Vekovius is one of the few cosmetic surgeons in the region who is a member of the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is recognized as a leader in Oculoplastic Surgery and Neuro-Ophthalmology and has performed thousands of procedures for problems like tearing disorders, including dry eye syndrome. Dr. Vekovius is also an expert in skin cancer excision and reconstruction, as he continues to perform several surgeries each month removing cancers from the eyelids and face.

Dr. Vekovius completed his ophthalmology training at LSU in Shreveport in 2001. He then underwent fellowship training in oculoplastic surgery, specializing in techniques of plastic surgery as it relates to the eyes and their surrounding structures such as eyelid repairs, browlifts, tear duct surgery, and treatment of thyroid eye disease. Trained by Dr. Thomas C. Spoor, he also learned the art of laser skin resurfacing and treatment of facial veins and blemishes as well as use of

Botox and Dysport and fillers such as Restylane, Radiesse, and Belotero. He then completed further training in Neuro-Ophthalmology, the subspecialty of Ophthalmology which encompasses the optic nerve, the nerves which control eye movement, and the brain.

Dr. Vekovius has become one of northwest Louisiana’s premier physicians, drawing patients from the Shreveport-Bossier City area, as well as from other areas of Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi and Oklahoma. The office is conveniently located in Southeast Shreveport in the Ashley Ridge Business Park. His contributions in the fields of Oculoplastic surgery and Neuro-Ophthalmology have changed the lives of many patients by enhancing their features, rejuvenating their appearance, boosting their self-esteem and improving their vision. Born in Baton Rouge, Dr. Vekovius was raised in Shreveport. He and his wife, Stephanie, have three children: William, Samuel and Sophia.

ACTIVE RECOVERY

SUBSTANCE ABUSE THERAPY; IOP WITH SOBER PARENTING AND ANGER/ADDICTION CLASSES WITH FLEXIBLE GROUP

AND THREE LOCATIONS IN THE NWLA AREA!

Active Recovery’s motto is “Change Your Thinking, Change

Your Life,” because, in order to create real lasting change in your life, you must first recognize how your thoughts set the intentions for positive or negative behaviors. Since we are not a 12-Step program, we offer the right amount of positive reinforcement, motivation, and support to help you develop everything you were destined to achieve. Focusing on gratitude, possibilities, and strengths instead of negative past traits and blunders can help to rewire your brain to its full potential without opening old wounds and resentments.

ACTIVE RECOVERY INSTEAD OF ACTIVE ADDICTION!

SOUTHERN AVE

DOCTORS DRIVE BOSSIER CITY 318-584-7133

MEADOWVIEW MINDEN 318-377-1072

DENTISTRY DENTISTRY

Dr. Brian Basinger has been providing superior cosmetic family dental care to our community since 1996. He strives to provide state of the art dentistry in a friendly and relaxed environment focusing on building relationships with his patients. Using the latest technology, Dr. Basinger believes restoring beautiful smiles is now easier and more comfortable than ever.

Want to change your smile? Dr. Basinger and his team can certainly help with that! A smile makeover may include anything from bonding and whitening to crowns and veneers. Need to replace a missing tooth or teeth? Dental implant restorations may be for you.

As the official team dentist for the

Shreveport Mudbugs hockey team, Dr. Basinger has seen all these situations and then some. An active participant in the community, he’s involved with his church, was a founding member of the Caddo Magnet High alumni association and also serves as a volunteer dentist with the Hub and Purchased ministries. Since 2016 he has been elected by his peers to serve as the delegate from NWLA to the national ADA meeting and in 2019 received the Integrity award from the Better Business Bureau.

A native of Shreveport, Dr. Basinger is a LA Tech alum and received his DDS degree from LSUSD. He and his wife of 30 years, Heather, have three sons. Dr. Basinger and his friendly, caring staff are welcoming new patients and are devoted to ensuring your dental experience is comfortable and personalized.

PIERREMONT ROAD SHREVEPORT, LA 71106 318.869.3020

BATES CHIROPRACTIC & SPORTS THERAPY

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Ryan Bates, D.C. Ryan Bates is from Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 2008 he received his undergrad from Oklahoma State University. In 2011 he graduated from Parker University in Dallas, Texas, with a doctrine of chiropractic. For 11+ years, Dr. Bates has owned and operated his own chiropractic clinic. Dr. Bates has been getting rid of pain naturally without drugs or surgery for over a decade. He especially likes working with high-profile athletes but treats all patients as if they were family. Seeing their results and helping people improve their way of life, pain-free, is what he values most. Dr. Bates has furthered his education in chiropractic and is now certified in equine/animal chiropractic as well. Not only do humans benefit from chiropractic, but our animals do too.

Dr. Bates has been a NWLA Top Chiropractor by Shreveport Times and has been voted one of the Top Chiropractors in SB Magazine for 10+ years. His practice has been voted best chiropractic clinic in SB Magazine since 2015.

Outside of chiropractic, Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife, Erin, and 2 children, being outdoors, playing sports, staying active, and going to church.

William Duncan, D.C. Dr. William Duncan was born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, and is a C.E. Byrd graduate. From a young age, Dr. Duncan knew he wanted to help people, so he decided to attend LSUS to study Community Health with the intention of going into Physical Therapy. In his final year at LSUS, William was introduced to chiropractic care by his father, Bill Duncan, which led to an internship with Dr. Bates. That internship put him on the path to pursue a Doctrine of Chiropractic from Parker University.

Dr. Duncan has been in practice for four and a half years and has been nominated as one of the top chiropractors for 3+ years in a row for SB Magazine. Outside of chiropractic, William loves spending time with his wife, Kimberly, and daughter, Avery. They are very involved in their youth group at St. Paul’s. Dr. Duncan also keeps himself in shape with all the early morning “5 am” risers at the River Cities YMCA CrossFit.

OCHSNER LSU HEALTH INTERNAL MEDICINE AND PEDIATRICS

PRIMARY CARE

From a runny nose to an annual wellness exam and everything in-between, Ochsner LSU Health’s Internal Medicine and Pediatrics clinic in the Provenance neighborhood on Southern Loop in Shreveport is dedicated to providing care for all ages. With seven physicians including Dr. Lauren Beal, their team is dedicated to providing high-quality primary care and pediatric services to infants (including newborns), adolescents and adults. This location offers convenient and personalized care with all of the support,

resources and expertise of Ochsner LSU Health. Lauren Beal, MD, is a Shreveport native who received her medical degree from LSU Health Shreveport. She continued at LSU Health Shreveport to complete her Internal Medicine and Pediatrics residency and Faculty Development fellowship. Dr. Beal currently serves as Ochsner LSU Health’s Medical Director of Primary Care and Community Clinics and as the Director of Population Health. Her medical areas of interest include adolescent care, LGBTQ care, preventive care and management of chronic conditions.

RYAN BATES, D.C.

WILLIAM DUNCAN,

MICIOTTO FAMILY DENTISTRY

CYNTHIA M. MICIOTTO, DDS, CAROLINE R. COBB, DDS

Dr. Cynthia Miciotto has been practicing dentistry for over 40 years in Bossier City. She welcomed her daughter, Dr. Caroline Cobb, into her practice in 2017. Dr. Cindy and Dr. Caroline are thrilled to practice together and serve in their community.

Dr. Caroline was born and raised in the Shreveport-Bossier community. She attended Louisiana Tech University, where she graduated in 2009 with her Bachelors in Science with concentrations in Biology and Chemistry. She then went on to attend LSU School of Dentistry, where she graduated in 2014. She then completed a one-year advanced education residency at the University of Alabama-Birmingham VA hospital. After that, she practiced in the New Orleans area for two years before returning

home to join her mother in private practice. Dr. Caroline is a member of the American Dental Association, Louisiana Dental Association, and Northwest Louisiana Dental Association. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, attending LSU and Saints games, and spending time with her rescue dogs, Tchoup and Roux. She is also honored to be serving as the President of Champions for Individuals with Disabilities at Holy Angels.

Dr. Cindy’s passion and dedication for her work has been unparalleled since beginning practice in 1982. Dr. Caroline is honored to continue this same level of care that her mother has done for so many years. They attribute much of their success to their very supportive family and friends, dedicated staff, and of course, their loyal patients

Leading the Way in Gastrointestinal Care

Congratulations to our Top Doctors!

For more than 40 years, we’ve had the honor of providing gastrointestinal care to the residents of North Louisiana. Not only are our physicians dedicated to providing distinguished care for patients today, but through critical to innovative and evidence-based treatments for tomorrow.

Congratulations to all physicians who have been recognized as the area’s top doctors. Here’s to our mutual success going forward, and to many more years of improving lives, together.

DUPREE, D.D.S.

ALouisiana native, Dr. Jason Dupree is committed to providing the best dental care for his patients. His goal is to meet and exceed expectations with professional skill, integrity, respect, and communication with life-changing results, focusing on the patient’s overall health as well as dental health.

Dr. Dupree graduated from the LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans, where he also completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency. He has numerous professional awards including the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and International College of Oral Implantologist. He is heavily involved in volunteer and church functions.

Dr. Dupree opened the practice in 1996. He and his staff at Dupree Family Dental strive to make dentistry as relaxing and fun as possible. They stay current on the latest advantages in research and treatment, with emphasis on cosmetics, implants, and sleep apnea appliances, so you get the most advanced care possible.

ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATOLOGY CLINIC RHEUMATOLOGY

“ B

lending the most innovative approaches in rheumatology and arthritis treatments with personalized patient care.”

Board Certified Rheumatologist

Robert E. Goodman, M.D. of the Arthritis & Rheumatology Clinic in Shreveport, has been caring for patients in our area for 35 years. Dr. Goodman combines his specialized training and experience with personalized care to provide patients with innovative approaches, leadingedge technology, and the latest treatment options for their condition. Board-certified in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Dr. Goodman received his undergraduate degree from LSU in Baton Rouge, and his medical degree from LSU School

Dr. Dupree has the latest state of the art equipment to help treat patients with Sleep Apnea who can not tolerate their CPAP. Approximately 4 out of 10 CPAP patients do not use their CPAP Machine, therefore, they aren’t treating their Obstructive Sleep Apnea. We Can Help. The appliance is covered by most medical insurance companies, including Medicare. We look forward to helping you get a good nights sleep. Call today for a free consultation. Dr. Jason Dupree and his staff enjoy saying they are SAVING LIVES AND MARRIAGES!

latest therefore,

1945 E. 70TH ST., SHREVEPORT, LA 318.797.1187

of Medicine in Shreveport. He completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, and his Rheumatology Fellowship at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee.

A member of the active medical staff of Willis-Knighton Health Systems, Dr. Goodman is a member of the American College of Rheumatology, American Society of Internal Medicine, American College of Physicians, Northwest Louisiana Medical Society, Louisiana State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association.

Dr. Goodman also volunteers at Martin Luther King Health Center & Pharmacy in Shreveport (mlkhealth. org) where he has been a volunteer physician and supporter for over 32 years. He is a recipient of the MLK Health Center Humanitarian Award given in recognition of his dedicated service.

physician and supporter for over 32

ROBERT E. GOODMAN, M.D.

From young children to senior adults and every age inbetween, Ochsner LSU Health has the care you need for all stages of life. At Ochsner LSU Health – Spring Lake, the physicians (including Dr. Ellie Hudnall) and patient care team provide expert and compassionate care.

Their same-day/next-day appointments and online scheduling allow you to see a doctor on your schedule. Through the use of

MyOchsner online or in the app, you can schedule your next appointment, communicate with your physician, refill your prescriptions, view lab and test results, and check-in prior to appointments.

• Annual wellness exams, complete physicals

• Flu shots and other immunizations

• Health risk assessments

• Management of chronic conditions

• Treatment of acute (sudden and/or severe) injuries and issues

Diagnosis and management of diseases

• Seasonal allergy treatment

Treatment of acute (sudden and/or severe) allergy

• Full lab services

Ellie O’Brien Hudnall, MD, was born and raised in Shreveport. She received a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Upon graduation, Dr. Hudnall returned home, achieved her medical doctorate from LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport, and became the first recipient of the Ike Muslow Award in Primary Care. She completed her internship with Internal Medicine at Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans, followed by residency in Family Medicine at LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport. Dr. Hudnall has worked as a board-certified physician in Shreveport for the past decade.

8445 LINE AVENUE, SUITE 100, SHREVEPORT, LA 71106 318-626-4242

RESTORATION DENTAL GROUP

DENTISTRY

Restoration Dental Group, your smile and overall good oral health is important to us. We pride ourselves in providing a comfortable, familyoriented atmosphere that is both highly skilled and efficient. We provide the latest technology for general and cosmetic dentistry, such as digital x-rays, CEREC same-day crowns, and CBCT scans. Dr. Ray Jarvis and Dr. Meredith Patton are delighted to offer patients several new and exciting procedures, including dental implants, Botox and lip filler, and SureSmile orthodontic clear aligners.

Dr. Jarvis, Dr. Patton, and the staff at Restoration Dental Group strive to provide quality dental care with your comfort in mind. Our team’s commitment to compassion, continuing education, and individualized detail means you and your family will be provided with truly exceptional dental care.

look forward to helping you enjoy the benefits of a smile that supports your best quality of life and boosts your confidence.

TOP DOCTO AWARD WINN

Some of the scariest words you can hear are “we found cancer.” But, are followed up with the words “we are going to fight this together” of healthcare workers that treat their patients like family, your diagnosis little less scary and your hope grows a little stronger. “Your Cancer, are the words that the Highland Clinic Oncology team live and practice team, led by head Oncologist and Hematologist Dr. Kirtan Koticha, is of multiple innovative healthcare providers committed to providing treatments to patients in our area. In addition to their main campus, inside the Highland Clinic building in Shreveport, Dr. Koticha has brand new, state-of-the-art facility in Minden.

Kirtan Koticha, MD, with Raine Martin and Lauren Scheff

RTAN KOTICH H E M B L O B O N P L A

I M M U N O T H E R A P Y M E D I C A L O N C O L O G Y B L O O D C L O T T I N G S Y S T E M S W H I T E B L O O D C E L L D I S O R D E R S

Orthopedic,

COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

INFANT/CHILDREN EVALUATION AND TREATMENT SERVICES

MINDEN MEDICAL CLINIC OF HAUGHTON

FAMILY MEDICINE – DANIEL PIOTTER, MD

As

a graduate of LSUS, Dr. Daniel Piotter is bringing healthcare to Haughton in a big way through Minden Medical Clinic of Haughton. Construction is underway on a new 15,000 square foot medical office that will offer specialty services including pediatrics, orthopedics, surgery, podiatry, and nephrology.

As a family practice physician, Dr. Piotter treats patients from beginning to end of life. He believes in treating the root cause of the disease and not just symptoms alone. Dr. Piotter’s primary focus is on the preventative care and maintenance of his patient’s physical and mental health. As an athlete himself, Dr. Piotter enjoys helping fellow athletes overcome injuries as well as performing many other outpatient procedures. He believes in treating every patient like family while offering up to date medicine close to home. Dr. Piotter’s office is open Monday-Friday 7am-7pm, and is now accepting new patients.

170 HEALTHCARE PLAZA DRIVE

ALLIED HEALTH CLINICS

Congratulations

LSU Health Shreveport

Health Clinics

SB Top Doctors

OB-GYN CONCEPTS

at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London. Her US residency was at George Washington University, D.C. Dr. Talukder is board certified by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, UK and American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Saimah Talukder knows that an OB-GYN is often a woman’s only provider and does not take that role lightly. She strives to provide all encompassing, compassionate care, listening attentively to every individual who chooses her as their physician.

At OB-GYN Concepts she creates long-term bonds with women throughout different life stages, advocating vaginal deliveries and VBACs. She treats infertility, recurrent miscarriages, abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain and menstrual disorders, with a special interest in sexual dysfunction, menopause, HRT, adolescence, contraception and vulvar problems.

She trained as an OB-GYN in England, followed by REI training

When not with patients, she is an avid theater, music and movie buff and a supporting patron of many local performance establishments in SBC.

establishments

WK ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY INSTITUTE ORAL SURGERY DR. G.E. GHALI

Renowned oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. G.E. Ghali is part of the Willis-Knighton Physician Network and is the senior partner in WK Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Institute. He performs procedures at Willis-Knighton’s South, North, Pierremont, and Bossier hospitals. Dr. Ghali’s leadership in his field has led to numerous honors. He has been heavily involved in research and scientific publication, as well as presentations at national and international events, including lectures to all branches of the military regarding the management of maxillofacial injuries. Nationally, Dr. Ghali has been involved in leadership positions within the

8001 YOUREE DR., SUITE 320 SHREVEPORT, LA 71115 318.212.2835

„

Surgery and advisory or editorial

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, American Dental Association, American College of Surgeons, and has served as an editor and editorial board member for six academic journals. Further, his international appointments have included chairmanship of the Education Committee of the International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and advisory or editorial board support for four international journals.

Dr. Ghali is married to his wife, Hope, and together they have four children, all proud to call Shreveport-Bossier City home.

2508 W BERT KOUNS INDUSTRIAL LOOP #410, SHREVEPORT, LA 71118 (318) 212-5944

RABALAIS DENTAL CENTRE DENTISTRY S

helly Rabalais was always attracted to the healthcare industry, and a career in dentistry has proven to be the perfect fit. She has been in the Shreveport-Bossier City area for 13 years, and plans to stay here forever.

Services offered at Rabalais Dental Centre include cleanings, fillings, crowns, dentures, root canals, implant restorations, and tooth whitening. They offer an in-house dental membership plan, which is a fantastic alternative for those who don’t have dental insurance.

“I’m motivated by the people around me, and being able to treat patients in a comfortable atmosphere and help them overcome their fear of dentistry is fulfilling to me,” Rabalais said. “Patients are in a welcoming environment from the moment they walk through the door.”

Rabalais believes her faith is one of the things that has made her successful. “God continues to bless me every day with fantastic patients and a fantastic team,” she said.

DR. VYAS RAO, MD, FACS

DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY, PROFESSOR OF CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY

Dr. Vyas Ramuhalli Rao is a renowned cardiovascular thoracic surgeon, practicing in Shreveport since 2002. He is based at Ochsner Louisiana State Health Sciences, but practices as a consultant at all hospitals in Shreveport-Bossier City. His main area of practice is cardiac surgery, with treatment of coronary and valvular heart diseases.

Originally from India, Dr. Rao obtained his initial medical degree in 1982 from Bangalore Medical College and then the Master of Surgery in 1986 and the Master of Chirurgie in cardiothoracic surgery in 1988. Throughout his medical school years, he remained in the top two percent of his class, obtaining gold medals in physiology by scoring the highest marks for the university in his first year of medical school. He also obtained the gold

medal for community medicine in his final year of the medical school.

Dr. Rao was trained on coronary endarterectomies under world-famous cardiac surgeon, Dr. W. Dudley Johnson, from 1988 to 1990 in Milwaukee, Wis. He is American Board Certified in cardiothoracic surgery. He has operated on many difficult and challenging heart and lung surgery patients with good results, and he is also well trained in pediatric heart surgery and heart transplants. Dr. Rao has also offered endovascular treatment for vascular ailments and has helped many individuals with vascular abdominal and thoracic aneurysms. In addition, he now also offers robotic assisted lung surgery. He has memberships in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, American College of Surgeons-Fellow (FACS), American Medical Association, Shreveport Medical Society and the Indian Medical Association (Life Member).

OCHSNER LSU HEALTH SCIENCES

1501 KINGS HWY, SHREVEPORT,

HEALTH

Both Ochsner LSU Health and Regional Urology have a history of providing highquality specialty care with strong commitment to research and innovation, offering the latest treatments for patients with chronic and complex medical conditions. Now with combined expertise and resources, patients have increased access to advanced urological and multi-disciplinary care with cutting-edge treatments and technology.

Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport - Regional Urology physicians, extenders, nurses, medical assistants, and staff boast the most combined experience of urology care in the area and train the future physicians and specialists. The medical team at Regional Urology locations is made up of seven Urologists, a Radiologist, a Radiation Oncologist, two Anesthesiologists, three Nurse Practitioners, and a Physician Assistant. Conveniently located at

SHREVEPORT AQUATIC AND LAND THERAPIES

PHYSICAL THERAPY

We are excited to have Dr. Harris nominated again for this year’s Top Doctors for physical therapy. Our dynamic staff here at SALT is dedicated to our community in getting you back to optimal function with the best care possible. We are an all-female therapist clinic specializing in orthopaedics, chronic pain, spinal injuries, and sports rehabilitation.

Dr. Julie Ann Harris PT, DPT, OCS, became a physical therapist because she saw a need to improve our society’s health and physical movement under proper, professional guidance and care. After receiving her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Loma Linda University in California, Dr. Harris completed an Orthopedic Residency Program at Rancho Physical Therapy in California. This afforded her a level of training only a small fraction of physical therapists achieve. She is designated as a Board-Certified Specialist in Orthopedics and has received formal recognition as a physical therapist with advanced clinical knowledge, experience, and skills adopted by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists.

Erica P. Boyd, PTA, completed the PTA program and received her associate degree in applied health and applied sciences at BPCC in 2020. Erica found her passion for physical therapy and health at a young age and believes that every person that comes to her, no matter for what reason, is meant to have a purpose in her story and that she is meant to have a purpose in theirs.

Dr. Courtney Page, PT, DPT, started her journey to become a PT when she received her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences with a concentration

Bert Kouns and I-49, the Regional Urology team works together to care for patients to give them a positive experience while receiving top-notch care.

255 BERT KOUNS IND. LOOP, SHREVEPORT, LA • 318-683-0411

MCMILLAN ROAD, WEST MONROE, LA 71291 • 318-807-0994

DIXIE PLAZA, NATCHITOCHES, LA 71457 • 318-352-6883

in biomedical at Northwestern State University in 2017. Immediately following her undergraduate career, she entered the doctoral program for physical therapy at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. She graduated and became a licensed Physical Therapist and Doctor of Physical therapy in 2020. Courtney believes each patient deserves the best and will do anything to be that for her patients.

Krysten Rawson, PTA, began her career as a PTA in 2018 after graduating from SouthArk. She fell in love with the physical therapy field as a CNA/ tech at an in-patient rehabilitation facility. She knew she would love changing others’ lives for the better through physical therapy.

PICTURED

STAN SMITH, MD, ASHLEY BAKER, MD, THOMAS PALMER, MD, KEVIN CLINE, MD, ALISON SPANN, MD, JARED MOSS, MD, JAMES

SOUTH SHREVEPORT DENTAL DENTISTRY

“MAKING YOU SMILE IS WHAT WE DO!”

South Shreveport Dental was rebranded in 2013 by Dr. Andrew Simpson, but it is not a new practice. Dr. Andrew Simpson is the 4th generation owner of the very first dental

MIKE SEWELL, MD HOSPITALIST

hospitalist is a physician who is dedicated to caring for patients while they are in the hospital. Their full attention is devoted to those admitted to the hospital, which improves the coordination of care, responsiveness to treatment changes, and communication with the patient and family by having a physician available 24/7. At Ochsner LSU Health, their hospitals are staffed with 30 hospitalists in a variety of specialties. All patients receive dedicated and comprehensive care, no matter the need.

Mike Sewell, MD, is a Shreveport native who began the hospitalist program at Ochsner LSU Health in 2019. Dr. Sewell currently serves as

Chief of Hospital Medicine at Ochsner LSU Health. He received his medical degree from LSU Health Shreveport. He also completed his Internal Medicine residency and served as Chief Resident of Internal Medicine at LSU Health Shreveport. Dr. Sewell has more than 20 years of experience, both as an internal medicine physician and as a hospitalist. He is committed to the Shreveport/Bossier City community. Dr. Sewell volunteers his medical expertise at many schools for annual physicals and serves in several leadership roles.

practice founded in Shreveport, Louisiana. Dr. Simpson and his team have revamped the practice, investing heavily in digital technology and equipment, but they are also known for their personal touch on every aspect of dentistry.

At South Shreveport Dental, our mission has always been to explore the latest, but proven, techniques to provide the most modern dental care available today. In the past, we discussed how 3D imaging and digital dentistry allowed us to improve disease diagnosis and treatment, lower total treatment costs and improve treatment efficiency by cutting down on lab manufacturing times. CEREC technology provides us with same day crowns, veneers and dental implant surgical guides along with other digital solutions.

Dr. Simpson attended Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in New Orleans and graduated in 2009. He practiced for four years in Baton Rouge before moving to Shreveport. “We know patients have many options in selecting a dental office. We have made every effort to make all patients feel like they’ve found a home,” Dr. Simpson said.

ELLERBE ROAD, SUITE

ADAMS EYECARE

EYE CARE

Adams EyeCare offers comprehensive eye care services and in-demand lenses and frames to Bossier City and the surrounding communities.

Since 2002, Adams EyeCare has been the leader and preferred provider of quality vision care products and personalized optometric services to our patients. Our experienced doctors and staff offer comprehensive vision examinations and specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of eye diseases, conditions, and problems.

Charles Adams, Optometrist, has been in practice for over 30 years. He graduated from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, with a passion for caring for people like his father, who was a family practice doctor. He loves being able to help people see their best. Outside of work, Charles loves to spend time with his family, hunting, and being outdoors.

Schedule an appointment with Charles Adams, OD, and give your vision the level of care and attention it deserves.

BENTON RD. STE C,BOSSIER CITY, LA 71111

BETTER HEARING SYSTEMS OF NWLA

HEARING SYSTEMS

Sarah Smith, M.A., CCC-A, wants to help everyone hear the best they can. Hearing helps us stay connected to each other, which is now even more important than ever. Without proper hearing, a person can become off balance, lose mental acuity, and feel isolated. We want to help you restore your hearing so that you can enjoy life to the fullest and stay connected to friends and loved ones.

Better Hearing Systems of NWLA specializes in the evaluation and treatment of all hearing disorders. We provide customized hearing plans with payment plan options to meet everyone’s needs and budget.

We strive to treat everyone that comes into our office with respect to make them feel at home. We have recently added a Shreveport office in addition to our Bossier office to better serve you. Thank you for allowing us to serve you and your hearing needs.

1000 CHINABERRY DRIVE, BOSSIER CITY, LA • 318-747-9191

(318) 742-4012

EAST 70TH STREET, SHREVEPORT, LA • 318-797-7733

DR.

ELECTRODIAGNOSTIC MEDICINE

Bicknell EMG was founded by Dr. J. Eric Bicknell in 1988, as one of the first state-of-the-art nerve and muscle testing medical facilities in the area. This specialized service requires Electromyography training, PM&R/Neurology certification, and American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine board certification. Dr. Bicknell has over 30 years of experience and focuses his practice today on electrodiagnostic medicine outpatient services. Referring physicians acknowledge him as the industry standard for comprehensive evaluations of the peripheral nervous system, in what is the first accredited EMG lab with exemplary status in North Louisiana by (AANEM) American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine.

YOUREE DRIVE

LA 71105 318.798.6833

JENNIFER COOPER, DDS

DENTISTRY

Dr. Jennifer Cooper, a native of Arkansas, received her Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. She is a 2002 graduate of Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in New Orleans. Dr. Cooper began practicing in New Orleans, and in 2005 she moved to Shreveport with her husband, Mike, a Shreveport native. She is a member of the American Dental Association, Louisiana Dental Association, Northwest Louisiana Dental Association, and Ark-La-Tex Academy of Dentistry.

Dr. Jennifer Cooper’s primary focus is getting to know her patients and making sure they feel comfortable while providing excellent dental care. She enjoys spending time with her three boys, running, and practicing yoga.

230 CARROLL ST UNIT 4 SHREVEPORT, LA 71105

865-3311

CORMIER FAMILY DENTISTRY

DENTISTRY

At Cormier Family Dentistry, Drs. Adam Cormier and Jana Cormier provide the Shreveport-Bossier City area with exceptional dental and oral care.

Collectively they offer over 40 years experience in private dental practice. They continue to seek ongoing education in dentistry to provide patients with the most up-to-date care. They embrace new advances in dental technology including CEREC single visit crowns, 3D cone beam imaging, digital X-rays and the latest sedation dentistry.

Dr. Adam Cormier received a Bachelor of Science in biology from LSU Shreveport and earned his D.D.S. from the LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans. He is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association.

Dr. Jana Cormier received a Bachelor of Science in biology from Nicholls State University and earned her D.D.S. from the LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans. She is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics.

HUCKABY CHRISTUS HEALTH REHABILITATION / SPORTS MEDICINE

Nick Huckaby is the director of outpatient rehabilitation and sports medicine for CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System. He is a Shreveport native and graduate of C.E. Byrd High School. Nick obtained his Bachelor of Science from Southern University in Baton Rouge and went on to obtain a Master’s degree and Doctorate of Physical Therapy from LSU Health Sciences Center-Shreveport. Nick joined the CHRISTUS team in 2005. Through his role, Nick lives the CHRISTUS mission “to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ” every day in his work with patients to improve their level of function and quality of life. Nick is passionate about working in the community, promoting health and wellness, and mentoring young individuals to become future professionals and leaders.

MARK H. SMITH, JR., MD

GENERAL SURGERY, BARIATRICS

Mark H. Smith Jr., MD, FACS is a general surgeon in Shreveport, Louisiana, who is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He grew up in Leesville, Louisiana. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Tulane University and a Master of Science degree from LSU. He earned his Medical Doctorate and completed his residency at LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. Dr. Smith completed a trauma/critical care fellowship at the University of Florida Health Sciences Center. He lives in Shreveport with his wife and three daughters.

As an affiliate of Willis-Knighton Medical Center for more than eight years, Dr. Smith specializes in laparoscopic and robotic minimally invasive general and bariatric surgeries and is currently accepting new patients for evaluation of abdominal pain, gallbladder disease, GERD (acid reflex disease), disorders of the small and large intestine, weight loss surgery, and hernias including inguinal, ventral, incisional and hiatal. He performs surgeries at Willis-Knighton Medical Center, Willis-Knighton South and WK Pierremont Health Center.

MICHAEL ROKAW, MD  NORTHWEST LOUISIANA NEPHROLOGY, LLC

NEPHROLOGY

Providing compassionate care for patients with all stages of kidney disease and to those on in-center and home dialysis. He is a member physician of Northwest Louisiana Nephrology. Trained in internal medicine and nephrology at the University of Pittsburgh he studied aldosterone kidney effects with support from the NIH and others. Certified in both Medicine and Nephrology by the ABIM he participates in their Maintenance of Certificate program for both specialties. He is a fellow in the American Society of Nephrology and the American College of Physicians. His daughter plans to pursue a career in nephrology and is currently training in Internal Medicine. Dr. Rokaw is thankful to all the dedicated people he works with and to the patients he serves.

2501 GREENWOOD ROAD, SHREVEPORT, LA 71103 318-631-1584

WK PALMETTO FAMILY PRACTICE

FAMILY MEDICINE

Dr. Lindsey Brown was born and raised in Brusly, LA, but she now calls ShreveportBossier City home. Dr. Brown enjoys developing lasting relationships with each of her patients to help best serve their health and well-being.

WK Palmetto Family Practice is a full-service family medicine clinic treating all ages, from newborns to geriatrics. We treat patients as members of our family, and when you visit our clinic, you will find an empathetic, skilled physician and staff.

1001 LACKLAND BLVD, STE 120 BENTON, LA 71006 • (318) 935-1522

Congratulations Dr. Kenneth Sanders People’s Choice SB Top Doctor!

Dr. Sanders is a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon who specializes in facial rejuvenation surgery (face-lifting), rhinoplasty (nose shaping), hair restoration surgery and all facial injectables. He has been in practice for 20 years and is an Associate Professor at LSU Health Shreveport for training of the Facial Plastic

in Nursing & A ied Health

why Don't work

s

BY COURTNEY HAMMONS BUTTS

estimated 45 million Americans begin a diet plan each year to lose weight, but many gain the weight back, sometimes more than when they started the diet. Popular fad diet programs help individuals lose weight, but why do people struggle to keep the weight off?

An

How to spot a fad diet

Fad diets are popular plans not based on long-term results, sustainability, or other regulated dietary recommendations. They usually don’t take into consideration health promotion and disease prevention. If the results sound too good to be true, they probably are.

Characteristics of fad diet plans:

Fast unsustainable results

Rapid weight loss

Specific food combinations

Rigid menus

Restriction

Cutting out whole food groups

The cycle of fad diets

Restricting food choices or cutting out whole food groups will decrease the total calories consumed. Therefore, you can expect to lose weight due to reduced calorie intake. Initially, your body will lose weight relatively quickly. After that, however, your body will adapt to the reduced calorie intake, removal of food groups, reduction in muscle mass, and initial diuretic effect. Your body adapts by decreasing metabolism to compensate for the reduced calories consumed.

Your body’s adaptation to the diet will decrease the initial effects of a diet, which is why a diet may have worked for you initially, but the effects of the diet may not continue over an extended period. When the diet stops producing results, is too restrictive, or becomes unsustainable, it is easy to abandon the diet, resume normal eating, and increase calorie intake—sometimes in excess due to the strict restrictions diets place on consumers. All of

this causes a quick increase and rebound in weight, sometimes gaining back more than when you initially began the diet.

Sure, fad diets do work. You often will see desirable weight loss results. However, the long-term effects of fad diets are often not discussed. In the long term, fad diets may cause a decrease in metabolism, digestive issues, and a distorted relationship between food and body image.

The solution? Create balance in your life and on your plate.

1. Consume balanced meals while allowing room for fun. Focus on consuming fiber and protein at every meal, as both protein and fiber keep you full for longer. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which helps keep you full from fewer calories and has many digestive benefits. In addition, lean protein sources have less saturated fat and help regulate appetite and blood sugar. Lastly, anti-inflammatory fats help you feel satisfied after meals and are heart-protective.

How to create a balanced plate:

Make ½ of your plate colorful from fruits/vegetables

Make ¼ of your plate from whole grains

Make ¼ of your plate from lean protein

Sprinkle in 3-4 servings of anti-inflammatory fats throughout the day

Incorporate your favorite fun foods daily

It is important to focus on what you can add to your plate, not what you need to take away from it. Having an abundance mindset with food can help you trust yourself with foods you may not feel in control around. In other words, normalize foods by intentionally incorporating them into your lifestyle. For example, do you feel out of control when around pizza? Start making pizza at home, add more fiber from vegetables and protein from lean meat, and pair it with a side salad. Or what about ice cream? Keep single-serving ice cream pops in your freezer to prioritize portion control. When these foods make regular appearances in your daily diet, it is less overwhelming when they are in social settings.

2. Go for sustainable weight loss. A healthy rate of weight loss is half a pound to two pounds per week. This steady rate of weight loss helps you keep the weight off. However, if you lose more than two pounds per week, you may risk losing muscle mass, thus lowering your metabolism and making it challenging to achieve sustainable weight loss.

3. Prioritize strength training. Prioritize strength, or resistance, training. Strength training with weights, like dumbbells or barbells, or resistance training with bodyweight exercises, like squats and pushups, can help an individual gain lean muscle mass, which will help increase metabolism by increasing the number of calories burned at rest. An added benefit of strength training is that it helps decrease bone loss and increase bone density—helping you prevent osteoporosis.

4. Try low-intensity cardio. Prioritize low-intensity cardio over high-intensity cardio, as excessive amounts of highintensity cardio can be perceived as stress to the body, which causes a spike in cortisol levels. A chronic increase in cortisol can negatively affect metabolism and weight loss, so focus on exercise, like walking, throughout the day. Set a daily step goal to challenge yourself.

5. Work with a dietitian. Registered Dietitians are food and nutrition experts. Fad diets lack an individualized approach, but dietitians have a knowledge base backed by science to give you an individualized, structured plan for your goals and lifestyle. Be careful what information you consume on the Internet. All dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians. Check your source.

Bottom Line

Fad diets aren’t inherently wrong, especially if they promote increased intake of foods that help prevent diseases or promote exercise, but they may not be suitable or sustainable for everyone. Talk with a dietitian to find the best-individualized, sustainable eating plan that suits you and your current lifestyle.  Courtney Hammons Butts, MS, RDN, LDN, is a weight loss dietitian at Courtney Butts Nutrition.

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NOT DYSLAZIA: DYSLEXIA

BY DONESA WALKER

THE NOISE WAS JUST TOO MUCH, and this job was yet another in the long line of jobs where she couldn’t handle the stress of all the voices mixed with all the demands. She sat with her head in her hands crying yet again, wondering why she couldn’t function, whether she was on meds or not. Nothing seemed to help her be able to process the rapid language and constant demand of the job at the same time as reading the charts.

She had trained and gone to school for this with very demanding days and nights, but now, everything that she had done seemed like a waste. As she sat down as the computer and began to search for solutions yet again, she saw an article describing the same issues she was having and just started reading. Suddenly, she thought, this is me. I’m not broken or lazy. My brain just needs a tune up.

The demands of the learning process are ongoing at all ages. These demands do not stop when one steps outside the classroom but rather intensify and spill over into the everyday causing doubt and frustration that is often overlooked and

Signs You Might Have Adult Dyslexia

misdiagnosed. Adult dyslexia is one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed learning difficulties.

Some common signs are:

→ Extrasensory intuition in judging people and situations, often known as street smart

→ Easily distracted and annoyed by other things in environment, like people smacking or pens clicking

→ May often appear to zone out or be unaware of what is happening but able to hyperfocus

→ Misspeaks, misuses, misspells, or mispronounces words without realizing it

→ May confuse conversations or often be accused of not listening

→ Difficulty remembering names of people without tricks but doesn’t forget a face

→ Difficulty remembering verbal instructions but highly creative

→ Poor recall of sequence of events but can describe visually in great details

→ May be perfectionist and overreact when a mistake is made

→ Out of the box thinker who adheres strictly to their own “rules”

→ Learns best with hands on experiences, demonstrations and uses a lot of visual aids

→ Avoids reading in public and other sequential tasks but is great at following others

→ Tends to thrive in hands on careers or careers where they can have others do the “reading” stuff

→ Avoids public speaking when reading is required but often is the life of the party when sharing thoughts

→ Reliance on spell check and often has poor handwriting, abbreviates frequently or uses all capital letters to mask spelling mistakes

→ Understands higher math but avoids showing it on paper

→ Relies on calculator, uses fingers

→ Struggles with directionality of north/south/east/west or even with right/left

→

High anxiety in unfamiliar places or situations especially with driving

→ Gets lost easily but never forgets a place they have been

→ Easily frustrated and highly anxious when put on the spot

→ Easily stressed or overwhelmed in new situations

→ Low self-esteem or overly selfconscious

attentional issues compound a dyslexic person’s struggles making it seem insurmountable when in fact there are solutions available to help learners of all ages to become the career minded individual that they desire to be.

but

Most adult dyslexics will demonstrate 1012 of the above signs but note that many of these seem very similar to those who struggle with attention. So how do you know if it is an attentional issue or dyslexia?

The first step is an initial assessment of cognitive skills to see where the underlying struggle is happening in the brain. Because ADHD and Dyslexia are often co-existing in many adults, it is often difficult to tell which is causing the struggle in the workplace or home. Identifying the why behind the struggle is important in the demanding technological environment of today’s workplace because the demands often cause high stress and early burnout. When partnered with things like high demand workplaces and lifestyles,

Brain training is a method that identifies the underlying weak cognitive skills and retrains them into strengths so that an individual who has struggled for a long period of time, perhaps their whole life, can overcome the struggles and gain a new confidence in their own abilities. The causes of dyslexia vary but most times, genetics or a family history are associated.

Confidently, she walks towards the building knowing that she is on the right track now. She has spent the time investing in herself through brain training and is now armed with the skills she needs to approach the job. Her career stands before her as an opportunity now instead of the dread of each day. She walks into the office with her head held high because she knows who she is; she has embraced the struggle and come out on top. The noise rushes around her

as she opens the door and she breathes deeply, centers herself and strides toward her desk…she knows she’s got this. It was worth the time and effort and knowing herself empowers her to fly high.

Donesa Walker, M. Ed., BCCS, is the owner of LearningRx Shreveport and Brain Train Learning Solutions Educational Consultants.

Stephen

proud of their home, to be development?

Here are several recommendations: (a) reduce the bureaucracy for getting permits and starting businesses; (b) consult with local businesses to find

Louisiana Economic Development department, chambers of commerce,

Do you think Shreveport should focus on bringing in large businesses or helping small home-grown businesses grow and why?

This is not an either-or issue. We need to be doing both. The city,

businesses to grow or get started. We should pay close attention to the businesses and people who are already here. Most large business transactions will start with the state or outside economic development professionals. The city should play a supportive role in those efforts, with

How will you address the problem of violent crime?

Violent crime presents a short-term and a long-term challenge. In the short term, we need as many officers doing direct police work as possible, even if that means using reserve or auxiliary officers or civilians in office positions when possible. In the long term, we must reduce the number of dilapidated buildings and other breeding grounds for crime and develop better relationships with the people in our neighborhoods.

Because of federal dollars flowing from COVID relief, as well as improved sales tax collections, the city has millions of dollars that are not allocated for specific items. I plan to use those dollars first to address

to grow. I also plan to focus on redevelopment of close-in neighborhoods, particularly historical neighborhoods, to encourage a return to the city.

Do you have a plan to bring in tourism dollars and how?

Shreveport has many great attractions – historical neighborhoods, live music and theater, great restaurants. I plan to be front and center in promoting those attractions in the region, as well as to assist in attracting large groups. Amateur athletic tournaments and events have unrealized potential to draw families to Shreveport for events.

How will you measure your own success?

I plan to set forth a long-term and short-term plan, with measurable objectives, once I am in office. I will measure myself, and my department heads, by achievement of those objectives, which I will publish for citizens to see. Beyond that, I will be able to judge my success by the attitudes and temperaments of Shreveporters. If they are prouder of their city, I will know we have succeeded.

How will you approach the budgeting process and what are your

services with excellence. After that, we must communicate to citizens the honest budget choices by identifying levels of service that would be affected, so citizens can have meaningful input into the choices. When I was on the City Council, the city did that, and I plan to implement a similar process as mayor. We must restore public confidence in the city’s

Shreveport will be a thriving

I propose to separate the management of public buildings from the provision of parks and recreation services. In addition, I proposed to

under the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). The city can implement both proposals without any increase in the city operating budget.

How do you propose to address population decline in Shreveport?

Once citizens perceive that the city is safe, professionally managed, and

Shreveport will be a safe city that welcomes civic discourse and participation in all facets

city will be resilient and boast informed and able to pivot quickly to solve problems.

Our best chance at brighter economic opportunities will come through improving quality of life for current residents by prioritizing public health and safety. We achieve this by improving infrastructure, removing blight, fortifying our law enforcement agencies and working with private partners to help the most vulnerable in our community. In addition to these strategies we must absolutely consider high yield incentives that entice companies into our area while creating consistency in policies and procedures so that any business can easily get to work in our city.

Do you think Shreveport should focus on bringing in large businesses or

I think we have to multitask. If we made it easier for small home-grown businesses to open up, that would mean we streamlined our processes and made them consistent, straightforward, and user friendly. A city that is open to business opportunities at a smaller level that nurtures entrepreneurs is also agile enough to support larger industries that hire our citizens and help us to welcome new residents. It’s time for Shreveport to raise our self-esteem and state firmly that we can have nice things, and our citizens deserve opportunities to grow their businesses on this side of the river with less resistance to new concepts

How will you address the problem of violent crime?

It’s time to accept that there must be multifaceted approaches to violent crime. A strong response to crime should be a deterrent. We’ve made strides in increasing officer visibility with Chief Smith. Community cooperation on investigations is critical. That requires trust and I think that trust is growing. We’ve been aided a lot by citizens’ willingness to share their security camera footage. I believe we can fine tune the Real Time Crime Center, but that will begin with a policy review

of the program. Beyond response we must think about preventing victimization. There are so many community driven tactics that have proven effective through studies across the country. We need to consider some of these strategies to work in tandem with law enforcement. It may be that private partners including the LSU Health Science Center, and Community Foundation of North Louisiana will come to the table to implement these programs with the City’s blessing. Ultimately let’s begin to think about all of the above: the same strategies that will make us fertile ground for new businesses will grow our population and make us safer.

What plans do you have for infrastructure improvements?

Halt sprawl. An organization called Urban3 is currently assessing the revenue productivity of Shreveport block by block. They’re combing every inch of infrastructure and every penny of revenue to determine where we get a return on investment and where we are hemorrhaging tax dollars. These studies tend to show productivity in older, often neglected, and more densely built areas like downtowns and surrounding core neighborhoods. My hypothesis is this is partially the case with Shreveport, and that we need to prioritize those areas for infrastructure improvements. We must repair and revitalize before we build more new infrastructure that induces demand outside of the city limits.

How will you approach the budgeting process and what are your priorities?

I believe Shreveport will benefit from implementing a strategy like outcome-based budgeting. The first step in outcome-based budgeting is setting priorities. If our desire is a safer, cleaner city we prioritize safety and city improvements. While recreation also serves as crime prevention, it may be that certain programs should be reimagined in order to see a savings. It may be that the adjustments are not drastic, but are still meaningful.

Do you propose to add or remove any departments and how will you keep department heads accountable?

It would be hasty to threaten departments without data showing the efficacy and productivity of those departments. With that said, results are a measure of success and accountability set through gauging metrics, productivity, morale, and employee turnover as well as training and transparency. Public service is more than customer service - it’s a calling. We are here to help our community and understanding the work changes lives, that at every level, from front line entry level to senior management is the most important thing to remember every day from the moment your feet hit the floor in the morning.

How do you propose to address population decline in Shreveport?

What makes us safer and more business friendly will help grow our population. Think “better not bigger” and bigger will follow. We need to be lofty and warm and fuzzy occasionally - people want to live in welcoming hospitable places where their neighbors are happy and thriving. Jobs come to places where people want to live. We have to shift our mindset to create a cheerful optimistic disposition about this city. The mayor’s job is to grab the reins and make this city safer, cleaner, and stronger for the current inhabitants so we will feel more optimism and pride.

Do you have a plan to bring in tourism dollars and how?

Let’s capitalize on our rich cultural heritage. Our roots are in music of every genre imaginable and we can’t keep letting opportunities pass us by. It’s more than Leadbelly and Elvis but that’s a great place to start. Let’s support our amazing festivals and give new creatives with great ideas the support they need to create new ways to interact and celebrate our cultural attributes. I’m ready for the Shreveport Civil Rights museum to be open so we can get a better understanding of our own history and reconcile the past.

How will you measure your own success?

Let’s use the hard data on businesses, crime rate, real estate closings in the core and improved neighborhood conditions. We have a lot of work to do. A lot of it may not be the shiny glitzy projects but a boring government is a government working hard to keep itself stable so people have fewer things to think about and can focus on the future for their families.

Mayor Adrian Perkins

What is your long term vision for Shreveport?

I want Shreveport to be the Distribution Capitol of the South! We have all the natural attributes with the river and our geographical location. We have the infrastructure with two interstates weaving through our city, a port, robust rail, and an airport. Recently, we’ve been able to attract distribution giants from the private industry to Shreveport like Amazon and help those already here grow like FEDEX and UPS. These are the ingredients needed to get such a crown and we’re well on our way.

What are your recommendations for increasing economic development?

Continuing to be aggressive like we have been. We created an actual economic development department opposed to a team of one. We’ve also worked well with the 18 plus economic development entities within the city and often helped coordinate efforts. We have the second fastest recovering economy in Louisiana post Covid and are top 3 in overall growth when adjusting for recent job announcements. Do you think Shreveport should focus on bringing in large businesses or helping small home-grown businesses grow and why?

We have to do both and my administration has done that. Our Fair Share Program supports minority, women, and locally owned, smaller disadvantaged businesses at a historic level while bringing in large companies like Amazon. We have to do both because diverse economies are the most resilient and focusing on one area opposed to another could create asymmetry making us too heavy in some areas and not heavy enough in others.

How will you address the problem of violent crime?

We will continue to push Community Oriented Policing while investing in our first responders and technology. Crime in Shreveport is coming down from the heights we saw in the pandemic and other like sized cities aren’t so fortunate. Our policies are working and we’re going to continue to do all we can to fight crime. As of today, Shreveport’s crime rate is lower than Jackson, Little Rock, Birmingham, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans.

What plans do you have for infrastructure improvement?

Continue focusing on the largest capital project in City history, the federal consent decree program we’re under for our sewer system. We’re going to spend over 500 million dollars and will likely have to spend over a billion. When my administration came in the program was extremely negligent having spent twice the amount of money only accomplishing half the work. We are going to seek some recompense from that irresponsibility to put more money back into the program and hopefully lift the more expensive water bill burden off the shoulders of our citizens.

How will you approach the budgeting process and what are your priorities?

We approach the budgeting process as a value statement. The things we spend public dollars on are the things we care about the most hence why Public Safety is our number 1 expenditure. Our other priorities continue to be Economic Development and Technology and we’ve increased the personnel and spending of both departments by more than 25 percent.

Do you propose to add or remove any departments and how will you keep department heads accountable?

I don’t propose adding or removing any departments seeing as though we’ve expanded economic development by 400 percent in their personnel and assumed responsibility of the MPC Jan 1. 2022. Managing that growth to be optimally effective is where we would put our focus in a second term, not expanding or cutting anything else. As far as accountability, myself and the CAO are going to continue our regular evaluation check ins with department heads to evaluate the good and bad of their leadership.

How do you propose to address population decline in Shreveport?

By continuing to attract jobs and changing the overall narrative about our city. Jobs, especially good paying jobs like we’re seeing arise in our economy, always attract people. Quality of life is just as attractive so we have to make sure we put the same energy into having great assets and describing them as we do in getting jobs and we’ll see our population numbers turn around.

Do you have a plan to bring in tourism dollars in?

Working more closely with the Shreveport Bossier Tourism Bureau and holding them more accountable. The City of Shreveport has its hands full in running government and all the specified and implied tasks that come along with that. The SBTB gets taxpayer dollars to attract tourists to our area. We have to work alongside them in accomplishing this because trying to pick up this responsibility will take away from some other area of government.

How will you measure your own success?

I will constantly review and work toward fulfilling my campaign promise like I do today. That’s the social contract I and my administration have to the citizens of Shreveport.

Gregory Tarver

What is your long-term vision for Shreveport?

My long-term vision for Shreveport is a city united to face both its opportunities and challenges. A city that operates with efficiency and meets the needs of all of its residents. A city whose citizens have a regained confidence in local government and is an enthusiastic partner to the business community. A city that attracts and nurtures young families and professionals that’s safely allows our young to enjoy their youth and our seniors to enjoy their golden years.

What are your recommendations for increasing economic development?

Shreveport has to become a more business friendly city by removing unnecessary regulations and restrictions and working with local companies who have invested their capital here. We must also work towards growing and supporting our local businesses and entrepreneurs while also improving our workforce capabilities to meet the needs of a growing business industry.

Do you think Shreveport should focus on bringing in large businesses or helping small home-grown businesses grow and why?

Experts tell us that small businesses have been and will continue to be the engine that drives any economic development. Our focus should be on revamping our workforce development program to meet the need of

the business community and the workers that serve them. We should foster a climate that supports new technology and manufacturing. Shreveport has never had a talent problem, ours has been a talent retention problem.

How will you address the problem of violent crime?

My approach to crime will be to call upon the State Police and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office to work in tandem with the Shreveport Police Department to develop plans to coordinate new approaches to fighting violent crime in our city. I would also employ technologies like “shot spotter” and crime cameras to get a handle on crime. Finally, we need to shut the revolving door at the courthouse.

What plans do you have for infrastructure improvements?

Driving around town is a constant reminder of the need for infrastructure improvements in Shreveport. Having to boil water is yet another reminder of the costly effects of failing to maintain safe and secure water and drainage systems. My plans will include the usage of one-time federal dollars on infrastructure wherever those funds present themselves. I will also seek guidance from experts on how to best address our other critical infrastructure needs.

How will you approach the budgeting process and what are your priorities?

My approach to the budget begins and ends with public input. State budgeting allows for citizen input and I will ensure that we will have public budget hearings before the budget is presented to the City Council. I will also look to find efficiencies within the budget to eliminate waste. As a businessman, I understand that to be successful Shreveport must have the ability to operate proficiently while not reducing the quality of the services received by residents.

Do you propose to add or remove any departments and how will you keep department heads accountable?

I am more concerned with current city departments functioning in a way that best serve the citizens of Shreveport than I’m concerned about reducing the number of departments. I will work with the Chief Administrative Officer, my staff and department heads to develop quantifiable objectives to be accomplished for each department. The department heads will be accountable to me on if those objectives have been put in place and I will be accountable to the citizens of Shreveport.

How do you propose to address population decline in Shreveport?

My family has been in Shreveport for over 150 years. Shreveport is a great place to raise a family. I have supported expansion at LSU Medical School as well as bringing Southern University Law Center to Shreveport. Improving our local schools and higher education institutions are fundamental to preparing future generations for the workforce and careers in our city. We must end the drainage of our youth and talented citizens to other cities because of lack of opportunity.

Do you have a plan to bring in tourism dollars and how?

I plan to prioritize Arts, Culture, Entertainment, Sports and Cuisine as I work with the Convention and Tourist Bureau to promote Shreveport in the Ark-La-Tex and throughout the nation. It is critical to work with Shreveporters to instill a city pride that will help us to market ourselves. In addition, a robust, bustling Downtown Shreveport that supports local flavor and celebrates our entrepreneurs is critical to achieving increased tourism.

How will you measure your own success?

In my opinion, success should be measured by how well we come together around Shreveport’s challenges and opportunities. I am of the belief that if we can realize that Shreveport is big enough for everyone, is committed to developing every community and can work to benefit every citizen, we will be a unified city. A unified Shreveport will not fail.

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Knowing

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blue van emblazoned with “Angels on the Go” across its side panels. This specially of Holy Angels unique wares at location across the Shreveport-Bossier area.

organization focuses on providing meaningful employment to persons with special needs. A recently secured Howdy’s sell the brands’ delicious frozen concoctions in the ShreveportBossier City area. Initial plans are to offer pints of ice cream at the AngelWorks Gift Shop, says Boswell.

AngelWorks enterprises offers a true win-win opportunity to

Tapping into a local source of unique gifts this holiday season is the angel that tops the tree.

CONNECTING PEOPLE TO THEIR DREAMS

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Lady of Sorrows from Romagna, Italy, arrived to offer their aid. A school

Parenting Style?

Every child is different, every parent is different, and every environment is different, so every parenting journey will differ from home to home.

In an article published in the StatPearls Online Medical Journal, authors Terrence Sanvictores and Magda D. Mendez explain how cultural backgrounds can influence how the family unit exists and how children are raised. Other things that impact child rearing are socioeconomic status and single parent families. It’s true that children can grow to be great in a variety of environments, but data proves that children raised in healthy two parent homes are more likely to reach greater heights that children raised in single parent homes or broken

two parent homes. Children begin to develop their morals, worldview, and codes of conduct right in their own homes. They watch their families, they observe their environment, and then they typically become what they’ve learned.

Research by Berkeley Developmental Psychologist Diana Baumrind back in the 1960s identified various parenting styles, and her research was refined in the 1990s by Stanford researchers Eleanor Maccoby and John Martin. There are four parenting styles: authoritarian, permissive, authoritative, and neglectful/uninvolved. Parents may fall in line with one style or a blend or more than one.

Here are descriptions of each parenting style as well as informative takes on how children reared within each parameter is impacted.

BY URSULA BRANTLEY

�������� AUTHORITARIAN

The authoritarian parent is the disciplinarian. They don’t stand for back talk, questioning, or anything along those lines. A CNBC report describes these parents as extremely strict and having little consideration for their children’s feelings, social-emotional or behavioral needs. Authoritarian parents tend to say the phrase “because I said so” quite often. There is little communication with their children and when communication is present it’s very one-sided.

Children reared in an authoritarian household are more well behaved because they know that the consequence for misbehaving is punishment. They know how to avoid punishment and get the task done. Children reared in the authoritarian parenting style can be shy, socially incompetent, and unable to make their own decisions.

�������� PERMISSIVE

The permissive style of parenting is generally seen as the ‘anything goes’ parenting style. With this style of parenting, the parent communicates

openly with their children and allows them the opportunity to make decisions for themselves, as opposed to parents making decisions for them. They are warm and loving parents, but they rarely establish boundaries or tell their children ‘no.’ Permissive parents go above and beyond to keep their children happy. They will do and allow almost anything as long as their kids get their way.

Children raised within a permissive environment have little to no rules enforced, which can lead to being impulsive, rebellious, or having a lack of self-control among other things, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).

�������� AUTHORITATIVE

Authoritative parents often see their home almost like a democracy. They listen to their children’s views and opinions, but the final decision is made by the parent and in the best interest of everyone. The CNBC report described authoritative parents as those who set clear rules and expectations for their children while practicing flexibility and understanding. Authoritative parents attempt to use situations as a learning opportunity. They explain the ins and outs of everything so

that their children know why certain rules are in place or why things are the way that they are. They want their children to understand themselves and the world around them.

parenting

Children reared with an authoritative parenting style are more likely to be curious and cooperative, to have self-control, and to be achievement oriented, says the APA.

�������� NEGLECTFUL/UNINVOLVED

Under the neglectful or uninvolved parenting style, children basically raise themselves. These parents literally don’t care or place other priorities above their children. Neglectful or uninvolved parents offer little to no guidance or attention. They regularly ignore their children or even push their children off on other people or things. These types of parents may provide their child’s basic needs, but anything above that isn’t a concern.

Children reared by uninvolved parents are described in the StatPearls Journal article as being resilient and more selfsufficient than children with other types of upbringings. They might also have trouble controlling their emotions, possess less effective coping strategies, may have academic challenges, and may have difficulty with maintaining or nurturing social relationships.

WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

Which parenting style do you most identify with? Or do you have a blend of more than one style? Does your parenting style meet the needs of your child? It’s never too late to incorporate new strategies if you want to make changes to your parenting style.

N AVA RR A C O L L E CTIO N

It’s almost time for trick-or-treating! is a fun time for us, but it can be a real fright for our pets. A dog’s natural instinct is to protect the home and alert you to strangers, while a cat typically prefers a quiet evening with the family. Trick-or-treaters knocking on your door or ringing the doorbell can be very stressful for both dogs and cats.

Halloween can be a spooky night but keeping your pet safe doesn’t have to be tricky. Check out these tips and tricks to keep your pet safe on a Happy Howl-O-Ween!

Watch the Treat Bowl Candies can be very toxic to pets, especially chocolate (baking, dark, milk, etc.) and xylitol (a sugar substitute) which are common ingredients in many candies. Keep all treats out of paws’ reach. The candy bowl is for trick-or-treaters—not for Fluffy. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison

Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately if your pet gets into the Halloween treats. Luckily, there are plenty of pet-safe Halloween recipes online that you can make for your pet to enjoy safely.

Halloween Pet Costumes

Don’t force a costume on your pet. Not all pets enjoy wearing a costume. Most pets prefer their birthday suit, and costumes can be an unnecessary source of stress and anxiety. If you do dress up your pet, make sure your pet is comfortable. The costume should not block their sight or ability to breathe, bark, or meow. Check the costume carefully for dangling objects that can be chewed off and eaten, and make sure your pet can move around easily and not get overheated. Always have your pet try on the costume before the big night and if they seem distressed, consider skipping the costume this year.

Decorations Dangers

Decorations can be a choking hazard and a danger to your pet. Many decorations may contain wires, which is a problem if chewed. Popular

Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are relatively nontoxic but can result in stomach issues for pets who nibble on them. In addition, a piece of the pumpkin rind could cause an intestinal blockage. Also, keep in mind while a carved pumpkin is certainly a lot of fun, a pet can easily knock over a lit pumpkin and start a fire, and a curious feline is especially at risk of getting singed by a candle flame.

Pet Identification Halloween brings a rush of activity to your front door, and these strangers can often spook your pet and cause them to run away. So, when opening the door for trick-or-treaters, be careful that your dog or cat doesn’t

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dart outside. But just in case they make

dart outside. But just in case they escape, make sure your pets have identification (a collar with ID tags and/or a microchip) that will make it easy for someone to contact you and return your pet home.

Halloween is a fun start to the holiday season, but just remember it can be frightening and dangerous for your pet. However, with a little extra precaution, you and your pet can safely celebrate this spooktacular day!

GOOD TO KNOW

MASTER GARDENER FALL BULB SALE

The Northwest Louisiana Master Gardeners proudly present their annual Fall Bulb Sale, Saturday, October 29, 2022, 8 am to noon, at at the Red River Research Station, 262 Research Station Road in Bossier. Featured are hardto-find heirloom bulbs that you can’t buy in stores. Many of the bulbs come from Master Gardeners’ gardens and have been dug up from old home sites. There will be thousands of heirloom bulbs (over thirty varieties) that thrive in the South for sale. Featured bulbs this year include jumbo Amaryllis, many varieties of Narcissus, Allium, Agapanthus, Gladiolus, Asiatic lilies, Peony, and Spider Lilies. There will also be a variety of seeds including Sweet Pea, Bachelor Button, Larkspur, Corn Poppy, Love in the Mist, and a Wildflower mix.

WILLIS-KNIGHTON RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF AMERICA’S BEST-IN-STATE EMPLOYERS

Willis-Knighton Health System has again been recognized as part of Forbes’ annual list of America’s Best-in-State Employers 2022. Willis-Knighton was ranked No. 19 among Louisiana employers, the only Northwest Louisiana health system in the top 20. The award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the worldleading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The complete list can be viewed by state on the Forbes website https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-employers-by-state/ “Willis-Knighton is not just a great place to receive care, it’s also a great place to work for people who share our mission to continuously improve the health and well-being of the people we serve,” says Jaf Fielder, WillisKnighton president and CEO. “We are proud to receive this recognition by Forbes. It is a testament to our commitment to providing a work environment where individuals can thrive and grow personally and professionally. We are honored that our colleagues recommend care at WillisKnighton to their families and friends.”

2022-2023 ROTARIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

On Tuesday, September 6, 2021, Immediate Past President Lawrence Calhoun presented the Rotarian of the Year Award to Scott Wysong. Scott is a native of Texas, who received his B.A. in Economics from Vanderbilt

University and his MBA and Ph.D. in Marketing from the University of Texas-Arlington. He is the owner of a sports marketing company, Wysong Brand Solutions. He is also a professor of marketing and Academic Program Director for the Sports and Entertainment program at the University of Dallas. He joined the Rotary Club of Shreveport in 2012 and is a Paul Harris Fellow. He served as a Club Director in 2015 - 2016 and has chaired various fundraising efforts for several years. During the struggles of COVID-19, he developed fundraising events for the Rotary Club of Shreveport that made it possible for the club to complete their $125,000 commitment to the Common Ground, a local 501c3 nonprofit organization.

This award was initiated by then club president, Larry Evensky, during the 2012-2013 Rotary year to recognize a non-Board member who was very helpful to the president in fulfilling that year’s goals. The award is named in memory of a beloved club president who was instrumental in developing membership and in raising funds for The Rotary Foundation.

SCI-PORT AND MUDBUGS TEAM UP

Rotary that parties home

Sci-Port Discovery Center and the Mudbugs Hockey Team are proud to announce a joint venture that aims to cross promote the two brands and bring new elements of entertainment and education to guests of all ages. This collaboration includes the opening of the Sci-Port Sensory Room, Sci-Port and Mudbugs themed birthday parties at both locations, and field trip packages for schools and groups. In support of Sci-Port Discovery Center, The Mudbugs Hockey Team will introduce the new Sci-Port Sensory Room designed for fans who need a quiet retreat during the games. This sensory room will be equipped with items such as coloring sheets, fuzzy rugs, soft lighting, fidget toys, weighted lap blankets and vests, sensory toys, and more. The Sci-Port Sensory Room opens September 23 for the first home game of 2022-2023.

Themed birthday parties are another benefit of the partnership. George’s Pond will offer a Sci-Port birthday party package designed to offer skating groups educational experiences related to the science of ice and the rules of

Scott Wysong, Rotarian of the Year, and Immediate Past President, Lawrence Calhoun.

to discuss things for which we are grateful. As part of the Ask Me Anything (AMA) monthly contributor, we discussed a few rights we are thankful for within the legal system.

As an attorney, what do you believe is the constitutional right for which most people should be grateful?

As a practicing criminal defense attorney, I realize the importance of the Fifth Amendment. The Fifth Amendment of the Constitution

these fundamental rights should instill gratitude in every American.

administer these rights immediately. An arresting officer must tell right to an attorney; if they cannot afford an attorney, the

When talking with clients, what do they most often say is their most important constitutional right?

Hands down, the most quoted right is freedom of speech. Americans can say what they want! We live in a country where you can disagree with the government. Unfortunately, many people around the world do not have this right. As Americans, we can speak against or speak ill of America. All speech is protected, whether or not we agree with what is said.

religious freedom. Most Americans consider their religious freedom a divine right.

amendment stating, “Congress shall make thereof...” So many people exercise this right weekly and fail to realize it derives

This article is not intended to be formal legal advice or the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Please seek

hockey. Sci-Port will provide a Mudbug-themed party, which will offer a variety of hockey-themed activities and items such as player visits, jerseys, hockey sticks, and gift items as provided by the Shreveport Mudbugs hockey team. The third component of the partnership includes recommendations to both local and out-of-town groups to experience what these northwest Louisiana attractions have to offer. Guests will be encouraged to “make a day of it” says Gracie Dobrosky with the Shreveport Mudbugs Hockey team. “When a group is planning a trip, adding both stops-George’s Pond to skate and Sci-Port Discovery Center to experience the exhibits and the IMAX Dome®--makes for a fun-filled day,” Dobrosky added.

LOUISIANA COMMITTEE OF 100

The Committee of 100 for Economic Development, Inc. has selected Rick Simpson as a member for 2022. C100 Executive Committee Member Linda Biernacki stated, “C100 is excited to have Rick. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the membership of C100 that will greatly benefit our members and the citizens of our state.” Rick is the founder, CEO and President of Professional Sitter Services, LLC, in Shreveport. Prior to his work in Shreveport, Rick represented top brands for product integration for the motion picture divisions of Warner Brothers Studios, Walt Disney Pictures, Touchstone Pictures, DreamWorks, Buena Vista Pictures, Castle Rock, Skydance, and Sony. Rick has extensive experience in the hospitality industry, including opening and developing the Graciela Hotel (now known as Hotel Amarano) in Burbank, California, and completing the Ritz Carlton Hospitality executive training program in 2001 in Los Angeles under the leadership of the program’s founder, Horst Schulze. A Shreveport native, Rick attended Louisiana Tech University and is a member of the Shreveport Bossier Executive Association, the Board of Directors for Robinson Film Center in Shreveport and is serving on the current committee for the Shreveport Regional Arts Council.

High School and Northwestern State University, presents the Louisiana premiere of her film, Policing Joy, a short documentary about hair bias in schools, on Thursday, September 29, 2022, with screenings at 10:30 AM and 7:00 PM at the Robinson Film Center. A director and community talkback will follow each screening. Tracey received her BS at Northwestern State University of Louisiana and her MFA in film from Howard University. She currently resides in Los Angeles, California. The Shreveport screening of Policing Joy is sponsored by Southern University Museum of Art at Shreveport, Data Analytic Research Hub, the North Louisiana Civil Rights Coalition, and the YWCA of Northwest Louisiana.

RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES PLANS EXPANSION INTO SHREVEPORT

For Immediate Release

Radiance Technologies (Radiance), a national leader in defense technologies and solutions, commits to expanding the economic development of the Shreveport-Bossier City region. Radiance recently partnered with BRF, a North Louisiana economic development organization, to expand its office in Shreveport. “We welcome Radiance’s expansion in Shreveport at BRF’s InterTech 1 facility located on Kings Highway near downtown,” said John F. George Jr., M.D., BRF President and CEO. “Radiance and its CEO Bill Bailey have been supporters of the region since his time here at Barksdale Air Force Base. His title sponsorship of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl is another example of his commitment to the area. The new positions coming with Radiance’s planned expansion are high quality jobs for our region.”

Editorial Contact:

Tracey Reneè, Director

To support efforts at both Air Force Global Strike Command and all mission areas across the company, Radiance plans to hire up to 150 high-tech research and development professionals in Shreveport-Bossier City in the next three to five years. “Growing our presence in North Louisiana pleases me to no end. Barksdale AFB, ShreveportBossier, and Louisiana Tech were foundational and transformational for me,” said Radiance CEO Bill Bailey. “Being postured to better support Global Strike will ensure that Radiance continues to do what’s important to ussupport our warfighters. The business case for growing in North Louisiana is solid. The BRF, Shreveport-Bossier, and LED have made it known that they want us in Louisiana.”

CENTENARY SUZUKI SCHOOL APPLAUDS INTERNA TIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF LONGTIME STUDENT

SHREVEPORT NATIVE MAKES LOUISIANA PREMIERE OF FILM POLICING JOY

Filmmaker Tracey Reneè brings film home for screening at the Robinson Film Center. Director Tracey Reneè, Louisiana native and graduate of Huntington

Local violinist Cal Alexander, who has “grown up” in the Centenary Suzuki School (CSS) at Centenary’s Hurley School of Music, recently won prizes in two international violin competitions. Alexander took second prize in the Jr. Tibor Varga International Violin Competition in Switzerland on September 3, where he also received the Audience Choice Award and the Senior Jury Award. On August 19, Alexander placed third out of 17 semifinalists in the Cooper International Violin Competition held at Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio.

Since 2015, Always Best Care has helped thousands of families with non-medical in-home care and assisted living referral services, making it one of six businesses in 2017 to receive Top Business of the Year awards at the J. Pat Beaird Industry & Top Businesses of the Year Awards Luncheon.

Always Best Care resources include an extensive library to help the family make better-informed decisions on senior care and more. Their vision is to work as a united team providing the best care with the broadest range of services and the most loving and consistent care anywhere. All employee caregivers are screened, reference checked, drug screened, background cleared, driver’s license verified, and given approximately twenty hours of training in-house.

Always Best Care provides senior care in communities of Northwest Louisiana, including Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, Red River, Sabine, and Natchitoches parishes, combining national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service.

“Our goal is to join your family’s journey and provide the absolute best care plan for your loved one,” says Keith Carter. “Our entire team has your loved one’s best interest at heart, and we’ll ensure that exceptional service and care are provided to all family members.”

Owners Keith, Kimberly, Kennedy and Karrington Carter live in Shreveport with their dogs Krewes and Kash. Speak to one of their Care Managers today and let one of their 70 certified caregivers take care of you and your family.

For information, contact Always Best Care Senior Services at 318.424.5300 or www.abc-shreveport.com

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While advising clients can take many avenues, our team shares a common vision: to help clients develop clear direction for their finances and their life by providing guidance along the way.

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“It is quite an accomplishment for a student from Shreveport to be accepted at a major international competition,” said Laura Crawford, CSS founder and Alexander’s violin instructor for the past ten years. “Most of the students come from large cities or from musical hubs in Korea, Japan, China, or Bulgaria. Cal has spent hours practicing and making video tapes for the applications, and to be one of only a dozen invited is quite a feat. To reach the top six, then the top three is almost unheard of from a place like Shreveport. He has received a Second Prize and Third Prize at two junior international competitions at age 17!”

In addition to studying under Crawford, Alexander has also recently been working with Jan Sloman in Dallas and has spent the past three summers in the Perlman Music Program in New York studying with Itzhak Perlman, Catherine Cho, and Li Lin. He performs with the Centenary Youth Orchestra and has appeared twice as a soloist with the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra in its family concerts. Alexander also won the prestigious Lynn Harrell Competition in April 2021 and soloed at the Myerson Center with the Dallas Symphony in June 2021.

He attends Caddo Magnet High School in Shreveport and has been chosen to serve on the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council and as Lt. Governor for the Division G of the Louisiana Key Club. Alexander was a finalist in the Scripps National Spelling Bee as an 8th grader and has continued his spelling career in high school, winning second place in the Medical Spelling Competition at the International Leadership Conference for HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) in Nashville, Tennessee, in June 2022.

SPORTRAN NAMES NEW CHIEF OF STAFF

SporTran and parent company, Metro Management, are proud to announce the appointment of Jimmy D. Thomas to the position of Chief of Staff for the public transit agency. Thomas is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A passion for public service led him to a career in transit with Baton Rouge’s Capital Area Transit System, where he began as a bus operator. During his tenure, he rose through the ranks to serve in several positions across the operations management spectrum, including road supervision, drug and alcohol program management, Paratransit/ On-Demand management, customer service, community relations, and safety. Most recently, he served as Executive Manager, becoming a catalyst for change by shaping the employee experience through staff feedback and training. Thomas’ responsibilities for Metro Management, Inc. include handling the day-to-day operations of SporTran

while strategically improving employees’ work-life balance. He will also take the lead in acquiring additional transit properties and contracts along the Gulf Coast Region, from Texas to Georgia.

GASTROINTESTINAL SPECIALISTS, A.M.C. RECEIVES TWO NATIONAL ACCREDITATIONS

Gastrointestinal Specialists, A.M.C. (GIS) recently received separate accreditations from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). Shreveport Endoscopy Center, which is part of Gastrointestinal Specialists, was recognized by AAAHC for the high-quality care that it safely provides to its patients. The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care is considered the leader in ambulatory healthcare accreditation. Earlier this year, Shreveport Endoscopy Center was named to Newsweek’s list of “America’s Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers.”

LSU HEALTH SHREVEPORT RECEIVES GIFT TO ESTABLISH THE RONALD B. GEORGE, MD MEMORIAL ENDOWED CHEST AWARD

LSU Health Shreveport has received a $25,000 gift from Joan George Kane, sister of the late Dr. Ronald B. “Ronnie” George, to create the Ronald B. George, MD Memorial Endowed CHEST Award. The gift honors Dr. George’s legacy of dedication to the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) and the students, residents, and pulmonary fellows he trained as founder and chief of the Pulmonary and Critical Care Division at LSU Health Shreveport. Dr. George was a beloved professor at the LSUHS School of Medicine and a nationally renowned pulmonologist known for diagnosing complex lung disease cases. He was appointed Chairman of the Department of Medicine in 1992 until his retirement in 2000 and served as Emeritus Chairman of the department until his passing in July 2021.

The award will be bestowed each year to a current LSU Health Shreveport fellow who has exhibited excellence in patient care, research, and service to the Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Division. The award will fund the fellow’s attendance at the annual CHEST conference. Dr. George was a firm believer in the benefits of attending the annual CHEST conference. In 1993, he was elected president of CHEST. In 2001, he was selected as a Master Fellow of CHEST, an elite honor that has only been given to forty CHEST physicians in the past 42 years.

and Shreveport. renowned was Critical

“I am deeply grateful for this gift honoring Dr. George and his lasting legacy at LSU Health Shreveport and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care,” said Dr. Robert Walter, Division Chief of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. “Dr. George was a dedicated physician and mentor to many in the pulmonology field. Through this endowment, newly trained pulmonologists will be able to expand their knowledge and learn from other experts in this field. It is an honor to present this award and support the next generation.”

TECK Solutions, LLC. envisions being recognized for our expertise in transportation, integrity, and responsibility, as well as satisfying the needs of the clients we serve. Having cultivated our chauffeurs to become the best in their field, we can ensure that we can offer services of the highest quality. Our drivers are professional, licensed, and have years of driving experience. They are regularly assessed and oriented to always respond to clients with sensitivity, integrity, and promptness. Our company has also carefully selected the fleet to accommodate all of your medical transportation needs. In order to ensure that our clients do not encounter any car problems during the course of our services, we regularly check and maintain the quality of vehicles.

Our mission is to ensure that our clients reach their destinations punctually and safely with reliable and comfortable transportation. Putting our client’s needs first is one of our priorities.

“WE ARE THE SOLUTION TO YOUR

ELSIE

SB EVENTS OCTOBER 16NOVEMBER 15

SOLO - CRITICAL MASS 9 & 10 WINNERS EXHIBITIONS

Venue: Artspace

Dates: Sep. 16 – Oct. 29 Times: see website for hours Info: www.artspaceshreveport.com (318) 673-6535

THE FRENCH REVOLUTION ON FILM

Venue: R.W. Norton Art Gallery Dates: Sep. 16 – Oct. 30 Times: 1 PM – 5 PM Info: rwnaf.org

Exhibit featuring two dozen vintage film posters, like the Polish “Danton,” from the collection of Dr. Michael Creswell, spanning nearly a century of cinema history from 10 different countries.

DIXIE MAZE FARMS FALL FEST

Venue: Dixie Maze Farms Dates: Sep. 24 – Oct. 31 Times: see website for hours Info: dixiemaze.com

CONTAINED 4 EXHIBIT

Venue: East Bank Gallery 400-1100 Blocks of Barksdale Blvd Dates: Oct. 4 – Nov. 29 Times: 6 PM to 8 PM Info: Bossier Arts Council BAC on Facebook – (318) 741-8310

POPCORN FALLS

Venue: Shreveport Little Theatre

Dates: Oct. 13-16, Oct. 21-23 Times: Oct. 13-15, 21-22 at 7:30 PM & Oct. 16, 23 at 2 PM Info: www.shreveportlittletheatre.com (318) 424-4439

Popcorn Falls. Population: Unhinged! 2 actors, 21 wacky characters

THE MUSIC OF ABBA PERFORMED BY ABBACADABRA

Venue: Shreveport Riverview Theatre Date: Oct. 15 Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Info: www.shreveportsymphony.com

AUREUM

Venue: The Strand Theatre Date: Oct. 18 Time: 7:30 PM

PRIZE FEST 2022

Venue: Downtown Shreveport (Various Venues) Dates: Weekend 2 Oct. 15-23

Info: thestrandtheatre.com (318) 226-8555

Authentic Mexican Meals

Times: see website for schedule Info: prizefest.com

Music, films, fashion, food, and comedy! Local artists compete for over $100,000 in cash prizes!

CHRIS STAPLETON

Venue: Brookshire Grocery Arena

Date: Oct. 21 Time: 7 PM Info: brookshiregroceryarena.com Special guest Elle King

9TH ASEANA AUTUMN FESTIVAL

Venue: Aseana Asian Gardens of Shreveport 800 Texas Ave. Milam St. at Common St. Date: Oct. 22 Time: 11 AM – 5 PM Info: Aseana Foundation on Facebook

THE MANN’S CONCERT & COMEDY SHOW

Venue: Shreveport Municipal Auditorium Date: Oct. 22 Time: 7 PM Info: ShreveportMunicipalAuditorium.com (318) 841-4000

MAYORAL FORUM

Venue: Southwood High School Auditorium Date: Oct. 25

Time: 5 PM – 7 PM Organized by SHBA, SHNA, and the League of Women Voters.

andSaraMorgan

LoveinBloomDonnaBrian

OPERA NIGHT DINNER

FEATURING THE CAST OF THE BARBER OF SEVILLE

Venue: The Petroleum Club

Date: Oct. 27

Time: 6:30 PM

Info: (318) 227-9503

boxoffice@shreveportopera.org

Dinner and music featuring the principal artists of the upcoming production of The Barber of Seville.

STATE FAIR OF LOUISIANA

Venue: Louisiana State Fairgrounds

Dates: Oct. 27 – Nov. 13

Times: see website for schedule Info: www.statefairoflouisiana.com

Featured Events:

Oct. 27: Dollar Day - $1 Gate Admission, $1 Parking, $1 Rides Oct. 30: Latino Day Nov. 4 – 6: LRCA Finals Rodeo

BREW: SHREVEPORT’S BEER FESTIVAL

Venue: Festival Plaza

Date: Oct. 29

Time: 2 PM – 5 PM Info: www.shreveportbrew.com (318) 226-5641

BREW is a fundraiser for Red River Revel and Mudbug Madness.

BLUE’S CLUES & YOU!

LIVE ON STAGE

Venue: Shreveport Municipal Auditorium

Date: Nov. 1 Time: 6 PM

Info: ShreveportMunicipal Auditorium.com

*Show contains flashing lights, haze (fog), and confetti

BLITHE SPIRIT

Venue: East Bank Theatre

Dates: Nov. 5-6, Nov. 11-13

Times: Nov. 5, 11-12 at 7 PM Nov. 6, 13 at 3 PM

Info: www.bossierarts.org

Tickets via Eventbrite

This show was a work in progress when the Company Repertory Theatre founder, Richard Folmer passed away. The cast and crew completed this project in his honor .

THE SHREVEPORT

OPERA PRESENTS THE BARBER OF SEVILLE

Venue: Riverview Theater

Date: Nov. 12

Time: 7:30 PM

SBC GLO FEST

Venue: Louisiana Boardwalk Date: Nov. 4

Time: 7 PM – 11 PM Info: Shreveport Regional Arts Center on Facebook

Info: (318) 227-9503

boxoffice@shreveportopera.org

Sung in Italian with English translation projected above the stage.

SECOND SATURDAY DOWNTOWN

BOSSIER CITY FARMERS MARKET

CREATE YOUR GLASS-BLOWING ART WORKSHOPS

Venue:

APPLE Caramel Pie

Apple Pie deserves a place on your table this fall! When you pop it in the oven, the cinnamon, apple, and caramel will fill your kitchen with that irresistible smell. This easy recipe delivers impressive results that your friends and family will love. While you can make your pie crust from scratch, this pie is absolutely incredible with the premade roll-out crusts as well.

EQUIPMENT: 9" Pie plate, Peeler

INGREDIENTS

Granny Smith

approx. 6 cups

sliced thin

cinnamon

butter

flour

sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

2 tbsp water

1 tsp lemon juice

sugar

2 ready-made roll-out pie crusts

milk, half and half, or cream

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Peel, core, and slice apples thin. Place them in a large bowl, sprinkle the cinnamon onto the apples, and stir to combine thoroughly.

The caramel sauce, in a medium saucepan, melt butter, then whisk in flour until combined. Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, and water. Mix to combine well. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat, simmer for 3 minutes. Stir in lemon juice.

Pour caramel sauce over prepared apples and stir well to thoroughly incorporate and coat each apple. The sauce will thin out as you stir from the juices of the apples, so make sure to really combine and cover all the apples.

Place your bottom pie crust into your pan and gently spoon the apple pie filling into the pie crust, and smooth it to even out.

Place the top crust on and trim any excess crust. Pinch the crust to seal the top and bottom edges. Cut slits into the center of the crust to allow steam to escape. Brush crust with milk. Use aluminum foil or a pie shield to cover the edges of the pie.

Place your pie on the center rack and bake for 50 minutes or until the crust is golden. Allow the pie to cool for at least a full hour before cutting. This pie is best served the following day.

CIDER Apple Margarita

is such a great season! The leaves change colors, you can pick pumpkins, dress up for Halloween, and drink as much apple cider as you want! Here is an easy recipe if you want to spice up your apple cider drink by adding in some alcohol. We know that margaritas are a popular drink here in Louisiana, so it only makes sense that we made an apple cider margarita for fall! This recipe is perfect to make for a holiday party or special family occasion like Thanksgiving. Or, if you want to have a fun and cozy night in, this drink is perfect to drink at home while watching a spooky Halloween movie.

INGREDIENTS

cup apple cider

shot glass of

glass of Triple

INSTRUCTIONS

apple slices

and cinnamon

rim

a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.

Add apple cider, tequila, and triple sec and shake for 10 seconds.

cinnamon and sugar in a shallow dish.

lime wedges around the edge of 2 rocks glasses

each glass with the sugar.

each glass with ice cubes.

cider mixture evenly

the 2 glasses.

each cocktail with apple slices

a cinnamon stick,

desired.