STRAIGHT TEETH: Orthodontics for
All Ages
Better
SMILES in the New Year
by Alisha McMillen
Dr.Rizwan Khan of Smile Studio Orthodontics has created better smiles in the Richmond area for almost 15 years. “My number one priority is always maintaining a patient-centric practice. It’s never, ‘get in, get out.’ I make myself super available, and I always oversee all patient care. High-quality care for both children and adults is of the utmost importance,” he explains.
Orthodontics vs. Standard Dentistry
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. “Orthodontics aims to achieve a harmonious and properly aligned bite, enhancing both oral health and aesthetics,” Dr. Khan says. “The significance of orthodontics lies in its ability to correct issues that can impact speech, chewing, facial symmetry, and overall wellbeing, including misalignment, bite problems, overcrowded teeth, and gaps in the teeth.” With teeth straightening technology, including alternatives to traditional metal braces like Invisalign, now available in select general dentist offices, you may wonder why you should choose an orthodontist for your teeth straightening journey. “Orthodontists
have several additional years of training in straightening teeth,” Dr. Khan explains. “We also have specialized and dedicated technology to streamline the straightening process.” Smile Studio Orthodontics offers 3D digital scans, digital x-rays, Invisalign, and traditional and clear braces.
The Right Age to See an Orthodontist
“It’s a common misconception that you need to wait for all the baby teeth to come out to begin orthodontic care,” explains Dr. Khan. “Certain growth issues can often only be fixed at an early age.”
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children first visit an orthodontist by the age of seven. “An early checkup allows the orthodontist to identify and address any developing problems early,” Dr. Khan continues. “At age seven, a child’s mouth and face are still developing, so there’s time to identify and address problems to guide optimal growth.”
Some signs your child may need to see an orthodontist include: difficulty chewing or biting; breathing through the mouth; thumb sucking; difficulty speaking; facial imbalance; and grinding or clenching teeth.
Trust Smile Studio Orthodontics
Smile Studio Orthodontics is owned, managed, and operated solely by Dr. Khan. “We are a medium-size boutique practice with an emphasis on high-quality care and excellent customer service. We are not a high-volume mill or a corporate chain, and I want to keep it that way,” he says.
“My mother was a beloved pediatrician who made it her life goal to always put her patients first,” he continues. A highly regarded, established orthodontist in our community, Dr. Khan practices his mother’s same passion for patient care every day. With more than 700 reviews, Smile Studio Orthodontics sustains a perfect, and extremely rare, 5-star rating on Google.
Contact Smile Studio Orthodontics today for a free consultation. Dr. Khan concludes, “No matter your age, it’s never too late for a radiant smile.”
Orthodontics
Lifestyles & Living Health Care Built for a King
By Alisha McMillen
Did you know? The U.S. News and World Report evaluated 584 hospitals in Texas and ranked hospitals in the Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, McAllen and San Antonio metro areas. The number one hospital in Texas is Houston Methodist Hospital.
And we have our own Methodist Medical Center right in the heart of Sugar Land to serve our community’s medical needs, along with Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, a Level IV Trauma Center, St. Luke’s Sugar Land, and OakBend Medical Center just down Highway 59. This means our community has more than 800 hospital beds ready for our residents when they need one and they are all part of the most trusted hospitals in Houston, which has the largest medical center in the world.
“Living in Sugar Land for almost 30 years, I’ve seen the medical care in our city develop into something to be proud of,” says Cathy Stubbs, leader of the successful and respected Cathy Stubbs team. A Realtor specializing in Fort Bend County neighborhoods for more than three decades, she knows everything there is to know about Sugar Land’s amenities and benefits.
Cathy feels extremely fortunate to live and work in not only one of the most beautiful communities in the world, but one with the best medical care available.
“My husband and I chose to raise our children – one daughter and one son – in this community for so many reasons. The amazing medical care available to my family was one of those reasons especially when you have a typical rough-and-tumble boy in the family,” she laughs.
With more than 500 physicians to choose from, and 6,000 nurses supporting them, the county has countless professional buildings conveniently located throughout the city.
Texas Children’s Hospital, the number one children’s hospital in Texas, offers pediatric practices throughout the county, so residents can see the best pediatricians without driving into the city. Similarly, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, which has been ranked number one in the nation for cancer care by the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” survey for 10 years in a row, has a satellite location right here in Sugar Land at St. Luke’s Hospital.
The area also boasts three rehabilitation hospitals –Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sugar Land, Kindred Hospital Sugar Land, and Sugar Land Rehab Hospital. Add to that several stand-alone ERs, urgent care facilities and clinics, and support services like pharmacies, including several specialty pharmacies and compounding pharmacies, and medical supply stores, and everything is at your fingertips in minutes.
If you’re in the market to buy or sell a home, don’t hesitate to reach out to Cathy and her team. “Excellent healthcare is just one of the great reasons to move into Fort Bend County,” Cathy concludes. “Let us find the perfect home for your family. My associates and I love seeing the smiling faces of so many new homeowners in our community.”
Cathy Stubbs Team | www.cathystubbs.com | 281-967-6149
On the cover:
Business Editor Alisha McMillen
Layout and Design Night Sky Creative
Account Executives
John McMillen
Gina Pizzini
Miki Stripling
Writers Alisha McMillen
Amy Sharp
Nicole Grace
Photography J. Thomas “Jay” Ford
UpClose Magazine is published monthly and direct mailed to 75,000 homes. For information on having your business featured in UpClose, call 832-567-9712
john@upclosemagazine.com
Serving Our Community’s Seniors
The Exchange Club of Sugar Land serves dozens of organizations every year. Near and dear to attorney Juli Fournier’s heart is the Service to Seniors program. “Our member and friend Cookie Joe has been involved for more than a decade,” Juli says. “She takes her responsibility of service to our seniors very seriously.”
“Every member of the Exchange Club has the heart to serve,” says Cookie Joe. “We ask – how can we help? What do you need?”
To that end, Cookie Joe is a fixture on the first Friday of each month at the Fifth Street Community Center in Stafford. “We call Bingo games with prizes for winners – we seniors take our Bingo VERY seriously! We provide lunch in cooperation with Meals on Wheels. And we even perform a special birthday ‘sway’ to those with upcoming birthdays, along with cake and ice cream,” she continues.
By Alisha McMillen
At Christmastime, Cookie Joe, owner of the wellknown Cookie Joe’s Dancin’ School, even brings some of her dancers to entertain the seniors. “We try to present tap numbers. Many of our guests cannot hear the music very well, or have vision problems, and the sound and vibration of the tap dancing is always enjoyed,” Cookie Joe explains.
The organization’s Service to Seniors program has been around for more than 20 years Miss Cookie has been involved for more than 10. A member of the club for 12 years, she says, “We bring the fun! The most amazing part of participating every week is the relationships we’ve built with those in attendance. I look forward to seeing my friends every month.”
Check the Exchange Club calendar (www.ecsl.org/ events/) to confirm upcoming dates for Service to Seniors events. Also coming in February is the annual Brisket and Sausage BBQ fundraiser, followed by the
group’s biggest event of the year, the annual Spaghetti Dinner on March 8, 2025.
As member David Lanagan often says, “No one can do everything. But everyone can do something.” Cookie Joe explains. “It’s a motto to live by.”
“Find out what makes the Exchange Club so special. Stop in at one of our Wednesday morning meetings,” Juli concludes. Managing Partner of Stephenson Fournier for almost a decade, Juli represents clients at her law firm in business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, corporate, limited liability company, partnership, securities, financing, tax, and general business matters. She has been a member of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land for nine years.
Exchange Club of Sugar Land ecsl.org president@ecsl.org
Creek Country Club
7 am
Juli Fournier
Alan’s Plumbing:
FTrusted for DECADES
amily physician John Pozzi, a leading provider in the Sugar Land area, has been calling the reliable technicians at Alan’s Plumbing for almost two decades. “It started with little projects,” Dr. Pozzi says. “As the years went on, the projects got bigger and more detailed. Alan’s has replaced almost every pipe in and around our home. They’ve fixed faucets. They’ve repaired leaks. And three years ago they put in a tankless water heater and water softener.”
“The Alan’s Plumbing team always arrives quickly, works fast and they are always very kind,” Dr. Pozzi continues. “The young men who complete the work are so wellmannered and friendly. And they clean up the mess thoroughly before they leave.”
by Nicole Grace
gather around the kitchen table to enjoy their family dinners he cooks. Dr. Pozzi even has his own Instagram handle that follows his chefscapades. (Find him on Instagram @dr.john.eats.)
An avid chef with Italian heritage, Dr. Pozzi needs his kitchen in working order with clean water on demand to make pasta for his growing family. With four grown children, a new grandson, and rescue dog, Nala, Dr. Pozzi and his wife, Mona, often have a full house. His children
After Hurricane Beryl hit the Houston area in June of last year, the Pozzis noticed a leak in their ceiling, seemingly between their first and second floors. They knew just who to call their reliable plumbers at Alan’s Plumbing. “They repiped the entire house in just two days,” Dr. Pozzi explains. “Beau was out personally to do the work. He and his team even stayed late on a Friday night to finish the job.”
In addition to Beau, son of the business’s namesake, Alan Burkhalter, another son, Luke, also gets his hands dirty in the field. (Third son Jake works in plumbing sales nearby.) Alan’s brother, Chris, is also out serving customers. The rest of Alan’s dynamic crew includes long-
time plumbers Jaime, Christian, and Anthony, who work alongside Luke and Beau. Nick, Noah, and PJ are apprentices, with Alan’s wife Jennifer running the back office, assisted by longtime family friend Katie and Katy (with a y), the friendly voices you hear when you call. Helping patrol the warehouse is the Burkhalters’ beloved 102 lb., two-year-old, rescue dog, Trump, along with their shop cats, Piper and Kohler.
As for the re-pipe work done at the Pozzis home, Alan says, “If your home has galvanized pipes, it’s not a question of IF they will leak, but WHEN! Good news is you don’t have to wait for damage to occur to remedy this problem. We can re-pipe your house, installing new PEX pipe on all of your supply lines before any flooding occurs. Call us today for a pipe inspection.”
Family of Five Chooses Lone Star Floors
“Our home was built in 1983. The wood floors in the living room and dining room were original – they were the yellow shade of wood that was popular in the 80s,” says Emilee Leftwich. “The kitchen and breakfast areas had been redone in the 90s and they definitely looked 20 years old.”
Emilee and her husband, Charles, have three boys – Caden, 14, Owen, 11, and Judson, 8 – who can be rough on their floors. Add to that their Jack Russell terrier named Jack, and they knew they needed to replace the floors with something durable.
“We used Lone Star Floors to replace the carpet in our master bedroom a few years ago and were happy with them,” Emilee explains. “We didn’t hesitate to call them again.”
Lone Star Floors, owned and managed by cousins Mohamed Naser, Ziad Naser, and Imad Manour, was happy to meet the family’s needs and budget requirements.
“For the kitchen and breakfast area, we picked out the tile we liked best: 12”x18” wood-look tile in a popular gray shade,” Emilee says. “We picked a dark, classic, wood-look vinyl plank for the living room and dining room because of its durability and price. We know how hard our family is on our floors.”
Emilee was happy with her choices. “At Lone Star Floors, they are very customer-oriented. They put in the time to make sure their customers are satis-
Sugar Land: 281-564-1345 10009 Highway 6 South Sugar Land, TX Katy: 281-398-2319 873 South Mason Rd. #300 Katy, TX
by Nicole Grace
fied,” she continues. “They’re very personable and I was shocked at how fast they finished the work. It only took them two days at the beginning of Thanksgiving week to complete the majority of the work. And they even sent someone out on the morning of Thanksgiving to complete the little fixes.”
At Lone Star Floor’s three Houston-area locations, they treat their customers like family. “Doing business with a family-oriented store gives customers a sense of commitment and care,” Imad says. “The highest percentage of our business comes from repeat customers and referrals happy customers keep coming back a second, third, fifth, or tenth time.”
“We also do full kitchen and bathroom remodels, with access to subcontractors like electricians and plumbers,” Mohamed says. “It’s easier for our clients to deal with one company, without having to handle the subcontractors themselves. The bottom line to our success is service.”
Need new flooring? Call Lone Star Floors for a free estimate today!
Woodlands: 832-813-0813 24627 I-45 North Suite # A The Woodlands/Spring, Texas
Rescued from the Greatwood Sewers: The Story of Little Sewey
It was Tuesday afternoon, November 26th, two days before Thanksgiving. Everyone in Greatwood was getting ready for the holiday. Suddenly, John saw a kitty jump out of the engine compartment of a moving vehicle and run directly into a drain. He called his wife, Kristen, to ask her what to do. Kristen immediately jumped on the well-read Greatwood Facebook page to post what had happened and see if anyone could help.
Kristen’s friend and pet-sitter, Shana, jumped into action. “I drove up and there were people everywhere trying to help after reading about the kitten on Facebook. There were also people removing manhole covers and dropping food into the drain,” she says. “It was amazing how many people were trying to save that kitty!” By nightfall, the crowds had mostly dispersed, but the kitten was still stuck in the drainage system. “I went by after dark and played momma kitty sounds to get the kitten’s attention.” Shana explains “People had covered several small holes inside the drains with cardboard so the kitten was directed to a smaller area where food had been distributed and a trap left.”
“I was hanging upside down in the drain and saw the little kitten’s face. Two concerned teenage boys stopped to ask if I was okay,” she continues. “Everyone was so sweet. At one point, I actually saw someone holding her son dangling by his ankles.”
By Nicole Grace
Shana posted that she had seen the kitten and that it had food. But, still, the little cat was trapped. “This went on for over 24 hours … there were men, women, kids, people of all ages stopping by to try to get the kitten free,” Shana says.
This is when Peggy and Bailey arrived on the scene.
“We tried the fire department, animal control, and someone even called a plumbing company, but we had no luck. We were on our own,” Peggy said. “During the day, Bailey jumped into the manhole and was crawling under the streets trying to find the kitten, but was unsuccessful.”
“By 10pm the night before Thanksgiving, I was in the manhole, but couldn’t get into the tight spots,” Peggy continued. A teenager, Derek, became curious what the commotion was. He said, “I’ll get in … it’s what kids do!”
“Derek was small enough to fit and he found the cat!” Peggy says. “He slowly backed out of a tunnel and handed the cat to me. Amber brought a warm towel and cat carrier, so I could take him home and get him cleaned up and feed him.”
The next morning, the kitten moved into his new home. Even though she has two babies, ages five months
and 19 months, as well as one dog, Avery and her husband knew the kitten was meant to be a part of their family. “The day before, my husband and I were talking about how we wanted a cat so we thought it was fate!” she says.
In a neighborhood poll, the top names for the kitty were Stormy, Sewey, and Marshmallow, with Storm and Mario also in the running. The family settled on Sewey.
“The main reason we were successful is that someone saw something and DID something,” Shana says. “That kitten had no way out without our help. It was awesome to see the neighborhood come together the way it did.”
GM Dealer of the Year for 14 Years and Running
by Alisha McMillen
Classic Chevy Sugar Land has won the prestigious GM Dealer of the Year award for the 14th year in a row.
“Only 60 dealers in the country receive this award,” says Tony Gomez, Classic’s general sales manager. “It’s surreal. I am 100 percent proud of my teams. It takes everyone doing their job well to achieve this award each year.”
General Motors (GM)’s Dealer of the Year award is one of the company’s most prestigious awards that recognizes dealers for their performance in sales, customer satisfaction, and service. The award is given to Chevrolet dealers across the country, with 10 dealers selected from each region. GM presents this award to just 2 percent of its dealers. To be considered for the General Motors Dealer of the Year award, a dealership must meet the following requirements:
• Sales and customer satisfaction: Dealers must be a top performer in both sales and customer satisfaction.
• Long-term commitment: They must demonstrate a long-term commitment to retaining customers and providing exceptional service.
• Genuine GM parts: Service Centers must use only Genuine GM parts.
• Standards for Excellence: Eligible dealers must participate in GM’s Standards for Excellence.
• Essential Brand Elements: Dealers must maintain compliance with the Essential Brand Elements program requirements.
“Thanks to the commitment of our dedicated employees, we exceeded the requirements and were recognized again in 2024,” Tony says. “We all just take care of the customer. That’s what this award reflects – our attention to providing the best and most thorough service to all of our customers every year.”
“With so many dealerships to choose from, we understand that the options might be a bit overwhelming,” Tony continues. “Trust Classic Chevrolet of Sugar Land. We go above and beyond the average dealership to provide our community with a modern, efficient, and enjoyable experience.”
It’s time to enjoy better health with the new
We’ve assembled an amazing group of providers to help you stay healthy and meet your resolutions. Read about the best providers in the county in the following pages.
“My Why is My Mother” Better Health
HBy Alisha McMillen
e’s fierce, but cheerful. Strong, but calm. He has bursting muscles, but a gentle demeanor. The NFL taught him persistence and the importance of teamwork and hard work. But his mom is his ‘reason why.’
“When my mom got sick, my wife, Tina, and I came out here to take care of her,” Robert says. He and Tina were established in San Diego, but uprooted their lives to take care of Robert’s mom in Wharton. “Tina is the best woman in the world. her job of 28 years to move to a new place and help me with my mom. I was blessed 2-½ years spending time with my mom every day.” two grown sons live across the country, but with Tina, and his 113 lb. Rottweiler his side, Robert has made a life for himself in Texas. Lucky for us, Robert chose to his personal training business, Robert Johnson Training, right here in Sugar Land With his NFL background and a longtime career in bodybuilding, fitness has always been of Robert’s life. But you don’t need to be a fellow body builder to work with Robert. Diego, he was the athletic director of a retirement home. “My ultimate passion is to people’s confidence change as they get healthier,” he says. “People want to feel good enough their grandkids, comfortably get in and out of their cars, or even lift their laundry with ease. I ask my clients to tell me what it is at home they’re having trouble with. I help keep people mobile.”
not to say he won’t train bodybuilders too. With dozens of medals and trophies adorning his gym’s walls and shelves, you immediately know you’re in the presence of a fitness expert. “But, we don’t do ego lifting here,” he explains, “We start people slow, so injuries don’t occur, and work a lot on range of motion.” Robert trains ages and skill levels.
He’s a big, fit guy with a calming presence and positive mindset. He’s created a unique gym with specialty equipment and a comfortable sitting area. “You can come in and watch TV or use our wi-fi to work on your computer,” Robert explains. “I just want my clients to feel comfortable here.”
Robert Johnson Training
“Stronger Than Yesterday” 832-710-1725
5726 New Territory Blvd Sugar Land, TX 77479
www.robertjohnsontraining.com
CHANGING PEOPLE’S LIVES
Two Ears at a Time
By Alisha McMillen
Sandeep and Chhavi Bang spent years working in the corporate world, but decided they wanted something different for their family. “We wanted to run a family business that helped people in our community,” Sandeep says. “We were looking for an intrinsically feel-good business where we could make a difference in people’s lives.”
With a growing family themselves – son Aarin is eight, while brother Reian is six – the couple wanted to help other local families. “We saw a need in this area for a hearing aid store,” Chhavi says. “So we opened the first Hear Again America in Texas, right here in Richmond on the Grand Parkway.”
Sandeep and Chhavi learned everything they could about hearing issues and hearing aids. Luckily they had the executives at corporate Hear Again America, an audiologist-run hearing aid business, to get them up to speed. Their in-store team is feet-on-the-ground every day. “We hired
an amazing team,” Sandeep says. “We all want to see the full holistic picture of a customer’s life to determine the best way to help.”
That team consists of hearing instrument
specialist Todd Ely, who handles evaluations and hearing aid selection, and Sheila Lindemann, their patient care coordinator. “Our job is to build the right culture, empower our team members to make sound decisions, and then get out of the way,” Sandeep explains.
Todd and Sheila have the couple’s same desire of helping people in the community. “My father, his mother, and I all have hearing aids,” Todd says. “I saw the challenge they faced with their hearing every day as I was growing up. Working here, you make a positive impact on not just the customer’s life, but also their families’ lives.”
With more than 120 hearing aid brands on the market, how does a customer know what brand to choose? “At Hear Again America, we have access to every brand so we can determine what’s right for each specific customer,” Todd explains. “We conduct a complete hearing test and explain the results fully so our clients can read and understand the results themselves. If hearing aids are appropriate, we show them several brands, depending on the level of hearing loss, their lifestyle, and budget.”
“Todd may spend up to two hours with a possible client, learning about their lives and the environments in which they spend their time,” Sandeep says. “And Sheila ensures each customer is comfortable with their experiences in the office every time they visit.”
“I just love my job because I get to help people hear,” Todd says. “That mission starts with Sandeep and Chhavi if you take care of your team members, they’ll take care of the customers. They believe you should treat people how you yourself want to be treated.”
That trickle-down attitude is evident with their clients. “I can see the glow on our customers’ faces when they walk out hearing, often for the first time in years,” Sandeep says. “They’re smiling ear to ear. There’s no way to describe how that makes you feel, knowing you changed their lives.”
STAYACTIVE AND MOVING
PAIN WITHOUT
by Alisha McMillen
“To stay healthy for the rest of your life, you have to stay active and moving.
If you’re hurting, you can’t do that,” says Dr. Ankur D. Mehta, DO at TX Spine & Joint. “When the body aches, you can’t exercise your heart, lungs, or even your mind. Everything suffers. But we can fix that pain and help you live a more active and fulfilling life.”
Dr. Mehta is an exceptional interventional pain management specialist. His range of treatments are as simple as prescribing vitamins, to very complex procedures like pain pumps, spinal cord stimulation and placing cement in the spine for a spinal fracture.
“Pain is our body’s check engine light. Don’t ignore it,” he says. “Our goal is to help patients feel better so they can do the things in their lives that are important to them. It
could be anything from walking the dog, making a meal for their family, or even just sitting through dinner with their friends and family. We recently had a patient come in who was upset she couldn’t cook Thanksgiving dinner for her family due to pain.”
Because everyone in the office has kids and family of their own, they understand their patients’ wishes to be there for their families.
“We’re a family-oriented practice and enjoy spending time with our children, grandchildren, parents and friends, so we all understand the desire of our patients to do the same thing without pain.”
With an on-staff, board-certified spinal surgeon, Dr. Mohammed Etminan, and cutting-edge imageguidance equipment right in their West Houston office, they are able to complete procedures without having to go through the additional step of a hospital visit.
Additionally, the office also has a comprehensive physical therapy suite attached to the physician’s office, where Eden Kang, doctor of physical therapy, helps patients get back on their feet. Rounding out the clinical staff is PA Scott Anderson.
“We want to help you thrive, not just survive. Any kind of pain, from head to toe, affects your sleep,” Dr. Mehta explains.
“I never realized how important sleep was until we had a patient who was in constant pain. We put a stimulator in her back and the next time she came in, she said, ‘I thought I died and went to Heaven. I woke up and the clock said it was 8 am. I haven’t slept through the night in 30 years!”
He continues, “God gave us sleep to heal in our lives. We can’t serve God’s purpose to live a productive and healthy life if we’re in pain.”
“We just want to change people’s lives for the better,” he concludes. Make your appointment today to start the journey to a pain-free life.
TX Spine & Joint
832-849-0909
8830 Long Point Rd. #502 Houston, TX 77055 www.txspineandjoint.com
“Indigo Orthodontics Changed My Life”
Strong words from someone who was just looking for an orthodontist to give her braces. Moulee Patel was referred to Dr. Srishti Mehta, founder of local Indigo Orthodontics, in 2022 for a plan to straighten her teeth.
“Dr. Mehta could tell just from the structure of my face that I had problems with breathing and snoring,” Moulee says. “She told me ‘we’ll straighten your teeth, of course, but this is about your total wellness.’ That’s where my two-year journey began.” Moulee had braces, teeth extractions, and double jaw surgery, both to correct her sleep
by Alisha McMillen
apnea and to give her a straight and bright smile. A mom of two girls with her husband, Archit, Moulee isn’t used to putting herself first. “The whole staff really made me feel like my wellness is important,” she explains.
“Dr. Mehta’s staff is very welcoming… all so gentle and they take their time. They want you to be there.”
Dr. Mehta herself was pleased with Moulee’s results.
“Whenever I can help someone feel more healthy, I consider it a success,” she says. “And you can see Moulee’s happiness with the results too, which is so important.”
Though Moulee’s issues weren’t identified until she was an adult, “Correction can be much easier when a patient’s bones are still growing,” Dr. Mehta says. “The right time to consult an orthodontist is as early as you notice symptoms.”
Moulee couldn’t be more pleased with her results. “The entire staff just wants you to look good and feel good,” she says. “I look in the mirror and think, is that really me? If my daughters need braces in the future, I won’t hesitate to bring them to Dr. Mehta and her team. I have already recommended Indigo to my friends and will continue to do so!”
Symptoms may include mouth breathing, daytime sleepiness, snoring or breathing that starts and stops during sleep, headaches, trouble focusing, and more. “The American Association of Orthodontics recommends scheduling your child’s first orthodontist appointment by the age of seven, so any problems can be identified for early intervention,” Dr. Mehta continues.
Indigo Orthodontics, with its 30 team members, including Dr. Angelica Herrera, has been creating happy, confident smiles since 2007. They have a new state-of-the-art practice conveniently located on the Grand Parkway. Indigo Orthodontics is in network with several insurance companies and no referrals are required. To request your complimentary Indigo Orthodontics consultation, visit www. indigoortho.com or call 281-201-2087.
Indigo Orthodontics
281-201-2087
7623 West Grand Parkway S. Richmond, TX 77407 www.indigoortho.com
Good Dental Hygiene
Starts at a Young Age
Ten-year-old Luke has been seeing the dentists at Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental since he was just 14 months old. “As soon as Luke could go to the dentist, we took him,” says his mom, Cindel Blackmer. “Because we’ve gotten him so used to the process, Luke is very comfortable having his teeth cleaned.”
Luke himself says, “The office is pretty cool. The people are really nice and I love the arcade in the waiting room. I always try to play my favorite game, Pac-Man, while I wait.”
Cindel and her husband, Jason, trust all of the dentists and support staff at the clinic, but especially love Cindel’s childhood friend, dental hygienist An Chih (Angela) Do, who says, “Luke is always very happy and excited to be at the dentist’s office, and listens very well to instructions. The family is very hands-on with his dental hygiene.”
High school sweethearts Cindel and Jason agree that teaching Luke to take care of his teeth is important. “When I was growing up, the dentist terrified me,” Jason, an attorney, says. “My dentists weren’t like Dr. Khan and his associates, who do so many things to make kids less anxious. They thoroughly explain everything up front so the children aren’t fearful about what’s coming. They make kids feel at ease. I have never heard a kid screaming or crying in their office, unlike the dental offices of my childhood.”
by Nicole Grace
cleanings. But if they ever recommended something, we would do it with confidence that it was truly necessary.”
Add to that, the family’s comfort with Angela, and the bi-annual visits are easy and anxiety-free. “Angela is very kind,” says Luke. “The whole office is very kind and patient,” adds his mom.
“When I was a kid, we didn’t have dental insurance, so dental visits weren’t as much of a priority,” Cindel, an elementary principal, adds. “It’s important to have dental visits as a part of your annual routine. At Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental, they take the time to make the office a comfortable setting for the kids, resulting in enjoyable experiences.”
Most importantly, “They’ve built our trust,” Cindel says. “I’ve never felt like they were pushing procedures that weren’t necessary,” Jason adds. “Luke has never had anything done besides
“I like having conversations with my patients and getting updates about their interests,” Angela explains. “When you know their interests, you can coordinate them with dental hygiene so the kids understand it better.”
Having three kids of his own makes founder and owner of Grand Parkway Pediatric, Dr. Faisal Khan, even more understanding of children’s needs. “Kids are my whole life,” he says. “My own kids, Zayna, Hamza, and Eisa, visit the office all the time. They love talking to the employees, and they help out by making goody bags and shredding papers!”
Dr. Priyanshi Ritwik, Dr. Annie Zheng, Dr. Khadija Khan, an oral surgeon, and an anesthesiologist join Dr. Khan at the practice to provide all aspects of pediatric dentistry, special needs dentistry, and minor orthodontics.
Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental
Dr. Faisal M. Khan, DDS
832-579-0960
7910 W. Grand Parkway S., Suite 100 Richmond, TX 77406
www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com
Home in Time for Christmas
I’m Alisha McMcMillen, publisher of this magazine. I write stories about businesses in our Fort Bend Community and how they help residents. I never imagined I’d be telling my own story.
My husband, John, and I took over UpClose Magazine in July 2024. But let’s flashback to Dec. 20, 2023, before the magazine was on our radar. Our twin girls, sophomores in college, were home for the break and we were celebrating with friends. All was well until after midnight, when I felt severe pain in my lower back. A trip to the emergency room confirmed that I had several large kidney stones creating a blockage. Surgery was scheduled. Bloodwork was ordered. And I learned that an infection had quickly spread into my blood.
That’s when I met the chief of medicine at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, Dr. Sarfraz Aly, an
by Alisha McMillen
infectious disease expert. I was lucky that he walked into my room. He took charge of the infection and treated it aggressively.
My hope was to get home on Christmas Eve, my daughters’ 20th birthday. Dr. Sarfraz worked very hard to fight the infection, but when I was still in the hospital at noon on Christmas day, we had no idea when I’d make it home.
Selflessly working through late afternoon on Christmas day, Dr. Sarfraz dropped by my room to tell me he was getting me home in time for Christmas dinner he knew how important it was to me to be home. He was extremely thorough with my treatment, but also kind and understanding.
The day after Christmas, I saw Dr. Sarfraz in his office to get a supply of at-home IV antibiotics to administer over the next two weeks. I was not just lucky to find a compassionate physician, but also a knowledgeable one with the ability to provide at-home treatment to shorten my hospital stay.
Dr. Sarfraz Aly and his brother, Dr. Salman Aly, are respected leaders in their fields – Dr. Sarfraz in infectious disease and wound care and Dr. Salman in internal medicine and aesthetics. The brothers grew up in Sugar Land and returned to their home town to raise their families and practice together. They’re pillars in the community and just want to help their fellow neighbors. I’m thankful I drew Dr. Sarfraz’s card during my hospital stay. I would (and did) trust him with my life.
Two Locations for the Whole Family
By Alisha McMillen
As the suburbs of Houston quickly expand, Fulshear Family Medicine is expanding too. “Many areas are growing so fast, the need for physicians isn’t keeping up,” says owner and clinical director of Fulshear Family Medicine, Dr. Anisha Waxali. “We are able to serve these communities with same-day appointments and are currently taking new patients at our two locations.”
In the Sugar Land and Fulshear locations, physicians and mid-level providers (PAs and NPs) are available to see patients right away.
“Our goal is to expand access to primary care in a setting driven by independent physicians,” Dr. Waxali says. “We stress preventive care and focus on lowering the cost of care for our patients.”
Fulshear boasts two physicians, Dr. Mary Santiago and Dr. Patrick Coate, and three mid-level providers. Sugar Land just added a new physician, Dr. Adeel Qureshi, who is ready to welcome new patients today, and will be adding two mid-level providers soon. You can reach the Sugar Land team at 281-491-0094.
“I have my roots in Sugar Land – I established my practice here in 2004. I work with specialists, pharmacies, and other providers to consult when required. I want to grow this location to help even more Sugar Land-area patients,” says Dr. Waxali, who stayed close to home for both her undergraduate degree and medical school at the University of Texas, Houston. Married 27 years, Dr. Waxali has one grown son and one Maltipoo, Cleo (short for Cleopatra) who has been by her side for more than 15 years. “Cleo is 116 in dog years!”
Fulshear Family Medicine has a unique business model … “We’re family- and physician- owned, but we have a business management operation that most smaller organizations don’t offer,” says Dr. Waxali’s sister, Swati Nath, CEO of the practice. “We have a management team in place so we can offer proactive care, same-day appointments, and even after-hours care, so our patients can avoid hospitals.” practice expands to offer unique services, Dr. Waxali shifting her focus to her responsibilities as medical director of both locations. She’s building a team of providers to meet all patient needs, and has added Dr. Adeel Qureshi, who is accepting new patients at the Sugar Land office. “I love working with dynamic physicians who I can learn from day,” he says, “and I love family practice environment, seeing all ages of patients and multiple members of the same family.”
From Sugar Land to Fulshear, Dr. Waxali and her team have your whole family covered. “We are here if you’re sick, need your well-woman or well-child visit, or have aches and pains,” she says. “And no one wants to wait, so we have set aside appointment slots for acute care – for those needing same- or next-day care. The last thing patients want to do is wait. When patients seek health care, they are vulnerable and sometimes frightened, so we have a duty to help them immediately.” (Give them a call at 281-491-0094 to schedule an appointment today!)
Fulshear Family Medicine accepts all major private insurance plans, as well as Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Marketplace. “You won’t find us turning patients away due to insurance issues. We just want to help people,” Dr. Waxali concludes.
Sugar Land
Fulshear
