The Investment Issue
Investment by definition is the act of devoting time, effort, energy or finances to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. We can invest in a lot of things such as our community, our relationships, our finances, and our health with the hope that the effort will have a positive impact.
“Invested in Our Future,” highlights seven remarkable Birmingham educators who have dedicated their lives to shaping young minds. Their stories remind us that teaching is one of the most profound investments anyone can make—one that pays dividends in the form of confident, capable future generations. Beyond education, this issue explores the many ways we can invest in ourselves and those we love.
“Maximizing Vitality in Every Phase of Life” offers insights into prioritizing physical health and wellness, while “The ‘I’m Fine’ Reflex” takes a deeper look at mental health—the subtle signs we overlook and the importance of caring for our emotional well-being. Meanwhile, “The Great Wealth Transfer” examines the changing financial landscape and how individuals and families can prepare for the shifts ahead.
And then there’s Cliff Cakes, a story of pure generosity—baking and gifting cakes to neighbors. Despite his talent being worthy of the most high-profile clients, Cliff Simon’s kindness is a reminder that some of the most meaningful investments come in the form of simple, heartfelt gestures. Big thanks to our fabulous and thoughtful staff photographer, Mary Fehr for bringing this sweet story to our attention.
As you turn these pages, I hope you’re inspired to pour into the people and passions that matter most to you. In the end, the things we invest in today are the ones that shape tomorrow.
This month, we hope you will consider doing business with the advertisers you see within these pages. Without their partnership, we would not have this vehicle for telling stories about what is inspiring and beautiful in our city. Warmly,
KALI MCNUTT, PUBLISHER
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Kali McNutt | kali.mcnutt@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Blair Moore | blair.moore@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Mary Fehr
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Cliff Simon, Blair Moore
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Katherine Mullen (Mullen Photo Co), Kelsey Peppers (Sacred Moments Photography), Jennifer Jones (Heart Smile Photography)
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Lynlee strongly believes in and supports residential growth in Birmingham Since obtaining her license in 2014, Lynlee has completed over 641 transactions totaling over $293 million dollars of real estate sold in the area. “I have made a huge effort to be intimately engaged in the central city and surrounding “city suburbs” from Forest Park to Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia, so that I can provide the greatest benefit to my clients, which I strongly believe is market knowledge”. Her greatest motivation is her clients: She says, “Success to me is doing what I love every day and knowing my contributions positively impact my clients, my company and my city and that I have produced the highest quality of work ”
Maximizing Vitality in Every Phase of Life
Three Birmingham locals share how they invest in recovery— boosting energy, easing pain, and improving long-term health with Restore Hyper Wellness Cliff Cakes
Investing in neighbors one sweet treat at a time
in
Meet some of the world-class Birmingham educators whose passion, innovation, and commitment are shaping the future of Birmingham—one student at a time
1-14: Birmingham Lifestyle Partners, staff, and friends celebrate the launch of the March Homes Issue at Canary Gallery.
Photography by Katherine Mullen
15-21: Guests enjoy the 2nd Annual Amanda Pair Foundation Legacy Gala presented by Alabama Oncology and hosted at Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. Photography by Kelsey Peppers, Sacred Moments Photography
22: The ladies of AMD Creative enjoy Birmingham Lifestyle’s February cover reveal at Cala Coffee. 23: Photographer Ambre Amari with her family and her February Birmingham Lifestyle cover photo. 24: Mayor Randall Woodfin & Cathy Jones at a surprise party for Woodfin’s book, Son of Birmingham. 25-28: Guests enjoy Vestavia Hills Casino Night benefiting Vestavia Lacrosse.
JENNIFER JONES, HEART SMILE PHOTOGRAPHY
JENNIFER JONES, HEART SMILE PHOTOGRAPHY
JENNIFER JONES, HEART SMILE PHOTOGRAPHY JENNIFER JONES, HEART SMILE PHOTOGRAPHY
MARY FEHR
MARY FEHR
SATURDAY, APRIL 26TH | 7A-NOON
29TH ST. S DURING THE MARKET AT PEPPER PLACE
Join us for a free, fun-filled community event celebrating Alabama Trails! Enjoy live music, a crunchy cooking demo, special local and national guests, giveaways, trail rides, and more.
Introducing Birmingham Women’s Investing Group
The Birmingham Women’s Investing Group, organized by Abeona Wealth founder Mary Meadows Livingston, is a new community where women can learn about personal finance and investing. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced investor, these meetups provide a supportive and informative environment to learn, grow, and thrive financially. Connect with like-minded women and gain the knowledge and skills needed to build a secure financial future. All women are welcome, and there are no stupid questions. Learn more: meetup.com/ birmingham-womens-investing-group
Upward Behavioral Health Now Offering Couples Therapy
Upward is thrilled to announce Dr. Megan Keyes as a new team member. With this addition, Upward will now offer gold-standard, evidence-based therapy for couples. Beyond couple’s work, Dr. Keyes is also an expert in the treatment of PTSD and prolonged grief disorder. Learn more: upwardbehavioralhealth.com
Wine Women & Shoes Benefitting Baptist Health Foundation
An engaging and exciting fashionforward fundraising event where community-minded, philanthropic women (and a few good men) gather to sip, shop, savor, and support a worthy cause. This year’s Wine Women & Shoes is themed “April in Paris” and will be held at The Club on Thursday, April 24, from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. Funds raised support the many programs of Baptist Health Foundation, whose mission is to provide resources for financially vulnerable patients. Birmingham Lifestyle partners Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham and Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers are proud sponsors of Wine Women & Shoes.
Dr. Joseph Wu, M.D. Founder & Lead Physician
it’s time to prioritize yourself
THE “I’M FINE” REFLEX
"I'm fine." It’s second nature now. You say it to your spouse, your colleagues, and—most often—to yourself. Sure, you feel run down, but there are deadlines to meet, kids to care for, aging parents to support. Pushing through feels like the only option. But what if prioritizing your own well-being didn’t mean letting others down? What if it meant showing up for them—and yourself—like never before?
The doctorally trained clinical psychologists at Upward Behavioral Health of Birmingham share their expertise on recognizing when it’s time to invest in yourself—and why prioritizing mental health is one of the most important investments you can make.
WHEN SLEEP BECOMES A STRUGGLE
You chalk it up to stress, late-night emails, or an extra cup of coffee too close to bedtime. But lately, sleep feels more like a battle than a reset. You wake up at 3 a.m., your mind racing through tomorrow’s to-do list or toss and turn for hours. Even when you do sleep, you wake up exhausted.
"If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep three or more nights a week, chances are that you meet clinical criteria for a diagnosis of insomnia. Roughly 30% of Americans regularly experience these symptoms, but most don't realize that their poor sleep is actually a
diagnosable disorder, and even fewer are able to get care to treat it," says Dr. Susan Rathmell.
But sleep is not an indulgence. It’s necessary for good physical and mental health." Poor sleep takes just about any other problem you may be experiencing and magnifies it," says Dr. Rathmell. “People who sleep poorly experience more depression, anxiety, irritability, poor memory, and decreased productivity. They get sick more often and miss more days of work. They also have an increased risk of developing dementia, diabetes, and hypertension.”
The good news is that therapy for insomnia works, and it works quickly. "When clients resolve their insomnia, their joy is contagious!” shares Dr. Rathmell. “People with insomnia often feel trapped in their ongoing cycle of poor sleep, and when they break this cycle, they feel triumphant. So far, 100% of clients we've treated have been able to stop taking sleep medication. Celebrating with them makes my day every time!"
THE QUIET GRIP OF OCD
It doesn’t always look like what you expect—washing your hands until they’re raw or meticulously arranging objects—but OCD can slip into your life in quieter, less obvious ways, such as an unshakable need to reread emails over and over, terrified of making a mistake, replaying conversations in your mind, searching for signs that you offended someone, or constantly seeking reassurance from loved ones: “Do you really love me? Are you sure?”
"OCD consists of obsessions—unwanted, intrusive thoughts—and compulsions, the behaviors or mental rituals designed to relieve the anxiety they create," explains Dr. Misti Norton. "The relief is temporary, and soon, the cycle starts again." Many people struggle for years without realizing what they’re experiencing is treatable. The International OCD Foundation estimates it takes an average of 17 years to receive an accurate diagnosis.
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Freedom from OCD is available through Exposure and Response Prevention, the gold standard of treatment. “The majority of people find they have significant symptom reduction after 15-20 sessions," says Dr. Norton. Seeking help isn’t just about stopping the cycle—it’s about reclaiming the life OCD has been quietly stealing.
THE SLOW DRIFT IN RELATIONSHIPS
Overt issues are often the catalyst for couples therapy, but there are plenty of subtle
“WHAT IF PRIORITIZING YOUR OWN WELL-BEING DIDN’T MEAN LETTING OTHERS DOWN? WHAT IF IT MEANT SHOWING UP FOR THEM—AND YOURSELF—LIKE NEVER BEFORE?”
indications that a relationship may benefit: feeling distant from your partner, difficulty finding shared values, goals, or interests, or simply navigating major life transitions such as moving, changing jobs, or having a baby.
"For individuals who believe their relationship problems are something they must endure or learn to accept, I would strongly encourage you to reconsider," says Dr. Megan Keyes. "There is simply no reason to live with such relationship issues when effective couples therapy is accessible."
Approximately 90% of couples who complete Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy report improved relationships, and up to 75% report significantly decreased relationship distress. “Engaging in couples therapy is not an indication that your relationship is failing,” adds Dr. Keyes. “It is a sign of your investment in and commitment to yourself, your partner, and your relationship."
Whether it’s persistent sleep struggles, the relentless cycle of OCD, or a growing disconnect in your relationships, coping isn’t the same as thriving. The experts at Upward Behavioral Health remind us that acknowledging your struggles is the first step toward freedom. Prioritizing your mental health isn’t selfish. It's essential. And the decision to prioritize your well-being is one investment you’ll never regret.
Three Birmingham locals share how they invest in recovery— boosting energy, easing pain, and improving long-term health with Restore Hyper Wellness
Maximizing Vitality in Every Phase of Life
Wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all. For some, it’s about muscle recovery after a tough workout. For others, it’s a way to reclaim health after years of stress and setbacks. In Birmingham, Restore Hyper Wellness has become a hub for those prioritizing recovery, longevity, and overall well-being. Here’s how three locals have made it part of their lives.
ARTICLE BY BLAIR MOORE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY FEHR
Susan Blanchard: A Routine That Works
For self-employed Susan Blanchard, wellness is an essential part of her lifestyle. Introduced to Restore by a friend, she quickly saw results with red light therapy. “I usually come in right after my workout to keep my muscles from getting too sore,” she says. “It’s also helped my rosacea—I rarely need medication anymore.” She also turns to cryotherapy and compression for pain relief and loves Neveskin™ treatments. “Not only is it relaxing—it works.” But what keeps her coming back? “The people at Restore know me by name. It’s like going to a friend’s house.”
Rich Foster: Recovery as a Lifestyle
As a fitness enthusiast, Rich Foster knows recovery is just as important as exercise. After moving to Birmingham, he found Restore while searching for wellness services. “The mild hyperbaric chamber has been a game changer,” he says. “I used to get cortisone shots in my hips every few months. Now, I barely need them.” He pairs hyperbaric therapy with red light and compression for inflammation and recovery. “I work out 4–5 days a week, and Restore keeps me on track.” At 56, he’s committed to total wellness. “Take care of your body, mind, and soul—it makes all the difference.”
Melissa Roy: A Return to Health
As an office manager and mother of three, Melissa Roy has always valued wellness. A former personal trainer and long-distance runner, she found it harder to prioritize her own health while caring for her father during his cancer battle. She got back on track through the performance medicine program at Restore. “I first joined for facials and cryoslimming but then I tried red light therapy and IV drips,” she says. “I never thought I’d do IVs, but I feel a huge difference.” The NAD+ program even reversed early signs of fatty liver in her bloodwork. “This isn’t just weight loss—it’s about long-term health.”
Mary Meadows Livingston, CFA, CFP® - Founder, Abeona Wealth
CLIFF Cakes
INVESTING IN NEIGHBORS ONE SWEET TREAT AT A TIME
ARTICLE BY CLIFF SIMON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY FEHR
Christmas Night 2023. After dinner at our half-and-half Judeo/Christian home, I brought out an apple turnover from an inspired Julia Child recipe. It was good— and pretty too. Some moments later, my husband Julian read me a story from the Wall Street Journal about LeeAnn Henrie Turner, a Forth Worth, Texas woman who started making sourdough bread during the pandemic, baking so many a day that she began putting them out on the driveway for neighbors to take home. As time passed, so many came that the newspaper included her in a story of people who performed acts of kindness. Turning to Julian, I said, that’s what I will do–give away cakes.
The next morning, Boxing Day 2023, I created a post on my neighborhood Facebook page, explaining that I made an excellent apple turnover for Christmas dessert and that I’d like to give the leftover half to the first person who comes to my house to pick it up. The only stipulation I had was that no money be exchanged. And quickly, lanky Bolan Boesky appeared on my front porch with a smile as wide as the Mississippi and got the first ‘cake.’
Five decades ago, I worked at a printing company in New York. In the evenings, I was learning how to bake with the incredible help of Julia Child, Jacques Pépin, and Maida Heatter. I learn best in isolation, so in my East Village tenement apartment, with a bathtub in the kitchen, I studied Genoise, flourless tortes, Paris-Brest, Bûche de Noël, Millefeuille, choux à la crème, Reine de Saba and the especially lovely and quite delicious pithivier.
I enjoyed my fifteen minutes baking Diana Ross’ wedding cake in Switzerland and an edible twofoot-high Fabergé egg for Malcolm Forbes, which sat on the seat next to me as I delivered it cross-country. Many other stars have eaten my cakes. But that doesn’t hold a candle to the excitement I experience in my bones and heart when I bake for my neighbors in Birmingham, Alabama.
cakes for Glen Iris, the area in Birmingham where I’ve lived for twenty years. I approached any number of non-profits I could do this for, but it just wasn’t a good fit. More than anything, I just needed autonomy. So, the only caveat that exists now when someone comes for a cake is the no-money rule. It is so freeing, and I keep thinking, why didn’t I do this when I was fifteen?
That doesn’t hold a candle to the excitement I experience in my bones and heart when I bake for my neighbors in Birmingham, Alabama.
I am someone who has set few goals in my life, not for any other reason except, I guess, negligence. But in its way, that has worked for me. I literally fell upon making
I am told I had something to do with the neighborhood becoming “better” because of the cakes. That was not my plan. I did it because I like to give cakes away. If it changes the neighborhood, I am glad for that, of course, but I am reminded daily how I am changing because of them.
When I hand over
a box with purdy pink ribbon on top and a cake inside, I see the smiles of expectation and thrill on peoples’ faces, and I think they are changing me . Three days a week, I see perfect, happy, everyman/woman kind of people, and on my porch, it is all happiness 360°. It is heaven. And everyone wins.
Front Row: Leslie Wyatt, Morgan Gearhart, Penny Calvert-Ward, Lynda Lewis Back Row: Kenny Burns, Paul Mitchell, Collins Compere, Ken Alderman, Ken Griffin
ARTICLE BY BLAIR MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHERINE MULLEN
INVESTED IN OUR FUTURE
MEET SOME OF THE WORLD-CLASS BIRMINGHAM EDUCATORS WHOSE PASSION, INNOVATION, AND COMMITMENT ARE SHAPING THE FUTURE OF BIRMINGHAM—ONE STUDENT AT A TIME.
A great city is built by the hands and hearts of those who invest in its people. Nowhere is that more evident than in Birmingham’s classrooms, where teachers like these shape the next generation through both knowledge and an unshakable commitment to their students’ futures. They see potential before it’s realized and talent before it’s refined. Long after the final bell rings, their influence will echo—in the confidence of a child, the success of a graduate, and the strength of a community shaped by their dedication.
“Our best teacher in life is failure. But if you make a mistake, you better make it a good one—and you better learn from it.”
-Katie Collins
Katie Collins spends her days in a whirlwind of untied shoelaces, lost teeth, and rather loud “whisper voices”—and she wouldn’t have it any other way. The “littles” are her people.
“These kids are tiny but mighty,” she says. “I love how you can already get a glimpse of who they’re going to become.”
Collins has taught high school, middle school, and even adult literacy, but first grade is where she’s found her calling. “First grade is where the magic happens,” she says. “It’s where kids go from not knowing to knowing, from wondering if they can to believing they can.”
She teared up when one of her students, who had struggled with letter sounds in August, proudly read math directions aloud to the class. “We all cheered,” she says. “Seeing kids believe in themselves—that keeps me going.”
Collins believes in failure, not as defeat, but as a lesson. “Our best teacher in life is failure,” she tells her students. “But if you make a mistake, you better make it a good one—and you better learn from it.”
More than anything, she hopes her students hold onto their passion and curiosity throughout life. “When I run into a student 15 years from now, I hope to see them living out their passion,” she says. “I hope the seed I plant now takes off—even if they don’t remember where it came from.”
Katie Collins
1st Grade Teacher, Bluff Park Elementary
“You’ve got one shot to leave an impact.” -Steve Sills
Steve Sills
Career and Character Coach, Homewood Middle School
Steve Sills is a force—a mentor, coach, and DJ whose influence extends far beyond the classroom. For 19 years, he has shaped the lives of Homewood students with relentless energy and a deep sense of purpose. “People will forget what you said, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel,” he says, quoting Maya Angelou. That belief drives him.
What began in 2007 as a mentorship group for 40 boys has grown into the 380-member Trendsetters Club—a community of students dedicated to service, leadership, and support. They run supply drives, cheer on special needs athletes, and find ways to lift up their peers and the community.
Sills is always looking for new ways to give. A sneaker enthusiast, he and his wife started a shoe giveaway, buying a pair of stylish sneakers for a standout student each month. “When we opened it up for donations, the money started pouring in,” he says. With corporate sponsors like Hibbett and City Gear now on board, they’ve given away more than 300 pairs of top-brand sneakers— Jordans, Dunks, Air Maxes—recognizing students not just for academics, but for leadership, kindness, and perseverance.
In his Career and Character class, he teaches confidence, resilience, and the value of making good choices, as well as practical skills like how to tie a tie. Years after leaving his classroom, a former student reached out to tell him, “You were the father I never had.” Sills was humbled. “That kind of thing—that’s what keeps me going.”
And when he’s not in the classroom? He’s on a stage, DJing everything from Homewood parades to this year’s Super Bowl. “You’ve got one shot to leave an impact,” he says. Steve Sills makes every shot count.
“I hope my students remember that they were safe, encouraged, and that learning could be exciting.” - Kira Aaron
“Well, education is my family business,” says Kira Aaron, and she means it. Her father was a history teacher turned superintendent, her mother a math and French teacher turned librarian. Teaching was never just a career path—it was the conversation at the dinner table, the rhythm of daily life. Still, when she stepped into the classroom herself, she had to decide whether this was truly her calling.
Aaron loved teaching Literature to high schoolers—it was both fun and rewarding—but she sometimes felt overwhelmed by the many other responsibilities that came with the job. She found herself closing her door, isolating herself, and wondering if she had chosen teaching out of duty instead of passion. Then, one day, a colleague knocked and asked to eat lunch with her. One turned into two, then three, until her classroom became a gathering place. That small act of connection changed everything.
To help other teachers experience that same sense of support, Aaron launched a mentoring program, offering a space where those in their first three years could gather—over donuts, before school, away from the pressure of evaluations. “The most valuable part isn’t the instructional tips,” she says. “It’s the relationships.” After 15 years of teaching English Language Arts, Aaron stepped into the role of instructional partner, a position that allows her to provide ongoing support to teachers throughout the school.
Kira Aaron
Instructional
Partner, Vestavia Hills High School
At the core of it all, Aaron is driven by the belief that education’s broader purpose is to shape lives. “I hope my students remember that they were safe, encouraged, and that learning could be exciting,” she says. Her passion for both students and fellow teachers drives her to make a lasting impact as she proudly carries on her family legacy.
“I tell my students all the time—chase your passion, not just a paycheck.”
- Sarah Moland
For more than two decades, Dr. Sarah Moland has been shaping young minds—not just through fabric and thread, but by weaving confidence, opportunity, and purpose into her students’ lives. As the leader of the Fashion Program at Jackson-Olin High School, she teaches Family and Consumer Sciences, Fashion, and Fashion Design, blending practical skills with the belief that passion should drive one’s career.
“I tell my students all the time—chase your passion, not just a paycheck,” Moland says. “If you love what you do, you’ll make it work.”
Her own love for sewing began at age eight, inspired by her mother, a talented seamstress. Teaching wasn’t in her original plan, but a conversation with her son’s teacher—and what she describes as a persistent calling—changed her path.
“I strive to teach my students the way I’d want someone to teach my own child,” Moland says. “I think about their future, even when they don’t. I want them to see the opportunities I never knew existed.”
She beams with pride when speaking of former students like Brittany Smith, now a prom dress designer, whose work has gone viral. “It’s incredible to see them take what they’ve learned and turn it into something real,” she says. “When I see them succeeding, I know I’ve done my job.”
Sarah Moland
Fashion Program Director, Jackson-Olin High School
“It’s a tricky voyage, but the world desperately needs artists—to challenge, to inspire, to give hope.”
- Alex Fokkens
Alex Fokkens
Music Department Chair, Alabama School of Fine Arts
For Alex Fokkens, music is more than sound—it’s a presence that shapes identity, fosters resilience, and gives young artists a voice in an increasingly complex world.
His journey to Birmingham was anything but conventional. Originally from South Africa, he built an impressive career as a conductor, leading professional orchestras across continents. But something kept pulling him toward education. “I found I felt very strongly about training our future—guiding young people on their journey to find their voice and begin to understand what it takes to create art.”
That calling led him to the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA), a free public school for grades 7 through 12, where he now chairs the music department, helping students navigate the challenges of a career in the arts. “There’s an enormous need for young artists to have mentors who show them the path forward,” Fokkens explains. “It’s a tricky voyage, but the world desperately needs artists—to challenge, to inspire, to give hope.”
At ASFA, students devote hours each day to honing their craft, performing, and collaborating in an environment that mirrors the professional world. “These young people take risks every day,” he says. “They stand up, perform, and put their souls into their work. That kind of courage is inspiring beyond words.”
For Fokkens, the greatest joy is watching students step into their future—whether on stage, in a studio, or wherever their artistry takes them.
“Languages open doors to greater opportunities.” - Kimi Portabella
Kimi Portabella Blanton
Spanish Teacher, Crestline Elementary
When she arrived in the U.S. from Guatemala, Kimi Blanton was stunned that foreign language wasn’t part of early education at her children’s school. So she changed that. Volunteering, advocating, and helping shape a curriculum from the ground up, she ensured students had access to a broader world—one filled with language, culture, and opportunity.
Now, in her 27th year of teaching, her classroom is alive with energy. Students learn Spanish by living it. They compare cultures, share stories from their travels, and connect the world around them to her lessons. One student recently returned from Mexico and eagerly linked his experiences to a lesson on Ecuador. Another recalled a news report about a man crossing an active volcano in Nicaragua and excitedly fact-checked it with Blanton.
“I tell my students all the time—it doesn’t have to be Spanish, but learn a second language,” she says. “Languages open doors to greater opportunities.”
For Blanton, the greatest lesson goes beyond words. “I was hired to teach Spanish,” she says, “and I will, to the best of my ability. But my first goal is to build relationships with my students and their families.” She wants each one to leave her class knowing they were seen, valued, and deeply cared for.
Long after they forget conjugations and vocabulary, she hopes they’ll remember her belief in them—because that’s an investment that will last a lifetime.
“These families know I want the best for their children. Whenever there’s a roadblock, we just figure out a way around it.” - Debra Rust
Debra Rust
Gifted-Enrichment Specialist, Midfield City Schools
Debra Rust has been teaching for 50 years, but her passion for her students burns as brightly as it did on day one. She’s a lifeline, an advocate, and a champion for every student.
“These are the most talented, dedicated children that I have ever known,” Rust says.
Rust teaches gifted education in Midfield City Schools, a district where 90% of students qualify for free lunch. Her work goes far beyond the classroom, nurturing students’ talents in theater and the arts after school. She starts working with them in second grade, guiding them until they graduate.
“I have encouraged the students who are really interested in theater to stick with me, and we will partner with Red Mountain Theater to find them opportunities to perform. We will get scholarships for them, and they will go on to do amazing things. And they have. It’s really working, and it’s changing their lives.”
One of her students, Kenneth Weldon, recently returned from auditioning for schools nationwide. The University of Oklahoma and The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) have already offered him numerous musical theater scholarships. Rust beams with pride as she lists former students now thriving in college and beyond—one performing at UAB, one at The University of Alabama, and another at Samford University on a full scholarship.
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Rust runs the Midfield Performing Arts program like a professional company. “We’ve produced 33 musicals so far that the kids actually write and perform with my guidance. My choreographer Londyn Harris is in the 11th grade—she’s the most fabulous choreographer you’ve ever seen.”
It hasn’t always been easy. Rust has faced challenges, but she refuses to let them stop her. “I am so stubborn, and I’m determined that everything will turn out good. We just keep pushing until it does,” she says. She credits her students’ parents and her coordinator, Stephanie Matthews, for their unwavering support. “These families know I want the best for their children. Whenever there’s a roadblock, we just figure out a way around it.”
Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Last year, Midfield City Schools honored her with a plaque on their stage, a tribute to the impact she’s had on so many young performers. That same year, she received the Making a Difference Award from the Alabama State Arts Alliance, an emotional moment that underscored a lifetime of commitment.
For Rust, though, the best reward of all is watching her students shine.
“Whenever I go to Red Mountain Theater and see my little children and my older children up on that stage,” she says, her voice catching, “that’s when I know we’ve done it. We’ve created magic that can be shared with others!”
Students of Debra Rust pose for a cast photo during the Midfield Enrichment Class production of Pan, 2024. Photo by Kathryn Blackwell.
In the little moments and major milestones of childhood, we are here for our patients and their families – helping, healing, teaching and discovering.
THE GREAT Wealth Transfer
Growing up on a peanut farm, DeLynn Zell learned financial literacy at the dinner table. "When my father realized he wouldn’t have sons, he knew how important it was for us to understand the financial side as well as the agricultural side of the business," she recalls. Discussions covered banking, investing, and taking calculated risks—concepts that set the foundation for her career in wealth management. "He encouraged me to get an accounting degree, recognizing its versatility. Most importantly, he wanted us to be self-reliant."
Zell, now a leading financial expert with Birmingham's Savant Wealth Management, shares insights on the upcoming shift in wealth toward women and how women and couples can prepare.
WHY IS THE UPCOMING WEALTH TRANSFER TO WOMEN SUCH A HOT TOPIC IN THE INDUSTRY?
It’s the confluence of several factors. Reports vary but it is estimated that approximately $100 trillion dollars will be transferred from the Baby Boomers to the next generation over the next 20 years. However, by 2030, women in the U.S. are expected to control a substantial portion of $30 trillion in financial assets now held by Baby Boomers—a shift often called "the power shift of the century." Women also tend to live longer than men, so many will inherit wealth from their spouses and parents. One report projects that 70% of inheritances will be received first by women. Another significant factor is that 70% of women change their financial advisor within a year after the death of a spouse, indicating a desire for financial guidance that better aligns with their needs. The
Expert Q&A with DeLynn Zell of Savant Wealth Management
financial industry recognizes that, despite the growing wealth among women, they remain underrepresented in advisory positions. There’s still much work to do to meet this fast-growing need.
WHAT ARE SOME PRACTICAL STEPS PEOPLE CAN TAKE TO PREPARE FOR THIS SHIFT?
Be proactive. Start by organizing your accounts and financial records and ensuring they are up to date. If you haven’t developed an estate plan, consider creating one, or at least have a will, powers of attorney, and health directives in place. Review your insurance policies to ensure you have the right coverage.
Next, have regular conversations with your spouse about finances. Discuss your assets, debt, and long-term financial goals so you both understand your financial landscape. Families should also discuss finances with adult children to avoid surprises down the road.
Finally, consider working with a financial advisor who understands women’s financial longevity needs and estate planning strategies. Some specialize in multi-generational wealth transfer, which could be a great place to start.
HOW CAN WOMEN STEPPING INTO FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE FEEL MORE CONFIDENT AND IN CONTROL OF THEIR ASSETS?
Knowledge is power. Build your financial literacy by reading books, taking online courses, or joining financial communities. Understand your personal financial situation by asking questions,
having discussions with your spouse or financial advisor, and setting clear goals. Having a structured plan in place gives you confidence and control over your financial future.
WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST EXCITING ABOUT THIS SHIFT, AND HOW DO YOU SEE IT SHAPING THE FUTURE OF WEALTH MANAGEMENT?
I’m excited to see how the world might look when women control most of its wealth! While we can’t know exactly what will happen, I have a few predictions:
• Philanthropy will grow. As their income rises, women tend to give more than men, especially to organizations focused on supporting women and children. Philanthropy is expected to expand as a result.
• Entrepreneurship will increase. We could see more women launching businesses, hiring women, and reducing the wage gap. Studies show that women-led companies, or those with strong female leadership, tend to be more profitable.
• Impact investing will rise. Millennials are particularly interested in values-based investing, with 61% having participated compared to just a third of all investors. Research suggests women are more inclined to invest in companies with positive social or environmental impact.
By preparing for this historic wealth shift, women and couples can make informed decisions today to secure their financial future and build legacies that will last for generations.
ARTICLE BY BLAIR MOORE
"By 2030, women in the U.S. are expected to control a substantial portion of the $30 trillion in financial assets now held by Baby Boomers—a shift often called 'the power shift of the century.'"
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ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY
The drink that makes you look forward to TAX DAY
INCOME TAX cocktail
INGREDIENTS:
• 1½ oz. Gin
• ¾ oz. Dry Vermouth
• ¾ oz. Sweet Vermouth
• ¾ oz. Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
• 2 Dashes Angastura Bitters
• Orange Twist
• Glass Type: Coupe
DIRECTIONS:
1.
2. Add everything to your shaker with ice.
4. Pour into your coupe.
5. Twist your orange peel again, like you did last summer.
7. Enjoy being done with taxes.
8. And a good cocktail.
The Income Tax Cocktail likely popped up during the Prohibition party scene of the 1920s. Its exact origin story remains a bit blurry, but it was definitely a hit in speakeasies.
The name? Well, it's like a cheeky nod to the idea that sipping on this cocktail might be more fun than paying actual taxes! Made with gin, sweet vermouth, orange juice, and a dash of bitters, it's like a boozy adventure for your taste buds, with hints of citrus and herbs. Despite its vintage roots, the Income Tax Cocktail still brings the party vibes, transporting you back to the roaring '20s.
BEST INVESTMENT BOOKS TO READ
THESE INVESTMENT BOOKS CAN HELP YOU STAY UP-TO-DATE ON THE LATEST FINANCIAL TRENDS
ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMON AND SCHUSTER
Investing in your future is critical yet complicated. While reaching out to qualified professionals is vital—whether you’re building your business, investing in your financial security, or planning for retirement—doing some of your own research is often helpful.
We checked out some of the top investment books that help you better understand how to invest in your future and build wealth.
1 2 3 4 5 6
ONE UP ON WALL STREET
One Up On Wall Street: How to Use What You Already Know to Make Money in the Market by Peter Lynch with John Rothchild. Peter Lynch explains average investors’ advantages over professionals and how they can use these advantages to achieve financial success.
HOW TO INVEST
How to Invest: Navigating the Brave New World of Personal Investment, part of Economist Books, by Peter Stanyer, Masood Javaid, and Stephe Satchell. A dynamic new guide to personal investment for the era of cryptocurrencies and personal trading platforms.
POWER YOUR PROFITS
Power Your Profits: How to Take Your Business from $10,000 to $10,000,000 by Susie Carder. While not a traditional book on investments, Power Your Profits helps you discover how to take your business from startup mode to the multi-million-dollar mark.
THE WEALTH DECISION
The Wealth Decision: 10 Simple Steps to Achieve Financial Freedom and Build Generational Wealth by Dominique Broadway. A roadmap for becoming a millionaire and building the foundation of generational wealth from a self-made, first-generation multimillionaire.
THE WOLF OF INVESTING
The Wolf of Investing: My Insider’s Playbook for Making a Fortune on Wall Street by Jordan Belfort. From the investment guru and author of The Wolf of Wall Street, this is a witty and clear-eyed guide for anyone who wants to play the stock market to their advantage and learn the secrets of a top Wall Street investor.
HOW TO INVEST
How to Invest: Masters on the Craft by David M. Rubenstein. This book is a master class on investing, featuring conversations with the biggest names in finance. Brought to you by the legendary cofounder of The Carlyle Group, David M. Rubenstein.
