Love Local Issue
EDUCATION
DREAM TO REALITY: LOCAL COUPLE COMBINES PASSIONS TO FOUND SCHOOL
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February: Love Local
February is traditionally a season of love and romance, but we here at Destin City Lifestyle want to turn the lens back to our community. This issue is one of our favorites as we celebrate with those who have worked hard in both their relationships and their businesses to stand out as beacons in the community.
We begin our journey with the Weinbergs, a couple whose love of education combined with a passion for sharing their knowledge and expertise with children, led them to help found The Barrett School in Destin.
Next we will introduce you to The Buenos, who have made it their life's goal to help others fulfill their dreams by finding the perfect home or investment property. They will also share some tips for how you can do the same!
Of course we will also share some photos of our monthly cover celebrations and some of our favorite Power Couples from around Destin along the way!
We hope that wherever you are in this journey of life, that you will be inspired to chase after your own dreams and be a light in your own community!
CARMEN IONASCU, PUBLISHER @DESTINCITYLIFESTYLE
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Carmen Ionascu | Carmen.Ionascu@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Josh Foster | josh.foster@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Savannah Vasquez savannah.vasquez@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Melanie Gray | melanie.gray@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Robert Young of Forever Young Images, Shanna Perret of Davista Photography and Alexander Rea
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
inside the issue
Sarah and Matt Weinberg are a dynamic duo that helped found The Barrett School in Destin.
Photography: Robert Young of Forever Young Images
city scene
1: Shaun Roberts and his wife Irina G. Roberts. 2: Ashleigh Woolly, owner of Beyond Measure Jewelers, and her husband, Chad Woolly. 3: Melanie Gray & Kevin Henderson. 4: Evelyn Underwood, Mike Chastain and Norma Dixon. 5: Evgeniya Stetsenko, Sarah Again, Carmen Ionascu, Angela Rissi. 6: Felicia Cooper, Owner and CEO at Beachy Glam-Up and her husband Michael Cooper. 7: Mike Kratz and his wife Tory Kratz Co-Founder/Owner at Complete Holistic Coaching and Wellness.
Reality: DREAM TO
How the Weinbergs combined their passions to found a school
ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT YOUNG, FOREVER YOUNG IMAGES
When two people are allowed to dream, both together and apart, amazing things can happen. For instance, if one partner has an intellect for mathematics, science and technology, and the other for music, culture and literature, well those dreams coming together could look a little something like Matt and Sarah Weinberg and the foundation of the new Destin private school, The Barrett School.
“We both have a passion for kids and we want to give them the education and belief systems we wish we had as kids,” Sarah said. “Matt gives the high school version of himself the education he wished he had, and I am just a voice of encouragement.”
But let’s rewind. Matt and Sarah met in 2011 as many millennials do, on a dating app, but after an eight-hour first date they both knew this was more than just a casual relationship. Both had long term goals and aspirations, but both were attracted to each other in a way that allowed for their dreams to begin to collide.
“At the time I was in medical school and Sarah was between schools,” Matt said. “I was involved in cancer research. I really liked being a doctor, but I realized that that wasn’t good for us because my work took me away from her a lot. So I went into education because a lot of people told me I would make a good teacher.”
In fact, Matt comes from a family of teachers, but the idea didn’t fully hit him until a stranger on a train in Africa told him he reminded him of his high school chemistry teacher. So, with his own extensive background and degrees in biochemistry, archaeology and medicine, Matt began teaching teachers about the benefits of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in the classroom.
“I’ve been involved in almost every science there is,” Matt said. “I can connect nearly every science topic to other parts of a student’s learning, which is something that most students don’t get in schools today.”
Matt and Sarah settled down in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to be near family, and welcomed two children, Sienna and Archer into their lives. But when the time came for Sienna to begin preschool, the Weinbergs found that the school they applied for would not accept her due to a developmental delay.
In 2020, during the height of the global pandemic, the Weinbergs decided to move to Destin, Florida. They were tired of striking out with education options and were ready for warmer weather. The couple welcomed their third child, Phoebe in 2021, but, once again, the couple couldn’t find a school option that fit their vision. So in 2024, Matt and his brother, Alex teamed up with therapists and educators Adrienne Seaborn and Audrey Hill to found The Barrett School.
“I wanted to create a school that accepted children regardless of their abilities,” Matt said. “The idea for the school was to get all types of students together and give them access to an education that brings technology, engineering, science and math into their lives in a fun and exciting way.”
The couple has now come full circle, having dreamt into reality a place where their passions meet and their children can thrive. Matt serves as Dean of Academics at The Barrett School, curating the curriculum as well as teaching science, math and robotics while Sarah volunteers her time to bring music into the classrooms, visiting the school weekly to offer musical enrichment.
The couple has not lost sight of their individual dreams, however, as Matt, a two-time published author, is currently working on a third book which will focus education in the current social-economical climate. He also posts weekly to his blog www.professormattw.com, where he explores STEM topics and education. Sarah has begun to explore her musical talents once more, with monthly live music events and has recently launched a podcast on www.listentosarahagain.com, focused on mental health called Inner Voice Lessons with Sarah Again. Sarah also plans on releasing a new music album in mid-2025.
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BUILDING A LIFE TOGETHER:
The Buenos Prove That Two Realtors Are Better Than One
ARTICLE
BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA PERRET
A good love story often begins with an unlikely pairing, and that was exactly the case with Stephanie and Candido (Andy) Bueno. The two met in 2018, on the dating app, Plenty of Fish, even though both say they are not the type to usually try dating apps. Both were looking for love and true commitment and after just one phone call, they knew they were each other’s soul mate.
“We talked on the phone for 10 hours,” Stephanie said of their first conversation. “We instantly clicked on that phone conversation. Two days later we went on a dinner date and it just grew from there.”
After just a matter of months, they moved in together to close the gap of living a one hour commute apart. Three years later, Andy was ready to pop the question, but he wanted to do it properly and make the moment memorable.
“I’m sort of old school so I flew her out to Seattle to meet my parents and I took her to the Space Needle and on top of the space needle I proposed to her,” Andy said. “Now every time we see it on television we remember our moment.”
The two were married later that same year in December 2021, in a small ceremony on the beach with family members by their side.
As time went on, the two grew even closer, as Stephanie went into real estate in 2019 and a few years later, Andy followed suit,
getting his own real estate license. The Buenos are a powerhouse real estate team; Stephanie is known for her client charisma while Andy uses his military eye for detail to ensure that every property is thoroughly inspected and up to snuff before a sale.
“I go out and view properties and talk to clients for door openings and inspections,” Andy said. “I was a drill instructor and spent 28 years in the Marine Corps, so I have the attention to detail and I can really pick out things that might have been missed previously.”
Stephanie's professional qualities include listening to clients and executing their goals, understanding their vision and delivering results that exceed expectations while making the experience fun and enjoyable and stress free.
In addition to providing real estate services, the Buenos are also property investors, owning two condos on Okaloosa Island. Andy also serves as the president of the condo development’s HOA association and helps oversee renovation projects within the property.
Together, the Buenos offer nearly unmatched realty expertise and precision and can literally be in two places at once. And when it comes to their personal life, the pair say that they have found a new closeness now that they work together.
ANDY BUENO.
“WHEN BUSINESS IS INVOLVED, YOU HAVE TO TAKE YOUR TRUST IN EACH OTHER TO A DIFFERENT LEVEL,”
“Now we can talk about more things in life together and we can do more together,” Andy said. “It opens more lines of communication and thoughts, now that we have the business aspect of it. That’s what I really love about it.”
When it comes to advice for couples working together, the Buenos say it all comes down to good communication and humility.
“Patience is number one,” Andy said. “It is paramount that on both sides, you know when to just be quiet and listen. When you meet those friction points you have to take a step back and take a look at the
problem, because she may have a different perspective than I do, a better point of view than I do. When business is involved, you have to take your trust in each other to a different level because if clients see you not trusting each other they may lose their trust in you.”
At home, the Buenos like to spend time with their German shepherd and visit their grown children who all live here on the Emerald Coast.
“Our biggest hobby is time together,” Andy said. “My hobby is spending time with my family and doing whatever they want to do.”
“It’s just really important for us to spend time with our family while we can,” Stephanie added. “We divide up our time to make sure all of our family members get our love and attention.”
Whenever possible, the Buenos also like to volunteer their time to participate in community clean-up events with Keep Okaloosa Beautiful, a local organization that helps keep our communities clean and educates everyone on how to reduce litter and improve recycling efforts.
THE BUENOS' TIPS ON PURCHASING INVESTMENT PROPERTIES:
As seasoned property investors, the Buenos offer valuable insights into navigating the investment property market.
1. KNOW YOUR NUMBERS
Understand the current market trends, rental demand, and property values. Evaluate your potential cash flow and return on investment.
2. KNOW YOUR FINANCING OPTIONS
Understand the financing options available to you, including conventional mortgages, private lenders, or alternative financing methods.
3. CHOOSE A LOCATION WISELY
If you’re looking for properties for short-term rental, choose locations with high demand. Alternatively, seek areas with strong future development potential. Look for up-and-coming neighborhoods or regions where new infrastructure is being built, as these can appreciate significantly over time.
4. DIVERSIFY YOUR PORTFOLIO
Invest in different types of properties such as condos, single-family homes and townhomes. If you plan to retire in one of the properties, choose one that aligns with your personal desires and lifestyle.
5. PLAN FOR MARKET FLUCTUATIONS
Focus on the long-term potential of your investments, and don’t be swayed by short-term market swings.
Local Power Couples
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
JASON &
JENNA SHINHOLSTER
Jason and Jenna Shinholster are a true embodiment of compassion and service. Having met through their shared journey of recovery, they found not only a partnership in life but a powerful calling to help others overcome the struggles they once faced.
As founders of LifeLine, a recovery ministry, the Shinholsters provide a space where individuals can find healing and support for others who have lived through addiction and found freedom. But LifeLine isn't just about recovery; it’s about building a community that fosters spiritual growth and accountability, giving individuals the tools to live a life of freedom and purpose.
FEATURING SOME OF DESTIN’S POWERHOUSE DUOS
“WE’VE ALWAYS BELIEVED IN DREAMING BIG, WORKING HARD, AND LIFTING OTHERS AS WE GROW.” -NADINE YATHALI.
NADINE YATHALI & MORGAN PARKER
Nadine Yathali and her husband Morgan Parker have built a life and business grounded in grit, love, and a shared passion for helping others achieve their dreams. Nadine is a dual-licensed Realtor and loan officer, and her husband and business partner, Morgan is also a loan officer and runs the financial side of the business.
The couple’s love story began in 1998, at a University of Florida football game where the pair met while volunteering. Nadine was an Army ROTC cadet working toward U.S. citizenship while studying Zoology, and Morgan was studying Mechanical Engineering in the same program.
Both Nadine and Morgan dreamed of military careers, but for them, raising a family was a priority. The young couple decided that while Morgan was commissioned as an Army officer and served overseas, Nadine would stay behind, with the couple's two children, Kailyn & Kai, and manage the couple’s two households.
In 2020, during the pandemic, Nadine and Morgan took a leap of faith and moved to Bluewater Bay.
“We wanted our kids in school, to be near the water, and to chase the life we’d always dreamed of,” Nadine said. “It wasn’t easy, leaving behind stability, but it was worth it.”
Today, Morgan focuses on the finance side of the couple’s realty business, while Nadine thrives by connecting with clients and sellers.
“We’re the perfect balance—his steady, quiet confidence and my people-first energy,” Nadine said. “Together, we’re not just helping clients buy homes; we’re helping them build their futures, one step at a time. We’ve always believed in dreaming big, working hard, and lifting others as we grow.”
“WHETHER
SPONSORING
LOCAL EVENTS, SUPPORTING CHARITIES, OR MENTORING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS, THEY ARE DEDICATED TO MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE EMERALD COAST AREA THEY CALL HOME.”
WADE & BRIDGETT COTTON
Partners and co-founders of Clear Title & Escrow 30A and founders of The Florida Living Team, Bridgett and Wade Cotton are a dynamic power couple. Their entrepreneurial spirit and passion for their community have given them the ability to blend love, ambition, and success.
Their journey together began in 2016 when they met through real estate. Both driven by a shared love for the industry and a desire to build something impactful, they quickly realized they made the perfect business and personal match. They soon partnered to establish Clear Title & Escrow 30A, a company they built from the ground up to provide essential services to clients navigating the complex world of real estate. Their complementary skills—Bridgett’s strategic vision and Wade’s operational expertise—have been key to their success, helping them create a trusted brand known for attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Their love story is as inspiring as their business journey. The couple celebrated their personal and professional milestones together in a romantic wedding in Taormina, Sicily—a stunning reflection of their shared values of adventure, culture, and connection.
In addition to their professional achievements, Bridgett and Wade are deeply committed to giving back to the communities they serve along the Florida Panhandle. Whether sponsoring local events, supporting charities, or mentoring young professionals, they are dedicated to making a positive impact on the Emerald Coast area they call home.
