HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE
HEALTH + WELLNESS
NEW YEAR’S NUTRIENTS: ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO WELLNESS AT PRIME I.V. JANUARY 2025
Bar r ett School
play. learn. thrive.
DISCOVER THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION at The Barrett School at Destin, where innovation meets personalized learning to unlock each child's potential. Our unique curriculum is rooted in the principles of STEAM education—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics—ensuring a holistic approach to learning. We pride ourselves on offering cutting-edge resources, such as advanced robotics, to inspire creativity and critical thinking in our students. With smaller class sizes, we provide individualized attention that caters to diverse learning styles, ensuring that every child can thrive. At The Barrett School, education is not just about academics; it's about preparing students for the future by integrating career-focused learning into their educational journey, empowering them to succeed in an ever-evolving world.
www.thebarrettschoolfl.org // (850) 353-2153
January - Health & Wellness Issue
New Year's is always seen as a time for new beginnings, and often times a welcome chance to start over with personal goals. But the older I get, the more I believe that goals can be set at any time of year, and if I'm being honest, starting new resolutions in the dead of winter right after the heavy comfort foods of the holidays can be a tough time to start.
So this year I'm trying something different. This year I want to focus on an attainable change, this is truly something I believe everyone can do and be successful with. Simply practicing daily gratitude. In this new year, I want to begin my day being thankful for things from a simple cup of coffee to the chance to spend time with a loved one or close friend. I believe a positive start to the day will truly change my mood and outlook on life, and hopefully even make me a kinder, more compassionate person.
Today I choose to be thankful for my community, for the cashier at the coffee shop that knew my order and spelled my name correctly to you, our faithful readers and supporters of print magazines!
This issue we are focusing on health and wellness, two things that everyone seeks and desires in life. We will introduce you to Scot Andrews of Prime I.V. as he explains the benefits of direct nutrients. We spent some time meeting the behavioral therapists of The Barrett School in Destin, as they serve the youngest generation of Destin. We also spoke with Tory and Mike Kratz of Complete Holistic Coaching and Wellness as they describe an alternative path to health and wellness. We hope you find these stories and community members as intriguing as we have.
Thank you for being part of Destin City Lifestyle for the past two years. Here's to a new year filled with gratitude. A year filled with community, and a year filled with stories big and small of those who make Destin an amazing place to live and work. Happy New Year!
CARMEN IONASCU, PUBLISHER @DESTINCITYLIFESTYLE
January 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
Davista Photography, Forever Young Images, Alexander Rea and Emerald Blue Photography
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
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NEW YEAR’S OF NUTRIENTS
ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA PERRET OF DAVISTA PHOTOGRAPHY
What’s new at Prime I.V.?
It’s the new year and everyone is thinking about their own personal wellness and making time this year to finally focus on health. While working out and dieting can often fade with lack of motivation or desired results, Scot and Donna Andrews at Prime I.V. offer another approach to getting your body the nutrients it needs.
“The media is packed with companies selling vitamins and supplements by mouth, but when you take vitamins orally, you are only getting about 20-percent of retained nutrients, with an I.V., you are getting nutrients directly into your bloodstream and you get 100-percent nutrient absorption.”
Scot explained that with an I.V. your body can get a higher saturation of nutrients and therefore leave you feeling better for longer than traditional oral nutrient methods.
“Once your body gets used to getting saturated with the right nutrients, our clients say they feel better longer and even sleep better,” he said. “The key to our business is to not be stereotyped as a party recovery therapy, but as sustainable nutrient therapy.”
In addition to the most popular Immunity Boost drip, which offers high levels of vitamin C, zinc, vitamin B-12 and other immune boosting nutrients, Prime I.V. also offers treatments for anti-aging, weight-loss, athlete recovery and of course hydration.
“Every visit to Prime I.V. begins with a medical intake,” Scot said. “We ask a lot of questions such as, ‘How are you sleeping? What is your daily energy level? As well as if you are on any medications or have any medical conditions. This is all reviewed by a registered nurse and then formulated into what will work best for the client. The RN then educates the client on what would work best for them before beginning a treatment.”
This customized wellness plan is then revisited every quarter to ensure that each customer is receiving the best nutrients and vitamins for their needs. Customers to Prime I.V. also have the option of using medical-grade oxygen while receiving treatment which offers ease of breathing and energizes the cells in the body while taking in nutrients needed to heal and rebuild.
So, whether you’re looking to boost your immunity, recover after a workout, or just feel your best throughout the year, Prime I.V. provides a tailored solution to ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs to thrive.
When not working or traveling, you can find Scot playing his mandolin or spending time with his wife Donna, three adult children and two granddaughters.
“This year I have had a chance to play mandolin and guitar at the Destin Seafood Festival in and at the Oyster Bar,” Scot said. “Getting out into the community and jamming with other bands keeps me sane. We are really connected to our community and we love to give back.”
M E E T TH E COL
N Y
The Barrett School, a STEM school located in the heart of Destin, exists to meet the needs of families searching for a rigorous educational plan tailored to their child’s specific needs. Understanding that each child learns differently, the instructors and clinical therapists at The Barrett School are trained to identify the ways in which a child will be successful. Staff members then work together to implement those strategies and achieve the student’s primary goal of academic success.
Not only does every instructor have his or her teaching certification, but each therapist is a highly trained member of their field and meets additional requirements to serve in The Colony Clinic, The Barrett School’s in-house therapy center.
INTRODUCING THE PEDIATRIC THERAPISTS ON STAFF AT THE BARRETT SCHOOL
ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED IMAGES
CASSANDRA MEGAHAN CARTER MOHESKY
Board-Certified Behavior Analyst
I am passionate about blending the science of Applied Behavior Analysis with compassionate, person-centered care. I believe that behavior change can be most effective when it’s rooted in understanding, empathy, and building strong, supportive relationships.
When you take the time to look closely at a child’s behavior, you start to recognize that the behavior often stems from a gap in a specific skill or need. It could be communication, social skills, or a lack of coping strategies, and once you identify this missing skill, the reason for the behavior becomes clearer. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness that shift, both for the child and for everyone involved in the process.
My favorite aspect of working at the Barrett School is the collaboration and the supportive environment.
Registered Behavior Technician
Growing up, my family was friends with a family who had a child with autism. I spent a lot of time around them and went to a lot of fundraisers surrounding autism. One of my high school volleyball coaches was an RBT. She told me about her job and explained to me what it entailed. I grew passionate about behavioral health, and studied to become an RBT.
When working in behavioral health with children, I find that naturalistic teaching helps develop skills the child can use in their everyday life.
My favorite aspect of working at The Barrett School is getting to interact with the amazing children and staff. It has been a great experience, like no other environment that I have worked in before.
ZEMIAH GOLDSMITH ASHLEY LOPEZ
Registered Behavior Technician
My desire to help others is what got me interested in behavioral health. I’m drawn to create positive, meaningful impacts in the lives of others.
One of many things I believe is still needed in bringing awareness to behavioral health in children, is that parents play a vital role in supporting the child in applying their newly learned skills. The parent’s role in supporting skills taught, such as social or communication skills, outside of the educational environment can help the child understand that the new behavior is expected in other places such as the home or out in public.
My favorite aspect of working at the Barrett School would be engaging with every student and creating relationships with them.
Registered Behavior Technician
My goal is to be a Marriage and Family Therapist, but I love being a Behavioral Therapist. It takes a special person with a special heart to be able to work in this field and I believe I have that. I adore all the kids I work with and they make working in this field a fun experience.
I think teaching families how to recognize, manage and learn from difficult emotions is a good way to bring awareness to behavioral health in children. I love teaching naturalistic training because I can see the student’s growth in a natural environment.
The staff and the kids are my favorite thing about working at The Barrett School. I genuinely respect my co-workers which makes the work environment enjoyable.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO WELLNESS
Mind, Body, Soul
ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA PERRET OF DAVISTA PHOTOGRAPHY
When doctors were not able to help Tory Kratz find the root cause of a life-altering ailment, she began searching for alternative options for healing. What she found not only helped her find a path to wellness, but also helped her husband Mike discover a healthier lifestyle and mindset as well.
“Watching Tory go through her ordeal just really opened my eyes to the alternative care that is out there,” said Mike Kratz. “We began to realize that a healthy lifestyle is more than what you do, and includes everything you put into and onto your body and skin, so I just followed suit with her.”
The couple quit their high-stress corporate training jobs together and launched their own wellness company, Complete Holistic Coaching and Wellness in November of 2022. Today the Kratz offer their services in Miramar Beach. Destin City Lifestyle caught up with them to find out just what they offer.
DCL: WHAT DO YOU OFFER AT COMPLETE HOLISTIC COACHING AND WELLNESS?
Kratz: We offer powerful methods to healing, forward movement, improvement to self, mind, body, and financial independence through Holistic Coaching, Holobody Coaching, Active Meditation, Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT®), and Free Financial Education and Services. All powerful methods in reaching goals.
DCL: HOW DID YOU BOTH DISCOVER HOLISTIC TRAINING AND WHAT CAUSED YOU TO OPEN YOUR BUSINESS ON THE EMERALD COAST?
Kratz: When we found that our corporate training positions were being downsized, we realized that we didn’t take care of ourselves physically or mentally while under their employment. We were doing some research and found Mindvalley. This is where we really embraced meditation and hypnotherapy. The opportunity presented itself to become certified in those areas in addition to holistic coaching and Holobody coaching. We knew this was our opportunity to provide something different that was a natural, holistic approach.
CONTINUED >
Tory has lived on the Emerald Coast, on and off since 1989, growing up in the military and Mike has lived on the Emerald Coast on and off since 2001 after separating from the Army.
We live in Miramar Beach and have for the last 8 years and thought this would be a perfect opportunity to provide it to our neighbors and community.
DCL: WHAT IS HOLOBODY COACHING?
Kratz: Is an immersive coaching experience designed to empower you to unlock your full potential and cultivate a balanced mind-body connection for lifelong well-being through a permanent and positive change for your transformation. Through body awareness and education we provide a natural, holistic approach for changes in your life between you and your body.
DCL: WHAT IS RAPID TRANSFORMATIONAL THERAPY AND WHO CAN IT BENEFIT?
Kratz: Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT®) assists our clients in overcoming deep-rooted negative beliefs, habits, emotions, and behavioral patterns that hold them back from living their best lives.
RTT® is a groundbreaking approach that combines the most effective principles of hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, NLP, CBT, and neuroscience. Through the use of hypnosis, we can access the subconscious mind and address the core beliefs that drive unwanted thoughts and actions, even those deeply rooted in the psyche.
DCL: IS HOLISTIC COACHING MORE LIKE GOING TO A THERAPIST OR LIFE COACH?
Kratz: Holistic coaching is a comprehensive approach to personal development that addresses the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. We work with clients to create balance and harmony across all areas of their lives, including physical health, emotional well-being, career, relationships, and spirituality. We create customized plans tailored to each client's unique needs and goals.
This approach contrasts with traditional talk therapy, which primarily focuses on mental health and emotional issues through discussion and psychological techniques. Holistic coaching aims to equip clients with the tools needed to thrive independently, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-efficacy.
DCL: HOW HAVE YOU BENEFITED FROM THE SERVICES YOU PROVIDE IN YOUR OWN LIFESTYLE?
Kratz: We were clients before becoming certified. We were just coming out of a very toxic corporate training position and realized we were not taking care of ourselves in many aspects. Due to the clarity, purpose, and redirection we found during the process, we knew that we needed to provide these services to others. The opportunity presented itself to become certified in the areas of our services and we are excited to be able to provide the same to our clients.
Destin Dresses To Impress
CELEBRATING TWO YEARS OF DESTIN CITY LIFESTYLE
BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHOTOGRAPHERS LISTED IN SIDEBAR
ARTICLE
Destinites know how to dress to impress, there is no doubt about that, and those amazing floral gowns and spiffy tailored suits were on full display at Destin City Lifestyle's second annual Dress To Impress event held October 23rd. This year DCL decided to kick it up a notch, hosting the annual event at the new luxurious Hotel Effie within the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. As guests arrived, some by escort from 654LIMO, everyone enjoyed a custom cocktail and had their photos taken by professional photographers stationed throughout the ballroom.
Destin Mayor Bobby Wagner and his fiancée Rebekah Manley emceed the event, welcoming guests to enjoy aerial dancing feats performed by the Luminary Entertainment Company, desserts by La Famiglia and The Macron Chef and of course to take part in the silent auction which benefitted the Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation.
Each year Destin City Lifestyle pledges to give back to the Destin community. This year the silent auction raised $8,000
which went to the Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation, a charity that funds scholarships for local students in need who wish to pursue a secondary education.
Everyone had the chance to walk the red carpet down the boulevard of 2024 DCL magazine covers, showcasing influential faces and stories from Destin locals. The theme of the night was floral fashion and our very own floral dress made using real fresh flowers in partnership with Bella Flora 30A sat on the stage on prime display beside the September cover that it had graced.
Angela Rissi, owner of Phoenix Surfaces in Santa Rosa Beach, won Best Dressed for the Dress To Impress Contest although it was a tight race with many guests arriving in custom outfits and accessories.
Other winners of the night included Jessy Barnwel, owner and stylist at Foil + Pin Parlour who will be featured in our May, Women in Business profile, and Robin Landa, Director of Celebration Talent Competition LLC, who will be featured with her fur baby
in our upcoming Pet's issue. Congratulations also go to Nadine Parker of EXP Realty, who won our Power Couple feature, look for her article in our upcoming February 2025 edition.
The incredible night ended as some guests stayed afterwards for dinner at Ovide, while others made their way home after a dazzling evening of networking, mingling and celebrating. Before the evening ended, DCL Publisher Carmen Ionascu took the stage to thank everyone.
"We are incredibly blessed to be part of this amazing community in Destin," Carmen said. "The southern hospitality that first welcomed us to the area has now propelled us to build this amazing network of friends that we now call our Destin City Lifestyle family. Thank you for sharing your stories and your talent with us. We can't wait to see what the next year holds."
Destin City Lifestyle would like to thank our sponsors who made this night a reality including; Hotel Effie, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Banquet Team, 654LIMO, A World Of Signs, Gateway Payment Technologies, Movement Mortgage, Renovation Flooring, Clark’s Barber Lounge, Beachworx, Eagleview Roofing Systems, Savannah Rae Beauty, Pink N Blue Avenue, HOME AT EASE INTERIORS, Bella Flora Weddings & Floral Design, Phoenix Surfaces, The Barrett School, La Famiglia Italian Restaurant, The Maccaron Chef ,Coastal Moke and Elite Cabinet Designs.
Thank you to our photographers who documented this amazing night; Davista Photography, Forever Young Images, Alexander Rea and Emerald Blue Photography.
Carousel Supermarket, PCB
Kwiker Liquor PCB
Slay Rosé
BLENDZ WITH BENEFITS
WHERE TECHNOLOGY AND HEALTHY FAST-FOOD MEET
ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT YOUNG, FOREVER YOUNG IMAGES
Fast food has had a bad connotation as unhealthy food because for so many years, the only place to get food fast were unhealthy options. However in the modern day of high technology with online ordering and to-go and delivery options at your fingertips, fast food can now be healthy. That was the thought behind Blendz With Benefits, a new coffee, smoothie and healthy food restaurant in Crestview.
Located in the same plaza as Flex Fitness gym, owner Josh Foster wanted to offer customers of the gym a fast, healthy option for their pre and post workout needs, and offer the community a place to gather and enjoy a slow cup of coffee or pastry as well.
"The idea really took root when I decided to bring together my passions for good, fresh food and my business knowledge of technologically-advanced automated point of sale units," Josh said. “Basically, I'm a foodie with a techie mind."
Blendz pairs food with technology by encouraging customers to order directly from an app on their phone. Once the order is in, cooks and baristas at Blendz prepare the order from scratch and have the customer's fresh order ready and waiting for them to pick up as fast as any fast food restaurant. The more customers use the app, the more benefits they will discover, including access to in-app discounts and offers, nutrition facts and more.
"I really think this will be the fast-food model of the future," Josh said. "You are already seeing automated point of sale units in McDonalds and Sonic, we are just taking it a step further by offering a quality fresh and healthy product along with it."
Blendz offers a robust menu from acai bowls and detox smoothies to fresh salads and paninis. And for those coffee lovers, Blendz offers a wide variety of options from espresso drinks to protein cold brews. Fresh pastries and breads are also on hand for a guilt-free indulgence.
“Basically, I’m a foodie with a techie mind,”
- JOSH FOSTER.
"When I walk into a coffee shop I'm always looking for two things, ambiance and quality food and beverage, and that is what I hope to provide here at Blendz," said Josh. "I'm trying something new here in Crestview, but already we have a firm following and have had an amazing start."
Bilingual Brain Food
THE COGNITIVE BENEFITS OF RAISING CHILDREN IN TWO LANGUAGES
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNAH
At Valiente Dual Academy, a Spanish immersion class for local homeschooled children, we are passionate about teaching language through immersion. We found that our own children learn best through activities such as art, literature, games and songs, so we incorporate this fun and play-based teaching style into everything we do in our classes.
After raising our own children in a bilingual home, we discovered that language immersion has not only benefitted them with a second language, but also with better focus and deeper academic understanding. It has been proven in scientific studies that language immersion in young children enhances cognitive skills in problem solving, memory, attention control and even better understanding of their primary language.
During the earliest years of development, a child's brain is zoned-in to language learning. In an immersive and playful environment, children will retain information faster. While each child will respond differently, language exposure through immersion is the best way to encourage fluency.
As we grow in this new educational venture we have watched our students begin to recognize, read and speak in Spanish all while learning in a playful environment.
Señor Cristian Vasquez
Señor Cristian Vasquez hails from San Diego, California. He began his own education journey in a bilingual school where he first learned to speak English. After working 10 years in the public school system, he decided to open Valiente Dual Academy, a Spanish Immersion class for homeschooled children so that more children would benefit from the gift of reading, understanding and speaking a second language.
VASQUEZ
