January/February 2022
DR. DAWN HUI Passionately Leading the Way to a Healthy Heart
INSURANCE PROFESSIONALS BOLD RED LIPS - AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION JEWELRY MAKERS - WOMEN IN BANKING CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS
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IN THIS ISSUE
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022
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16 Cover Story
From music to the OR, Dr. Dawn Hui puts her heart into everything she does.
21 Feature Story
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Jewelers use their artistic gifts to create unique pieces, and a beautiful life.
38 At Home
Farmhouse Flair in Alamo Heights from tear down to new build.
78 Women in Business
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Meet three women in banking who share a love for people and helping others succeed.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022
Stories
1 6 C o v e r S t o r y : D r. D a w n H u i 21 Feature Story: Jewelers 2 6 Role Model: Constanza Roeder 2 8 Guy to Know: Tim Roberts
Business
7 2 S p o t l i g h t : A m i F e l l e r, Ro o fe r C h i c k s 7 3 D o s s i e r : I n s u ra n c e P r o fe s s i o n a l s 7 8 Wo m e n i n B a n k i n g 8 8 Wo m e n o n t h e M o v e
Lifestyle
3 1 Fa s h i o n : L o v e I n s p i r e d 34 Beauty: Red Lips 3 5 B e a u t y E x t ra : F r e s h S t a r t s 3 8 At H o m e : Fa r m h o u s e F l a i r
To Your Health
4 6 I m p r o v e m e n t s i n C e r v i c a l C a n c e r Tr e a t m e n t 5 0 We l l n e s s M a t t e r s : S p i r i t u a l We l l n e s s 5 6 B e t t y ’s C o : I s t h i s N o r m a l ?
Food & Entertainment
9 6 H i l l C o u n t r y C u ra t e d : A r t G a l l e r i e s 98 Dining: Meadow Neighborhood Eatery + Bar 100 Entertainment 1 0 2 S A C u ra t e d D i n i n g : D a t e N i g h t 103 Art Beat: Gio DiZurita 1 0 4 We d d i n g : M r. & M r s . G o m e z
Special Sections
58 American Heart Association 89 Private School Preview
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Salon Hours
Monday – Closed Tuesday – 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday – 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday – 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM Friday – 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday – 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Sun – Closed
Salon Visage
invites you to visit our beautiful new salon located in a newly renovated and restored 1912 Victorian building in the lovely, historic Monte Vista. Salon Visage was established in 1992 by owner Maria Antonietta Joeris, who has trained all over - from New York to Los Angeles and Florida to the famous Vidal Sassoon in London. We strive to provide our clients with the highest quality services to enhance their beauty while inspiring their well-being and happiness through continuous education and creativity. Salon Visage is a full-service salon that has been in business for 30 years. We use the highest quality products alongside a team of highly trained stylists.
Cuts and Colors - Wigs and Styling - Beauty & Aesthetics - Boutique Products
126 E. Mistletoe Ave. San Antonio TX 78212 | (210) 615-8680 | scheduling@salonvisagesa.com
CO N T R I BU TORS 1. Sissy Martin “It was so much fun bringing this shoot to life with the San Antonio Woman team! Monochrome, modern, and fashionable. I hope you gain amazing style inspiration from it!”
2. Brittany Paul “Her skirt, the statue, and her story were meant to be. Constanza’s passion for bring joy to others is contagious. It was such a pleasure photographing her and learning her mission.”
3. David Teran “I have the coolest job in the world; I get to photograph the most wonderful women in all San Antonio. How do I get so lucky?”
4. Al Rendon “Christine’s home was very fun photoshoot. She was very open to my ideas. I was very impressed with the design and layout that included a seperate suite for her mom!”
5. Dawn Robinette An award-winning writer, communications expert and founder of Tale to Tell Communications, Dawn Robinette loves to share the stories behind the faces and places that make San Antonio shine.
6. Janis Turk “Each culinary feature I write involves surprises: like learning Meadow co-owner/chef PJ Edwards cooked in Charleston with famed James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Brock. But the biggest astonishments are usually found on the menu. Who knew I’d love a cabbage pancake? Meadow coowner Lindsey Edwards did, and—WOW!—she was right.”
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Steve Bennett “It may sound odd, but one of the best rooms in the house is the laundry room, which is the size of a big bedroom. It’s light and airy, with patterned porcelain tile floors, top-of-theline stainless appliances and a farmhouse sink. There’s even a water bowl for the cat that refills itself. Sure beats going out into the smelly old garage to wash your clothes!”
Meredith Kay Half Texan on her mother’s side, Meredith was born and raised in Southern California, where she graduated from Pepperdine University with a degree in Advertising. She has called San Antonio home for over 25 years now. An incurable foodie with an insatiable case of wanderlust, she has travelled the world, and is passionate about writing, cooking, landscaping.
EDITOR’S LETTER
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Cathleen Lane cathleen@sawoman.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR & GRAPHIC DESIGN Miriam Jesaijes miriam@sawoman.com
Welcome to a new year
and a new issue about - and for - the remarkable women of San Antonio. (That’s you!)
On our cover is Dr. Dawn Hui, board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon and President of the San Antonio Chapter of the American Heart Association. Heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women, and Dr. Hui is passionate about educating our community and encouraging others to stay active and know the signs and symptoms of heart disease. The jewelers in our feature story find joy in creating unique pieces for their customers. The women in our “Women in Banking” article love what they do and are passionate about helping others. Our beauty and fashion pages inspire us to be bold by adding red to the mix. And our dining and entertainment pages offer fresh ideas for everything from date-night dinners to mustsee hill country art galleries. There’s truly something for everyone in this issue. I think it’s fitting that we start the year with a special section about the American Heart Association. Women tend to take care of everything else before taking care of themselves. The start of a new year is an excellent time to think about priorities and move ourselves to the top of the list. Whether it’s making healthier food choices and adding a little movement to our lives or taking time to do the things that nurture us mentally and emotionally, I hope this issue inspires you to show some love to someone very special - YOU!
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA Taylor Lane taylor@sawoman.com DIRECTOR OF SALES & PARTNERSHIPS Dale Lane dale@sawoman.com ADVERTISING SALES Cindy Jennings cindy@sawoman.com Caitlin Clemenson Heck caitlin@sawoman.com WRITERS Cover: Dawn Robinette Steve Bennett, Camille Cuellar, Antonio Gutierrez, Meredith Kay, Jillian Lopiano, MD MPH FACOG, Katie McCall, Carole Miller, Dawn Robinette, Angel Santiago, Janis Turk, Dora Vera, Paul J. Watkins PHOTOGRAPHY Cover: David Teran Sissy Martin, Brittany Paul, Al Rendon, David Teran PRINTING Shweiki Media, San Antonio, Texas EDITOR EMERITUS Beverly Purcell-Guerra PUBLISHED BY Las Tres Muchachas, LLC. NOMINATIONS AND ADVERTISING INFORMATION Email: info@sawoman.com A Las Tres Muchachas Production Cathleen & Dale Lane 1150 N Loop 1604 W, Ste 108-249 San Antonio, Texas 78248 (210) 236-5834
sawoman.com @sanantoniowoman January/February 2022
DR. DAWN HUI Passionately Leading the Way to a Healthy Heart
JEWELRY MAKERS - BOLD RED LIPS CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS - AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION - WOMEN IN BANKING - INSURANCE PROFESSIONALS - SCHOOL GUIDE
Here’s to making 2022 the best it can be!
Cathleen Publisher & Editor in Chief
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On the cover: Photography by David Teran @davidteranphotography Makeup by Dora Vera @thelookstudiohmu
San Antonio Woman is published bimonthly by Las Tres Muchachas Enterprises (Publisher). Reproduction in any manner in whole or part is prohibited without the express written consent of the Publisher. Material contained herein does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher or its staff. San Antonio Woman reserves the right to edit all materials for clarity and space and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors or omissions. San Antonio Woman does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertisements or editorial, nor does the Publisher assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Articles and photographs are welcome and may be submitted to our offices to be used subject to the discretion and review of the Publisher. All real estate advertising is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Printed in the U.S.A.
SA CURATED
SA CURATED SA Curated brings you the best events, announcements, SA Woman staff favorites, things to know, and places to be in San Antonio!
Students Explore Architecture, Art, and
Adaptive Reuse
Saint Mary’s Hall (SMH) students recently focused on adaptive reuse and design. They visited the Pearl Complex and toured Ford, Powell, and Carson’s (FPC) offices in the newly renovated San Antonio Light building. The students learned how the space was designed to preserve elements of the original structure while creating an engaging space for the 21st century. FPC was established by O’Neil Ford, the architect for the SMH Starcrest campus, where students also enjoyed a visit from Trinity Art History Professor Dr. Kathryn O’Rourke; Wandita Turner, Ford’s daughter; and alumna Anna Brooke Gutzler of FPC. They discussed the campus’s original design, the move from the Monte Vista campus, and changes since. Students were able to discuss Art History as a discipline, their experiences, and Dr. O’Rourke’s professional journey. Dr. O’Rourke is the author of Modern Architecture in Mexico City: History, Representation, and the Shaping of a Capital, which received the Alice Davis Hitchcock Award from the Society of Architectural Historians. She also edited O’Neil Ford on Architecture.
Naco 210 The popular food truck Naco Mexican Eatery has opened its first brick-and-mortar location called Naco 210. Located in Los Patios on 410 near Salado Creek, Naco 210 offers an expanded menu with dine-in seating and extended hours. For more, visit nacomexican.com.
Tillage Bringing plants indoors to the spaces we live and work is a passion that all of us here at Tillage love to share. We believe in helping you choose the right plant for your space, and back it with proper education to ensure that your plants flourish in their new home. It is important to us that you feel confident with bringing the outside in. There is no greater joy than watching our plants thrive and grow! Visit the store on 125 Lamar St. or tillageplants.com 14
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Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit San Antonio
Renowned for transforming venues into unforgettable art experiences, the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit highlights the unique architecture of its spaces while integrating influences from its history and community. February 24th - May 8th. For tickets visit goghsanantonio.com.
Be bold . Do more . F ind Girl Scout Cookies® now.
In an ever-changing world, it’s comforting to know that some things stay the same. For one, Girl Scouts love adventure! For another, people love Girl Scout Cookies! This year more than ever, there’s a big helping of adventure in every delicious bite of Girl Scout Cookies®. Add a big dash of never-give-up, I’vegot-this, and the world-is-mine-for-the-taking, and you’ve got some very powerful cookies. When you purchase Girl Scout Cookies, you’re supporting girls’ ability to learn, grow, and thrive through adventure. Running their very own Girl Scout Cookie business makes it all possible, from camping trips that teach them how to be resourceful to STEM projects that inspire them to change the world and epic treks that remind them they’re capable of anything. Enjoy Girl Scout Cookies yourself, give some to a friend, or donate to a worthy cause — every bite counts!
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission 35th Annual MLK March and Legacy Celebration Monday, January 17, 2022 at 10:00 am The 2022 MLK commemorative events will be held on virtual platforms and in-person. Individuals and organizations that would like to be a part of the 2022 in-person celebration should register your group to March or as a vendor, sponsor or volunteer. Visit sanantonio.gov/MLK
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January/February 2022 15
COVER STORY
“At the end of the day, life is about people and treating them with kindness and passion.“
Dr. Dawn Hui 16
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Hitting All of the
Right Notes with
Heart By Dawn Robinette Photography by David Teran
Watch any medical drama, and it’s almost guaranteed that the heart surgeon is a feared prima donna. But that’s not how an actual cardiac surgeon sees it. “I haven’t watched that many medical dramas, but they are usually not at all realistic,” Dawn Hui, MD, Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery, UT Health San Antonio, says with a laugh. “I work at a teaching institution, so we work with residents, and it’s very interactive. We all get along, and we like to make sure that it’s a serious but very collegial environment.” “The reality is with such a specialized field, you are often the person that has the most experience and knowledge about how our particular situation should be managed. But that doesn’t mean that you should act as if nobody has anything else valuable to say. I think having relationships with people where each person’s perspective and relative knowledge is understood, appreciated, and acknowledged is the best way to deal with those situations.” A board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Hui’s focus is the treatment of adult cardiac diseases, including coronary artery disease, thoracic aortic disease, and cardiac valvular disease. Her clinical interests include clinical and technological innovations to find novel, better ways for treating cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. Hui’s passion is to continually improve patients’ lives and outcomes through collaborative approaches to patient care and through community education on the prevention and treatment of heart disease. To assist with that effort, Dr. Hui is serving as President of the San Antonio Chapter of the American Heart Association. “There’s a really great need for education to address the health disparities in San Antonio. And the American Heart Association (AHA) is a great organization to do that. Cardiovascular disease affects everybody in the United States. It’s the number one cause of death for both men and women. Even if you don’t have it personally, you very likely know a family member or friend affected by it,” she explains. “AHA helps empower people to, through healthy living and education, understand how we can begin to change those facts and figures. There’s a special need in San Antonio. I see it on a daily basis. “There’s a great need to address the health disparities in San Antonio. There’s a high prevalence of diabetes in the city. And people tend to come and get engaged in the healthcare system when their disease is much more advanced, so either they’re not receiving the right health education, or they do not realize that they have symptoms. Diabetes, in particular, masks the typical and well-known cardiac symptom of chest pain. Patients with diabetes tend not to have chest pain because of nerve damage, but even things like feeling tired or not being able to do your usual activity are important signs. I think people chalk it up to being out of shape or getting older, and that’s not necessarily the case.” As she passionately explains AHA and delves into the importance of heart health, it’s hard to believe that being a cardiac surgeon wasn’t always her dream. A Plano, Texas, native who came to San Antonio in 2019, Dr. Hui is a graduate of The Juilliard School and was a violinist in the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra before changing careers. “Shortly after I got to Juilliard, looking at the people around me who were very committed to the arts, I realized that I wouldn’t personally find that satisfying as a career. I always had in the back of my mind that January/February 2022 17
I might want to do medicine. My dad was an ER physician. He and I have very similar personalities and sensibilities, so I always thought I might want to do what he does.” “He and my mom were great. They never pressured me to go in any particular direction. They always just told me to ‘do whatever you think will make you happy.’ A lot of my values come from them: the values of hard work and giving back to society and being grateful for all the blessings.” A year in Hong Kong confirmed that a career in music was not what she wanted. Dr. Hui then obtained her medical degree and general surgery residency at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, followed by cardiothoracic surgical training at The University of Southern California. She is an Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, also known as UT Health San Antonio, and serves as Associate Program Director of the Thoracic Surgery Residency program, and is the faculty advisor for the CT Surgery Interest group at the UT Health Long School of Medicine. She credits her success to seeing things through to completion. “If I agree to do something or I commit to a project, I don’t drop it in the middle. I don’t give less than 100 percent, and that makes it hard. I’m going to have to learn to say no to things,” she laughs when questioned about how she fits it all in. “I’m a very action-oriented person. I’m a very taskoriented person. What I’m learning to do more is sit down and take time to think things through and not just act for acting. Our world is so fast-paced. It’s like, post something on Twitter, post a TikTok video, do this, do that. Society’s really lost just sitting down and being contemplative about things. I think that helps with challenges: thinking before acting.” “I believe in God, and one thing that’s really helped me when I think about taking care of patients is we are the works of his hands and to think of the work we do, the people I encounter all as the works of his hands, really grounds me and helps me to face what might seem like something daunting.”
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She credits her husband Justin Wirpel, a principal partner at Isogent, an information technology services company, as one of her best stress management tools. “Talking to my husband helps a lot. We talk to each other about our work dilemmas or scenarios. He’s so smart. He also has an incredibly high emotional quotient, so I love talking to him.” “I’m still trying to work life out. The path to success, however you define it, is often difficult. But there are many people in your life that can help you through it. If you persist, you succeed.” “You can look at success on a daily level: did I accomplish my goals? But in a broader sense, if you made somebody else’s life better – and that could be through many ways, whether it’s through surgery or
something else – that’s how I would define it. At the end of the day, life is about people and treating them with kindness and passion.” “When there’s a failure, my instinct is to look at myself: What did I do wrong? I think a successful person will look first within themselves and identify their own mistakes, but also look at all the other processes or factors that maybe led up to the failure. Sometimes we focus too much on the single event when a circumstance or other opportunities might be contributing. I think when you look to prevent future failures, you want a very global view of the whole thing. Identify the earlier steps that may have led to the terminal event.” What does Dr. Hui recommend to maintain heart health? “Exercise is the best thing someone can do. A more active lifestyle, number one, and if that can include exercise, that’s great. Some people have mobility issues, some people don’t have access to walkable trailways, [due to the pandemic], some people may be hesitant to go to the gym, but a more active lifestyle and a heart-healthy diet are essential.
“The most important thing is educating yourself about the signs and symptoms of heart disease. There are people who may have done everything right their whole life – eaten a healthy diet and exercised - but because of genetics or other factors that we still don’t understand, some people will still get heart disease. The good news is we have advanced treatments that can correct those things, but they really help if they are instituted early in the disease process and not when a lot of heart damage has already been done.” Looking back at her journey from music to medicine, Dr. Hui would tell her younger self not to worry about which path to choose. “Everything’s going to be okay. Everything’s going to be good. Everybody has anxiety, ‘What am I going to do? Am I making the right decision? Am I going to be happy? Is life going to be okay? “Whatever decision you make is going to lead you down a certain path. Don’t worry about what the other path would’ve been because that’s not the path you’re going to take. Don’t have regrets about what you didn’t do.”
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FEATURE STORY
A Love for Creating Jewelry Becomes a Life’s Passion Somebody once told me that “art is created when someone expresses themselves uniquely in an attempt to share and connect with others.” Regardless of the medium, we are all artistic in one way or another. Some of us are born with a gift that may be realized in childhood, but for others, artistic expression may come when we least expect to discover it within ourselves. Wearing jewelry is a form of artistic expression that extends from the art of creating the jewelry itself, and when hand-crafted, a jewelry piece can become a treasured work of art, celebrated and enjoyed for generations to come. By Meredith Kay Photography by David Teran January/February 2022 21
Daniela Cavazos Madrigal Fruity Poms
Creating Cultural Character with Whimsical Designs Many of us have a hobby that we are passionate about, but few of us have ever been able to turn that hobby into a thriving business. However, for one local artist, a whimsical hobby has become a viable vocation. Daniela Cavazos Madrigal was born in Laredo and received her bachelor’s degree in Fine Art at Texas A&M International before moving to San Antonio to pursue her master’s degree at U.T.S.A. She began to dabble in jewelry making, creating fun and fuzzy earrings to show off on her social media pages. Daniela is beautiful, so she made the perfect model for her own designs, and her friends began to take notice and inquire about her unique jewelry. She began taking commission requests in 2017, making specialty earrings and pins with yarn, felt, and soft materials. When the orders started coming in, and she started to get more attention from people who had seen her posts and the posts of others wearing their commissioned designs, she decided to jump into jewelry making full time, and Fruity Poms was born. Each unique piece is handmade and assembled here in South Texas, but she has become so busy that she has been able to outsource portions of the manufacturing to female artisans overseas. She feels strongly in supporting other women around the world, and this system allows her to give back to those communities who are also supplying her raw materials. When asked what her inspiration is for her designs, Daniela states, “Everything I design is based on what I would wear myself. I enjoy creating jewelry that speaks to my Latina heritage and the culture that I grew up in.” This is why her “Merienda” collection does so well. Daniela’s creations celebrating conchas and café are fun conversation starters, and she sells out of her designs quickly. For now, Fruity Poms jewelry is only sold online, and orders are taken and drop-shipped a couple of times a 22
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month. Daniela balances her growing business with grace while also raising two boys, Luca (6) and Marcelo (3), with her husband, Edgar, and she also manages to show and sell her designs at local artisan markets. She says, “I love setting up at local markets because it allows me to feel connected to the community. I get to meet my customers and see how my designs work with their personal styles. I’m grateful for the support from my customers, and I feel validated as an artist when I see that my designs make people happy.” Always thinking about new ways to express her creativity, Daniela has also begun to design shoes, and she takes preorders until she reaches her manufacturer’s maximum capacity before closing a design. She ships all over the U.S. and Canada, and she even has customers in other countries. Future plans include creating a handbag line, along with necklaces and chokers, and possibly even a clothing line. You can’t miss a Fruity Poms design. They are big and bold, and since they are handmade, each piece is unique and special. Daniela’s designs are perfect for San Antonio, and she looks forward to sharing our South Texas style and her Latina influences with women around the world.
Jenny Forks J. Forks Designs
A Country Girl’s Hobby Becomes a Thriving Business Growing up in Beeville, Jenny Forks was your typical Texas tomboy. She grew up on a ranch, barrel racing in the rodeo and throwing runners out at second base as an all-star softball player. She had planned to continue her softball career in college when life took an unexpected turn, as it often does, and she became a mother at the age of 18. She had begun making jewelry as a teenager, inspired by the stones, arrowheads, and other natural materials she would find on her family’s ranch. She found some success selling her designs in local boutiques and restaurant kiosks in Beeville, eventually expanding north into boutiques in Floresville and Pleasanton, before making the decision to move to Boerne and focus on her jewelry business fulltime in 2002. Jenny opened her first jewelry store in Boerne in 2003, creating unique pieces for her boutique while also designing custom orders for local residents. In 2011, Jenny offered to help a friend out at the National Finals Rodeo marketplace in Las Vegas. It was here that she met her friend’s son, Cody Ackel, who was a leather artisan himself. The pair began to work on jewelry and accessory designs together, marrying her silversmithing and stone setting talents with his leather tooling expertise. They eventually fell in love and got married, and together they have grown J. Forks Designs into the sought-after jewelry line and clothing boutique that it is today. Jenny’s jewelry is in over 500 stores across the U.S. and in six countries. She continues to take a few custom orders, but her focus is on sourcing quality materials for her unique designs and bringing stylish and affordable clothing to customers at her boutique, J. Forks Designs, which sits just across the river on Main Street in Boerne. Jenny’s daughter, Hallie (22), is the graphic designer for J. Forks Designs, and she creates and screen prints all of the custom t-shirts that have become very popular at the boutique. In fact, it was Hallie who convinced her mom
to add clothing, including plus sizes, to the business. Jenny says, “I wanted to bring an affordable clothing and jewelry boutique to Boerne. I never want anyone to feel excluded by size or price, and I wanted to make women from every socioeconomic level feel beautiful and have access to great fashion. My store is my platform, and I want to make a genuine connection with my customers.” Jenny also has a son, Tristan (17), who attends BoerneChampion High School, and was recently accepted into the prestigious NASA Texas High School Aerospace Scholars program. She feels blessed to be where she is today and that God has allowed her to make a living doing something she loves. She has recently taken her devotion in another direction, creating a concept called The Lighthouse (thelighthousetx.com). It is an online boutique of Christian gifts, with a physical space within the J. Forks boutique. With The Lighthouse, Jenny strives to create a “space” of comfort and encouragement for anyone who may be struggling or looking for guidance and connection. She has big plans to grow this concept and to release a book telling her own story sometime next year. January/February 2022 23
Jalisa Murray Shetler Fine Jewelers Crafting Exceptional Jewelry for Discerning Customers There are few people who can say that their first job became a lucrative and life-long career, but Jalisa Murray, the design studio foreman at Shetler’s Fine Jewelry, is a card-carrying member of that elite club. Jalisa was born in Corpus Christi but grew up and still lives in Boerne. Like most young adults, fresh out of high school, Jalisa was trying to find her path in life when a friend’s father asked her if she wanted to make some money making and assembling jewelry pieces for his business which supplied jewelry and accessories to small jewelry stores across Texas. She became quite skilled as a jewelry maker, and when Medlar’s Jewelers in San Antonio came to the company to help fulfill orders of themed jewelry for amusement parks around the country, Jalisa’s talents were discovered, and she was hired and quickly became a supervisor. She worked with Medlar’s for over 25 years until the owner retired and sold the store to Shetler’s Fine Jewelers in early 2021. Jalisa lights up when she speaks about her mentor, Roger Huckabee, who also worked for Medlar’s and is still working the bench with her at Shetler’s. She says, “Roger taught me everything while working beside him throughout the years at Medlar’s. Every day was a different day and brought a different repair or design challenge to solve. He has always been so patient, and I’m grateful that he took me under his wings and continues to inspire me today.” Jalisa loves to design custom and quality jewelry pieces that will become a treasured heirloom and passed down through generations. She says, “I enjoy being able to become a part of someone’s journey in selecting or designing a memorable piece of jewelry. What I create becomes a significant life souvenir, and you are able to build connections with people you might not normally cross paths with otherwise.”
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Jalisa describes how jewelry making has changed during her career with advances in technology streamlining and perfecting manufacturing techniques. She says, “We used to hand solder precious metals and hand cut stones to be set into mountings. Now we use computers to create designs and lasers to cut and weld, but it still takes an artist to make someone’s vision come to life, and I love being trusted to refurbish, repurpose, and create something special that means so much to somebody.” When you sit down with Jalisa Murray, you are immediately at ease in her presence. She has a calm and open demeanor that draws you in and makes you feel that she is interested in knowing you, even as she tells her story. She has raised three children as a single mom. Her daughter, Kelly (32), is a dance teacher at Boerne High School. Her oldest son, Cameron (24), is a fuel pump technician, and her youngest, Jason (23), is a correctional officer in Kerrville. She has three cherished grandchildren under the age of three to keep her busy in her free time and is very happy that God’s path for her has led her to the team at Shetler’s Fine Jewelers, where she will eventually retire her jeweler’s tools, but for now, she will continue to craft precious keepsakes from precious stones and metals.
ROLE MODEL
Constanza Roeder Healing Hearts Through Art
It doesn’t take long, once you begin a conversation with Constanza Roeder, to realize that you are in the presence of a truly passionate and talented woman. Named after Mozart’s wife, Constanza was born and raised among the giant redwoods in Scotts Valley, California, in the mountains above Santa Cruz. She studied at Bethany University, where her father was a professor. However, her love for music and the arts has been a driving force in her life since she was a girl.
By Meredith Kay Photography by Brittany Paul 26
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Constanza was diagnosed with leukemia in high school, and she underwent 130 weeks of chemotherapy at Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford University. During her hospital stay, she realized that having a creative outlet when you are going through a personal trauma can have incredible healing and recuperative benefits. She has a beautiful singing voice and studied music in college once her leukemia went into remission. She has always believed that music and art can have a transformative effect on people. In 2008, Constanza moved to San Antonio with her husband, Jeff, and began volunteering in the adult oncology unit at a local hospital where she was often asked to sing for patients. She began to hold “corridor concerts” for patients and even brought castmates from the various community theatre productions that she was involved with to perform as well. Her efforts were met with much excitement. The concept took hold, leading Constanza to launch Hearts Need Art on November 27, 2016, which coincided with the 14th anniversary marking the end of her leukemia treatments. Hearts Need Art is a non-profit organization that began with a crowdfunding campaign to buy art supplies and to hire their first visual artist to support oncology patients at Methodist Hospital. The mission of Hearts Need Art is to bring the expressive arts to hospital and home-bound patients through private concerts, bedside and virtual art projects, and art lessons of all mediums. The goal is to sponsor patient-led experiences while working with healthcare providers, to bring purpose and peace to patients while they undergo treatments and process catastrophic life changes caused by illness. Constanza lights up when she describes, “Our artists in residence are there to ‘hold space’ with those suffering from a traumatic illness and facing lifealtering health challenges. We ‘minister in presence’ with them as they express themselves in ways that help them to process their emotions.” When the pandemic hit, Constanza leapt into action and redesigned the program to provide virtual and interactive live streams to patients. She was also able to reach out to national support groups to provide her
program to patients in need. This has also allowed Hearts Need Art to reach those immuno-compromised patients who are home-bound. Constanza speaks eloquently when she discusses the benefit of having access to art as an outlet. She states, “There are documented benefits to having access to the arts. It stimulates our senses and often touches us physiologically. Being exposed to art that moves us has been shown to lower pain levels and shorten hospital stays. Hospital patients often experience intense loneliness, and loneliness can kill people. The arts are a catalyst for human connection. We all need to feel that we are seen and that we matter, and art has healing and restorative powers.” Nurses at the hospitals served by the Hearts Need Art program report that the presence of the artists can bring down patient stress levels and soothe agitated patients who may be resistant to medical treatments due to fear. The program has also been shown to have a positive effect on the overworked medical staff. They state that the insertion of art into their stressful shifts can offer levity and inspiration to an otherwise sad atmosphere. Constanza and her organization have been widely recognized for their accomplishments in transforming patient care, and Hearts Need Art even hosts its own podcast, called “Arts for the Health of It.” She was the recipient of the Graceann Durr Humanitarian Award in 2018, and she was also selected as one of The Top 100 Healthcare Visionaries by the International Forum on Advancements in Healthcare for 2021. The organization continues to grow and touch the lives of patients by providing access to the arts. Society tells us that only talented people should be allowed to do art, but Constanza feels that making art is our birthright as humans, and she will continue to bring art to those who cannot seek it out for themselves, uplifting and encouraging patients through beauty. Learn more about Constanza Roeder and Hearts Need Art at heartsneedart.org.
January/February 2022 27
GUY TO KNOW
Tim Roberts CEO & President of Materials Marketing
Tile and Stone Company Opens for Business in ‘09’s Most Iconic Structure By Antonio Gutierrez Photography by David Teran
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At age 18, Tim Roberts already had his future mapped out, although it was in stark contrast from that of his family of architects and civil engineers, which included his grandfather, who was the director of planning for the City of Los Angeles from the 1940s to the ‘60s. “My business plan at the time was surfing and having enough gas in my VW,” the 66-year-old Southern California native said with a laugh. But destiny had other plans in store for the then freespirited Roberts. It began when his family relocated from the San Fernando Valley to Orange County in 1973. And what began as a Saturday gig would set Roberts on his future path in the stone and tile industry to his position today as CEO of Materials Marketing. “The guy across the street came over one day and asked if I wanted to make $20,” Roberts recalled. “He was a master custom tile setter. We worked in homes in Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Balboa Island. From that, I found work building a showroom in LA in 1979. Tiles have been in my blood ever since. You never know what your path is going to be.” Roberts is speaking from Portland, Oregon, where he’s had a home for the past 22 years. He is preparing to board a flight back to San Antonio to oversee company business and the company’s newest enterprise: a stone and tile showroom in Alamo Heights housed in 78209’s most iconic and recognizable structure – the former Mobil gas station with the flaming red Pegasus, flying high in the sky at the corner of Broadway and Austin Highway. They had their grand opening in December, and Roberts invites anyone in the market for beautiful stone tile to come to see the showroom. What is it about the stone and tile industry you enjoy so much? I have a Tile Hall in my home. I have quite the antique tile collection. I have connected with it because art, architecture, and design and so much of building and design goes into the foundation, framing and the structure. But what we live with every day and what impacts our lives every day are the finished surfaces. I’m still passionate about the design and art of it and how it impacts our clients. Talk about your antique collection. I have one or two tiles from the late 1400s. It’s an eclectic collection. I’ve collected them during my travels. I’ve purchased them in Turkey, Spain, Italy, and South America. Each one has its own memory. What are your responsibilities as CEO? I am the CEO/President of Materials Marketing Holdings Group which includes, Materials Marketing and its eight
showrooms around the country; Design & Direct Source, a Portland Oregon based commercial supplier of tile and stone; Productos Mexicanos, our manufacturing facility in Mexico; and A. J. Brauer, our limestone quarry and manufacturing facility in Jarrel, Texas. Materials Marketing is a 60-year-old San Antonio company and has moved from our Josephine location to the Mobil Station in Alamo Heights. We are the maker and purveyor of natural stone and authentic ceramic tiles. We make architectural natural stone fireplaces, paving stones, mosaics, and moldings at our factory in Mexico. My job is to find great people and put them in the right seats. I try to be a servant leader and ask, ‘What can I do for people to be successful?’ I’m sure your job requires you to fly a lot. People ask me where I live. I tell them the United Club. We buy a lot of raw materials for our production facility in Mexico, which is on 15 acres. We buy Italian stone. We process that to manufacture everything from moldings, facades, fireplaces, and mosaics. How did your company end up moving into the former Mobil gas station? I’ve had my eyes on that building for a long time. It’s a phenomenal piece of architecture. Our building on Josephine Street, where we were for 30 years, was sold. We had to find something. I got to town on a Sunday night. I started cruising around, and, lo and behold, I saw a For Lease sign. I blew up the owner’s phone for 12 hours straight. On Monday, the owner met me, and by mid-week, I signed a letter of intent. The space is stunning. Our plans are to be a solid, long-term tenant. We’re a local company at our core. The building speaks of who we are. January/February 2022 29
Style Of.. In The
2.
Cathleen Lane,
1.
Editor, San Antonio Woman
3.
4.
5.
1. Orange Blossom Cologne $75 Jo Malone London 2. Button down shirt $49 American Eagle 3. Wide cropped leg jeans $109 Banana Republic 4. Claw Hair Clip $15 Anthropologie 5. Leather boots $160 Thursday Boots
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R E D
FASHION
Photography by Sissy Martin
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Seeing RED with a wardrobe as bold as you are.
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Styling Taylor Lane & Miriam Jesaijes Clothes & Accessories MOSS Designer Consignment mossconsignment.com Shoes Fruity Poms fruitypoms.com Model Tara Smartnick January/February 2022 33
B
ending
Liquid
BEAUTY
the
udget Amore Lip Creme Milani $8.99
Long Lasting
The Classic
Red lipstick is a must have for any makeup collection. Discover both high end and drugstore red lipsticks that deliver drama on any budget.
Goldie Red
Lip & Cheek Tint
Rouge Allure
Love Me Lipstick
Chanel $40
MAC Cosmetics $22
Ultra HD Matte Revlon $9.99
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Fairest Red
Besame Cosmetics $28
Photography by Taylor Lane
Versatile
Deep Red
Benefit Cosmetics $30
Matte
Fiery Red
Gucci Cosmetics $42
BEAUTY EXTRA
A Fresh Start Reflecting on the past year as I approach another year of life, I ask myself if I did my best to maintain a good attitude during adversity. Though life is filled with challenges, it’s important to focus on what we do to nurture our mental stability during these times. Start with today. How did you respond to adversity? Did you set aside time to prepare for and reflect on unexpected challenges with a healthy and positive mindset? If you are like me and love makeup, these tips may help you start the day on a happy, confident, and intentional note.
1.
I start the day by washing my face to cleanse and wake myself up! I massage my skin with an oil or cream cleanser that has an appealing aroma that makes me happy. I have a talk with myself and proclaim that I will have a good day, I will have a positive outlook on my day, and I will let the things I cannot control go. Studies show that 80% of people have the same thought patterns day after day. If you had negative and worrying thoughts today, you will likely have those thougts tomorrow. Start your day with intentions and a feelgood routine to improve your mindset! Try lavender to soothe a hard day or citrus for a fresh and energizng start!
2.
After I cleanse with intention, I use an alcohol-free toner and an eye cream.
3. Lastly, I use my favorite moisturizer while patting it into my skin and looking at myself directly in the mirror while affirming “I am worthy, I am capable, and I trust myself to make the right life choices.” Every decision we make can have an effect on where we end up, so remember to be intentional! The important thing is to find the right affirmations for yourself and speak them out loud to yourself each morning - remind yourself that you love yourself. You have to make the time for yourself. Starting your day by taking care of your skin and slowing down the signs of aging while also changing your thought patterns from the day before, you will always start your day off on the right foot. If you are having trouble with your mental state about yourself or your circumstances, give this a try! I would love to hear if this has helped you in any way. Cheers to claiming our days and making the intention to have a positive outlook!
TEXAS SUPER LAWYERS TOP 10 ATTORNEYS STATEWIDE 2014, 2013, 2012, 2010 & 2009
BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA 1987 - 2021
DAN RUGELEY PRICE MEMORIAL AWARD TEXAS BAR FOUNDATION
BEST NON JUDGE SPEAKER AWARD TEXAS CENTER FOR JUDICIARY
FRANKLIN JONES AWARD
FOR AUTHORING THE BEST CLE ARTICLE - TWICE 2009 - 2013
FAMILY LAW HALL OF LEGENDS
STATE BAR OF TEXAS FAMILY LAW SECTION 2021 Board Certified in both Family Law and Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Dora Vera
Owner, The Look | Makeup & Hair Studio @thelookstudiohmu Dora is a San Antonio native with 10+ years in the hair & makeup application industry. Specializing in the “no makeup, makeup look” and one-on-one makeup lessons for women of all ages.
26th Floor, Tower Life Bldg, | San Antonio, Texas 210 225 5567 | www.orsinger.com
come see us in person, to view our courtyard filled with sample walls
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AT HOME
F
armhouse lair
A tear-down-new-build in Alamo Heights is all about comfort.
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By Steve Bennett Photography by Al Rendon
The design for the house was inspired by and built around the luxury, navy blue La Cornue range. It’s a French company that’s been hand-crafting kitchen appliances since 1908. ”It’s pretty fancy for someone who doesn’t cook!” - Christine Deviney
January/February 2022 39
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About three years ago, Christine Deviney was driving around her Alamo Heights neighborhood, searching for a spark of inspiration in her determination to find a new home for her family — husband Jason, a college-age daughter, and her retired mother. Deviney wanted to consolidate and downsize; it was a love-it-or-list-it dilemma: spend a lot on her existing home, which had become too large, or find something shiny and new. Oh, and there was the brown factor. “It was a sea of brown,” she recalled of her former house. “Everything was brown. Everything was dark. The floors, the furniture. I was looking to brighten things up.” “Shiny and new” beat out “dark and brown” when she discovered a small blue cottage with a Collier Custom Homes sign out front. “It was a tear-down and new-build,” she said recently, sitting in her kitchen, a year after move-in, with pristine shiplap walls and a gigantic island topped by an 8-foot slab of Caesarstone quartz. “I contacted the builder and was able to view the plans online. We were able to tweak the plans, basically flipping the house on this long, narrow lot. And, we were able to get a full bed and bath on the first floor, with a small sitting room, at the front of the house. That’s my January/February 2022 41
mother’s apartment when she’s home from traveling. When my daughter is home from college, she has the run of the upstairs.”
Deviney was able to outfit it in a slipcover and pillows for less than the same couch, fully dressed. “It’s hit or miss, but you can find bargains,” she said.
The two-story, 2,900-square-foot house, with a gabled roof and white batten-and-board siding, features brick steps leading up to a sweet little front porch and double glass-paned doors. It’s a contemporary farmhouse style, both inside and out, that Joanna Gaines would love.
She also leaned on Ethan Allen for chairs, beds, a large circular dining table, and a hutch, creating an atmosphere to relax in.
“I wanted a cozy, comfy cottage, and that’s what I got,” Deviney said. “And the best part was, everything you see around you, I got to pick out, from the drawer pulls to the countertops. It was like a dream come true, and I would go this way again in a heartbeat.” Deviney also furnished the house herself, and she is admittedly “frugal.” “I have no problem with Wayfair and At Home,” she said. “The patio furniture came from Sam’s. I don’t mind scratch and dent.” Deviney found the living room couch, for example, at Pottery Barn Outlet. It was naked, unupholstered, and
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“The house has a lot to say about Christine’s personality,” said Lorein Morelos-Davila, project manager of the build for Collier Custom Homes. “As builders, our goal is for a family to be happy in their home, and Christine really imprinted her signature on the house. It’s a house that really stands out in the area; you won’t see anything else like it on the block.” With 12-foot ceilings and walls in a soothing Benjamin Moore shade called Healing Aloe, the Deviney house is a practical design using simple materials, such as white subway tile in the showers, wood floors in whitewashed ash, and that good ol’ white shiplap a recurring theme throughout. It’s a home that flows naturally from entry hall to kitchen to living room, then out back to a soupedup patio setting (fireplace, big screen, huge gas grill) before diving into a small swimming pool. “It is very comfortable,” Deviney said. “It works for us.”
To Your Health connects you with experts and resources in medical care, mental health, nutrition, fitness, and wellness, providing insight into all aspects of a woman’s health. Empowering you to advocate for yourself - mind, body and soul.
Salud! January/February 2022 45
TO YOUR HEALTH
New Research Drives Improvements in Cervical Cancer Treatment By Paul J. Watkins
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James L. Wilder,
Joseph de la Garza,
M.D., ABOG, Board-Certified Gynecological Oncology Surgeon
M.D., FACOG, Board-Certified Gynecological Oncology Surgeon
According to the American Cancer Society, invasive cancer of the cervix is diagnosed in the United States in 14,480 women annually. Each year, about 4,290 of those women will die from cervical cancer. Every year, 500,000 women worldwide will receive a cervical cancer diagnosis.
“For more advanced cervical cancer in a recurrent/ metastatic setting, immunotherapy was added as a preferred treatment in 2017, based on a Keynote Trial,” continues Dr. Wilder. “Immunotherapy has really been a game-changer because these women who were probably going to die – within a year sometimes – are just not dying. I’m not saying they’re getting cured, because the cancer is not going away; but they’re living longer.” Dr. Wilder adds that angiogenesis inhibitors are another treatment option; they stop blood vessel growth, which cervical cancers need to continue to grow and metastasize.
James L. Wilder, M.D., ABOG, board-certified gynecological oncology surgeon at South Texas Gynecologic Oncology in San Antonio, says that current research into cervical cancer has produced breakthroughs that are changing the way gynecological oncology surgeons treat the disease. “Up until about a year and a half ago, I was doing all my surgery for early-stage cervical cancer laparoscopically. Then, a phase III randomized control trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) showed that laparoscopic surgery patients would recur at a higher rate four years later compared to those who had surgery through an open incision. Other studies supported this and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), as well as the SGO (Society of Gynecologic Oncology), now recommend a laparotomy (abdominal incision) be considered for most cervical cancer patients (stages IA2-IB). So we changed back to treating our early-stage cervical cancer patients with open surgery.”
“In addition to immunotherapies, there are some antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) which are also hopeful to improve the opportunities for treatment,” states Joseph de la Garza, M.D., FACOG, a boardcertified gynecological oncology surgeon at Texas Oncology in San Antonio. ADCs target and kill tumor cells while leaving healthy cells untouched. “This is a new approach that’s approved as a secondline therapy for metastatic cervical cancer. The largest component of research is to move away from standard chemotherapies and to look at immunotherapies and other novel agents, which can improve response rates and opportunities for cure.”
January/February 2022 47
Dr. Wilder says that other than the surgical methods gynecological oncology surgeons use, the standard of care treatment for cervical cancer (except in earliest stages) remains a combination of radiation and chemotherapy. “We use surgery for the microscopic, earliest diseases and some of the disease that you can see with the naked eye – but the cancer has to basically be an inch in size. When the cervical cancer is larger, we start using radiation and chemotherapy.” “The backbone of treatment for cervical cancer for the longest period of time has been radiation. You give what’s called ‘external radiation’ from the outside, and then you give what’s called ‘internal radiation,’ or ‘brachytherapy,’ from the inside. This is combined with the chemotherapy. That’s the current standard of treatment for the majority of cervical cancers.” The good news is that cervical cancer can be stopped before it begins. “If caught at the precancerous stage, cervical cancer can be completely prevented,” says Dr. de la Garza. “So, it’s not cured, it’s prevented, which is key. But similar to all cancers, the opportunity for a cure decreases
as you progress in stages. At precancerous stages, it can be prevented. At early stages, there’s a higher opportunity for cure. At later stages, it becomes more difficult to achieve cure.” The majority of cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Vaccines are available to protect against HPV, and Dr. de la Garza adds that improving the uptake of vaccines is highly effective in preventing cervical cancer. “The best therapy that I can give someone for a cancer is to prevent them from ever getting it. The vaccines have been around for many years. They have previously been what’s called ‘quadrivalent,’ which means they protected against four strains of HPV. Now, they’re what’s called ‘nonavalent,’ so they provide protection against nine strains of HPV. “Increasing the acceptance, distribution, and receipt of these vaccines in our children is really what’s going to make the largest impact,” informs Dr. de la Garza. “Treating second-line, metastatic cervical cancer only helps a handful of patients for a short period of time. But if I can prevent future generations from even acquiring HPV, that’s going to be my biggest impact.”
To contact the physicians interviewed in this article, visit:
texasoncology.com or southtxgynonc.com
For additional resources, visit the American Cancer Society website:
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TO YOUR HEALTH
Spiritual Wellne s s
By Angel Santiago
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Do you know who you are? I mean, the essence of who you are, beyond your personality? Spiritual wellness emphasizes the importance of building inner resources and inner thoughts in order to give meaning to experience. There are two ways to look at and live life by: 1. You either go through life thinking that you are a human being looking for moments of spiritual connection or, 2. that you are a spiritual being having a temporary human experience. Which do you believe? The life experience you are going to have depends entirely on which one of these perspectives you choose to believe and live your life by. The first perspective excludes the second one, while the second includes and transcends the first. Most believe that the human body is the vessel of our soul (the truth of who we are). If the physical body is the vessel, then everything that happens in the physical experience is simply just a vessel, bringing us spiritual truths which lead to change and transformation. Those experiences - our challenges and obstacles - are often painful, but in truth, they’re just messages, pointing at something you need to look at within yourself that needs to change; so you can grow and free yourself from the enslavement of your limited self. From this perspective, your challenges aren’t your enemies; they’re your comrades, and having the courage to face them builds resilience. The thing is, most tend to put so much focus on how the circumstances seem - the actual physical experience - to the point that we believe it’s the only truth; rather than realizing and believing that truth is in the message or the lesson the experience is trying to teach you. But in order to do that, you must be willing to let go of who you think you are. Let go of old thoughts, limiting beliefs. And that is scary. Here is the thing about fear, it never really goes away. You just get bigger and stronger than your fear. So in any given situation, you have to look fear in the eye, take it by the hand, and enter hard situations knowing they might hurt; because you know that what’s on the other side is tremendous growth. This process requires a lot of faith. As you begin to transform your life and experience true fulfillment, you’re going to be tested again and again. And with each test, your ego injects doubt, and you lose faith.
That’s why I say that the problem is in your faith. I say this time and time again; in the midst of what we’re going thru, we lack faith. Faith is complete trust, beyond doubt, a knowing that things are happening just as they should and for your highest good. Faith is trusting in the truth of who you are. But this is a practice. You must learn to shut your eyes and ears to the outside world and turn your attention within you, connecting with the truth of who you are. You may be one of many that believe that all things are working together for good and that everything happens for a reason, but when it comes down to it, you don’t trust it. You doubt. Because you’re only focusing on the circumstances and not the lesson it’s trying to teach you. And that’s precisely what creates the struggle and the conflict you’re experiencing. Because instead of accepting and allowing the change that is currently underway, you’re fighting it, resisting it. You’re not trusting that it is coming to grow you, not destroy you. The truth is, the experiences you perceive as “struggle, pain, and suffering” are just the hardships, challenges, and tests you must face and overcome throughout life to rise to a higher level of being and to gain the joy and fulfillment associated with a true spiritual transformation.
Blessings, Angel
My name is Angel Santiago, and I’m a Transformational Coach. Feel free to connect with me via social media under the hashtag #LifeCoachAngel.
January/February 2022 51
TO YOUR HEALTH response can change, as well. What feels good, what feels natural, where you are comfortable is your normal! If your libido is negatively affecting your sexual health – whether that’s too high or too low – talk to your gynecologist. We can help you sort through the factors that may be contributing and work through to find a solution. Is it normal to use lube? Absolutely! When you’ve decided to have sex, incorporating lubrication is a great choice for many reasons. Lube can make for a more comfortable and more pleasurable experience for any woman at any age. It can also reduce microtrauma to the vagina, reduce the risk of condom breakage, both of which help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections. So yeah, safe and pleasurable sex is definitely normal! You’ve got options, too – from oil-based to water and silicone-based varieties. Shop around and find one that works best for you. (P.S. If you plan to use latex condoms, stick to one that’s water or silicone-based!)
Is
this
Normal? Betty’s Co. is the next generation of integrative healthcare – providing gynecology, mental health, and healthy living care for the period-havers up to pregnancy-planners. Women’s health is surrounded by stigmas and taboo topics, often preventing them from accessing the care they need. “Is This Normal” is an ongoing Q&A series we host to give our “Betties” the space to ask the awkward questions, develop body literacy and ultimately, normalize women’s health.
Is my female anatomy normal? Like we tell our Betties: every Betty’s body is unique! “Normal” includes a wide range of shapes and sizes, and that goes for female anatomy, too. To get to know your “normal,” you need to get to know your own body first. Explore and examine your own body by touch or by using a mirror to check out any hard-to-see places (aka, your vulva!). This can familiarize you with your parts and any physical changes over time. Another getting-to-know-you tool we recommend is tracking your health via an app. Some common metrics to track: menstrual cycle, exercise, weight, and sleep. By knowing your body and its patterns, you become more in tune with how it normally functions. If at any time you are unsure of changes or you have a concern, it’s always best to bring them to your doctor. To learn more about Betty’s Co. visit bettysco.com
Is it normal if my libido is higher or lower than my partner’s? Some women constantly crave cuddling with their sweetheart. Others prefer a little space, and hey, some might solely take their romantic encounters solo. Great news: all those libidos are normal! And more good news, fluctuating between extra-frisky and eh-not-so-much is okay, too! Libido is complicated because it considers physical, social, and emotional factors. These factors can change, and your
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Jillian Lopiano, MD, MPH, FACOG Betty’s co. Medical Director
January/February 2022 57
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Roofer Chicks
Ami Feller Owner
Photography by David Teran
is not something many women think of when they consider career options. My dream is to help women support themselves and not feel trapped by their circumstances. Roofing has a very low barrier to entry and unlimited potential for earnings. It’s hard work, yes, but extremely rewarding and fun.
What sets your business apart from your competitors? We are a high-quality residential roofing contractor that provides excellent customer service – from showing up on time to that first appointment to getting 99.9% of all the nails cleaned up at the end of your project. Our staff is approximately 70% female, which is pretty unusual. We are 100% woman-owned. What do you enjoy most about your work? My favorite thing in the world is being up on top of a roof and seeing for miles and miles. It’s so peaceful up there, and I feel so small in a humongous, beautiful universe. Another favorite thing is teaching young ladies about roofing and changing their lives. Unfortunately, the trade
What community or non-profit groups do you support? I am involved in several organizations – I probably need to work on saying “no,” but my community involvement is one of my favorite aspects of my job. I’m a member of Rotary Club in New Braunfels, the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce (where I serve as a Blue Coat), NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners), and Million Up (a sub-group in NAWBO). This year I joined my first two boards: I am on the Habitat for Humanity board and also the Brauntex Theatre. I prefer to support organizations that support women. Some of my favorites are Girl Scouts, Pink Warrior Advocates, and Moms of New Braunfels Uncensored. Who has influenced you the most in your life or career? My big brother Scott has definitely been my greatest influence, whether I like it or not! Please don’t tell him because it will just make his ego that much bigger. I would never have been in the roofing industry at all if it were not for him, and I certainly would not be running my own company. He taught me so much – about selling, pricing, labor markets, marketing, presentation, professionalism, power tools... Even though I have my BS in business and my MBA, I think I learned far more from him and from doing this thing hands-on than I ever learned in college.
San Antonio, Texas (830) 629 - 7663 (Office) RooferChicks.com, facebook.com/RooferChicks 72
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DOSSIER
Dossier Insurance Professionals
The Oxford Languages Dictionary has very simply described insurance as “a thing providing protection against a possible eventuality.” As life seems to present more and more “eventualities” that we could never have imagined (ahem, COVID?), it’s reassuring to know that there are experts who can provide insight into the world of insurance. Although there are multiple types of insurance - from personal to commercial to life and health and more - the following pages offer some of the best resources in San Antonio to help you find the protection you need. Photography by David Teran
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Crandall & Associates Insurance Shirley Crandall, President
What types of clients do you work with? We are an esteemed Independent Insurance Agency with unparalleled service. What types of services do you offer? We offer Commercial Insurance, Employee Benefits, Individual, Professional, and Personal Lines. If we don’t have it, we will source it for our clients. How long have you been in insurance? Crandall & Associates began in 1987 during my children’s young years. Now, these toddlers are poised to take Crandall into the next chapter! What sets you and/or your firm apart from other insurance professionals? Clients seem very appreciative and grateful that our family is invested personally in building a customizable insurance plan that is coupled with trust and value through the years. We enjoy educating business owners on all the various types of policies and their coverages, even if the business owner doesn’t purchase from our agency. How do you help clients understand their insurance needs? Since we have been in business for close to 35 years, we have witnessed every type of business cycle and the calamity that occurs with recessions, stock market declines, natural disasters, and now a pandemic. Our steady hand assists clients in making tough decisions with our wide-angle view of insurance. How often do you communicate with clients? We let clients dictate the scope of communication. Our Mantra has always been and always will be – Service, Service, Service. Whatever it takes! What professional license(s) or designations do you hold? General Lines Agent License (Life, Accident, Health, HMO, Property and Casual) LUTCF (Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow) Are you a member of any insurance associations or professional societies? If so, which one(s)? Past President of NAWBO and current Corporate & Economic Development Chair. Past Assistant Chair of Women Business Owner Awards Celebration (WBOA). Past President of San Antonio Association of Health Underwriter’s. President Elect of Independent Insurance Agency of San Antonio (IIASA). Past Board Member of Deborah’s House.
Crandall & Associates Insurance
5406 Prue Road, San Antonio, Texas 78240 | (210) 696-8333 crandallassoc.com 74
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Zinn Insurance Monique Zinn, SCS, CHRS
How long have you been in insurance? Twenty-one years of insurance experience is a long time to learn the intricacies of a complex and ever evolving industry, which makes it easy to provide clients with the advice and guidance they need. What are your primary goals in helping your clients? We focus on providing companies with solutions to help promote growth, reduce healthcare spending and to attract and retain employees. We also educate employees so that they understand their coverage and how to get the most out of their benefits. What types of clients do you work with? We work with everyone.... big or small! We take pride in establishing genuine, solid relationships with our clients to understand their pain points and healthcare needs. What sets you and/or your firm apart from other insurance professionals? Zinn Insurance prides itself on putting our clients first. It is our top priority to understand our clients needs to ensure that their plans will provide them with the care they deserve. What types of services do you offer? We offer business and HR consulting, employee benefits, Medicare, Individual plans, plus more. What sets you and/or your firm apart from other insurance professionals? We help clients uncover areas that hinder their business from growing. We have exclusive relationships with carriers that allow us to offer special benefit programs and superior customer service. How do you help clients understand their insurance needs? We take each client and company through our proven 5 step process. We help clients discover obstacles in their business, design a customized solution, implement plans, complete enrollment and assess the results to ensure success. What professional license(s) or designations do you hold? SGS (Small Group Sales), CHRS (Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist), CSFS (Certified Self-Funding Specialist). Are you a member of any insurance associations or professional societies? If so, which one(s)? Vistage, Downtown Rotary San Antonio, San Antonio Health Underwriters Association.
Zinn Insurance
16414 San Pedro Ave. Suite 665 San Antonio, Texas 78232 | (210) 545-0667 zinninsurance.com January/February 2022 75
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Hermann Sons Life Since 1861, for the first time in Hermann Sons Life history, four of the six Executive Officers are women, what does that mean to you? What does it mean for future generations? Samantha Schulmeier Kelley, Vice President of Operations and COO Hermann Sons Life in Texas was founded in 1861 by hardworking immigrants who were driven to chase the dream of freedom, while carrying out a dedication to help those around them build strong and successful communities in the face of opposition. Changing the narrative is woven into the earliest fabric of our company culture. The fact that dedicated, driven, hard-working women are being afforded equal opportunities to lead, serve and grow here reflects the same principles our founders held high. In maintaining the importance of these principles, we can continue to remain inclusive in societies landscape, drive change and give everyone the freedom to dream beyond whatever glass ceilings exist, both today and tomorrow. Robin Czarnek, Vice President of Sales I firmly believe the person hired for a position should always be the most qualified candidate regardless of gender, race, etc. and it is thrilling to be able to pave the way for future generations of women to take on the executive roles they were destined for. While it is exciting to take on an executive role, I am even more determined my role be purpose driven and allow me to make an impact in the community. I am inspired by the generations of leaders that came before and had the foresight to create such a remarkable
organization as Hermann Sons Life. The insurance industry has been known to be archaic in its practices not only in leadership and purposeful direction, but in technology, employee morale, benefits, etc. It is encouraging to see not only Hermann Sons Life, but the industry as a whole make progress in these areas. Mary Pruitt, Vice President of Finance and CFO Hermann Sons Life’s breakthrough on diversification in its executive administration is representative of its commitment to inclusivity, not only in its leadership but in its membership. Serving as the first female Vice President of Finance and CFO is an honor, especially as the first Asian American in an executive role for Hermann Sons Life. These accomplishments are inspirational to my Asian culture. Asian Americans, particularly women, are significantly underrepresented in executive roles within U.S. companies. Being an Asian American woman has multiple disadvantages and they are the least likely to become executives. I am humbly honored and blessed to hold this position as an officer. Cecily Kelly, Vice President of Member Benefits As a working mom and wife, I always keep in mind our employees have families and priorities outside of the office so anyone willing to go above and beyond should be acknowledged and celebrated. If we don’t, then we risk losing them as loyal employees. As a vice president along with three other women holding executive positions, I am proud we have worked our way up in this industry and have learned to not only champion what is best for the business but what is best for all.
Hermann Sons Life offers life insurance and annuity products. Investment income is used for community service initiatives. Members have access to living benefits where you can get the most out of life now.
Hermann Sons Life
515 St.Mary’s St., San Antonio, Texas 78205 | 1877HERMANN hermannsonslife.org January/February 2022 77
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
B
orn to ank
By Carole Miller Photography by David Teran
For many people, banking conjures up images of accountants sitting in little rooms crunching numbers, men in suits, and generally not much fun. After getting to know a few of the most powerful women in local banking, it turns out the banking business is not just about numbers; it’s about people. Sandra Villasenor, Ileana Payne, and Maria Breen live their dreams every day. While many little girls dream about riding off into the sunset with prince charming like a Disney princess, these ladies have lived happily ever after with fairy tale careers in banking. “I love what I do,” says Ileana Payne. “I love the people aspect and taking care of clients.” Banking, to these leaders, is almost philanthropic. It’s an opportunity to love thy neighbor and feel joy. “I meet new people every day and love helping them succeed,” says Sandra Villasenor. A career in banking may not have been their childhood dream, but they wouldn’t have it any other way. “San Antonio is my hometown. It’s my soul,” says Maria Breen. “I am personally invested in the success of generations to come.” In other words, baby, they were born to bank.
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Sandy Villasenor Broadway Bank Senior Vice President Business Banking Ambition personified, Sandra Villasenor has an unbelievable amount of charm and knows how to get what she wants. She serves as Senior Vice President Business Banker for Broadway Bank, but there’s really no reason why she couldn’t serve as queen of the world if that’s what she decided to do. Go ahead, throw her some lemons and see what happens. “I work to prove to myself I can,” she muses. “I never thought I’d be a banker back in 1985, but here I am. Now I don’t know what else I would do.” To know Sandy is to love Sandy. She may come across as bulletproof, but deep down, she’s quite warmhearted, sentimental, and caring. She also sits on the board of The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber and serves as finance chair on the board of San Antonio Growth for the Eastside (SAGE). “I have never seen anyone care more about customers than Sandy. She always goes above and beyond to ensure they succeed financially,” says longtime co-worker and friend Annie Turner. She is a ball of fire with an enormous stockpile of moxie and most likely never encountered a roadblock she couldn’t steamroll past. From her humble beginnings on San Antonio’s west side to struggling as a teen mom to battling breast cancer, Sandra Villasenor, like the phoenix, will always rise from the ashes and emerge victoriously. “I feed off people,” explains Villasenor. “The key is communication, asking the right questions, making clients comfortable. I like to please people. That’s a skill you can’t teach.” As for succeeding in the “man’s world” of finance, this self-described “former tomboy” believes women today are powerful, well-educated, and perfectly capable. Her advice to young women is to “look inside yourself and find what makes you happy.”
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Ileana Payne Frost Bank Vice President Financial Center Manager of North Frost and Alamo Heights Ileana Payne is an original, if there ever was one. The McAllen native is so unwittingly inspirational that, before you know it, you find yourself wanting to know much more about her. She parlayed a degree in journalism and advertising along with her love of writing, marketing, and people into a career in banking 32 years ago and never looked back. “I joined Frost Bank right after kindergarten,” she jokes. “But seriously, I absolutely love the people aspect of banking and taking care of clients. I began in marketing, wrote brochures, coordinated trade shows, and wrote the magazine for the Young Leaders Club, but I really wanted to do the retail side of banking.” She understands the value of a hard day’s work and is willing to put in time for her community, doing everything from attending local city council and school board meetings to joining the Junior League to shoveling mulch for charity. “Ileana is genuinely kind, caring, and thoughtful,” says Tricia Richardson, Frost Bank Group Financial Center Manager. “She goes above and beyond and knows all her customers. She knows their families, friends and even knows their dog’s names.” The Frost motto, “Faith, Family, Frost,” contributes to her extraordinary philosophy of life. That and her unconventional way of dealing with basically everything. “If you look after faith and family, then work just falls in line,” she explains. “COVID forced everyone at Frost Bank to think outside the box, but I’d rather be in the bank.” Nothing Ileana Payne touches will ever turn out ordinary. It may be unusual. But it will never be ordinary.
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Maria Breen The Bank of San Antonio Private Banking Manager Like Willy Wonka touring his Chocolate Factory, Maria Breen can make the sun shine just by taking your phone call. In other words, her personal magnetism is unequaled. “I can’t imagine having a job waiting for 5 o’clock or doing the same thing every day.” Her innate desire to help her fellow San Antonians makes her the perfect private banking manager for The Bank of San Antonio. Add in a psychology degree from the University of Houston and a pinch of curiosity, and the result is someone who forms relationships in order to advise and guide generations of individuals and families because, well, she knows how to go about things better than almost anyone else. “My world is to educate and formulate priorities to craft a financial journey,” she explains. “It takes lots of discussions, and you have to learn to ask the right questions.” Getting to know clients and hearing their histories, successes, and failures is her favorite part of banking. Along with The Bank of San Antonio’s mission, “To Grow—Through Grit and Curiosity,” Breen genuinely cares about her clients. “They are not just numbers. They mean something to me, and I treat them how I’d like my family treated. Plus, their stories are so interesting.” Her main talent is big ideas. And big ideas start from small beginnings. The key to her success is to ask questions, start conversations, stay inquisitive and approach each opportunity head-on. January/February 2022 81
BUSINESS WOMAN SHOWCASE From left to right: Rosemarie Lozano Belma Kusi Alyssa Tamez Lopez Angie Lewis Danette Castaneda
The
Women of
Encore Bank Building the Best Team to Serve our Community By Carole Miller Photography by David Teran
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From left to right: Angie Castillo Sylvia Garcia Carol Hunt Erin Clementson
There’s a new bank in town, and its name is Encore Bank. Encore is making waves in the San Antonio community because of its unique style of “boutique” banking. Many of its employees and customers are also investors. Serving the community and working alongside local businesses, Encore Bank enables everyone to build something together. January/February 2022 83
Ownership Cultivates Growth What began in Little Rock as a small enterprise has expanded into 17 different markets. The bank recently completed a capital raise gaining over 1200 shareholders. Such broad ownership is a contrast to the traditional ownership structure of privately held banks. Shareholders naturally bring business back to Encore because they own it and believe in what is being built. This unique opportunity for ownership gives Encore’s team members a chance not just to be employees but to personally invest and become owners themselves. In the San Antonio office of Encore Bank, most of the team members are women. Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking, Angie Lewis quotes the Encore Bank motto, “We win together,” when explaining her choice to join the team. “We are all owners of the bank, and I believe it’s one of the most powerful tools you can give an organization,” she explains. “There’s not a lot of ego here; it’s just about doing what’s right, finding common ground, and treating customers and shareholders with respect.” Erin Clementson, Vice President Business Development Officer, moved to Encore from another mortgage company because of the entrepreneurial spirit. The opportunity to build something new and get in on the ground floor of an up-and-coming bank was exciting to her. “Encore Bank is small enough to be nimble and flexible but big enough to get things done,” observes Clementson. “It’s the meshing of two worlds in a special way. It’s easy to sell, and its strong backing gives it stability and confidence.” “As far as banks go, Encore Bank is different in all the right ways,” adds Alyssa Tamez Lopez, Senior Vice President Mortgage Banker. “This team is a collection of established, experienced professionals.” Lopez joined Encore Bank because she found the culture appealing. Traditional mortgage companies don’t have the flexibility that a boutique bank like Encore does. In addition to the standard VA, FHA and Conventional loan products that most average banks offer, we also have in our toolbelt a wide variety of specialized portfolio home loan products such as loan programs for doctors, teachers, first responders and professionals. This allows us to reach a wider base of home buyers and ultimately help more of our community members become homeowners. “Why not offer first-class service and be a resource to our growing business community?” she poses.
Angie Lewis sums up the enormous success of the women of Encore Bank, saying, “In a world of inclusion and diversity, it’s not about quotas. Just be open to hiring the best, and they will be diverse and reflect the market you are in.” What’s a boutique bank? Boutique banks most commonly perform primary banking services and specialize in serving a specific industry or market that may not be well served by larger, “bulge bracket” banks. A bulge bracket banking institution is a traditional bank that focuses on serving large corporations and may have a retail banking component. Boutique firms, on the other hand, tend to specialize in meeting the needs of smaller businesses or specific industries. Boutique firms like Encore Bank aim to offer more personalized, tailored services in strategic markets. They entered the San Antonio market a year ago and have over 100 local investors. Those investors, along with their experienced bankers, have helped grow the San Antonio market to over $70 million in new funded loans. Angie Castillo, portfolio manager states, “We’ve been able to grow organically, one client at a time. In fact, the best compliments we get are referrals from our existing clients.” Encore’s primary success in San Antonio has been through competitive rates and terms on commercial real estate, commercial and industrial lending, and financing for medical professionals. Banking with Encore Encore Bank provides a wide range of financial products and services to businesses, business owners, professionals, and individuals who have a desire for a personalized banking experience. It is a private, boutique bank with a commercial focus, highly experienced and talented bankers with cutting-edge technology. Encore customers enjoy a high level of personal service, just like having your own banking concierge. “Encore Bank is about building your business up. We want you to succeed,” promises Encore Bank Chairman and CEO Chris Roberts. And you can take that promise to the bank. To learn more about boutique services at Encore Bank, visit bankencore.com. Connect with Angie Lewis at angie.lewis@bankencore.com
Encore Bank
711 Broadway Suite 350, San Antonio, TX 78215 bankencore.com 84
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BUSINESS WOMAN SHOWCASE
Stephanie Lyles
TransPecos Banks, SSB Finds Her Dream Job as Chief Credit Officer of TransPecos Banks, SSB By Antonio Gutierrez Photography by David Teran 86
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Stephanie Lyles
has a favorite quote by Charles Swindoll she abides by: “Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you react to it.” “Everyone goes through challenges in life, and some things are out of your control,” she explains, “but you can control your attitude. Your mind is very powerful, and a positive attitude will take you far in life. I try to teach my kids that, too.” Those words of wisdom have helped guide Lyles, 40, throughout life and have opened doors for her in her professional life in the banking industry over the last 18 years. Her path to success has now led to her role as chief credit officer of TransPecos Banks, SSB, which she assumed in June of last year. TransPecos Banks is headquartered in San Antonio and has branches in West Texas, including Alpine, Pecos, and Marathon. At TransPecos Banks, SSB, Lyles leads the credit team and holds responsibility for the management of all underwriting activities of the bank. “I’m excited about the opportunity, and it’s my dream role,” Lyles said. “I’m still learning a lot, but I’m enjoying it because I get to be involved in the bigger picture and work across all lines of business such as finance and compliance. I’m able to meet with customers one-on-one and also help plan for the future of the Bank. It’s a very collaborative environment.” After graduating from Texas A&M University in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in finance, Lyles began her career straight out of college with Frost National Bank in the Austin area, where she grew up. At Frost, she received her formal introduction to commercial credit underwriting and graduated from Frosts’ Financial Services University.
“Frost’s credit analyst training program was pretty intense,” Lyles said. “It’s specific to commercial lending, analyzing businesses and their cash flow and projections. It’s been a great foundation that has carried me all these years.” In 2011, Lyles moved to the Alamo City when she was hired by Broadway Bank as a credit analyst. While at Broadway, she was promoted to VP, Business Banking Underwriter before being promoted to VP, Commercial Credit Department manager in 2016. In this role, Lyles was responsible for hiring, developing, and leading the commercial credit underwriting team. In addition to numerous other activities, Lyles is the president of the Risk Management Association (RMA) - San Antonio Chapter, where she’s been an active board member since 2012. The RMA is a not-forprofit, professional association whose mission is to advance the use of sound risk management principles in the financial services industry. For information about becoming a member, visit www.rmahq.org or the LinkedIn page under RMA San Antonio Chapter. Lyles also recently graduated from the North San Antonio Chamber Leadership Lab, a one-year training program that helps professionals develop leadership skills and team building. Away from work, Lyles enjoys traveling and being outdoors with her husband, a San Antonio firefighter, and their three children, McKenna, 14; J.D., 11; and Parker, 11. Get to Know Stephanie Lyles 1. First Job: Sonic Carhop 2. First Car: Nissan Altima but I upgraded as quickly as possible to a Firebird Formula (6 speed) with T-tops 3. Guilty Pleasure: Finding the best pizza place in town (Florio’s is at the top for me as of now), shopping, crafting, and watching Hallmark movies. 4. Best Advice Your Parents Ever Gave You: This isn’t really advice per se, but it’s what my dad taught me by his actions. He taught me what hard work, dedication, and loyalty are by his actions in his career and in life. 5. If You Weren’t in the Banking Industry: I’d be a vet.
TransPecos Banks, SSB, 112 E. Pecan, Ste 800, San Antonio | 78205 (877) 445-9550 or visit transpecosbanks.com
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WOMEN ON THE MOVE
Emily Neff
Director, San Antonio Museum of Art Emily Ballew Neff has been appointed as the new Director of the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA), following an international search. Neff most recently served as the Executive Director of the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, where, among her numerous accomplishments, she spearheaded the effort to relocate the museum to downtown Memphis to enhance its role within the city’s civic and cultural core. She previously served as the director and chief curator at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art at the University of Oklahoma and as the founding curator of American painting and sculpture at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
Maggie Ortiz
Senior Vice President, Commercial and Real Estate Relationship Manager The Bank of San Antonio is proud to welcome Maggie Ortiz as our newest Senior Vice President, Commercial and Real Estate Relationship Manager. Maggie’s 23 years of experience in commercial and real estate lending fuels her passion for powering lasting growth in the Alamo City. In her role at the bank, she fosters relationships with local business owners to help build their legacies. She has a BBA in Corporate Finance from St. Mary’s University, is a member of Leadership SA Class 36 and serves as gala chair for SA Youth.
Kim Miller Perry
Director of Operations, Twin Brother Property Group at Keller Williams Heritage The San Antonio Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR) welcomes Kim Miller Perry as the 2022 President. WCR allows women & men in real estate the opportunity to connect and collaborate and to be able to create a culture that allows growth & community to connect with other like-minded individuals. Kim brings 15 years of knowledge into the real estate world. Her passion is for serving people as she embodies patience, kindness, and greatness in everything she steps into!
Amy Burcham
Spa & Wellness Director, Eilan Hotel & Spa Amy Burcham is the Spa & Wellness Director at the luxurious Eilan Hotel & Spa located in the heart of La Cantera shopping district. With 20+ years leading military families through six deployments, it was the perfect posturing for a career in hospitality, allowing her passion and care for others to continue. With a team of 30+ therapists, her greatest accomplishments are seeing those around her succeed. Amy’s leadership style thrives in the hectic, and no challenge is too great. She states, “who would not want to lead an incredible team for a luxury spa!”
Caitlin Heck
Account Executive for San Antonio Woman Magazine As the new Account Executive for San Antonio Woman Magazine, Caitlin Heck will manage and oversee digital content creation and strategic partnerships. A University of Texas at Austin graduate with a Bachelors of Science in fashion merchandising and minor is business, Caitlin is excited to grow and build relationships through out the greater San Antonio area.
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PRIVATE SCHOOLS Cornerstone Christian Schools
Sunshine Cottage
Cornerstone Christian Schools
2022 PRIVATE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE PREVIEW
Saint Mary’s Hall
Montessori Kids Universe Shavano
Central Catholic High School January/February 2022 89
Finding the Right School Fit One San Antonio parent shares practical advice for selecting public or private education on an individualized basis. By Katie McCall As a mother of four and longtime San Antonio resident, Elizabeth Cox thought her children would attend the local school district zoned for their family home. “Growing up in a military family, I easily adapted to wherever I needed to fit in, and that worked for me,” said Cox. Consequently, she assumed her children would have a similar experience. However, as her children entered the school system, Cox learned one size did not fit all for her family’s needs. She ultimately found the right match for each child by researching other public and private education opportunities. “From Pre-K to high school, there are a plethora of school options available to families in San Antonio. Parents can dig in and find the best possible fit for their students,” said Cox. Today, she is passionate about sharing practical advice for parents to optimize students’ educational experiences. Hierarchy of Needs Before assessing schools, Cox believes parents must first clarify the family’s top education priorities. In Cox’s case, academia and safety are nonnegotiable, whereas close proximity to home is merely nice to have. As families develop their wishlists, Cox suggests including specific requirements, such as special needs accommodations, faith-based environments, niche curriculum, or a strong athletics department. Most importantly, she says staying in tune with each child’s interests, strengths, and challenges best equip parents to identify what they need from a school. “Some kids will thrive in an exceptional rocketry program that ignites their future engineer, while others excel in athletics and need team sports to help them get up and be excited for the day,” said Cox. Research (Online and In-Person) Cox stresses that parents should seek out the strengths, dynamics, culture, and more of each school before choosing to register. That depth of information is gathered through thorough research online and in person. Parent Perspectives On Facebook Facebook Groups provide space for current school parents to discuss relevant topics and share information with each other and prospective school parents.
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A simple search on Facebook will reveal groups affiliated with charter, magnet, public and private schools in San Antonio. “Parents are helpful and welcoming when it comes to new parents wanting to learn about a school,” said Cox. “Everyone I’ve encountered is friendly and transparent and provides frank and honest feedback.” Across the board, social media is a rich resource to obtain a wealth of information from the school, parent, and student perspectives. In addition to joining groups, Cox recommends searching hashtags that reference the school for more insights on campus. Interview Administrators and Staff Another way Cox stays informed is by speaking with specific school administrators and teachers on staff. She encourages prospective parents to request meetings with the Principal, Vice Principal, Admissions and grade-level school counselors, and the Director of Admissions to obtain big-picture answers. “I’ve had Zoom calls with teachers in specific areas of academia,” said Cox. “I come away from these meetings with a deeper understanding of class dynamics, the level of curriculum, and the teacher’s overall point of view,” said Cox. If considering a public school, Cox also recommends attending school board meetings or watching them online, which are publicly available on any district’s website. These meetings reveal the district’s current initiatives and give a good feel for what current parents and students are experiencing. Encourage Kid-to-Kid Conversations While parents and school representatives are great resources, Cox underscores the importance of having students speak directly with other students. Cox recommends scheduling a “shadow day,” where a child attends a prospective school for a half or full day to shadow a current student. Cox says this can be a transformational first step for students who may feel apprehensive or nervous about trying a new school. “My daughter was ecstatic when I picked her up at the end of a shadow day, begging me to let her go to this new school,” said Cox. Get Involved and Stay Aware While there is no such thing as the perfect school, it’s well worth it to be informed and prepared when exploring your options. Maintaining open lines of communication with your child and staying plugged in with the school are best practices to ensure your student’s experience continues to be a positive one. No matter the stage you are in your child’s educational journey, the following resources can help.
Private/Public School Ratings and Reviews Niche.com Public School Rankings and Detailed Information Wegopublic.com Greatschools.net 92
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Sabrina D. Dannheim
Director of Finance, Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children A Texas native, Sabrina D. Dannheim has been employed by Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children since 1989, where she found her calling in business management for non-profits. In Sabrina’s current role as director of finance, her responsibilities include preparing program budgets for all departments and overseeing the purchasing and ordering of all supplies for the school. Sabrina works closely with the school’s Board of Directors on finances, audits, and developing the organization’s budgets. She also works with families who require financial assistance for tuition. Sabrina’s many achievements include the setup and ongoing management of the school’s Human Resources and Finance departments, her long history and involvement in the incredible growth of Sunshine Cottage, and actively participating in creating an environment of qualified staff, excellent programs, and services. Previously, Sabrina worked in the Accounting Department at Trinity University and Houston Baptist University. Since birth, Sabrina has had a profound hearing loss and attended only public schools in Houston, graduating with honors. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting from Houston Baptist University and a Master of Education degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio. A member of Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf since 1996, Sabrina has served as treasurer of the board on both national and local levels and has served on the planning committee for its statewide biannual conferences. She has also served as co-president for the Self Help for the Hard of Hearing, now known as Hearing Loss Association of America. Additionally, Sabrina has been an adjunct faculty member at San Antonio College, teaching interpreting classes and providing training for students. She has been preparing and presenting at various workshops and retreats and has spoken publically and served on many panels regarding hearing loss. She enjoys traveling, antiquing, and spending time with family and friends in her spare time.
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HILL COUNTRY CURATED
Hill Country Curated brings you the best events, SA Woman staff favorites, things to know, and places to be in the Hill Country!
Texas Treasures Fine Art Gallery The gallery is home to the creative works of 40+ leading and highly acclaimed National/International Artists and holds one of the largest sculpture collections in the state. 605 S. Main Street, Boerne, TX
New Braunfels Art League The spacious first floor houses the main gallery and themed monthly shows. The second floor, with its tall windows and soaring ornamental ceiling provides a striking backdrop for art workshops, classes, and exhibitions 239 W. San Antonio Street, New Braunfels, TX
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Art Galleries in the Hill Country
Rain Bird Rustic Furniture, Art, and Antique Gallery Rain Bird includes many outstanding local and internationally known artists, rustic and other types of furniture, antiques, collectibles, home decor and many gift items. Housed in a former Baptist Church built in 1903, the building has been home to the gallery for twenty years. 103 Main Street, Blanco, TX
Bent Tree Gallery The gallery features an eclectic mix of representational and expressionistic paintings, photography, assemblages, jewelry and sculpture, and makes it easy for visitors to meet the artists to discuss projects from painting, pottery, mixed media, sculpture, jewelry and photography. 105 Henson Rd., Wimberley, TX
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DINING
MEADOW neighborhood eatery + bar
Seasonal Sensations from Chef PJ Edwards By Janis Turk Photos courtesy Meadow Neighborhood Eatery + Bar
Many restaurants claim to be a bestkept-secret place or a neighborhood spot “tucked away” from traffic and the noisy world outside, but Meadow Neighborhood Eatery & Bar really fits that bill. In fact, the place is so hidden from the hustle and bustle of nearby Bitters & 281 that the first two times I went there, I passed it and had to do a U-turn. Set behind a little enclave of boutiques and small businesses called The Alley, in the space that formerly held chef Jason Dady’s Bin 555 and Tre Enoteca, Meadow offers a hideaway dining spot with an outdoor patio with shady Live Oaks, an outdoor stone fireplace, and three spacious indoor dining areas where neighbors and friends may gather for a casual and delightful meal. With a full bar, craft cocktails, and a substantial list of quality wine and spirits, Meadow is the kind of place that makes folks feel at home. It all started with a simple concept: fresh, seasonal, Southern, Texas fare. Chef/owners Patrick “PJ” Edwards and wife Lindsey had long dreamed of a place of their own in San Antonio. Their story has come full circle, for they met here while working for chef Jason Dady when this space was Bin 555. In 2012 the couple moved to Charleston, where PJ cooked at celebrity chef Sean Brock’s famed McCrady’s restaurant. Eventually, the couple returned to Texas and later took over the former Bin 555 space. Opening in September 2018, Meadow now serves North Central neighbors with a fresh, seasonal menu using ingredients sourced from local farmers, ranchers, and gardeners. 98
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“From the start, we’ve been intentional about leaning on PJ’s passions and philosophy, focusing on all that is seasonal and Southern,” says Lindsey. “Our vegetables come from Grandma’s Garden in Beebe, Texas, and we get our beef from a Floresville ranch serving Dean and Peeler beef… Staying true to all that’s fresh and seasonal, we change our menu often. Of course, we always are sure to keep our customers’ favorites,” says PJ. This month’s menu featured comfort foods like a fried half chicken, crispy creamed corn fritters with an andouillebased marmalade, wood-fired-oven made cornbread in a cast-iron skillet, spaghetti squash salad, and other warm winter dishes. Divine sides include the grilled broccoli tossed with crispy shallots, Texas pecans, and drizzled in a hearty helping of béarnaise sauce. Divided into four sections, the menu offers Snacks & Sharables, Vegetables, Large Proteins, and Sweets. A hearty starter is the pork belly biscuit with arugula and red-pepper jelly. We shared a Texas Honeycrisp Apple and pear salad with arugula, blue cheese crumbles, and candied pecans, splashed with light honey vinaigrette. Then we enjoyed savory Southern shrimp and grits and the cabbage pancake. The cabbage pancake is oh-my-gosh-good. Based on a popular Japanese street food called “Okonomiyaki, this gluten-free dish is made with fresh herbs and red cabbage. Okonomiyaki literally means “As You Like It”—
and like it, I did. Topped with a fried egg and the addition of pork belly, this sharable dish made a robust dinner drizzled in sweet red cabbage syrup. I’ll order it again or maybe try the braised pork ravioli. “Our wood-fired pizza oven makes the perfect pizza: this season, we use Grandma’s tomatoes, roasted peppers, goat cheese, mozzarella, patio-grown fresh oregano, and house-made tomato sauce,” says PJ. “This winter, the Berkshire Pork Chop, and the monkfish are also popular. We also offer tasty vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options,” says Lindsey. Leave room for dessert. Eat the “Candy Bar” with a fork because it’s made of a creamy peanut butter mousse, peanuts, and caramel covered in a dark chocolate ganache that comes from Casa Chocolate next door. For a winter treat, try the small North Texas Apple Terrine served with butterscotch ice cream and brown butter crumbs, or the Carolina Gold Rice Pudding with pears, toasted marshmallows, spiced pepitas and pecans, and a pumpkin tres leches sauce. With more than 30 wine-by-the-glass selections and a curated cocktail menu, the bartender gets creative. Sip his 281+Bitters cocktail of Seersucker Gin, Aperol, Grapefruit, Bitters, and Tonic. Good for lunch, family nights, and a casual date place, Meadow ticks all the boxes. With reclaimed barn wood walls, sliding barn doors, a mellow mix of country music and 70s soft rock on the playlist, and a pleasant patio, Meadow is a hidden gem worth finding.
MEADOW
neighborhood eatery + bar
555 W. Bitters Rd #110, San Antonio, TX 78216 meadowsanantonio.com January/February 2022 99
ENTERTAINMENT
Me, Myself & Shirley Best known for her iconic role as Shirley Feeney in the hit television series Laverne & Shirley, Cindy Williams is a versatile actress and comedienne who overcame a challenging childhood to pursue her love of acting and found stardom. Cindy shares her memories and hilarious backstage tales in Me, Myself & Shirley covering a lifetime in entertainment. Her storied career includes working with Oscar-winning directors Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas, George Cukor, Roger Corman, and Jack Nicholson, in several films including two nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: American Graffiti and The Conversation. Her friends and co-stars include Penny Marshall, Ron Howard, Harrison Ford, Henry Winkler, Richard Dreyfus, Gene Hackman, Dame Maggie Smith, and Robert Duval. Come hear the stories, the secrets, the embarrassing moments, and the highs and lows of Cindy’s life in Hollywood, (and maybe relive a favorite scene or two)!
February 25 - 26
Majestic Theatre majesticempire.com
The Look Studio Hair & Makeup
Specializing in makeup for the female entrepeneur. Makeup to get your camera but still feel like yourself.
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Cupid’s Chase 5k The annual Cupid 5K Chase will take place on February 12th! Walkers, runners, and even strollers and wheelchairs are welcome to participate in the race. All of the proceeds go to assist those with disabilities. You can help to make a difference in their lives by participating, fundraising, and supporting! This Valentine-themed event helps to make a difference in thousands of lives across the country.
February 12, 10:00 AM OP Schnabel Park comop.org/cupidschase
The San Antonio Symphony This year, the San Anotnio Symphony’s concert season is back with Classics and Pop series performances starting in January. Support for the Symphony helps continue their music education programs that establish lifelong learning for all ages and segments of our diverse community by promoting the enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of symphonic music.
Visit the Symphony’s website for current dates and details. sasymphony.org
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo In case you couldn’t tell, it’s rodeo season in San Antonio! Our favorite time of the year is back again with live music, rodeo events, livestock shows and so much more. As one of the largest carnivals in the US, you’ll see amazing animals, a variety of rides, and delicious carnival food. It’s a true Texas activity, and it only happens once a year!
February 10 - 27 AT&T Center sarodeo.com
Shen Yun A Heavenly Gift Take your family and friends on a magical journey and discover new hope for the future! The breathtakingly beautiful Shen Yun performance is at once exciting and moving. Powerful, uplifting, heartwarming, and unforgettable
February 19 - 20 Tobin Center tobincenter.org
SA CURATED: DINING
Date Night Ideas from
Conchita amille
My name is Camille and I am a lifestyle content creator with emphasis on supporting local businesses in San Antonio. I enjoy photography and try to incorporate high quality and aesthetic photos in all my posts. On my page you can find style inspo, new restaurants to try, and beautiful places to visit in our community. @CamilleConchita
Barbaro 2720 McCullough Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212 @SAbarbaro barbarosanantonio.com
Barbaro is a brickwalled pizza eatery well known for their unique pizza toppings. Perfect for date night or girls night out, you can choose to share a bottle of wine or select from their menu of creative cocktails. Depending on the time of day, you can enjoy the best happy hour menu in San Antonio or their special late night menu.
Sichuan House is a casual eatery offering family style portions of savory authentic Chinese food. The perfect opportunity to bond with your date and share dishes of sichuan green beans, garlicky “not Dan Dan’’ cold noodles, and crispy, spicy and savory fish. This restaurant is BYOB with a corkage fee. Due to the intimate Sichuan House 3505 Wurzbach Rd #103, space and popularity, San Antonio, TX 78238 reservations for dinner are @sichuaneats sichuaneats.com strongly encouraged.
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Kimura 11017 N. Flores St., San Antonio, TX 78205 @Kimura_ramen kimurasa.com
Mixtli
812 S Alamo St #103, San Antonio, TX 78205 @mixtlicloud restaurantmixtli.com
Kimura is an intimate noodle house specializing in ramen and Japanese fare. If you’re looking for a date night in downtown San Antonio, start at Kimura to share some edamame and gyoza then order a bowl of ramen. Tonkotsu ramen is perfect if you’re looking for something rich and creamy. Kimura will be moving to a beautiful new location on N. Flores St. and opening spring 2022.
Mixtli is an award winning innovative restaurant with a rotating tasting menu highlighting different regions of Mexico. If you’re looking for a special occasion date night or an artistic food adventure, make a reservation to enjoy the 10 course tasting menu at Mixtli. After dinner, you can visit the bar at Mixtli and sit under the cloud (literally) to try one of their carefully crafted cocktails.
Gio DiZurita
ART BEAT
Photography by af.design07
Giovanna DiZurita is a MexicanAmerican artist who embraces every painting as a new adventure, allowing her to fall in love with her creations on a daily basis. Her inspiration arises from the colors of nature and the beauty of all living organisms. She believes in the power of attraction and believes her art pieces are a pure representation of abundance and self-love. DiZurita describes herself as a “Storyteller” more than a “Visual Artist.” Every brush stroke on the canvas has an intention and energy level that will make you feel the story behind her creations. DiZurita challenges the status quo on every creation jumping from a different array of palettes amongst her series of masterpieces. Her artworks include a range of bright colors to varying degrees of dark gray and black. She uses every color available to illustrate the very essence of the story behind the painting, giving true emotional life to each masterpiece. Her most recent collection called “Dancing with Ghosts” is the perfect example of her storytelling abilities as she takes you back to the magical delight of the Victorian-style festivities. DiZurita is an internationally recognized artist, and her collectors are at a global scale. Having a DiZurita painting is a must for every true art collector. @gio.dizurita | dizurita.com January/February 2022 103
WEDDING
Mr. & Mrs. Gomez October 9th, 2021
What was the most memorable moment of your wedding day? For both of us, it was our vows and expressing our love for each other. For me, hearing the excitement in his voice when he called me his wife for the first time. What was the most stressful part of your wedding day? Making sure everything was set up and ready to go while sticking to our timeline! What are your Honeymoon plans? For our honeymoon, we went on a twoday getaway to the Emerald Beach Hotel in Corpus Christi. It was the most relaxing and peaceful place. What was your “theme”? We choose a rustic backyard-themed wedding. We wanted the focus to be spending time with loved ones and each other, nothing too fancy. Do you have any words of advice for brides-to-be? You can plan and plan and plan, and there will still be things that do not go as planned. So enjoy every moment, from the prep with your girls and moms to walking down the aisle. All of it is exactly how it should be. Memorable! As a bride who wore a black dress, DO NOT let anyone tell you how YOUR day should look. Wear what you will feel beautiful in!!! What was your first dance song, and why is it significant? Our first dance song was Back at One by Brian McKnight. We chose it as we drove down highway 35 for date night because we know the curveballs that life can throw. When we listen to “OUR” song, we are reminded of our first dance and all the love we have built our marriage on. We always will start back at one if we should ever feel our work is done.
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Bride: Reeanne Carrasco Groom: Luis Gomez Wedding date: October 9th, 2021 Photographer: Felisha Carrasco Wedding Dress: Impressions Bridal Grooms Tuxedo: Suit Exchange Engagement Ring: Kay Jewelers Wedding Bands: Helzberg Diamonds Bridesmaids Dresses: Top Divas Hair and Makeup: Daniela Garcia Planner: Debra Reece Events Bar & Catering: Heavenly Gourmet Cake: Jennifer Fonseca Rentals: Great Events DJ/Band: Jesse Cortez
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FINAL THOUGHTS
Artwork by:
Analy Diego
“Reflective Love”
Medium - Vector Illustration on acrylic and glitter on wood panel, 2021 Size 36” x 36”
“Reflective Love” is part of a series titled “Over the Rainbow,” a collection created with this in mind. Its goal is to allow kids (of all ages) to let go of anything negative, even if for a moment, and experience true joy. Analy was born in Laredo, Texas, and grew up in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico; the contrasting yet complementary experiences she had throughout her life shaped who she is today. Analy started painting at the age of six and continued doing so until she joined Architecture School. Today, she is an artist, Interior Designer, Professor, and a San Antonian by heart, who feels that “San Antonio is a city that embraces people from all walks of life, a city that truly resonates with me, my past, and how I foresee my future.” For more information visit www.analydiego.com
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